About Orlando
What many visitors think of as Orlando, is actually Lake Buena Vista, the Orlando suburb that lies at the heart of Disneyworld. Visitors from around the globe flock to this destination to experience the magic that is Disney in the form of Animal Kingdom, Fort Wilderness, Epcot, MGM Studios, and the park that started it all: the Magic Kingdom. Additionally there is Downtown Disney, three water parks, Pleasure Island, five championship golf courses, Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, a racetrack and restaurants to satisfy anyone’s taste.
All of these wonders have become synonymous with Orlando, and, indeed, have made the young city of Orlando the world’s most popular vacation spot.
Numerous other attractions are within an easy drive of Orlando, including the Disney World Resort, Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios, Orlando Speedworld Speedway, and others.
Dinner theaters provide a unique form of entertainment. There are a variety of venues including a Pirate adventure, Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, (complete with horses), a Dixie Stampede, and even a Sleuths’ Mystery. What a great way to relax and unwind after an invigorating day at the parks.
Whatever brings you to the area, whether business or leisure, Orlando provides an unforgettable setting.
Vacation Deals
We constantly update Orlando vacation deals and flights + hotel packages.
We also have great last minute Orlando vacations or
if you just need a hotel, check out our discount hotels in Orlando.
You can also book popular sightseeing tours in Orlando and save your vacation time.
Getting There & Around
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 25 miles east of Walt Disney World and 20 miles south of downtown.
All major car rental companies are located at or near the airport.
To get to Disney World from the airport by car, take Hwy 417 to Hwy 536.
There are good bus connections from Orlando to all the major cities in Florida; unfortunately, the bus station is way out of town. Amtrak runs direct services between Orlando and Miami, Gainesville and points to the north.
Cars play a big role in most Florida vacations: Those who don't drive to the state usually rent a car on arrival. If you confine your stay to Walt Disney World, you can get by without a car, but if you plan to hop between parks or to see other area attractions, you'll want wheels.
Between the airport and attractions, use I-4 and its connection with the Bee Line Expressway to save time and money. The Greenway (Highway 417) also connects the airport with Disney World — though it may be less congested during busy times, it's a bit longer and far more expensive.
Orlando runs a highly efficient and inexpensive city bus system, including a free downtown circuit. Pick up schedules and route maps at the Lynx Bus Center, which is is one block east of Orange Ave. You can catch buses from here to the Disney parks, but it's a long ride.
Attractions
Orlando is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Orlando. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.
Go Orlando Card is Central Florida’s only all-inclusive pass to the "rest" of Florida.
With Go Orlando Pass you'll enjoy the freedom to visit the area attractions without paying admissions, just like a theme park!
Walt Disney World
The resort, Walt Disney World, has developed into a city of fun, and is continually expanding. Containing many of its own amazing attractions WDW offers an unforgettable experience packed with pleasures. Twice the size of Manhattan, the playland offers endless forms of entertainment, restaurants, and accommodations. There are four major theme parks within WDW, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, providing a vast variety of places to enjoy.
Walt Disney Map
Universal Studios Florida
When visiting Universal Studios Florida, one enters the world of movies where there is no line between reality and fiction. As one of the most popular entertainment parks in North America, this place provides intensity and fantasy through technology. There are 444 acres of excitement with stage sets, shops, reproductions, and themed attractions like Twister, which takes visitors through wild winds and downpouring rain as a tornado approaches. There are many restaurants, clubs, shops, and live music within the theme park.
Discovery Cove
Adjacent to Sea World, this water wildlife park offers visitors the chance to swim with dolphins, relax on sandy beaches or view beautiful coral.
SeaWorld Adventure Park
A popular theme park featuring sea creatures, water playgrounds and animal performances.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Five islands feature family fun and adventure: Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.
Kennedy Space Center
One has the chance to experience the exploration of outer space right on Earth at the space center. Some of the features offered include exhibits, space station modules, space launch pads, and a five story IMAX theater that takes audiences on the most amazing journeys.
Orlando Science Center
This museum contains four levels of themed exhibition halls. Hundreds of the exhibits in the museum are interactive allowing the museum visit to become more educational and exciting for everyone. There is an eight story domed screen which is the world's largest Iwerks/ Digistar planetarium.
Orlando Museum of Art
As one of the best art museums in the southern U.S., it offers outstanding exhibitions, award-winning educational programs and a permanent collection that includes African art, 19th and 20th century American paintings, and pre- Columbian artifacts from a Mayan excavation.
Downtown Disney
Disney World's shopping and dining area consists of Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side.
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