An incredible avalanche of fun and adventure awaits on your first visit to Orlando, the awe-inspiring theme park capital of the world in the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida.

It’s thrills and spills all the way in this playground of pleasure, where couples, families and groups of friends can experience an action-packed holiday like no other. You’ll be wowed by theme parks including Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Universal Studios Florida, while a feast of animal magic can be found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Gatorland and SeaWorld Orlando. For exceptional shopping and dining opportunities, head for International Drive; Harry P. Leu Gardens is a tropical paradise for nature lovers, and the Orlando Museum of Art is a magnet for culture fiends. Other epic attractions within easy reach of Orlando include The Kennedy Space Centre, Cocoa Beach and Busch Gardens. Let’s take a closer look at some of the delights in store.

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Theme Parks

Nowhere does theme parks better than Orlando, and you’ll discover a staggering 15 on your first visit. The biggest venues feature more than one theme park so, if you plan to take in multiple theme parks, you’ll need to make plans for several days out. Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is home to the Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Universal Orlando Resort is another haven of pleasure featuring Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park, with another attraction, Epic Universe, scheduled to open in summer 2025. Other enthralling delights include Legoland Florida Theme Park and Water Park, SeaWorld Orlando and Peppa Pig Theme Park. Some of Orlando’s top hotels provide guests with early admission passes and shuttle bus services to major theme parks.

Activities

There’s so much more to Orlando than its fantastic theme parks, with a huge range of attractions and activities to choose from. Boggy Creek is the place to enjoy an exciting airboat adventure across the headwaters of Florida Everglades, while children will relish close encounters with 200 life-size creatures from the past at Dinosaur World in Plant City. Other animal attractions include Brevard Zoo and Gatorland, a superb adventure park dedicated to crocodiles and alligators. Nona Adventure Park offers hours of water-based fun, Epic Paddle Adventures is a marvellous attraction on Orlando’s Lake Ivanhoe and Congo River Golf, in Kissimmee, is an award-winning mini golf challenge. iIndoor activities include virtual reality gaming at Max Action Arena, skydiving at iFLY Orlando, karting at K1 Speed Orlando and the ultimate shooting experience at Orlando Gun Club. Other activities in Orlando include ziplining, canoeing, golfing, hang-gliding, biking trails and boating tours.

Natural Attractions

There’s no shortage of outdoor attractions in Orlando to delight nature lovers. Shingle Creek is home to unspoilt cypress swamps, where you can enjoy canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, while Kelly Park and Rock Springs Run is a glorious natural attraction for swimming, tubing and kayaking. Set off on a narrated cruise through the seven lakes and canals of the historic Winter Park or cycle the 22-mile West Orange Trail which stretches from Winter Garden to the banks of Lake Apopka. Another popular attraction is the Tibet-Butler Preserve, which boasts more than 400 acres of untouched wilderness and several glistening lakes. The Orlando area is also home to numerous parks, state forests and enchanting gardens with free entry, including the imposing 43-acre Lake Eola Park. If you fancy lazing on golden sands and some water sports action, there are several beaches close to Orlando including Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach and Clearwater Beach.

Where Should I Stay?

When it comes to places to stay, Orlando has something to meet the needs of every type of visitor, with options ranging from luxury theme park hotels to charming self-catering villas featuring private pools and a host of excellent amenities. Kissimmee, which is located just south of Orlando, is a popular choice for families, with its fabulous hotels, stellar entertainment venues and close proximity to some of the main theme parks. International Drive is another top spot, with its fantastic shopping and dining opportunities, and a prime location a short distance away from Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Lake Buena Vista, which is home to magnificent Disney-themed hotels and resorts, is another great place to stay. It also boasts several prestigious golf clubs, an abundance of vibrant nightlife and its own special brand of dining entertainment, known as dinner theatre.

What Do I Need To Take

There are several key items to pack in your case for a holiday in Orlando. You’ll need suitable light clothing if you are staying during the summer months, while warmer garments are essential for the evenings during the cooler winter months. A light rain jacket or umbrella is advisable for various times of the year when Orlando regularly experiences short lived afternoon showers. Breathable trainers and walking shoes are ideal when you are out and about, while flip flops or sandals are best for beside the pool in your resort. Other items to pack include sunglasses, a water bottle, a brimmed hat, lip balm, insect repellent, a plentiful supply of sunscreen and an essential phone charger for keeping your mobile powered up to capture those magical moments on camera or video. You should also consider bringing a compact first aid kit, a tote bag, deodorant wipes, hand sanitiser and travel adaptors.

Best Time To Visit

Orlando has a sub-tropical climate which brings hot and humid summers and sunnier and drier winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average daily maximum of 34°C and an average low of 24°C, while January is the coolest month, with an average daily maximum of 22°C and an average low of 11°C. June to September is a very popular time for visiting Orlando, but many fun-seekers opt to holiday there between October and May when the weather is almost perfect for getting out and about. December is the driest month, when most days are sunny and rainfall is around 7mm, and August is the wettest month, with an average of 85mm of rain. The hurricane season occurs in Orlando's summer months, with an average of 10 powerful storms. Orlando is also a great choice for a winter sun holiday, away from the cold weather and gloomy nights in the UK.

“It’s no surprise that Orlando is lauded as the theme park capital of the world, with its plethora of outstanding attractions which enthral thrill-seekers from around the globe.

“This is the home of Mickey Mouse and other legendary Disney characters who bring beaming smiles to the faces of children having the time of their lives.

“Families, couples and groups of friends can’t fail to be impressed by the kaleidoscope of fun that awaits on a first visit to Orlando. The only challenge will be trying to fit in all the attractions during your stay.

“When you’ve enjoyed days of theme park magic, there are plenty of other exciting things to see and do in this wondrous destination, from days out at a host of fabulous wildlife attractions to some retail therapy in glitzy boutiques and giant shopping malls.

“Orlando is certainly a dream come true for anyone wanting to create magical memories which will last a lifetime in a captivating one-of-a-kind destination.”

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

Overlooking a beautifully serene lake, this 5-star delight is a paradise for golfers and travellers who crave an active holiday. This picturesque retreat spans over 1,450 acres and boasts everything you could imagine for an idyllic vacation, from mini golf and racquetball to exciting water slides, a kids club, and a range of swimming pools. Indulge in gastronomic treats with a great selection of dining options, enjoy captivating entertainment, and top the day off with an ice-cold cocktail at one of the onsite bars.

Check out Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Picture yourself soaking up the sunshine all day before getting a freshly baked pizza delivered straight to your comfortable room or suite. Whether you are travelling as a family, couple, friends, or solo, there are top-notch facilities for everyone, from a children’s play area and games room to an expansive swimming pool and no shortage of sun loungers for catching a tan. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Universal parks, as well as early park admission to selected attractions and complimentary access to the live entertainment.

Check out the Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

Situated directly across from the entrance to Universal Orlando, this charming hotel offers the ideal haven for families and adventure-seekers alike. Succumb to ultra-modern accommodation with a sleek design and premium amenities, and indulge in all-American favourites at the onsite restaurants, from grilled meats and burgers to pizzas and ice creams. While this hotel is a fabulous spot to bask in the Florida sunshine beside a refreshing swimming pool, the undeniable highlight is its unbeatable location, ensuring effortless access to epic rides and adventures.

Check out the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando