What are the best things to do in Orlando?
Most visitors come to Orlando for its theme parks, particularly in the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando areas, but the region also offers Kennedy Space Center, airboat rides in the wetlands, water parks, shopping and nature springs.
Planning Orlando is mostly about pacing. Theme park days are long and physically demanding, so many travelers alternate park days with slower days at a pool, outlet mall, spring or the Space Coast.
App Things To Do is an independent discovery platform and is not affiliated with Disney, Universal or any park operator. Ticket listings shown on this page come from Viator and its partners.
Theme Parks in Orlando
Walt Disney World area
The resort area southwest of the city contains several separate theme parks, water parks and a large shopping and dining district. Each park has its own character, so most families choose which parks matter most rather than trying to see everything in one trip.
Universal Orlando area
Universal's parks are closer to the International Drive area and are known for thrill rides and immersive themed lands based on films. Some ticket types allow moving between parks on the same day.
Other parks and attractions
SeaWorld, LEGOLAND Florida, water parks and smaller attractions along International Drive offer alternatives or additions to the bigger resorts.
How to Plan Multiple Theme Park Days
Decide how many park days you want before choosing tickets, since multi-day options are usually better value per day than single-day tickets. Mixing in a rest day in the middle of a long stretch helps children and adults alike.
Arriving close to opening time and planning the most popular rides early tends to reduce waits. Park apps, hours and policies change, so check the official information for your travel dates.
Things To Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
Outside the theme parks, popular choices include Kennedy Space Center, airboat tours, natural springs, ICON Park on International Drive, shopping at outlet malls and day trips to the Atlantic coast.
Kennedy Space Center
The visitor complex on the Space Coast covers the history and future of spaceflight with exhibits, real spacecraft and bus tours. It works best as a full-day trip from Orlando.
Airboat tours
Airboat rides take you across lakes and wetlands where you may see alligators and birdlife. They are short, easy to fit around park days and popular with all ages.
Springs and nature
Central Florida's freshwater springs offer swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in clear water, and are a welcome contrast to crowded parks.
Best Day Trips from Orlando
Common day trips include the Space Coast and Cocoa Beach, historic St. Augustine, the Gulf Coast beaches and the Tampa Bay area. Organized tours with transfers are a simple option if you do not want to drive after long park days.
Things To Do in Orlando with Kids
Orlando is built around families. Beyond the parks, interactive science attractions, dinner shows, mini golf and water parks fill quieter days. Check height requirements for rides in advance so younger children are not disappointed on the day.
Things To Do in Orlando for Couples and Adults
Adults traveling without children often focus on thrill rides, resort dining districts, evening events in the parks, golf, spa days and a sunrise or hot-air balloon experience over the region.
How Many Days Do You Need in Orlando?
Five to seven days is common: three or four theme park days, plus time for Kennedy Space Center, an airboat ride and rest.
Getting Around Orlando
Orlando is spread out, so most visitors rent a car or rely on rideshares, hotel shuttles and resort transportation. Tours to Kennedy Space Center and the coast often include pickup from hotels in the main tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando
What are the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks?
Kennedy Space Center, airboat tours, natural springs, shopping outlets, ICON Park and beach day trips are popular alternatives.
How many theme park days do you need in Orlando?
It depends on which parks you want to visit. Many families plan three to five park days and add at least one rest day.
Can you visit Kennedy Space Center from Orlando in a day?
Yes. It is a common day trip, either by car or on a guided tour with transportation.
Do you need a car in Orlando?
A car helps because attractions are spread out, but many visitors manage with resort transportation, shuttles, rideshares and tours that include pickup.
Is App Things To Do affiliated with Disney or Universal?
No. App Things To Do is an independent platform. Tickets and tours listed here are provided through Viator and its partners.
Balancing park days, rest days and side trips is the hardest part of an Orlando vacation. App Things To Do can put together a personalized itinerary that paces your trip around your family and your dates.
Plan your Orlando days with a custom itinerary