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How to Plan the Ultimate Vacation Trip to Orlando, FL

  • Friday February 24th 2023

The WHEEL at ICON Park | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Enjoy Your Trip to Orlando, FL or Plan Your Staycation in Advance

Orlando is a place you go to have some good times as it caters for various palates. The city is home to a plethora of attractions and activities, all of which are centered around one thing: family fun. From theme parks to waterparks, to the thriving and vibrant nightlife, there's something for your family vacation in Orlando.

That's why it's essential to plan your upcoming trip to Orlando now rather than later. With dozens of hotels across the city, home rentals, vacation rental apartments nearby, and various other accommodations outside the city center, you can plan a fantastic trip that doesn't require leaving your home base. From bucket list experiences to affordable day trips, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the best places to visit during your trip to Orlando, Florida.

The peak season will likely be crowded – but we doubt that will deter you from scheduling your family vacation to Orlando. From roller coasters, water parks, and zoo exhibits to concert halls and casinos, you can find it all. The city of Orlando offers a variety of activities throughout the year as well—from football games at the Camping World Stadium to festivals.

Planning the Ultimate Vacation in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is the perfect place to take your family on vacation. From finding suitable accommodation to making sure you hit all the best attractions, we've got you covered.

Check out these tips and attractions on How to Plan Your Ultimate Vacation to Orlando for some further advice.

Orlando Attractions for the Whole Family

Touchpool | SEA LIFE Aquarium

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Looking to add a little extra excitement to your Orlando vacation? SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is the perfect place to do just that with the family. With numerous sea creatures to discover, our aquarium is one of the best in Florida. The kids will love getting up close to the sharks, rays, and turtles, while the adults can enjoy learning about the different species on display. You can even get up close and personal with some of the animals during the Behind-the-Scenes Tour.

There's also a Touch Tank where you can touch starfish and sea anemones. We have the only 360° Ocean Tunnel in Orlando that gives you the chance to walk underneath and watch as sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and eels swim over, under, and all around you. We offer a wide range of interactive experiences, from behind-the-scenes tours to virtual reality encounters with the oceans' apex predators, the tiger sharks.

If you're looking for an educational and fun activity for the whole family, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is definitely worth a visit.

Justice League | Madame Tussauds Orlando

Madame Tussauds

A family vacation to Orlando wouldn't be complete without a visit to Madame Tussauds. This world-famous tourist attraction is home to incredibly lifelike wax figures of some of the most popular celebrities, politicians, and historical figures. Visitors can take photos with their favorite stars and even get up close and personal to see the meticulous detail that goes into each figure. It's an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

ICON Park  | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

The Wheel at ICON Park

The Wheel at ICON Park is a must-visit for anyone planning the ultimate vacation to Orlando, Florida. This iconic attraction is located in the heart of ICON Park. This Ferris wheel is 400 feet tall and offers stunning views of the Orlando skyline. Simply float above the picture-perfect skyline for a bird’s-eye view like no other of the city. This is a ride that’s sure to leave you with magical memories. The Wheel at ICON Park is the perfect way to start or end a day of exploring.

ICON Park is also a great spot to visit. There's so much to do there, from rides to shopping to dining. You could easily spend an entire day at ICON Park.

Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World

It is arguably the top attraction in Orlando and gets over 58 million visitors every year. It is also home to four theme parks, a shopping center, a camping resort, water parks and more.

Walt Disney World is a magical place, similar to walking in a movie with princesses, pirates. Epcot gives you a fantastic exploration of different countries, while Animal Kingdom allows you to get close with wild animals.

Universal's Island of Adventure | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Universal Orlando Resort

With over 20 million visitors a year, Universal studios is a must visit. It is equipped with theme parks themed to popular movies, water parks, night-life complex and hotels.

 

One of the popular attractions is the World of Harry Potter located within Islands of Adventure Park. You get a whole Harry Potter experience by shopping at Diagon Alley, buying a wand and riding the Hogwarts Express. It also features Toon Lagoon, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park where kids love most.

Kennedy Space Center | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Guests who are into Space can head along the coast to the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Here you get a first-hand experience on the space shuttles that send astronauts to space.

Get to learn more about space exploration from an astronaut through a guided tour through the exhibits and get to keep a souvenir.

Discover Cove

Discovery Cove

The fun is also available at Discovery Cove. This resort is well known for marine and tropical fish. The resort allows 1300 guests a day to reduce congestion.

Kids can enjoy looking at otters in the Freshwater Oasis and snorkel with rays and tropical fish. Guests can also feed birds at the Explorer’s Aviary. While those with tickets enjoy unlimited snacks and free rentals.

Orlando, Florida: The Perfect Destination

Orlando, Florida is the perfect holiday destination for families and couples alike. With world-renowned theme parks, world-class shopping and dining, and endless entertainment options, there’s something for everyone in Orlando.

For families, Orlando is home to some of the top-rated theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and the LEGOLAND Theme park. These theme parks offer visitors of all ages a chance to experience the magic of Disney and Universal Studios, ride thrilling roller coasters, and see amazing shows.

For couples, indulge in a romantic getaway in Orlando. The city is home to a number of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as a variety of romantic dining options. Couples can also enjoy a number of adult-only activities, such as golfing or visiting one of the many spas in the area.

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do on your vacation in Orlando, Florida.

Where to Stay in Orlando

There are so many great places to stay in Orlando it can be hard to decide! Here are a few of our top picks:

-If you want to be close to the action, staying in a hotel within the theme parks is a great option. There are plenty of great hotels to choose from in the parks, and you'll be within walking distance of all the attractions on I-Drive.

-Assuming you're looking for a more laid-back vacation, consider booking your stay in a villa at one of the many resorts located near Disney World. You'll have your own private space to relax in, and most resorts have their own pools and other amenities that you can enjoy.

-Another excellent option for families is staying at one of the many campgrounds around Orlando. This is a great way to save money on accommodations, and you'll be able to enjoy some time outdoors during your vacation.

How to Get Around Orlando

It can also be helpful to research tips on how to get around Orlando, Florida when planning a trip. Orlando is a large city and can be challenging to navigate without a car. Luckily, there are plenty of options for getting around without having to drive.

The Lynx bus system is comprehensive and can take you just about anywhere in the city. It's especially handy if you're staying in one of the many hotels along International Drive. You can purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly pass.

If you're planning on doing a lot of touring of the theme parks, you might want to look into getting a rental car. Many of the parks have their own shuttle buses that can take you from your hotel to the park, but having your own car gives you more flexibility. Just be prepared for some heavy traffic!

If you don't want to deal with driving at all, there are plenty of taxi and Uber options available. Uber is incredibly convenient because you can request a ride through their app.

Finally, if you're traveling with young children, keep in mind that many of the attractions in Orlando offer stroller rentals. This can be a lifesaver and make packing for a trip or day out a bit easier.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Orlando Vacation

  1. Consider visiting SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds for a fun and budget-friendly day out. Enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits and activities suitable for all ages.
  1. Make use of the Genie+ system at Disney parks to avoid long queues for the most popular rides.
  2. Visit Universal Orlando's two theme parks (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida) on separate days to make the most of both.
  3. Consider staying in a villa or vacation rental rather than a hotel, especially if you're traveling with a group - this can often work out cheaper and give you more space and flexibility.
  4. Take advantage of Orlando's many great family-friendly attractions, including Gatorland, Fun Spot America, and Wet 'n Wild Water Park.

If you're looking to plan the ultimate family holiday to Orlando, Florida, you won't be disappointed. From world-class theme parks to incredible shopping and dining experiences, there's something for everyone in Orlando. With so many different activities and attractions to enjoy in Orlando, Fl, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream vacation today!

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