Ten Things Not To Miss On A Trip To Orlando, Florida

World famous theme parks and iconic family attractions sit side-by-side with cultural hubs, city parks and wild habitats in the city of Orlando. With several visits’ worth of famous things to do and a strong emphasis on showcasing the city’s heritage through its network of museums and visitor centres, Orlando is not just a sun-kissed city getaway, but instead a great all-round family holiday destination. Known as ‘The City Beautiful’ thanks to its lush, fertile land, extensive wildlife spotting opportunities, dozens of parks and green spaces and array of over 300 rivers and lakes, Orlando certainly seems to have everything to offer visitors, but here’s ten of the best things to see and do when you visit.

Walt Disney World is undoubtedly one of the city’s key attractions and draws thousands of visitors each year all by itself, but it’s not all cartoon characters and fairytale castles. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to watch exotic wildebeest and giraffes roaming around, or you could head over to Disney’s Wide World of Sports to take part in interactive sports experiences and maybe even meet a star or two. For young families though, Walt Disney Character Dining is a dinner experience never to forget, as you can dine in the company of Disney’s most famous characters.

Universal Studios is where the big screen magic comes to life in the form of rides, simulators, interactive experiences and more, plus, every Saturday night from February to April, an authentic Mardi Gras takes over, complete with Cajun food, vibrant colours and live music.

Fearsomely known as the ‘Alligator Capital of the World’ the 110-acre Gatorland Park takes visitors on an adventure featuring hundreds of crocodiles and alligators, dozens of other lizards and reptiles, a swamp walk and much more to ‘snap’ at.

Prepare for lift off at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. This is where shuttles still launch from today and the modern and dynamic visitor centre educates and stimulates as displays, exhibitions and mock-launches all add up to a great visitor experience. Take to the skies in a completely different fashion with a hot air balloon ride over Orlando’s many theme parks. Leaving seven days a week, Orange Blossom Balloons can give you a view and perspective of this colourful city not to be beaten.

Spend the evening at the medieval Arabian Nights, where more than 50 horses perform spectacular shows in the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena, or head to The Social on Orange Avenue; the home of Orlando’s up-and-coming musicians and bands. You’re spoiled for choice for dining in Orlando; mouth-watering BBQ and live music is always on the menu at Sea World’s Bands, Brew & BBQ, and true historic Floridian cuisine can be found at the Old Hickory Steakhouse, or try Norman’s for one of the city’s most awarded formal culinary experiences. Many Orlando Hotels also feature popular restaurants and memorable dining opportunities, so don’t forget to check the specials board before heading out for an evening.