Disney World Orlando Vacation Home Rentals, Disney Vacations Homes, Orlando Florida Villas

First time visiting? Hard to choose how much to see and do. Been a dozen times? There's always something new. See below for Top Things to Do in Orlando.

Visit Walt Disney World

Mickey's still king of the hill: or rather, of the very flat land. Spread over an area the size of Boston are: 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, best place with little kids; EPCOT; Disney's Hollywood Studios; and Animal Kingdom); two water-parks (see below); 22 themed resorts that are fun in themselves; and more. Make sure you have a game plan, before you enter the World! See tips.

Disney World: The Extras

Disney World is much more than "rides". At no extra charge, guests can enjoy PARADES in the day-time at several parks, and beautiful night parade in Magic Kingdom;; IllumiNations, unique spectacle at night at Epcot, followed by fireworks; more FIREWORKS, at Magic Kingdom; LIVE STAGE SHOWS, including a stunningly imaginative staging of Finding Nemo. CHARACTER MEALS are a splurge but worth it: for ex., the Crystal Palace restaurant has a giant buffet and Winnie the Pooh characters sing, dance, and pose for pix.

Disney World: Waterparks

Wacky in their theming, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both (a) tons of fun, and (b) lovely tropical places to spend a day. Arrive early; stake out a shady bower; then enjoy the lazy rivers, giant water slides, and family raft rides each park offers. Blizzard Beach is known for a crazily steep waterslide "ski jump" on "Mt. Gushmore". Highlights at Typhoon Lagoon are a giant surf pool, and a snorkel over a (usually crowded) coral reef. Admission to both waterparks is included in a Park Hopper pass.

Orlando's other multi-park destination is Universal Orlando, with two theme parks, extras such as character meals, CityWalk public area for entertainment and shopping, and Blue Man Group shows (see below.) The Islands of Adventure theme park has a top zone for little kids: the 10-acre Seuss Landing, based on the beloved books of Dr. Seuss. It's a bit odd to see The Lorax (with its anti-commercial message) in a theme park, but kids will love the Seuss characters, The Cat in the Hat ride, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish ride, and more. And during the Holiday Season there's Grinchmas too, (while the Universal Studios Orlando theme park has daily Macy's Parade -- see Orlando Christmas.)

For Teens: Universal's Thrill Rides

Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park is also great for teens and 'tweens who want to scream. The Hulk and Dueling Dragon coasters are guaranteed to thrill. Also not to be missed: The Spiderman "ride", not a coaster but an amazing 3-D simulator experience plus a 4th dimension of surprise sensations. Sister park Universal Studios Orlando has the Revenge of the Mummy and many other great rides based on favorite shows: Shrek, Men in Black, ET, Jaws, the Simpsons, and more.

Spend at Day at Your Resort

The pace at theme parks can be grueling, especially for little kids. Many a parent has said, "All [child] wanted to do was play in the pool at the resort." So give the kids a day to do just that. All the Disney Resorts have fun themed pools, and many other properties in Orlando are in the fun-for-kids biz. NickHotel, for instance, has two waterparks; and theming, pool games, and evening entertainment by Nickelodeon (a giant in kids' tv). Universal Orlando has three great resorts, with fun pools; other top Orlando Resort choices have a lazy river pool, or 1500 acres with nature trails and horse-riding, or an annual winter event with ice sculptures, ice slides, ice caves...

Do Downtown Disney

So you've spent a day relaxing at your resort... evening comes and you want somewhere fun, with no admission price. Downtown Disney is a shopping/ entertainment zone that takes up 120 acres in Disney World. Eat at the Rainforest Cafe, stroll past full-size lego figures outside the Lego Imagination store, buy chocolate at Ghiradelli's (free samples!) Money burning a hole in your pocket? Head to DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park, or to the acclaimed Cirque de Soleil show.

La Nouba - Cirque du Soleil

Trapeze artists, jugglers, acrobats, phantasmagorical costumes - these words only hint at the Cirque du Soleil experience. Orlando is one of the few places where a Cirque du Soleil show plays at a permanent venue; the "La Nouba" show was created for this location in Downtown Disney.

Eat at CityWalk Theme Restaurants

You'll also find a shopping/ entertainment zone at Universal Florida: CityWalk, which has the advantage of actually adjoining its two theme parks. Much of CityWalk is geared to party-ers but kids will get a kick out of the theme restaurants, such as Nascar Cafe with game area; Hard Rock Cafe, with giant desserts, music videos, and fab rock memorabilia; and NBA City, with videogames and a giant screen showing basketball.

Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is an indescribable mix of mime, percussion, and antics involving the audience. You can see performances in New York, Las Vegas, London, and elsewhere - and now, at a dedicated theater at Universal Orlando. Location is at one side of the Universal Florida theme park; performance-goers can enter directly from CityWalk without entering the theme park. Read more about Blue Man Group, and about seeing Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando.

First time visiting? Hard to choose how much to see and do. Been a dozen times? There's always something new. See below for Top Things to Do in Orlando.

(Take this quick poll: What's your fave thing? Disney World - Magic Kingdom  | Disney World - Other Theme Parks  | Universal Orlando  | Cirque du Soleil  | Blue Man Group  | SeaWorld  | Discovery Cove  | Have Fun at a Water Park | Something else!  |
See Vote Results)

Discover Discovery Cove

Want a quick trip to the Caribbean? Here in land-locked Orlando, Discovery Cove -- a sister park to SeaWorld Orlando-- is a deluxe simulation of a Caribbean isle. Snorkel at the Coral Reef, and see not only colorful fish but giant (harmless) stingrays-- my son was thrilled. The river float is beautiful: swim under a waterfall, and through the aviary. Take a break on the white sand beach: don't worry about crowds, attendance is limited to 1000 a day. Highlight for many is a Swim With Dolphins. Not surprisingly, Discovery Cove is pricey; but at least the price is all-inclusive-- even drinks and meals. Which makes it even more like being at a Caribbean resort!

Also related to the popular Sea World theme park, but with separate admission, is giant water park Aquatica, new and state-of-the-art in 2008. Tube slides, bowl rides, racing slides, family raft rides, wave pools, lazy river, action river, play areas for younger kids, and lots more.

Wet'n Wild Orlando

Also: About's Guide for Florida Travel suggests Wet'n'Wild waterpark, voted one of the best waterparks in the US; good for "tiny tots and testy teenagers".

Orlando Christmas

The world's top spot for family getaways year-round gets even more dazzling during the holiday season: millions of lights, plus spectacular events in all the theme parks and at other venues too. Theme parks guests can enjoy great concerts and shows, included in regular park admission price.

Below is a list of our beaches near Orlando, along with helpful tips and suggestions, driving times, and local attractions within each area. Get ready to have a sensational time!

Cocoa Beach

It has been recently referred to as the new hot spot for spring breakers and with all of the activities going on at this beach, we can certainly understand why. Cocoa Beach is known for its large crowds where people find themselves staying busy playing beach volleyball, football, Frisbee and many other sports. There are also many stands set up along the waves offering rentals such as surfboards, boogey boards, and bicycles. Parking spots can be found along the entire beach throughout the lots of local shops and restaurants, making it a bit easier to find a meter for your quarters. With Cocoa Beach less than an hour’s drive away from Orlando, you’ll find yourself there in a heartbeat ready to eat up all the sand, sun, and fresh fish possible in a day. We highly suggest you visit the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop, open 24 hours just like the beach. You also have to take a taste of the local flavor, Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill (located at 480 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy). The food is always fresh and the service is great. Be sure to try the Rock Shrimp Starter or the Tilapia served Oscar style- mmm, delicious!

Daytona Beach

 If you’re looking for a beach that will please the young ones and the young at heart, then you may find yourself traveling to Daytona Beach. Here you’ll find various activities for people of all ages. Free chairs and umbrellas line the beach (a minor but useful feature, believe us) while you’re also able to find metered parking along the street or you may park in the Ocean walk Parking Garage located on A1A for only $10 per day. The Ocean walk shopping plaza is a great way to spend the later half of your day, walking around the shops filled with gifts of every kind. There are also carnival rides like bumper cars and a carousel for the kids. You’ll find mini-golf and water slides across the street from the Main Street Pier if you’re in need of another hour of fun in the sun. This beach is one of the few that still allows driving on the sand if you’re looking forward to that stroll amongst the sunset with your loved ones. Daytona Beach is only an hour away from Orlando and is a great way to spend your day building castles in the sand. Daytona earned its title as the most famous beach in the world.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater Beach

Located on Florida’s West Coast, this gorgeous area bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the West and Tampa Bay to the East. Here you’ll find 35 miles of glittering white-sand beaches amongst eight major barrier islands that are filled with loads of water activities such as Jet Ski rentals and parasailing. Over 30 art galleries and museums line the streets surrounding this area (which consists of 26+ communities filled with shops of every kind). Not only can you take a walk in the sand, you can also enjoy the authentic cultural heritage of this beach and its community. You’re only a short 30 minute drive from another theme park, Busch Gardens Tampa, if you haven’t had enough roller coasters and rides in Orlando just yet. Once the sun is ready to set, you have to experience a breathtaking view of Tampa Bay and a splendid dinner at the Columbia Restaurant located at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. Known for its award winning, authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine, you’ll find yourself falling in love all over again. We highly suggest starting off with the famous “1905? salad and the Croquetas de Pollo. Merluza has to be the main course and the Sangria fixed table side is a must! If you’ve got the kids or you’re just a baseball fan, Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, is conveniently located only 5 minutes from The Pier. St. Petersburg-Clearwater Beach is located only an hour and fifteen minutes from Orlando. So much to do on your vacation in Orlando and the Florida beaches nearby!