Summer Must-Do’s in Orlando

Every summer is playtime in Orlando and there’s so much to do just minutes from Vista Cay Resort, it’s difficult to narrow your focus. That’s why we’re breaking down summer must-dos in Orlando, and it’s going to be fun!

 

Magical theme parks, unique attractions, wild water adventure parks, exceptional food and drink, eco-adventures, shopping and more are probably all on your list of things to do in Orlando this summer. Making it memorable is a breeze, but squeezing it all in is not.

 

By choosing a few indoor and outdoor highlights, you can make it a summer to remember while still building in time to relax.

 

Theme Park Magic

 

Summers are notorious for new attraction openings at the major theme parks and 2021 is no exception.

 

For coaster action, check out Universal Islands of Adventure’s new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, a very fast, very scary must-do for the adventurous. Disney Hollywood Studios features Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, not quite a coaster but a dark and exciting thrill ride.

 

 

SeaWorld’s Ice Breaker coaster is expected to open soon as well, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out its Electric Ocean summer festival, a family-friendly dance party complete with world-class DJs and fireworks.

 

Wild Water Parks

 

Orlando’s water parks are arguably some of the best in the nation. With summer temps soaring, we know you’re ready to cool off so take your pick from Aquatica Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, or Universal’s Volcano Bay. Aquatica just opened its Riptide Race attraction, and LEGOLAND Florida has a waterpark upgrade you can simply add to your regular admission. Easy!

 

Discovery Cove features all kinds of ways to cool off, not the least of which is its once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with dolphins.

 

 

Indoor Attractions

 

Beat the heat with numerous indoor activities right next door to Vista Cay on International Drive. Visit The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds wax museum, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, or WonderWorks, a hands-on kids wonderland housed in an upside-down building at Pointe Orlando. Did we mention iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! are on I-Drive too? Could we be any more convenient?

 

If you’ve got a need for speed, be sure to visit Andretti Indoor Karting & Games for the world’s longest indoor karting track, racing simulators, bowling, an arcade, laser tag, and ropes/zipline course.

 

 

Outside of the Vista Cay surroundings, head to the Lock Haven area in Winter Park for a variety of wonderful art, science, and history museums including the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, and the Orange County Regional History Center just to name a few.

 

 

Shopping on your to-do list? It should be! Just minutes from Vista Cay Resort is the Mall at Millenia, a shoppers paradise filled with high-end department stores, boutiques, and jewelry stores as well as some more accessible options. It also features fantastic restaurants and bars.

 

Eco-Tours & Explorations

 

Airboat tours are a classic Orlando vacation must-do. There are several providers including Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida. Go offroad on an ATV tour with Revolution Adventures, a 230-acre park in Florida’s countryside.

 

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Of course, you can eco-tour in Orlando all on your own simply by renting a kayak or paddleboard at one of numerous lakes and crystal clear natural springs like Wekiva Springs or Rock Springs Run.

 

Food and Drink

 

Orlando is known for being a foodie town for good reason. There is always something new and flavorful to experience! Head to the Dr. Phillips area’s Restaurant Row or Winter Park’s Park Avenue, both of which feature numerous exceptional dining experiences.

 

Disney Springs is a must-do for foodies. It features Paddlefish, a floating upscale seafood restaurant, Enzo’s Hideaway, a 1920s speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Morimoto Asia for your sushi fix and STK, a steak lovers haven.

 

EPCOT celebrates summer with its Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, a not-to-miss event for any true foodie.

 

 

During your stay at Vista Cay Resort, our goal is to help you make the most out of your Orlando summer getaway. Choose a few big-ticket items and pair them with some local, walkable spots. Add in a couple of fine restaurants and a delightful museum for a true taste of Orlando’s summer must-dos.

 

 

Back at Vista Cay, we’ll have the bed made, the pool sparkling and the AC blasting to welcome your return. Time to start packing!