Orlando Holidays
For most people, Orlando holidays are all about the theme parks and with the world famous ones being perfectly complemented by some smaller, more modest attractions, there are plenty to go around. But outside of these, Orlando continues to be a vibrant and positive place to enjoy. With restaurants, bars and beautiful beaches to experience, it’s the perfect place for a sunny getaway.
Orlando’s downtown area is a great place to explore once you’ve had enough of all those real life cartoon characters. It’s like a mini New York city, with Park Avenue, Little Saigon and a buzzing nightlife. The shopping here impresses visitors too.
Orlando is an all round entertainment capital. With theme parks, nightlife, shopping and beaches to sample, you’ll have no trouble filling your days on your holidays to Orlando.
Orlando attractions
Any family preparing for a holiday to Orlando will be likely to put at least one day aside for Walt Disney World Resort. This is the largest resort of its kind in the world and is made up of four theme parks, two water parks and 24 different themed hotels. Here, visitors both young and old can really enjoy the parades, characters, fireworks and of course, the fantastic rides and completely escape the real life as they get taken in by the fantasy of Disney World.
Visitors looking to make their jaws drop on their Orlando holidays will love the entertainment and excitement associated with Universal Orlando Resort. This attraction really does have something for everyone with two exciting theme parks to explore. First, Universal Studios allows you to get involved in the action of your favourite films and television programmes. You can almost jump into the screen with the fantastic rides, shows and sets to experience. Islands of Adventure is the second theme park in Universal Orlando Resort. Here there are some amazing rides and shows which will really dazzle the children. Full of adventure and thrill, this theme park is great for all the family.
An Orlando holiday does not seem complete without some time spent at Sea World. This marine mammal park boasts orcas, dolphins, whales and sea lions as well as sharks, alligators and polar bears. It’s one of the best places to see these animals up close and to really marvel at their beauty. As well as seeing the animals, you can go on some impressive rides including the Shark Encounter which will take you through a tunnel in the shark tank.
Eating in Orlando
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out on your Orlando holiday and the place perfectly caters to families. There are casual establishments as well as gourmet restaurants offering something a little more sophisticated. There are even themed restaurants if you’re after something a little different. Head to International Drive and Sand Lake Road for a wealth of choice when it comes to restaurants or you could stick to the theme parks where tastes from around the world are catered to.
Weather in Orlando
Orlando is warm all year round and this is what encourages tourists to choose holidays in Orlando but there are two different seasons in this area. Between June and September is the hot and rainy season. October to May is the dry season and during this time, the temperatures are more moderate and there is a lot less rainfall. During the summer season, temperatures will normally stay above 21 degrees and can go up to the mid 30s. During the hotter months, there are frequent thunderstorms
Transport in Orlando
I-Ride trolleys are convenient and economical and a fun way to get around International Drive on your holidays in Orlando. The bus service in Orlando is also extremely efficient and the city’s Lynx bus system is easy to use, with a paw print of a lynx cat being the symbol to look for at the bus stops. You might also see a few horse and carts being operated in the area. A lot of visitors also choose to rent a car when they come on holidays to Orlando and they generally find the area easy to navigate because of the clear signs.
Things not to miss in Orlando
1. Some might say that Medieval Times is only fun for children. But watch the adults’ faces and you will soon see that this attraction is fun for all the family. At Medieval Times, you are treated to a medieval feast while you watch as two knights joust right in from of you in the arena. Remember to cheer on your favourite!
2. Being famous for the alligator population in the area, Florida boasts an attraction completely dedicated to the sharp toothed animals. Gatorland allows you to get really close to the scaly animals and see breeding pens and rearing ponds too. It’s a fascinating sight and one that a lot of visitors on Orlando holidays enjoy.
3. If the theme parks are all getting a little too much, then a trip to Lake Eola Park may be just what you need. This scenic park is great to walk around as the swans and ducks quack away and you can even join them on the waters in your very own paddle boat.
4. Be brought back down to earth at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. Here, you can see NASA’s history in all its glory and look at memorials, artefacts and old uniforms.
5. Take a hot air balloon ride over Orlando to perfectly round off your holiday in Orlando and see the area in all its glory. There are plenty of ballooning companies in Orlando offering this service and many of them will end with a champagne breakfast and a photo session.
