14 Best Things to Add To Your Orlando Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Orlando can be overwhelming. There are so many things to do, and figuring out what options to pick is not always easy. However, if you put the time into planning your Orlando itinerary, it could be one of your most memorable trips ever!

Different from your usual mix of outdoor activities, historical sites, and beautiful scenery, Orlando is, well, certainly not that kind of trip. But, it’s great if you want to blow off steam, see your childhood come to life, shop til you drop, and eat a lot of junk food!

Believe it or not, there is also a more sophisticated side to Orlando away from all the theme parks. You can explore some history, and even explore some natural landscapes. 

So, let’s talk about how to plan the perfect week in Orlando.

How to get around Orlando

When it comes to planning a trip to Orlando, how to get around should be pretty high on your priorities list. It’s not the easiest city to navigate. But, as a popular tourist destination that attracts people from all over the globe, there are certainly some options when it comes to transport.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the largest and busiest airport in Orlando. It provides connections to destinations all over the world, and you’ll most likely arrive in the city from there.

To get to the centre from the airport, you can either prepay for an airport transfer, rent a car, or take public transportation via the public bus that runs between the airport and downtown. 

You can get around via:

Lynx Bus – Orlando’s (and Central Florida’s) public bus system. Lynx Bus runs multiple routes with over 100 stops throughout Orlando, so it’s pretty convenient.

Taxi – Orlando has several different taxi companies. Some are more expensive than others, but they can be booked by the app as well.

Uber/Lyft – Uber is another ride-share service that Orlando locals use regularly, and you can book it from your phone. Lyft is another ride-share app. It can cost a little more than Uber, but Orlando locals also use it.

Orlando Car Rental – Arguably the most convenient and cheapest way to get around during 1 week in Orlando is to hire a car. Orlando has several car rental companies. But I recommend using this site to check out the best deals.

I-Ride Trolley – Orlando tourists have been using I-Ride Trolley for years. It’s a great form of transportation for Orlando visitors. The trolly stops at most of the major attractions (excluding Disney).

It will likely be able to connect most of your Orlando itinerary. It’s really convenient, and super affordable too at only $12.00 for a 7-day pass. The trolley bus runs from 8 am to 10:30 pm 7 days a week with stops every 20 minutes.

Orlando Shuttle vans – Orlando shuttle vans are another inexpensive way to get around Orlando. They offer a lot of different routes and can be booked online or by phone, so it’s a great option.

Where to stay in Orlando

There are so many different places to stay in Orlando. What you choose from will depend on what’s important for you during your week there. If price is the most important factor, then there are some really good budget deals available. But, there’s certainly some luxury here too. 

Home to everything from stunning Airbnbs to budget hostels, these are some of the best areas to stay in Orlando:

Southwest Orlando

One of the most popular destinations in the city, southwest Orlando is filled with beautiful homes, parks, and some of Orlando’s most popular theme parks. Tourists love this area, and you’ll find yourself near Universal Studios, Epcot, and Walt Disney World.

International Drive 

Another of the area’s main tourist destinations, International Drive has one of the most hotels in Orlando. International Drive is home to the city’s newest attractions, like crazy golf courses, alligator experiences, and fairground rides. It also has plenty of restaurant options including BJ’s, a favourite of mine.

Downtown Orlando 

Orlando’s downtown area is where the locals usually go to hang out. It’s a hotspot for cultural attractions, and you’ll also find it packed with restaurants, shopping, and hotels. Downtown is a vibrant place to stay.

Celebration 

Orlando’s small town, Celebration is a charming little community with the world-famous Disney Springs nearby. Located in the south, Celebration was planned and developed as a quintessential American neighbourhood. Its beautifully designed buildings ooze 1930s charm.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Orlando

What to add to your Orlando itinerary

This is a city with so much going for it that it’s hard to know where to start when you’re planning a trip. With that in mind, here are my top places to go and things to add to your Orlando itinerary:

1. Universal Orlando Resort

Possibly one of the most famous theme parks in the world, Universal Orlando Resort is a huge place. There is a very wide range of rides and attractions to enjoy.

You’ll be able to visit Universal Studios Florida, which features different movie-themed lands including Jurassic Park, Springfield (home of The Simpsons), Seuss Landing (based on Dr Suess books), and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

✅ Book tickets to Universal Orlando

2. SeaWorld

If you love marine life, SeaWorld is a must-do. You can experience the world of sea creatures in this amazing theme park. You’ll also find a range of rides like Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld which is perfect for thrill-seekers.

✅ Book tickets to SeaWorld

3. Walt Disney World

Of course, you can’t be planning a trip to Orlando and not be tempted by Disney World. It’s the best place to go for kids and adults alike.

There are four different Disney Parks (and one water park) at Walt Disney World. There’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom Park which is home to the famous Kilimanjaro Safari ride. If that’s not enough for you, you can also visit Disney Springs, a shopping and entertainment district.

4. Volcano Bay

Fancy hurtling down a water slide or bobbing about in a wave pool? Then check out Volcano Bay, a new water park set in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort.

It’s super exciting and has 18 different rides including Kala & Tai Nui Rafts where you can race your friends.

✅ Book tickets to Volcano Bay

5. Aquatica

Another amazing water park, Aquatica is a great addition to your Orlando itinerary. It’s home to a huge outdoor wave pool. You’ll also find slides for all ages, plus a water coaster.

It features plenty of rides, slides, and pools, along with a great water play area and some gorgeous little beach huts to enjoy lunch in. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family!

6. Busch Gardens

Slightly outside of the immediate Orlando area, Busch Gardens is a great theme park that’s perfect for families. Located in Tampa, you’ll find plenty of rides and attractions here from the amazing SheiKra Roller Coaster to Cheetah Chase. 

There are also some great shows at Busch Gardens where you get up close with the animals. It’s also fairly easy to get to as there are shuttle bus transfers from Orlando to the park included in your ticket price.

✅ Book tickets to Busch Gardens

7. Kennedy Space Center

For those of you who would rather skip the rollercoasters, why not visit Kennedy Space Center instead? It’s a great day out for all the family and you’ll get to learn more about NASA, see some amazing space shuttles, and even try your hand at being an astronaut.

The Kennedy Space Center is the home base for NASA in Central Florida. You can experience its massive vehicle assembly building, and see a space shuttle and rockets being built.

There are plenty of interactive activities for kids too. For example, building your own rocket model or even trying out an escape room challenge that takes inspiration from the Apollo 13 mission.

✅ I recommend this tour to the Everglades from Orlando

8. Trip to the Everglades

Who doesn’t want to see the Everglades? This is a truly unique place and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world. It will give you a new perspective on Florida as well. This makes it perfect for those of you who want to add non-theme park attractions to your Orlando itinerary!

The Everglades is an alligator-filled national park about 3 hours from Orlando – it’s near to Miami. It’s a great place to see some amazing wildlife, from alligators and crocodiles to turtles, lizards, snakes, birds, and even dolphins!

There are also plenty of activities you can do there including canoe trips so you can get up close with nature in this stunning area. Just remember that this is a wild place and you need to keep safe at all times.

9. Discovery Cove

A slightly different sealife experience, Discovery Cove is a fantastic way to spend the day. You’ll find many amazing animals here including dolphins, stingrays, tropical birds, and even sea turtles. There’s a jetty that you can relax on and lots of pools to swim in.

But the highlight of any trip to Discovery Cove is the chance to get up close and personal with the animals. There is a range of experiences available including feeding the stingrays and even swimming with dolphins. Definitely, something you’ll want to consider when planning a trip to Orlando!

10. Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center is a fantastic place to take the family for an affordable day out. It covers everything from ancient fossils and dinosaurs, right up to space exploration.

The Orlando Science Center brings science alive in this state-of-the-art facility. Loads of hands-on activities and exhibits will keep everyone entertained. It’s so much more than your average science museum.

Plus, there are great themed events throughout the year too including Star Wars days and Harry Potter weekends which are perfect if you’re travelling with kids. And don’t forget that it’s located right next door to the Orlando Museum of Art.

11. Orlando Nightlife and Bars

If you’re looking for a night out, then there are plenty of amazing bars in Orlando that will suit your tastes. The city has something to offer everyone. This includes sophisticated wine bars and chic rooftop venues as well as traditional English-style pubs serving great ales. Plus there are plenty of themed bars that are perfect for a night out with friends too.

You’ll find cocktail bars, dance clubs, and nightclubs in Orlando. You’re guaranteed to have an amazing time every day of the week.

12. Disney Boardwalk

Disney is, of course, one of the main things to do in Orlando. A visit to the Boardwalk is well worth adding to your Orlando itinerary. You can try all kinds of amazing food from some top restaurants on Disney property or even enjoy a special character dinner with your favourite movie stars.

13. Gatorland

Gatorland is an alligator theme park right next to Disney. It’s a great place for adults and children alike; there are loads of different animals including crocodiles, snakes, lizards, birds, turtles, and even frogs.

This allows you to get up close and personal with the alligators. You can feed them, and learn all about these fascinating creatures.

14. Leu Gardens

Orlando doesn’t lack amazing green spaces, and Leu Gardens is one of the best. It’s a stunning botanical garden that covers around forty acres. There are some beautiful lakes and flowers as well as an exotic palm house collection.

There are also plenty of events being held at Leu Gardens from art exhibits to cabaret nights. It’s the perfect relaxing end to a busy, jam-packed Orlando itinerary.

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