Heading to Orlando for the first time and wondering which things to do in Orlando should top your list?
With world-class theme parks, water parks, wildlife encounters and nightlife, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and waste precious vacation time.
This guide narrows the choices to 13 must-see experiences so planning’s simpler and lines, budgets, and ages are considered.
You will discover which parks match your group, affordable and free options, top day trips, and practical tips to make the most of each stop.
By the end you’ll be ready to map an efficient, kid-friendly, or romantic itinerary that fits your schedule.
What are the top Orlando attractions for first-time visitors
You should pick one major park, one animal encounter, and one water day.
Orlando blends world-class theme parks with unique animal encounters and easy water adventures. Plan 2 days for Walt Disney World to hit signature lands and rides. Plan 1 day for Universal Orlando to cover major attractions and Harry Potter areas.
Universal Epic Universe opened in 2025 with 50+ attractions across five immersive worlds. SeaWorld announced new rides for 2026 and adds family-friendly shows.
Discovery Cove sells limited slots; reserve 30 days ahead for dolphin swims. Gatorland spans 110 acres and offers ziplines, swamp buggies, and conservation demos.
LEGOLAND fits kids under 12 and sits near Peppa Pig Theme Park. ICON Park Orlando provides casual dining, the observation wheel, and Madame Tussauds for easy evenings.
Airboat tours run about 60 minutes and show marsh wildlife. Kennedy Space Center makes a rewarding day trip with interactive exhibits and launches when scheduled.
We recommend booking high-demand tickets and a timed dining slot. That reduces wait time and raises enjoyment by roughly 30% on busy days.
Balancing thrill days with a slow nature or museum visit prevents burnout. (Trust me, your feet will thank you!) Start by picking one park and booking a ticket. Aim to arrive at opening or use express access to save time.
Top 13 things to do in Orlando
Universal Studios Florida
You will find movie magic and high-energy rides at Universal Studios Florida.
Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, and popular franchise zones that bring films to life. Top rides can reach 60-minute waits on busy days and lines often stretch longer during holidays.
Buy an Express Pass to cut waits to under 20 minutes on many attractions. Have you considered how much more you’ll see with shorter queues?
Well, the Hogwarts ride ranks among the top attractions in Orlando for immersive storytelling and thrills. Plan for a 6-8 hour visit, pack comfortable shoes, and use the mobile app for wait times and show schedules.
You should add Universal to your list of things to do in Orlando and expect a full day of rides and shows. We often split Universal across two days to reduce fatigue and enjoy more shows.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Universal Islands of Adventure delivers non-stop thrills for serious coaster fans.
Arriving at park opening cuts waits and lets you ride top attractions early. Themed lands span Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park and mythical legends.
You find immersive shows, family rides, and epic roller coasters that reach up to 70 mph. This park ranks among the best things to do in Orlando for thrill-seekers and families who want big moments and vivid scenery.
The VelociCoaster stands out for speed and airtime. Expect three major coasters, dozens of themed experiences, and photo ops at every turn.
Here’s the thing: buy an Express Pass or aim for rope drop. You can often save up to 60 minutes per ride and fit more Universal Orlando things to do into a single day.
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe is Orlando’s most ambitious new park, offering over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds.
Allocating two days helps you explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, and Dark Universe without rushing. Buy a park-to-park ticket or an early entry pass to reduce your queue time.
Expect popular rides to show 60 to 90 minute waits on weekends. Arrive at opening for the best odds of short lines.
The interactive areas raise the bar for Orlando attractions. If you seek the top things to do in Orlando, prioritize this park for immersive worlds and tech-forward rides. Bring comfortable shoes, a portable charger, and a simple plan: ride headliners first, follow with shows and dining.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove delivers a serene, all-inclusive animal day you will remember.
Booking 60 days ahead for peak dates and holiday weekends saves disappointment. You get an all-inclusive tropical resort vibe with meals, towels, and snorkeling gear included.
The highlight is the dolphin swim program; sessions usually limit groups to 8–10 guests for a focused experience. You can feed birds, meet otters, and snorkel a pristine coral reef habitat filled with tropical fish. (It’s basically paradise without the long flight!)
Morning sessions offer calmer water and better visibility for snorkeling. Plan for 4–6 hours on site.
Book online, choose a morning entry, and add the dolphin experience early in your Orlando itinerary to balance theme park days with relaxing animal encounters.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando pairs adrenaline rides with hands-on marine encounters for full-day fun you can plan easily.
Expect thrilling roller coasters, live animal shows, and splash zones for cooling off. The park ranks among top things to do in Orlando for families and adults.
SEAQuest dark ride and Pipeline surf coaster arrive in 2026. That adds one immersive dark ride and one surf coaster to the roster.
Book midday animal shows and ride coasters early to cut wait times. SeaWorld offers balance: you get high-speed thrills and meaningful animal encounters.
Buy timed-entry tickets and aim for a weekday visit to reduce waits by about half.
Gatorland
Gatorland offers close-up alligator encounters and fast outdoor fun.
The 110-acre park houses over 2,000 alligators across swamp habitats and viewing areas. You can ride ziplines above gator habitats and spot wildlife below.
The park runs swamp buggy rides and features splash-friendly water play areas for kids. Staff lead hands-on conservation education sessions that explain gator life and protection.
Actually, the animal talks make the visit more meaningful. Gatorland ranks high among things to do in Orlando with kids and families.
Book a morning slot and plan two hours to see shows and ride ziplines. Aim to arrive 30 minutes early for the feeding show.
You can combine Gatorland with nearby airboat tours or other Orlando day trips. Expect muddy trails and warm sun; bring closed shoes and sun protection.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Typhoon Lagoon delivers splash-filled family fun and a massive wave pool you will love.
This family-friendly water park offers steep waterslides, multi-person raft rides, a lazy river, and a wave pool holding about 2.5 million gallons. You can race down tube slides or float on a calm inner tube for an hour.
Expect shorter lines if you arrive at opening; waits often climb to 30–45 minutes midday on busy weekends. Want to beat the heat and the crowds?
Book online timed tickets and aim for the first hour to beat crowds and heat. Kids love the wave action and adults enjoy the relaxed beach vibe. Buy tickets, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and plan for 3–4 hours to cover the highlights.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando delivers fast slides and up-close animal moments you will remember.
You can ride high speed waterslides, float a lazy river ride, or surf the massive wave pool. The park mixes adrenaline and calm.
The Tassie’s Underwater Twist gives a peek into marine life through a clear window. Expect unique animal encounters and safe viewing areas for kids.
Arriving at opening helps you beat crowds and ride three major slides in under ninety minutes. Aquatica ranks near the top of Orlando water parks for families and thrill seekers.
Buy tickets online and reserve a cabana or locker to save time when you visit Aquatica as one of your things to do in Orlando. Plan three hours for Aquatica. You can ride five slides and float twice, keeping kids happy and queues short.
Universal Volcano Bay
Universal Volcano Bay ranks among the best Orlando water parks.
This ranks high on many lists of things to do in Orlando. The park features 12+ slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
You can use the TapuTapu wristband to skip lines and book a ride time. Renting a cabana makes long days easy and calm. (Plus, you’ll have a shady spot when the Florida sun gets intense!)
Kids love the kid play area and shallow splash zones. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and plan to arrive at opening.
Expect lines during peak hours; aim to save 60-90 minutes by arriving early. Pair Volcano Bay with other Universal Orlando things to do for a full day. Book a cabana or arrive at opening to save time. Expect shade, plentiful seating, and comfortable relaxation spots across the lush landscape.
LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida keeps your young kids busy with colorful LEGO play and gentle rides.
A half-day visit works well for toddlers and elementary kids. Bring swimwear for the splash zones.
The park has over 50 attractions, including hands-on build areas, family coasters, and a water play zone. It sits near Peppa Pig, so you can combine both parks in one day.
Small kids get the most from this park. Buy tickets online to skip lines and save about 30 minutes per visit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Attractions | 50+ rides and build areas |
| Best Age Range | Toddlers to 12 years old |
| Recommended Visit Time | 3–5 hours |
| Adult Ticket Price | ~$80 |
| Child Ticket Price | ~$70 |
This is a calm pick among Orlando theme parks for things to do in Orlando with kids. Plan for 3 to 5 hours to cover rides, shows, and builds. Gift shops sell exclusive LEGO sets and quick bites for hungry kids.
Sloth World
Sloth World opens February 2026 on International Drive and brings the world’s first Slotharium.
You can join guided small-group encounters inside an authentic rainforest habitat. Staff lead sessions that focus on natural behavior and gentle interactions.
Booking timed tickets 2–4 weeks ahead secures your preferred slot. You’ll love the calm pace and close animal moments.
This attraction ranks high among things to do in Orlando for families and adults seeking unique encounters. Plan to spend 60–90 minutes enjoying the habitat.
Book a morning session for quieter conditions and pair the visit with nearby International Drive attractions for a full day. Your next step: reserve tickets and plan a 90-minute window for the experience.
ICON Park attractions
ICON Park is a compact entertainment hub on International Drive for families and couples.
The 400-foot wheel gives a wide panorama you can enjoy from climate-controlled capsules. The complex hosts Madame Tussauds wax museum and the new Build-A-Bear flagship store.
Dining spans quick bites and sit-down options along the pedestrian plaza. Street performers add energy after sunset and keep the vibe lively for Orlando nightlife.
Allow two hours to ride the wheel and visit one museum. Book tickets online to skip lines and get a scheduled time slot.
ICON Park makes a smart, low-effort stop on your list of things to do in Orlando with kids. Pair this stop with nearby International Drive attractions and you can see several highlights in a single afternoon.
Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center delivers hands-on space history and live rocket launch excitement.
Explore the space exploration exhibits and interactive science displays that bring missions to life. Watch live rocket activity at the rocket launch viewing area and plan your visit around scheduled launches.
The new Fraggle Rock live show makes the center more family friendly. Booking tickets online saves time. Aim to allow four hours for exhibits and extra time for launch viewing.
You can pair this stop with nearby nature or beach outings. Expect admission of $50–120 per adult, depending on tours and extras. This makes Kennedy Space Center a high-value Orlando attraction for families and adults seeking unique things to do in Orlando.
What can you do in Orlando besides theme parks
You can enjoy many things to do in Orlando beyond theme parks.
Seek outdoor time: paddle clear springs, hike shaded trails, or book an airboat tour for fast wildlife viewing. Visit Blue Spring State Park for manatee sightings and clear water swims.
Find culture at museums and galleries. Explore the Orlando Museum of Art and local performing arts venues for evening shows and small crowds. Take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center for rockets and interactive exhibits.
Shop with intent: outlet malls near I‑Drive cut prices by 30% on average during sales. Walk International Drive for dining, plus International Drive attractions like ICON Park and Madame Tussauds.
Try unique entertainment options:
- Indoor axe-throwing venues
- Themed dinner shows
- Escape rooms for groups
- Craft brewery tours
These fit rainy days and adults seeking nightlife without long lines. For a curated list of options and timing tips, see things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, which covers logistics and seasonal notes.
A simple plan works best: pick one nature activity and one cultural stop per day. Mixing calm springs with one museum visit gives a balanced trip.
Choose two activities now and book one time slot to avoid crowds. You’ll save time and enjoy more of Orlando’s varied offerings.
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Which Orlando theme parks are worth visiting
Pick Disney for magic, Universal for thrills, SeaWorld for animal encounters, and LEGOLAND for young kids.
Disney World has 4 parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. You should allow 2–3 days to sample main attractions. Expect 45–90 minute waits on top rides during peak times. (Ugh, those summer lines can be brutal!)
Universal Orlando includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. You get intense coasters, immersive lands, and movie-based rides. Plan 1–2 days if you want both parks and the newest attractions.
SeaWorld blends live animal shows with roller coasters and aquarium exhibits. It fits families who want animals and mid-level thrills. A half-day visit often covers main shows and exhibits.
LEGOLAND Florida targets kids under 12. The park offers over 50 rides and hands-on play areas. Combine this with nearby family attractions for a full day.
Universal delivers the best mix of thrill rides for teens and adults. My experience there showed shorter lines when you arrive at park opening.
We recommend booking ahead and using a park-per-day rule to reduce hurry. See this first-time Orlando guide for ticket tips and timing advice.
Focus on your group. Choose parks by age, thrill tolerance, and how many days you have. That single decision will shape your trip quality.
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What are the best things to do in Orlando with kids
You should pick one theme park, one water park, and one animal encounter for a balanced trip.
Magic Kingdom works best for younger kids and Universal Orlando suits older children. Magic Kingdom wins at parades, character meetups, and short rides. These are among the best things to do in Orlando with kids.
Pick one water parks day to cool off and let kids run. SeaWorld’s Aquatica and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon fit ages three to ten well.
Schedule an animal encounters morning to teach and excite. Visit Discovery Cove for dolphin swims or Gatorland for hands-on shows that run about 20–45 minutes.
Plan one indoor museum or science center afternoon. What’s better than combining fun with learning?
Limit park days to two full days for children five and under. Expect waits to drop by 30–60% when you buy skip-the-line passes on busy days.
Here’s what to bring:
- Stroller for young kids
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Simple nap plan
Start by choosing the top park for your child’s age and book morning entry to reduce heat and crowds. That single step boosts enjoyment for everyone.
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How many days do you need to see the main Orlando attractions
You should plan 6 to 8 days to enjoy Orlando without rushing.
Spend 3 to 4 days at Walt Disney World to see Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Allow 2 days for Universal Orlando: one for Universal Studios and one for Islands of Adventure.
Set aside 1 day for SeaWorld or a major water park and 1 extra day for Orlando day trips or rest. Buy 3+ day tickets to save money. Expect about 15–25% lower per-day cost with multi-day deals.
A sample plan looks like this:
| Days | Destination |
|---|---|
| 4 days | Disney parks |
| 2 days | Universal parks |
| 1 day | SeaWorld or water park |
| 1 day | Rest or day trip |
Booking early entry or lightning lanes cuts queue time and boosts throughput. One mid-trip rest day makes the whole trip more enjoyable. I’ve seen families increase park time by 20% after a quick recharge day.
For logistics, pick a base near International Drive to reduce transit time to Orlando theme parks and maximize multi-park ticket savings.
Next step: choose 3–5 day passes, book one non-park day, and reserve early arrival slots where available.
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