While Disney and Universal may be the two most common tourist attractions in Orlando, Florida, we promise they are not the only exciting options waiting for you during your stay. Even if you are a Florida native, chances are there will be some new must-dos to add to your next weekend trip. Whether you are looking for more thrill, some downtime, or nightlife, you will be amazed at the variety of activities that Orlando has to offer.
For Amazing Views: The Wheel at ICON Park
For the best view in town, we recommend a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park. Currently the “brightest beacon in the Orlando sky,” this 400-foot tall, family-friendly Ferris Wheel took three years to build and will give you a glorious birds-eye view of Orlando. During your 18-minute ride, you will be able to see some of the city’s natural lakes, all four Disney parks (and their nightly fireworks show), downtown Orlando, Kennedy Space Center, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Once you are done, you can enjoy the rest of ICON Park, which is a 20-acre, open-air park full of places to play, dine, drink, and shop!
For Nature Lovers: Harry P. Leu Gardens
Even though the Harry P. Leu Gardens are only minutes away from Downtown Orland, you will feel like you have stepped into another world. This 50-acre “botanical oasis” is home to more than 15,000 plants and even offers plenty of family-friendly classes, workshops, and camps for those interested in horticulture, landscaping, and fine arts.
For Shopaholics: Disney Springs
We know we said no theme parks, but we promise, Disney Springs is worth the visit. With over 100 shops, 62 dining options, and 23 different attractions, shows, and events… you could spend all day here and never run out of shops to peruse and surprises to enjoy. Disney Springs is home to many well-known brands like Coach, lululemon, MAC Cosmetics, Lacoste, and Vera Bradley but you can still also find plenty of Disney-themed merchandise to bring home as souvenirs for your Mickey-loving family and friends. Once you have gotten your shopping done, you can grab a bite to eat at Morimoto Asia, and end the night with a hot-air balloon ride on the Aerophile or a Cirque du Soleil show.
For Thrill-Seekers: The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland
Gatorland is the best place to see alligators and crocodiles of all shapes, sizes, and colors – yes, they have some extremely rare leucistic alligators! They also have animal shows, an aviary, and a petting zoo. But what most visitors get excited about is their 1,200-foot zip-line. At over seven stories tall, you will get stunning views of the park from above the treetops as you jump – or get pushed – off some of the best zip line towers in the world! If that alone does not get your heart pumping, you will also be soaring at about 30 miles per hour over some of the alligator enclosures – including the Alligator Breeding Marsh with over 130 giant alligators swimming below your feet. They do not call it the Screamin’ Gator for nothing.
For Who Like the Nightlife: ICEBAR Orlando
The Ice Bar is the perfect experience for those who just “want to chill.” Upon entering, you will be given all the necessary gear to stay warm as you make your way into the Ice Bar. Once inside, you will be greeted by over 70 tons of Carved Ice – with plenty of sculptures to snap some Instagramable selfies with! When you are ready to heat up the night, you can walk over to the Fire Lounge, grab a drink, and show off your dance moves as the DJs spin their tracks!
This does not even begin to scratch the surface of must-do activities in Orlando, but now that you know what some of your options are, what are you most excited about? If you are ready to start planning your next Orlando trip, click here to schedule your 1:1 call and get ready to create some fantastic memories!
