While the theme parks may be the focal point for many vacationers, Orlando offers much more beyond its attractions. Because Orlando is so spread out, you'll discover pockets of culture and excitement all over The City Beautiful. The eclectic neighborhoods of the Orlando Main Street disctricts often go unnoticed by tourists, but these spots are where the locals hang out. Areas like The Milk District, artsy Mills 50, and Audubon Park are home to a collective of small businesses: boutiques, restaurants, music venues, and beloved watering holes. Whether you explore local or stick to the classic tourist attractions, WorldMark Reunion and WorldMark Kingstown Reef are Vacation Ready for your next family getaway.
When you're looking for family fun, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are both solid choices. If thrilling rides take center stage for you, head to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Spash down with a smile at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. And for an all-around crowd pleaser, Epcot and its World Showcase never gets old.
Movie buffs, Universal Studios Florida is for you. Families of all sizes — especially those that enjoy thrilling rides and 4D experiences — flock to Universal's Islands of Adventure for theme park fun. And Universal's Volcano Bay is a sight to behold with its 200-foot volcano and water slides meant for the brave at heart.
SeaWorld Orlando features unique animal encounters — everything from dolphins to beluga whales — and thrill rides to boot. If you're looking for lazy pool days or swimming with tropical fish, Discovery Cove Orlando is the spot for you. And if the classic water park experience is what you're after, you can't go wrong with Aquatica Orlando.
Legoland's theme park and water park are perfect for kids ages 2-12 who love all things lego. At the theme park side, ride the wooden Coastersaurus, play in several themed playgrounds, or build your own lego art. At the water park side, build your own lego boat or lazy river raft, then splish, splash, and race down thrilling slides.
There are amazing beaches just a short drive from Orlando. Cocoa Beach on the east coast is the closest, with a historic pier for fishing, surfing, and dining. Also on the east coast are Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and St. Augustine. West coast beaches, like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are great for a day trip, just a two-hour drive to swim in the clear, Gulf waters.
Cool off in a natural spring, where the water is 72 degrees year-round. Two popular spots for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are Wekiwa Springs State Park and Blue Springs State Park.
Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides offers rides through Florida's natural swamps and marshes. If a leisurely boat ride sounds like more your speed, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is one of Orlando's hidden gems.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis located near downtown Orlando, showcases more than 40 diverse plant collections. Plan a day trip to visit Bok Tower Gardens, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. in the 1920s. The centerpiece of the 50-acre gardens, a 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower, features live carillon concerts daily.
Orlando boasts some of the best golf courses in the country designed by Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Robert Trent Jones. Whether you're a golf pro or newbie, the TopGolf attraction offers a family-friendly outing for all levels.
Thrill-seekers will love the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, with several aerial rope courses set among a pine forest. Choose the course that best fits your skill level, plus two for kids, and navigate across suspended bridges, swing on Tarzan ropes, balance on swinging logs, and ride zip lines.
Park Avenue, the most prestigious street in Orlando's neighboring town of Winter Park, boasts high-end shopping, locally owned boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. Spend the day scouting for souvenirs, or just find a shady spot under an oak tree in Central Park and watch people stroll the avenue.
International Drive is attraction central. At Icon Park, take selfies with celebrities at Madame Tussauds, visit an aquarium with a 360-degree ocean tunnel and ride the iconic observation wheel. Fun Spot amusement park offers fun for all ages, from multi-level go-kart tracks to a wooden roller coaster.
At Disney Springs, try the Pan-Asian cuisine at Morimoto Asia, or the dry-aged and classic cuts at modern steakhouse STK Orlando. The Polite Pig is an Orlando staple with southern comfort dishes. Be sure to save room for a cupcake from Sprinkles.
"Restaurant Row" is a nickname for the stretch of Sand Lake Road near International Drive known for its dining establishments. Choose from seafood, Italian, steak, Mexican, or Japanese, just to name a few. Rocco's Tacos is always a family hit.
Most restaurants offer outdoor seating along the avenue, with plenty of ambiance and people-watching. One good option to try is Prato, which specializes in Italian comfort food like wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta.
Want some help booking your activities, call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 844-479-3114 and a Travel Advisor will be happy to assist you with your reservations.
