12 Reasons to Visit Orlando, Florida

Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the United States, attracting 75 million tourists annually. Also, it has been ranked the second-best US city to visit with children on TripAdvisor, which is likely due to the quality of its hotels, restaurants, attractions, and theme parks.

If you want to enjoy thrilling activities, try new dishes, and make memories with your nearest and dearest, The City Beautiful has you covered. If you’re unsure if it’s the best option for you and your loved ones, make a more informed choice. Here are 12 reasons to visit Orlando, Florida.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 19th, 2022, Universal Orlando’s official profile.

1. Many Fun-Filled Theme Parks

Scream at the top of your lungs on one of the many rollercoasters in Orlando or meet your favorite Disney characters in some of the most iconic theme parks on the planet.

There is a good reason why they call Orlando the Theme Park Capital of the World. The city is home to 12 main theme parks, and each destination has more than one theme park, providing plenty of things to do in Orlando, Florida throughout your vacation.

For example, Universal Studios Orlando features Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. 

Also, Walt Disney World Resort has many theme parks to visit, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

There is a theme park for everyone in O-Town. For example, movie buffs would happily spend their days at Universal Studios Florida, as it is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (based on the book series). Plus, they can scream with glee on various movie-inspired rollercoasters, such as Transformers: The Ride 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Fast & Furious – Supercharged.

Animal lovers will be spoilt for options, too. View alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat at Gatorland or watch wild animals at the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom. 

If you want to plan the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable trip, here’s a rundown of some fun things to do in Orlando, FL.

Source: Instagram, posted on July 6th, 2022, Wine Bar George’s official profile.

2. Thousands of Restaurants

Good food is ready and waiting for you at thousands of restaurants across the city, from budget-friendly dishes to fine-dining experiences.

Finding delicious food will not be a problem in Orlando, as it offers more than 7,705 restaurants and counting. Take your pick of venues from world-famous chefs, as well as award-winning wine bars, family-friendly spots, cheap fast food, and impressive food trucks. Some restaurants even allow their customers to enjoy breakfast or dinner with an iconic Disney character.

If you’re unsure where to visit when in the city, TimeOut picked Wine Bar George as the best restaurant in Orlando, which was followed by Hunger Street Tacos and Winter Park Biscuit Company.

Source: Instagram, posted on May 18th, 2022, Disney Parks’ official profile.

3. Exciting New Events and Attractions

Check the Orlando calendar before you visit, as there is always a new jaw-dropping event, attraction, or restaurant in sunny O-Town.

There’s always something to be excited about in Orlando. Year in and year out, the city’s main theme parks launch new attractions or mesmerizing events. For example, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at Epcot this May, and it is one of the longest enclosed rollercoaster rides in the world. 

Also, Disney fans can rejoice at the return of the full-length Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Dozens of much-loved iconic characters will soon march down Main Street once again. 

Excitement is building for Universal’s Epic Universe, too. Opening in summer 2025, the theme park will feature at least two rollercoasters, many indoor rides, a large lake, and a luxury hotel.

Source: Instagram, posted on May 3rd, 2022, Visit Florida’s official profile.

4. Year-Round Sunshine

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with sunshine throughout the year, Orlando will not disappoint, as it has little rain and plenty of sun from spring through to winter.

After one trip to Orlando, you’ll realize why it has been coined The City Beautiful. The glorious year-round sunshine will make your vacation feel extra special, as you can bask in the sun while braving thrilling rollercoasters, relaxing in a pool, or splashing around in a fun water park. Plus, as Orlando is in central Florida, you can reach many nearby beaches within an hour.

Source: Instagram, posted on May 6th, 2022, International Drive District’s official profile.

5. An Atmospheric Nightlife

Choose from many activities for families and adults only once the sun goes down, from child-friendly activities in Disney Springs to electric clubs and bars for grown-ups at International Drive.

Plenty of adult-only and family fun is on offer every evening in Orlando. Keep your kids occupied after a busy day of theme parks by taking them along to Disney Springs, which features mini-golf, a movie theater, live entertainment, and a bowling alley.

However, if you want to hit the clubs or sophisticated bars with your spouse or friends, don’t overlook International Drive, CityWalk Orlando, or the downtown Church Street District for an atmospheric nightlife. However, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old to enter.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 1st, 2022, Madame Tussauds USA’s official profile.

6. Budget-Friendly Activities

You can save money in different ways in Orlando, from free museum days to downloading money-saving apps.

As there are many things to see and do in Orlando, you might be worried about your bank balance during a vacation. However, there is no reason to fear, as you can choose from many budget-friendly attractions that will not force you to compromise on fun.

In 2016, Forbes Magazine rated Orlando as the most affordable destination in the United States, as you will have many options to save money during your trip. For example, the Visit Orlando app provides tourists with money-saving deals to help their cash go further. Also, you can take your pick from many activities under $25, such as:

• Icon Orlando
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
• Madame Tussauds

Many museums often provide free entrance on scheduled days each week, and you will not need to pay a cent to explore the Sunday’s Farmer’s Market or Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Source: Instagram, posted on March 26th, 2022, Visit Tampa Bay’s official profile.

7. A Flexible Florida Base

As Orlando is in central Florida, it’s a convenient base for exploring the best cities in the state, such as Miami and Tampa Bay.

If you want to explore the best destinations Florida has to offer, Orlando is an ideal base for a vacation in The Sunshine State. For instance, if you wish to sip Cuban coffee in Miami and sample its world-famous cuisine, the vibrant city is 250 miles away from O-Town. 

If you have your heart set on riding a rollercoaster at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay is only 84 miles away, helping to make your dream a reality. Not to mention the Kennedy Space Center is as little as 44 miles away.

Source: Instagram, posted on March 6th, 2020, Arnold Palmer’s official profile.

8. World-Class Golf Courses

Challenge your handicap at one of the many golf courses dotted across the city, including Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando.

If you know the difference between an iron and a putter, you likely will jump for joy at the thought of spending the day at a gorgeous golf course. If so, Orlando is a must-visit, as it is home to more than 170 golf courses, such as the iconic Grand Cypress Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a famous pr- golfer. It is the perfect way to soak up the famous Florida sunshine.

Source: Instagram, posted on January 30th, 2020, Westgate Resorts’ official profile.

9. Unique Hotels Resorts

A mediocre stay isn’t on the cards at Orlando, as the city’s hotels are comfortable, luxurious, and unique, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Many hotels across the world cannot compare to Orlando hotels. Everything is bigger, better, and more impressive, as you can stay in a lodge resembling an African savannah or a hotel room inspired by a Polynesian village. 

The non-Disney resorts are just as impressive, as you can check in to an unforgettable water park hotel like Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, which offers many pools, activities, and restaurants in one beautiful location.

Source: Instagram, posted on February 17th, 2022, Orlando Watersports Complex.

10. Fun Outdoor Activities

Get your blood pumping and heart racing by enjoying one or more of the many outdoor activities in or near Orlando, from fun water sports to a subtropical wilderness.

Make the most of the Florida sunshine with an action-packed outdoor activity in Orlando. When you’re not sipping orange juice with Mickey Mouse over breakfast or embracing your inner wizard at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can go wakeboarding, parasailing, kneeboarding, or tubing at Orlando Watersports Complex.

However, if you’re looking for outdoor pursuits that will make your heart race for a different reason, join a tour of the Florida Everglades, which is a short journey away. It will allow you to explore swamplands to spot some of its natural inhabitants, such as American alligators, Florida panthers, manatees, and American crocodiles.

Source: Instagram, posted on March 24th, 2022, Orlando International Premium Outlets.

11. Fantastic Shopping Malls

From designer brands to independent boutiques, you’ll be spoilt for options at one of the eight malls in the city, including the popular Premium Outlets at International Drive and Vineland.

Despite traveling to Orlando for the exhilarating rollercoasters, extensive restaurants, and beautiful golf course, you might want to stay for the many fantastic shopping malls. Orlando Premium Outlets International Drive and Premium Outlets at Vineland are a must-visit, as they feature designer stores, charming boutiques, and everything in between. If you have money to spend, visit Florida Mall or the more upscale Mall of Millennia.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 28th, 2022, Titanic the Artifact Exhibit’s official profile.

12. Educational Experiences

Prepare for your mind to be blown in Orlando, as the city offers fun and informative educational experiences for all ages.

If you want to encourage your children to learn while having fun, you’ll be pleased to discover there are many educational experiences to enjoy in O-Town. For example, you can view more than 300 genuine artifacts from RMS Titanic at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or visit many museums, such as Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, and Orlando Fire Museum.