Orlando is known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, but there are many more reasons to visit this beautiful Florida city. From the year-round sunshine to the wide-ranging attractions, dining options, outdoor adventures, and special events, it’s a place for all ages.
“Beyond the theme parks, Orlando is home to a thriving downtown and distinct local neighbourhoods offering authentic dining and shopping experiences and a world-class performing arts center,” says Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando.
“There is literally something for everyone, and so much to do, that you can come back year after year and always have a new unbelievably real experience.”
In partnership with Visit Orlando, we check out eight reasons to visit the city where winter doesn’t exist.
- There’s always something new
Whether you’re new to Orlando or you’ve visited in the past, there are new options to check out. In addition to new attractions at some of your favourite theme parks, there is the new Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn to Life.
Drawn to Life brings Cirque and Disney together for the first time in a collaboration like this. The shows feature Disney animation, characters, and music that any fan – from ages two to 96 years old – will appreciate.
- Great dining
Any great vacation also includes delicious food, and there are plenty of diverse options to check out in Orlando. If you’re into the fine dining scene, there are 46 Michelin-starred restaurants to eat at. One is Knife & Spoon at The Ritz Carlton, where you can dig into beautiful seafood dishes or dry-aged steaks.
Other popular foodie destinations include Z Asian, where the menu consists of modern but authentic Vietnamese fare, and Twenty Pho Hour, America’s first 2D noodle bar. You can slurp noodles there while stocking up on social media content thanks to the impressive black-and-white artwork donning the walls.
- Outdoor adventures
Orlando is full of outdoor adventure options if you’re the type to get outside and make the most of the weather. At Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, the whole family can hop on an airboat and check out wildlife, including gators.
“We try to find as many gators as we possibly can because that’s a big hit with the tourists,” guide John Ruggeri tells Global News. “But there are all different types of wading birds. We have one of the biggest bald eagle populations in central Florida and all different types of raptors.”
Looking for something more sporty? Head over to Epic Paddleboarding for a day on the water, or check out Get Up & Go Kayaking at Rock Springs, where you can squeeze through more narrow waterways to check out nature up close.
- Sports galore
If it’s sports you seek, Orlando has plenty of options to consider. There are 23 golf courses in the city to check out, and even more within driving distance outside the city that you can tack on to your vacation.
Is tennis more your speed? Orlando is home to the United States Tennis Association’s National Campus. Sign up for lessons, book a court, or head to the family zone for some padel or pickleball.
Heading to Orlando during the NBA season? You can also check out the Orlando Magic play at home at the Amway Center from October to April.
Enjoy live sports entertainment with minimal stoppage time? You can catch Orlando City Soccer in MLS from February to October or Orlando Pride in the NWSL from March to November in the heart of downtown Orlando.
- Affordable attractions
Theme parks aren’t the only attractions to check out in Florida. ICON Park and Dezerland are other affordable places to take the family for good old-fashioned fun.
At ICON Park, families can check out Madam Tussauds’ wax creations or visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium to learn more about marine animals. There’s also the Museum of Illusions, which is geared toward all ages and features 54 different optical illusions and visual effects. Or head over to the Wheel, which offers breathtaking city views.
If you visit Dezerland, you can race the GoKarts, jump on trampolines, play laser tag, or check out The Auto Museum. There, you can visit the $200 million car collection, which is 15 football fields long and features iconic cars from franchises like James Bond and Batman. That’s also where you can check out the world’s longest car, which features its own jacuzzi and a helipad.
- Local neighbourhoods
Every city has corners that make it special, and Orlando is no exception. When planning your visit, consider stopping by one of the following neighbourhoods:
Lake Nona
This trendy community is where you’ll find the USTA National Campus. But you can also visit Noma Adventure Park, where there’s wakeboarding and a floating obstacle course. Or hit up Boxi Park, where food trucks, live music, and volleyball courts add to the atmosphere.
Winter Garden
If you’re looking for old Florida style and charm, check out Winter Garden. The historic downtown is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and features plenty of unique restaurants and shops. This neighbourhood is also where you can find the West Orange Trail or take in live performances at the Garden Theatre.
Winter Park
This unique neighbourhood is packed with eateries, museums, culture, and outdoor adventures. Families can hang out at one of the many parks or at the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Meanwhile, if you head to Orlando in March or October, there are annual outdoor art shows to add to your list.
- Nightlife
If good nightlife is important to you on your vacation, Orlando has you covered. There are many dance clubs and lounges for those who appreciate shaking off some stress and taking in music. In need of a laugh? You can also head over to one of the city’s comedy bars for a live show.
- Memorable places to stay
No matter your vacation style or budget, there is an accommodation to suit you in Orlando.
Drury Inn Disney Springs is a great budget-friendly option that includes breakfast and offers evening appetizers and drinks. At Evermore Orlando Resort, families and groups can enjoy the eight-acre Crystal Lagoons surrounded by 20-acres of sandy beach while staying in one of the two-to-11-bedroom vacation homes.
The Conrad Hilton, the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand, is a separate hotel offering various rooms, suites, and an on-site spa – located right on the Evermore property. And JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes has a waterpark with lagoons, a lazy river, and three waterslides on its 500-acre property.
“During the winter, Canadian visitors can leave the chilly temperatures at home and trade their winter blues for blue skies and sunshine in Orlando,” wraps Matej.
“From November through May, the Theme Park Capital of the World boasts average daytime highs of 24°C. Throw in warm waters at our epic water parks, lush resort pools, gorgeous natural springs, and miles of lazy rivers, and you can see how winter truly doesn’t exist here in Orlando.”
For more information, head over to Visit Orlando.