Top Ten Must-Do’s On Your First Trip To Orlando
It’s a new year, and with a new year comes new adventures, challenges, and personal goals to uncover. Is traveling on your list? Look no further than Orlando, Florida for your ultimate family adventure waiting for you. Enjoy theme parks, museums, and one-of-a-kind novelties only found in Central Florida. We’ve compiled our top ten list of things to do on your first trip to Orlando.
The Wheel At ICON Park
Photo courtesy of ICON Park
ICON Park is located on International Drive, where you can find dozens of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options for you and your family to enjoy. ICON Park features a few different activities, including Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madam Tussauds Museum, and The Wheel. See Orlando from new heights with a ride on the 400-foot-tall observation wheel. This attraction is appropriate for guests of all ages, so bring the whole family!
For more information and ticket prices, visit the ICON Park website here.
Walt Disney World
Photo courtesy of VisitTheUSA
What’s an Orlando must-do list without a trip to Disney World? Explore the most Magical place on Earth with the family during your trip to Orlando. With four different parks to choose from, there’s bound to be a park you and your family will enjoy (or visit all four)! Explore your wild side at Animal Kingdom, walk amongst the stars at Hollywood Studios, discover your future at EPCOT, or experience the enchantment of Magic Kingdom.
Prices vary by park and day, so be sure to visit the Walt Disney World website here.
Wild Florida Safari
Photo courtesy of Viator
Calling all animal lovers! Get the experience of a lifetime at Wild Florida with their Drive-Through Safari. Have the opportunity to be face-to-face with these free-roaming animals, ranging from llamas to giraffes to zebras! After your drive-through zoo trip, stop by the park’s elevated giraffe feeding platform to meet the tallest mammals in the world.
For more information on exclusive tours, animals featured, and tickets, visit the Wild Florida website here.
Universal Studios Orlando
Photo courtesy of Universal Studios
When visiting the Theme Park Capital of the World, hitting the “big three” parks is a must. Universal Studios Orlando has two parks to offer guests, both filled with thrills for all ages. Explore Universal Studios, featuring major attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, E.T.’s Adventure, and The Simpson’s.
For taller and faster thrills, check out Islands of Adventure. At this park, you’ll find roller coasters like The Incredible Hulk, The Velocicoaster, and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. Both parks are connected by Universal’s Citywalk, which offers different dining and shopping options after your day at the park.
For more park information, visit their website here.
Orlando Science Center
Photo courtesy of Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is the perfect place for little ones to learn about the world and make discoveries they'll never forget! Enjoy hands-on exhibits that explore aspects of science, including energy, our planet, food, and animals! There is so much to discover at the Orlando Science Center and is definitely a must-do if you have younger children on your trip to Orlando.
For more information, visit their website here.
Discovery Cove
Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise hidden away amongst the hustle and bustle of Orlando, look no further than Discovery Cove. This secret hideaway that's directly across the street from SeaWorld will make you feel like you hopped on a plane to a private island. It is an all-inclusive resort, meaning breakfast, lunch, and any (and as many) snacks along the way are included in your ticket! Snorkel with fish and rays, feed and hold exotic birds, and relax on the waterways running through the resort! For a package upgrade, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime dolphin swim experience.
There’s no experience quite like Discovery Cove and is a must-do for the adults on your Orlando trip. For more information, visit their website here.
Medieval Times
Photo courtesy of Medieval Times
Get ready for a dining experience unlike any other at Medieval Times. Witness a battle among knights to see who becomes the victor of the castle over a medieval-style dinner. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this experience, and it is definitely a must-do while in Orlando!
For show dates, details, and more visit the Medieval Times website here.
Crayola Experience
Photo courtesy of Orlando Magic Getaway
Step into a world of color at the Crayola Experience. The little ones in your family will enjoy this the most, though it is a cool experience for the whole family! Create your own crayons, paint, draw, and more on this adventure through the world of Crayola. With plenty of interactive activities and photo opportunities throughout, this will be a trip you won’t forget.
For more information, visit the Crayola Experience website here.
Kennedy Space Center
Photo courtesy of Visit Space Coast
Get as close as you can to space at the Kennedy Space Center, located not too far from Orlando. Learn the rich history of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center and discover what’s next in space travel. The Kennedy Space Center offers fun for the whole family, with their newest exhibit featuring the beloved Peanuts characters!
For more information, visit the space center’s website here.
SeaWorld Orlando
Photo courtesy of SeaWorld
Located just a few minutes from Vista Cay, SeaWorld is the third of the “big three” theme parks in Orlando. Where else can you see dolphins and ride roller coasters all in the same day? SeaWorld has something to offer for everyone in your family, from thrill rides and unique rollercoasters to Sesame Street, to dozens of animals to learn about on your trip! This is a true must-do on your trip to Orlando, especially when staying at Vista Cay!
For more information, visit their website here.
As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Orlando, and this list just scratches the surface! Whether you’re looking for the ultimate theme park vacation, or a relaxing, low-key staycation, Orlando and Vista Cay can help you achieve both. Located minutes from the theme parks but without the traffic, we are your perfect spot for an Orlando vacation. As always, stop by our website to see our latest specials, and don’t forget to follow us on social media.