It stands to reason that Orlando, the unofficial theme park capital of the United States, is a top family travel destination. Whether you’re a roller coaster fiend, a die-hard fan of Star Wars or Harry Potter, or you just love Mickey Mouse, there’s no shortage of magical moments to be found. But there’s a lot more to this city outside the theme park bubble—Orlando has much to offer when you step outside those well-manicured resort gates. Take the time to explore the city's museums, green spaces, and thriving restaurant scene, and you’ll be deliciously rewarded.
Orlando Travel Guide
Plan Your Orlando Trip
What to Do in Disney World After Dark
From a monorail bar crawl to a nighttime safari.
How to Plan a Trip to Universal Resort in Orlando
All the intel you need to organize the perfect vacation.
The Essential Disney Packing List
Portable fans, waterproof sunscreen, and more essentials.
Featured
The LGBTQ+ Businesses in Orlando Worth Planning a Trip Around
These restaurants, nightlife venues, and shops are transforming Orlando's theme park reputation.
Everything We Know About Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando
You have time to practice your power-up jumps before the land opens in 2025.
Everything We Know About Universal's Epic Universe, Orlando’s Newest Theme Park
Epic Universe will be Orlando’s first brand new park in 20 years.
Best Places to Stay in Orlando
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes$$$ | Orlando,Read full reviewThis resort is centrally located near Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and the outlet malls, but thanks to its lush, natural setting, it feels removed.
Readers Choice Awards - The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes$$$ | , Orlando,Read full reviewThis towering, Italian-inspired resort is where attentive staff welcomes you into the marble lobby with a glass of sparkling wine.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort$$$ | United States, Golden Oak, 10100 Dream Tree BlvdRead full reviewHidden behind the gate of Disney’s upscale Golden Oak neighborhood, the Four Seasons Orlando manages to marry homeyness with high-end luxury.Readers Choice Awards
- Disney's Beach Club Resort$$$ | United States, Lake Buena Vista, 1800 Epcot Resorts BlvdRead full reviewYou'll question whether you’re in Central Florida when you see this resort, which looks like a New England beach club.Readers Choice Awards
- Disney's Contemporary Resort$$$ | United States, Orlando, North 4600 World Dr.Readers Choice Awards
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge$$ | United States, Lake Buena Vista, 901 Timberline DrRead full reviewJust a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, this resort gives you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation.Readers Choice Awards
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort$$ | United States, Lake Buena Vista, 1500 Epcot Resorts BlvdRead full reviewThe Swan and Dolphin Resort, operated by Marriott, offers its guests many of the same perks as Disney’s official resort hotels, and is just as close to the theme parks.Readers Choice Awards
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando$$ | United States, Orlando, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort LnRead full reviewThe Waldorf Astoria Orlando echos the elegance of its under-renovation New York counterpart, with casual elegance suited to Central Florida.Readers Choice Awards
- Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando$$ | United States, Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd.Readers Choice Awards
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando$$ | United States, Orlando, 6300 Hollywood WayReaders Choice Awards
- Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection$$Read full reviewFar from the candy-colored, cartoonish vision you might have of Orlando, this hotel has dramatic gold-trimmed columns and world-class art.Readers Choice Awards
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge$$ | United States, Kissimmee, 2901 W Osceola PkwyRead full reviewAbout 200 animals live on the property—and yes, they're visible from the guest rooms and the public viewing stations.Readers Choice Awards
The Best Things to Do in Orlando
- The Best Things to Do at Disney WorldRides, shopping, entertainment: There are plenty of reasons people call this the most magical place on earth.
- 15 Best Things to Do in Orlando (Beyond The Theme Parks)In addition to the theme parks, this Florida destination offers a remarkable variety of interesting things to see and do.
- 3 Best Day Trips from OrlandoWhere to eat, drink, stay—and what to do—in Ocala, St. Augustine, and Crystal River
- 9 Things Everyone Should Do at SeaWorld OrlandoHow to make the most of a trip to the aquatic theme park.
- 10 Universal Orlando Resort Attractions You Can't MissWith its movie-themed rides and entertainment, this mega-theme park brings some of your favorite flicks to life.
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Editor Recommendations
- Big Hammock Brewery & Bites$$ | United States, Ocala, 103 SE 1st Ave.Read full reviewGreat beers and punchy food in downtown Ocala.
- Farm Tours of OcalaUnited States, Ocala, 801 SW 60th Ave.Read full reviewGet up close to the future stars of horse racing.
- Icon ParkRead full reviewThis entertainment complex centers around a huge observation wheel, but there are enough attractions to fill a full day.
- Bok Tower GardensRead full reviewThis is green space, a welcome retreat from the theme parks, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Church Street DistrictRead full reviewWith independent shops and restaurants, Downtown Orlando is a much-overlooked location, especially given the worldwide fame of its surrounding attractions.
- GatorlandRead full reviewThis is sanctuary where you can see alligators up close, from babies to huge adults laying out in the sun.
- Orlando Museum of ArtRead full reviewThis museum, home to one of the best collections of fine art in Florida, showcases a dozen exhibitions at once.
- Kennedy Space CenterRead full reviewThe Kennedy Space Center was most famously the launch pad for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969.
- Legoland Florida ResortRead full reviewSituated on Lake Eloise, this complex has rides, Lego reproductions of cities and landmarks, live shows, and a water park.
- Universal Studios FloridaRead full reviewUniversal Studios itself is a mix of high-octane rides and meticulously rendered movie sets that immerse park guests.
- Haunted MansionRead full reviewThis Gothic revival-style manor at the back of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom is home to 999 happy haunts.
- Splash MountainRead full reviewWith 950,000 gallons of water coursing through it, this lighthearted log ride isn't called Splash Mountain for nothing.
Best Airbnbs in Orlando for Your Next Disney World Vacation
Whether you're visiting Disney World or have plans that go beyond magic carpet rides.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Orlando
- 21 Best Restaurants in Orlando, FloridaA robust and surprisingly varied restaurant scene has most definitely put Orlando on the foodie map.
- 15 Best Bars in Orlando, FloridaTurns out, this city has plenty for the grown-ups.
- A Cafe That's Good For Morning Coffee…And Evening CocktailsThe café at Hotel Amour satisfies all tastes: Grab a seat on its terrace for a calming breakfast, or plan an outing in the evening to see one of Paris’s hippest nightlife spots.
- Disney World Wants Its Food to Be Just As Memorable As Its RidesLook for everything from a guided snack tour of Magic Kingdom to insider access to Disney’s most exclusive restaurant.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- AC Sky Bar$$ | United States, Orlando, 333 S Garland Ave, Floor 18The downtown rooftop bar everyone is talking about in Orlando.
- Maxine's on Shine$$ | United States, Orlando, 337 Shine AveA very popular place for weekend brunch with a great little outdoor patio, too.
- Prato$$ | United States, Winter Park, 124 N Park AveRight on Park Avenue—tony Winter Park's toniest drag—with wood-fired ovens, imported from Italy, that churn out some of the city's best pizza.
- Pizza Bruno$$ | United States, Orlando, 3990 Curry Ford RdThe place for people who are serious about their pizza.
- Enzo's on the Lake$$$ | United States, Longwood, 1130 S US Hwy 17 92Picasso-esque paintings by one of the owner's mothers decorate the walls of this once-private residence, now an icon of Orlando.
- Reyes Mezcaleria$$ | United States, Orlando, 821 N Orange AveAt this Downtown Orlando favorite, the cozy ambience, mezcal drinks, and Oaxacan food are all wonderful—and in equal measures.
- Se7en Bites$ | United States, Orlando, 617 Primrose DrVery few hangovers would survive breakfast and brunch at Se7en Bites, where the stocked with hearty crowd-pleasers.
- Kadence$$$ | United States, Orlando, 1809 Winter Park RdA sake and sushi bar with just nine seats, Kadence is tiny but certainly mighty on Orlando's fine dining scene.
- Wine Bar George$$ | United States, Orlando, 1610 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena VistaLocated inside a beautiful brick building, this wine-driven restaurant keeps small plates and family-style dishes simple and rustic.
- The Edison$$ | United States, Orlando, 1570 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena VistaAn industrial steampunk theme prevails inside The Edison, a fantastical restaurant filled with tons of its namesake bulbs.
- Capa$$$ | United States, Golden Oak, 10100 Dream Tree BlvdCapa is a chic Spanish restaurant that has one of the best wine lists in the United States.
- Black Rooster Taqueria$ | United States, Orlando, 1323 N Mills AveThe guac is made to order; the sopes and shrimp ceviche are divine; but the true stars are the tacos.
- Tiffins Restaurant$$ | United States, Orlando, Discovery Island, 2901 Osceola PkwyInteresting art lends makes the restaurant feel like an exhibition space; in fact, the dining rooms are referred to as galleries.
How to Plan a Disney Vacation: 14 Tips for Your Trip to Walt Disney World
All the intel you need when you're headed to the most magical place on Earth.
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What I Learned On a Trip to Disney World With My 85-Year-Old Grandmother
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Style & Culture
A Stay at the New Star Wars Hotel Comes With Lightsaber Training and a Visit to Batuu
Bookings open on October 28 for two-night visits to a galaxy far, far away.
News & Advice
Disney World's Christmas Season Will Look Very Different This Year
Fake snow won’t fall on Main Street, USA, this year.
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I'm a Huge Disney Fan, But I'm Not Ready to Return to Disney World
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Disney World Reservations Are Now Available
Here's how the reservation system will work, as well as other changes coming to Disney parks.
News & Advice
How Walt Disney World Is Caring for Its 10,000 Animals While Parks Are Closed
Gorilla birthday parties and health checks at Animal Kingdom are on the schedule.
News & Advice
Disney World Plans to Reopen on July 11
Here's what Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort will look like when it opens its doors once again.
News & Advice
Disney World’s Newest Star Wars Ride Completes Its Intergalactic Fantasy Land
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the second attraction to open in Galaxy’s Edge.
Places to Stay
What We Know About the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel at Disney World
For two nights, guests can hang out with an alien crew and experience Star Wars attractions built solely for the hotel.
News & Advice
The New Harry Potter Roller Coaster Is the Biggest Change to Universal’s Wizarding World in Years
The Forbidden Forest comes to life in this Hagrid-led roller coaster.
Destinations
What to Do in Orlando in May and June 2019
Here's what's happening this May and June in Orlando.
Destinations
How Disney World Is Wooing Grown-Ups By the Glass
A trip to Disney World has been a rite of passage for generations of kids. But these days, the Happiest Place on Earth is pleasing legions of adults with booze-oriented cultural experiences.
News & Advice
During Hurricane Irma, This Florida Hotel Accommodated Nearly 1,000 Dogs
In case you need a pick-me-up during this week's news cycle.
Inspiration
Gay Pride Celebrations Worldwide to Honor Orlando, One Year After Pulse Nightclub Attack
The city of Orlando will also honor the victims with many vigils and gatherings.
Inspiration
JetBlue Offering Free Flights to Families of Orlando Shooting Victims
Following the shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, one airline has stepped in to help victims' families and partners.
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