Things to do & places to visit in Central Florida, Florida, United States

Central Florida region in Florida, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 23:10.

Top things to do (15)

Top places to visit (24 attractions)

5.0 Avatar Flight of Passage (1.926 reviews)
- Our favorite ride of all 4 parks!
Spent 1-2 hours Disney Parks & Activities

With two younger kiddos we purchased individual lightning lanes for our first go at this ride. By the time I rope dropped for early entry and made it back to the end of the line, it was already at 75 minutes. We did ride a second time by getting in line at the end of the night where we waited for about 60. Throughout the day I had been checking and don't remember seeing wait times less than about 60 minutes- which considering the crowds, in hindsight were probably really good. I was a little worried about this one since I experience some motion sickness that is very much visually aggravated. I found that meclezine was my friend and focusing on background images vs close up subjects really helped for this one. Also, if you every start to feel queasy, simply close your eyes for a moment- the scenery changes pretty quickly. If you reach the height requirement, this one is a must ride! See more..
5.0 Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (1.702 reviews)
- Tiffany pieces in heaven, pre-shown in Winter Park!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

The Morse Museum is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of works by American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). Galleries feature works such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. Exhibitions also include American art pottery, late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics, decorative art. Appointments required. See more..
5.0 Circle B Bar Reserve (1.003 reviews)
- Photographer? Get here early and avoid weekends
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Absolutely, one of the best locations to photograph wildlife in Florida. As you can see, it has a #1 ranking of "Things To Do" in Lakeland so it attracts an abundance of tourists and the crowd grows as the day goes on. If you are a serious photographer, get here early (think sunrise) and avoid the weekends. See more..
5.0 The Gypsy Gold Farm (989 reviews)
- Beautiful Animals, Friendly Folks
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Ranches

Our founders, the Thompsons, connected over a mutual love of animals, and thereafter discovered an unknown breed of horse, developed by British Gypsies, while traveling through the English countryside. After a four-year journey to understand these horses and the culture that created them, they took part in naming them, the Gypsy Vanner horse. The Gypsy Gold Farm is home to the first 16 registered horses of a breed that's now 6,000 animals strong with registries . Their 40-acre farm is a Central Florida Trip Advisor favorite, education and cultural oasis, where visitors learn about one of the most colorful and least understood societies on earth and the magical Vanner Horses they envisioned. Farm tours are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am and last for two hours. Tickets may be purchased on our website. See more..
4.5 Magic Kingdom Park (69.3k reviews)
- Genie + and Lightening Lane passes are worth it.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Disney Parks & Activities

Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom Park. Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. areas. Zoom through space, become a swashbuckling pirate and watch fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. See more..
4.5 Universal Studios Florida (40.9k reviews) from $189.04
- Amazing Orlando Florida
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Hang on tight. Your heroes are about to burst through the screen and yank you into the story. You’re the star here and you’ll disappear into one jaw-dropping adventure after another. Dodge evil villains. Defend the earth. Face a fire-breathing dragon. Wander into animated worlds where characters you love are suddenly right beside you. Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump into the action of your favorite films at the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park. See more..
4.5 SeaWorld (33.6k reviews)
- Plenty to see and do
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld® Orlando, where the aquatic world comes alive. Only here can you experience Orlando's new tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako, named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks. Then, see the world through the eyes of a penguin in the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, and laugh to the all-new Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High™ show. Here you can also climb aboard and ride the mighty Manta®, experience the power and grace of killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu® show One Ocean®, and share an epic voyage with sea turtles on the 3D 360 TurtleTrek®. See more..
4.5 Epcot (29.6k reviews)
- Dec 2021 update - If you can see one Disney park - see this one!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Disney Parks & Activities

One of 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot theme park sprawls across 300 acres—twice the size of Magic Kingdom park—and is divided into Future World and World Showcase. Here, creativity is encouraged, imagination is celebrated and countries are united. Be amazed, inspired, enlightened and entertained! See more..
4.5 Disney’s Hollywood Studios (29.1k reviews)
- A top favourite
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Disney Parks & Activities

Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Step into the action with attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows—including Star Wars—and delight in exciting entertainment that puts you center stage. With the vibrancy of a bustling movie set, this park features 7 sections: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, Commissary Lane, Toy Story Land and Animation Courtyard areas. See more..
4.5 Disney Springs (13.7k reviews)
- Everything We Expected It To Be, Fabulous!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

Disney World's shopping and dining area consists of Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. See more..
4.5 Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (9.146 reviews)
- Loads of fun, showing some wear, get a cabana if you can
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Water Parks • Disney Parks & Activities

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features attractions for the whole family—from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides. Catch 6-foot waves in the Surf Pool and snorkel Shark Reef—with real sharks!Escape to a tropical paradise where you'll discover a storm of fun in the sun. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park is the place to go for aquatic thrill-seekers of all ages. In addition to great waterslides, you'll love the lazy river, wave pool and children's play area! See more..
4.5 Orlando International Premium Outlets (8.695 reviews)
- Shopping trip
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Factory Outlets

Orlando International Premium Outlets is Florida's largest outlet shopping destination spanning over 773,586 square feet and welcoming more than 17MM visitors annually. Located in the heart of Orlando’s booming hospitality industry, the center is only 5 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort and 10 miles from Walt Disney World Resort. Visitors and locals will enjoy an array of more than 180 outlet designer and name-brand outlet stores including adidas, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve Madden, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Coach, kate spade New York, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, St. John Outlet, Ted Baker London, Forever 21, Nike, Under Armour, Victoria's Secret (only outlet in market), Havaianas and Guess. In addition, Orlando International Premium Outlets offers 20 distinct dining options including Vinito Ristorante, a full-service Italian restaurant. Dining selections cater to wide variety of tastes including international flavors See more..
4.5 Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (6.599 reviews)
- Great day at a fun water park
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks • Disney Parks & Activities

"Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides, as well as slides and rides for the whole family—like a kid-sized, snow-castle fountain play area with scaled-down versions of the more thrilling attractions. See more..
4.5 Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets (5.801 reviews)
- Best Outlet In Orlando
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Factory Outlets

Best outlet in Orlando with the most choice and the highest amount of more premium brands (such as Gucci, Prada etc.). The current exchange rate is poor, so everything wasn't as good value as usual (however appreciate this is not the fault of the outlet!) but just be aware of this. Certain brands are actually cheaper to buy in Europe, with Gucci being around 5% more expensive than in the UK, so not a place to come if you're looking for 'deals'. However definitely the best place to spend an afternoon shopping for brands in Orlando. See more..
4.5 International Drive (4.769 reviews) from $24.70
- A great base
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stayed in a hotel on i-Drive and it’s a great location to get to all the major attraction. You can use various buses to get to all the parks, or rent vehicles. When you factor in rental, fuel and parking we opted for Uber. A lot of the restaurants and super markets are priced according to their captive market with a few exceptions- make sure you read reviews and get an idea on prices first. You can get taken off I drive and the prices are more as the locals would pay in terms of super markets. See more..
4.5 Fun Spot America (4.679 reviews)
- First rate company
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Fun Spot America Kissimmee has 2 unique U.S patented go-kart tracks, 18 Family and Thrill rides. Home to the worlds tallest SkyCoaster standing at 300ft! There is also a large arcade. Check out the Mine Blower roller coaster, the only wooden coaster in Florida with an inversion! FREE admission and FREE parking! See more..
4.5 Amway Center (2.459 reviews)
- Great venue but odd rules so watch out before attending
Spent 2-3 hours Sports Complexes

Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows opened in the fall of 2010. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology. Amway Center was honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ Customer Experience Award, named SportsBusiness Journal's Sports Facility of the Year and recently won the IAVM Venue Excellence Award. See more..
4.5 Bok Tower Gardens (2.425 reviews)
- Happily, we stayed longer than planned.
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail. You can also discover the history of Edward W. Bok and the building of his 205 foot Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. Enjoy the all new Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden. Visitor Center includes exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe and take home a memento from the Tower shop. See more..
4.5 Lake Eola Park (1.812 reviews)
- A Perfect Spot For A Stroll Around The Lake
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Lake Eola Park is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. The sidewalk that circles the lake is 0.9 miles in length, making it easy for visitors to keep track of their walking or running distances. Other activities available to park visitors include renting swan-shaped paddle boats, feeding the live swans and other birds inhabiting the park, seeing a concert or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater, grabbing a bite to eat at Relax Grill on Lake Eola or relaxing amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando's skyline. Parking is free on Eola Drive on the east side of the park and there is metered parking on Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue. There is also street parking in Eola Heights and Thornton Park, a two to five block walk to the park. You can also park in any of the garages within a few blocks of the park. These include the Post Parkside parking garage at Osceola Avenue and East Central Boulevard; the Paramount/Publix parking garage at Lake Avenue and East Central Boulevard; and the Library parking garage at 112 East Central Boulevard. Please note: swans can get sick eating bread and popcorn. Visitors to the park can feed them lettuce, spinach, duck food pellets or buy food from the new swan feeders. See more..
4.5 Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe (1.553 reviews)
- Incredible choir
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Built by tourists, for tourists, this Roman Catholic Church was built in the 1980's to accommodate the 30 million visitors to the Central Florida attractions yearly. The Basilica is not a regular parish church, but a tourist ministry that sits on 17 acres and offers a Rosary Garden, multiple Chapels, Museum, Pilgrimage Center, Gift Shop, bronze statues, oil paintings and art from the 16th century as well as amazing stained glass including a Rose window, Universe window, Rosary windows and The Magnificat windows. See more..
4.5 Harry P. Leu Gardens (1.417 reviews)
- Gorgeous garden = a great day in Orlando
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Explore 50-acres of beautiful gardens and historic home minutes from downtown Orlando. Discover over 40 different collections including a tropical rain forest, Florida's largest formal rose garden, butterfly garden and much more! Leu Gardens is always blooming. See more..
4.5 Lake Louisa State Park (1.052 reviews)
- Off the beating Path
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

Lake Louisa State Park is 4500 acres of beautiful, real Florida! Just minutes from the area's major attractions, the park hosts guided horseback rides, guided kayak eco-tours, kayak canoe and bike rentals, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and just about anything else you would expect in a natural setting. Home to 20 miles of trails, 7 lakes, 60 campsites, 20 cabins, a swim beach, playground, fishing piers, and more, you could spend days on end exploring this treasured gem. See more..
4.0 Legoland Florida Resort (8.886 reviews) from $111.28
- A fun friendly stay with some suggestions
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

LEGOLAND(R) Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun. Located in Winter Haven, FL and just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks and downtown Tampa. LEGOLAND is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. See more..
4.0 Old Town (7.086 reviews)
- Nostalgic, Magical and Fun
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Old Town is a fun entertainment district that recreates a classic Florida town from the olden days. This 18-acre outdoor walking district is a mere five miles away from Disney World, and contains a collection of shops, restaurants, events and entertainment. It’s home to dozens of amusement rides, including a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel—perfect for the kids to enjoy while the adults shop. On some days, you'll be able to catch some live music. On weekend nights, the brick streets come alive as folks line the sidewalks to admire the parades of muscle cars and classic cars. – Tripadvisor See more..