Orlando, Florida, is a world-renowned destination known for its theme parks, entertainment, and beautiful natural scenery. This comprehensive travel itinerary will guide you through the best that Orlando has to offer, divided into eight sections focusing on different aspects of your visit. Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Orlando has something for everyone.
Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is perhaps the most famous attraction in Orlando. Spanning nearly 25,000 acres, it consists of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park offers unique experiences and attractions. Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella Castle and classic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Epcot offers a glimpse into the future and a tour of world cultures. Disney’s Hollywood Studios features attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, while Animal Kingdom combines theme park thrills with a zoo-like atmosphere.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is another must-visit destination, featuring two main theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida brings movies and TV shows to life with rides like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Islands of Adventure offers thrilling rides such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, where you can experience the magic of the Harry Potter series.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a marine zoological park and theme park offering a blend of up-close animal encounters, thrilling rides, and live shows. Highlights include the Mako roller coaster, the fastest and tallest coaster in Orlando, and the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction. SeaWorld also features interactive exhibits like Dolphin Cove and Shark Encounter, as well as spectacular shows such as Orca Encounter and Sea Lion High.
Food and Cuisine
The Ravenous Pig
Start your culinary journey in Orlando with a visit to The Ravenous Pig, a popular gastropub located in Winter Park. Known for its farm-to-table approach, the restaurant offers a menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the Shrimp and Grits, Charcuterie Board, and the Ravenous Pig Burger. The restaurant also features an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Victoria & Albert’s
For a fine dining experience, visit Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This award-winning restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally. Guests can choose from a variety of prix fixe menus, including a Chef’s Tasting Menu and a Vegetarian Tasting Menu. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and impeccable service, making it perfect for a special occasion.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
For a taste of authentic Southern barbecue, head to 4 Rivers Smokehouse. This popular eatery offers a menu filled with smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as delicious sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes make it a great spot for a hearty meal.
Entertainment
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a family-friendly attraction offering interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and a giant-screen theater. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics such as space, engineering, and natural history. Highlights include the DinoDigs exhibit, which features life-sized dinosaur skeletons, and the Kinetic Zone, where guests can experiment with physics and engineering concepts. The Orlando Science Center also hosts special events and programs throughout the year.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is Orlando’s premier venue for live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances. The center’s state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming make it a cultural hub in the city. Check the schedule to see what performances are available during your visit and enjoy a night of world-class entertainment.
ICON Park
ICON Park is a popular entertainment complex located on International Drive. The park’s centerpiece is The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers stunning views of Orlando. ICON Park also features a variety of attractions, including Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and the Orlando StarFlyer, the world’s tallest swing ride. The complex also offers numerous dining and shopping options, making it a great spot for a fun day out.
Culture
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, located in Winter Park, is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum’s collection includes Tiffany’s iconic lamps, leaded-glass windows, and the stunning chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In addition to Tiffany’s works, the museum also features American art pottery, late 19th and early 20th-century American paintings, and decorative arts.
The Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art, located in Loch Haven Park, showcases American art from the 19th century to the present day. The museum’s permanent collection features works by Earl Cunningham, a self-taught folk artist, as well as contemporary American artists. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and special events. The museum’s picturesque lakeside location and beautiful sculpture garden make it a delightful place to explore.
The Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center, located in downtown Orlando, offers a fascinating look at the history of Central Florida. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the region’s indigenous peoples and early settlers to its growth as a tourism and entertainment hub. The museum also features rotating exhibits, educational programs, and special events, providing a comprehensive overview of the area’s rich history.
Outdoor Activities
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park, located just north of Orlando, offers a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities. The park features crystal-clear springs, lush forests, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing in the springs, as well as hiking and biking on the park’s extensive trail system. The park also offers picnic areas, campgrounds, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The park’s centerpiece is Lake Eola, a large lake with a picturesque fountain. Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, take a leisurely walk around the lake, or enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawns. The park also features a playground, a Chinese pagoda, and a weekly farmers market. Special events and concerts are often held at the park’s amphitheater.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens, located near downtown Orlando, is a 50-acre botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers. The gardens include tropical and subtropical plants, as well as rose gardens, butterfly gardens, and palm gardens. Visitors can take guided tours, participate in gardening workshops, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds. The gardens also host special events and seasonal displays throughout the year.
Shopping
The Mall at Millenia
The Mall at Millenia, located just minutes from downtown Orlando, is a premier shopping destination featuring over 150 stores. The mall’s upscale retailers include Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, as well as luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. The mall also offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. The Mall at Millenia’s elegant design and high-end stores make it a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs, located at the Walt Disney World Resort, is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offering a wide range of experiences. The complex features over 100 shops, including Disney-themed stores, unique boutiques, and popular brands like Zara and Uniqlo. Dining options range from quick-service eateries to upscale restaurants, with cuisines from around the world. Disney Springs also offers live entertainment, including street performers, concerts, and the Cirque du Soleil show, “Drawn to Life.”
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Orlando International Premium Outlets, located on International Drive, is one of the largest outlet centers in Florida. The outlets feature over 180 stores, offering discounts on popular brands such as Nike, Michael Kors, and Coach. Shoppers can find great deals on clothing, accessories, electronics, and home goods. The outlet center also has a food court and several casual dining options.
History
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, located in Winter Park, is dedicated to the works of Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek. The museum is housed in Polasek’s former home and studio, showcasing a large collection of his sculptures, paintings, and personal artifacts. The museum’s beautifully landscaped gardens feature many of Polasek’s sculptures, as well as other works of art. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Fort Christmas Historical Park, located in Christmas, Florida, is a reconstructed fort originally built during the Second Seminole War. The park features a replica of the original fort, as well as a museum with exhibits on the history of the fort and the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the fort’s blockhouses, stockade, and exhibits on pioneer life. The park also hosts special events, reenactments, and educational programs.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, located in Eatonville, is dedicated to the life and work of acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston. The museum features exhibits on Hurston’s life, her contributions to literature and anthropology, and her connection to Eatonville, one of the first all-black incorporated towns in the United States. The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions, educational programs, and the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities.
Beaches
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, located about an hour’s drive from Orlando, is one of the most popular beach destinations on Florida’s Space Coast. The beach offers soft sand, warm waters, and excellent conditions for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the Cocoa Beach Pier, which features restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. The nearby Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit attraction for space enthusiasts.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, located about an hour and a half from Orlando, is famous for its hard-packed sand and motorsports events. The beach is perfect for driving, biking, and beach volleyball, and it’s also a popular spot for surfing and fishing. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier offer amusement rides, arcades, and dining options. Don’t miss a visit to the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach, located on the Gulf Coast about two hours from Orlando, is known for its white sandy beaches and clear, calm waters. The beach offers a variety of water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Pier 60 is a popular spot for fishing, and it hosts a nightly sunset celebration with street performers and vendors. Clearwater Beach also features numerous restaurants, shops, and family-friendly attractions.
Festivals and Events
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, held annually at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, is a celebration of global cuisine and beverages. The festival features food and drink booths from around the world, offering samples of international dishes and beverages. Guests can also enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars, and live entertainment. The festival is a must-visit for foodies and offers a unique opportunity to experience the flavors of different cultures.
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, held annually in May, is a 14-day celebration of performing arts. The festival features hundreds of shows, including theater, music, dance, and comedy, performed by local and international artists. The festival’s “Fringe” format means that performances are unjuried and uncensored, offering a diverse and eclectic lineup. The festival also includes a Kids Fringe, offering family-friendly performances and activities.
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, held annually in March, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The festival features over 200 artists displaying a wide range of works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and jewelry. Visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, and interactive art activities. The festival’s beautiful setting in Winter Park’s Central Park makes it a delightful event for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Orlando offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers, from its world-famous theme parks and culinary delights to its cultural attractions and beautiful natural scenery. This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit to the City Beautiful. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Orlando has something for everyone.