10 Must do Attractions in Orlando

If you want to visit the top theme parks and amusement centres then Orlando is the place to go. Make sure to read our list of the top things to do while in Orlando if you want to make sure you have an amazing time there!

While the first place was a close call between Disney and Universal, Disney, in the end, won out. The reason for this is because it is the world's largest and most visited recreational resort. Let's put it this way: it is larger than San Francisco and if you wanted to stay in every room for one night at the onsite resorts, it would take you 68 years. If you stay in the campsites, then it increases to 97 years. The fact that over 20 million tourists visit each year should show you that not only can Disney handle tourists, it does it quite well. Over the area are 4 parks, 2 waterparks, a golf-course, 2 mini golf courses, ESPN World of Sports, and Disney Springs. Star Wars Galaxy Edge which is part of Disney's Hollywood Studio is the newest edition to the parks with Toy Storyland (also Hollywood Studio) and Pandora (Animal Kingdom) popping up shortly before. There are also quite a few new rides as well, all of which are reasons for tourists to take multiple trips to the resort every few years.

In second place are both of Universal Studios Florida's parks plus CityWalk and their waterpark. Certainly meant for older kids, here you will find a good number of tourist attractions with live shows plus seasonal events (like Halloween Horror Nights). If you are looking for Harry Potter, Marvel, or Jurassic Park then you will want to head here although I'm sure the Marvel area will change once the licensing runs out. They are currently working on a new land - Universal's Epic Universe. This new park is larger than the original two put together so it will be quite interesting to visit when it opens Summer 2025.

In 2009, SeaWorld was the seventh-most visited amusement park in the US. Here you can find a variety of shows and attractions like the Shark Encounter tunnel, Dolphin Cove, and Stingray Lagoon. Just like the two theme parks above, it also has a water park so make sure to bring your swimsuit!

If you are interested in space then you will want to head to the Kennedy Space Center where NASA has had all their launches over the year. It certainly is one of the few places in the world that has history of our race to the moon.

As one of the most visited attractions in Orlando, Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk, swamp walk, aviary, petting zoo, and more.

Besides our main top five, if you wanting to do something a little different then make sure to check out the following:

1. Orlando Science Center: featuring the largest refractor telescope in Florida, it is a hands-on museum that features changing exhibits, live programming, theaters, events, and more.
   
   
2. Aquatica Park: constantly named Orlando's best water park. Enjoy a variety of lazy rivers, wave pools, tube slides and plunge slides.
   
   
3. Silver Springs: one of the largest attractions in the mid-1800's, this group of artesian springs is a great place to take a glass bottom boat ride, allowing you to see all the sea life below you as you float on by.
   
   
4. Orange Tree Golf Club: one of the best courses in Florida
   
   
5. Legoland: family friendly roller coasters, fantastic shows, and performances plus you can only go if you have kids.