This Florida City Is Filled With Magic That Goes Beyond Its World-Eminent Theme Parks

Most people associate Orlando with its beloved theme parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and nearby Busch Gardens, which collectively bring in more theme park visitors than any other U.S. state or even any country in the world.

But along with an ambitious multibillion-dollar airport renovation designed to make travel to and from Orlando more convenient, there are dozens of recent restaurants and attractions on tap to open in the coming years, expanding tourism options beyond the theme parks and giving visitors even more reasons to return to Florida for another dose of magic. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Orlando, check out these things to do inside and outside of the parks.

What To Do In The Parks

Get in Line for New Attractions

We’d be remiss not to mention the latest attractions over at Orlando’s theme parks. At Walt Disney World, these include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, plus a recent show, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!” at Animal Kingdom. Then there’s the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as well as the forthcoming DreamWorks Destination, an interactive experience with characters from films like Trolls, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. Preparations are also underway for a fourth theme park at Universal Studios in 2024 called Epic Universe.

Build Your Fun at LEGOLAND

Farther afield at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven, guests can celebrate the first Peppa Pig Theme Park in the world, as well as the park’s newest ride, Pirate River Quest, a treasure hunt for the whole family. This year, SEA LIFE Aquarium is set to open with interactive exhibits and a variety of marine life, and LEGO Ferrari Build and Race will feature a life-size LEGO Ferrari and a build zone for guests to construct their own race cars.

What To Do Beyond The Parks

See Live Performances

Once you’re tired of theme parks, take in a Broadway, orchestra, or ballet performance at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in early 2022 and is called “one of the world’s most acoustically perfect spaces.” It’s designed to achieve an N1 sound rating, the lowest sound humans can distinguish.

Marvel at Acrobatics

If you’re a fan of Cirque du Soleil and Disney, check out a performance of Drawn to Life, combining Disney animation with jaw-dropping acrobatics. The whole family will enjoy high-flying stunts, original music, and recent animation that can only be seen in Orlando. The show recently unveiled a recent finale.

cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life, 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830

Visit the Kennedy Space Center

Orlando’s NASA headquarters saw upgrades to its Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex with the opening of the Deep Space Launch Complex in 2022, which entices space fans with immersive displays and launch viewing opportunities. Rides take visitors on a journey to Mars, through uncharted worlds, and up close to stars, nebulas, and other cosmic wonders.

kennedyspacecenter.com, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

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What To Do Outdoors

Cool Off in the Springs

Florida’s iconic clear blue waters aren’t circumscribed to the shore. The state’s freshwater springs are idyllic swimming holes, and you don’t have to travel far from the buzz of Orlando to enjoy them. Wekiwa Springs State Park is just a miniature drive away, and guests can kayak or swim in the crystal-clear, 72-degree water. Blue Springs outside of downtown Orlando is another popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, diving, tubing, and paddleboarding. The balmy water is a favorite winter hangout for hundreds of the area’s manatees, and visitors can view the creatures from the park’s boardwalk.

Tour the Swamps

Just 30 minutes from Walt Disney World, tour Florida’s swamps and marshes aboard an airboat, where you’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. Passengers of Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides get spectacular views of Florida’s wildlife and landscape. Keep an eye out for alligators, birds, and more on your tour.

spiritoftheswamp.com, 2830 Neptune Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744

Gear Up for a Beach Day

If you’re headed to the Kennedy Space Center, grab your beach gear and spend some time combing the Florida coast. About an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the perfect day trip. Dip your toes in the surf, build sandcastles, kayak, visit the pier, and enjoy stretches of golden sand.

Where To Shop In Orlando

Shop for Souvenirs

Even if you don’t go to the theme parks, you can still grab a souvenir or two. Parking is free at Disney Springs, and there are lots of shops, restaurants, and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Besides Disney-themed stores like The Art of Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas, you’ll find popular apparel, jewelry, and accessories shops. Take time out for bowling at Splitsville or a fun “amphicar” tour of Lake Buena Vista.

disneysprings.com, 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Hit the Shops in Winter Park

Just outside of Orlando, the tree-lined streets and historic homes of Winter Park are the perfect backdrop for window shopping. You’ll likely not leave the various boutiques and gift shops empty-handed. Take a break at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes where you can plan the rest of the day’s itinerary over coffee and lunch.

Find Handmade Goods at East End Market

Head to East End Market, a hub for makers, artisans, and chefs. Enjoy a cocktail and bites from the experimental kitchen at The Neighbors while shopping for fun barware and merch, then browse Freehand Goods for Florida-themed clothing and gifts.

eastendmkt.com, 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

Where To Eat In Orlando

Taste the Tropics at Four Flamingos

Orlando has always gone beyond what most folks think of as typical theme park cuisine, and the city’s latest offerings are a testament to that. Four Flamingos, which opened at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from acclaimed Top Chef All-Star Richard Blais, offers a Floridian menu that sings with tropical flavors, like the Oxtail and Foie Gras Empanada with Mango Chutney and Passion Fruit Flan.

fourflamingosorlando.com, 1 Grand Cypress Boulevard, Orlando, FL32836

Lift Off With Dinner at Space 220

Launch your meal into outer space by checking out Space 220 at EPCOT, a recent restaurant experience designed to make diners feel like they’re in space, offering prix-fixe lunches and dinners with items like Big Bang Burrata, Galactic Lobster Globe, and Spaceghetti. The views while dining are out of this world.

Eat Your Way Through Disney Springs

A great family activity for foodies of all ages is to take a food crawl through Disney Springs, hitting up favorites like the Daily Poutine, Cookes of Dublin, Sunshine Churros, the Coca-Cola Store, and our family favorite, T-REX.

disneysprings.com, 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Fill Up at Milkhouse

The Milkhouse in downtown Orlando is a casual space for grabbing breakfast or an afternoon snack, featuring delicious culinary brands like Ravenous Pig Brewing. Try the locally roasted coffee and homemade ice creams, or settle in for Swine and Sons’ balmy chicken sammies, salads, or smashburgers.

milkhousesocial.com, 201 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

Savor the Taste of Thrive

Downtown Orlando’s Thrive Cocktail Lounge and Eatery offers a tapas-inspired menu featuring Asian-style food. Diners can’t go wrong with handcrafted cocktails and shareable tiny plates. Dishes like Fire Fries and Cukes of Hazard turn plain ingredients into something memorable.

eatdrinkthriveorl.com, 13 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

Where To Stay In Orlando

Stay and Play at the Grove Resort and Water Park

You can get the thrills you’d expect in Orlando without staying at the parks. The Grove Resort and Water Park offers two- and three-bedroom suites so everyone has a restful place to stay. Amenities like an on-site water park, arcade, and FlowRider surf simulator mean you don’t have to go far for fun.

groveresortorlando.com, 14501 Grove Resort Avenue, Orlando, FL 34787

Stay Near the Parks

A slate of newer hotels has opened, among them is Walt Disney Swan Reserve with luxury suites, heated pools, swan paddle boats, and beach activities. Guests have access to other Disney hotel amenities like restaurants and a spa.

marriott.com, 1255 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Enjoy a Luxurious Sleep at Ette

Ette Hotel Orlando is a Tuscan-inspired, wellness-themed hotel. Luxury rooms and spa treatments are a welcome retreat after an outing in Orlando. Customized soundscapes and fine linens create a serene and restful atmosphere. A wellness suite includes a spa-like bathroom and in-room access to a Peloton bike and Technogym for a full workout.

ettehotels.com, 3001 Sherberth Road, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Find Your Home Away From Home at Reunion Resort

The Reunion Resort is an alternative to staying on-site at one of the pricier theme park villas. Each one- to three-bedroom unit includes airy bathroom and kitchen facilities, as well as nightly turndown service. Enjoy three golf courses, a water park, tennis, and pickleball during your stay.

reunionresort.com, 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747