Top Things to do in Central Florida
Top Hotels in Central Florida
- 1. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
- 2. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
- 3. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 4. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- 5. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- 6. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
- 7. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 8. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- 9. Hyatt Regency Orlando
- 10. Avanti International Resort
Countries
10 Things to do Adventurous in Central Florida That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Central Florida, United States including Discovery Cove, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Soarin', Circle B Bar Reserve, Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Exotic Animal Experience, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail, Avatar Flight of Passage.
Restaurants in Central Florida
1. Discovery Cove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,200 reviews
Discovery Cove is a one-of-a kind experience where you can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters and even walk on the Grand Reef floor-all in one day. Between adventures, recharge with unlimited island fare and refreshments. With this all-inclusive experience your family can unwind, explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reviewed By Big_JR1980 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
As part of our Orlando adventure, we (2 adults, 2 children) booked a day at Discovery Cove including a Dolphin experience. We arrived at around 7 am and were quickly ushered through security and checked in. First impressions were of a professional and slickly run organisation. The lady checking us in briefed us on how Discovery Cove works in terms of the food (buffet breakfast and lunch are included in the price), where to get towels, wetsuits, and snorkels (all complimentary) and details of our dolphin experience. Leaving the reception area we entered the resort, which was stunning. Just stunning. Immaculately presented with plenty of both shady and sunny areas around the water attractions and with all staff knowledgable, pleasant and helpful, Discovery Cove is a little slice of heaven. The aviary is fantastic, with opportunities to feed the birds, who are not shy in helping themselves from your hand, as are the otter and marmoset attractions. The highlights though are very definitely the dolphin experience, which is excellent and professionally conducted, and the "Great Reef" where you can snorkel and swim with literally hundreds of salt-water tropical fish, including enormous rays. The dolphin experience started with a brief from the trainers and a short video before we were led down, in groups of around 10, to meet the dolphins. The Cove has 3 dolphin areas each allowing 4 groups of 10 to interact with the dolphins. This may sound a little crowded, but these areas are huge and the other groups just feel like they're in the background. Following the trainers' directions we stroked, kissed and interacted with the dolphin before enjoying a "dorsal tow" from the deep water to the shallows. Although you can't take your personal cameras/phones into the dolphin areas, there is a photographer available to take pictures of the experience for you (which can be purchased for an additional charge). Fantastic! The Great Reef is just amazing and my family spent several hours exploring it, observing the fish and the adjacent shark and eel tanks (which have submerged glass walls). There was some disruption from the Florida lightning storms, but that's to be expected for this time of year. Unlike the dolphin areas, you can use your own cameras, etc., on the reef to capture the amazing sights. The fly in the ointment, however, is the minority of guests who don't seem to understand where they are and believe Discovery Cove to be some kind of playground or rubbish dump. After lunchtime, the resort looked like a hurricane had hit it (for clarification, as this is Florida in August, a literal hurricane had not hit the resort!), with discarded food, rubbish, towels, snorkels, nappies, and other crap littering all over the beach and food areas. The free buffet was seen by some to be an opportunity to take mountains of food which was then discarded on the tables and ground for the local fauna to scavenge. The gluttony and complete disregard for this beautiful environment were shocking. There isn't any excuse for this inconsiderate behaviour as there were bins absolutely everywhere and areas for dropping off used snorkels, wetsuits and towels strategically placed to be convenient for all. Additionally, some groups in the, now fairly busy, but not overcrowded, Great Reef area were acting like they were in the local lido, with children being thrown around by parents, adults (possibly drunk; alcohol is available on site) skylarking and aggressively trying to catch or harm the fish. These elements marred an otherwise perfect day and made me feel sad for those who had come here for an idyllic escape, as well as the staff and animals. What I do want to stress, though, is that the Discovery Cove staff worked tirelessly to rectify the mess and to try to dampen the boisterous behaviour, and that, by around 4 pm, there was little evidence of the gluttonous orgy left. Overall, we absolutely loved Discovery Cove and we are already planning a future trip when funds permit a second trip to Florida. Yes, it's expensive, but even without the dolphin experience, you'll not go wanting for anything. Superb.
2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40,966 reviews
Step inside a world where magic is real. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme park you can visit the iconic Hogwarts™ castle and explore Hogsmeade™ village. And, at Universal Studios Florida™ theme park, you can enter Diagon Alley™ to enjoy a multi-dimensional thrill ride, magical experiences, and more. Get ready to explore more of Harry Potter’s world than ever before. With a Park-to-Park Ticket, you can board the Hogwarts™ Express* and travel between both Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida™. *Park-to-Park admission ticket required and additional restrictions apply
Reviewed By J5925SXdawnm - Lafayette, United States
escape from gringotts in universal and the forbidden journey in islands of adventure are both amazing rides - the butterbeer is a refreshing treat as you stroll through Diagon Alley after you have stopped at ollivanders to have your wand pick you so that you may test your magical abilities along your journey
3. Soarin'
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 732 reviews
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
Soarin' is my favorite ride in EPCOT, and based on the excitement of guests coming off the ride, it seems to be a favorite of everyone. I watched as kids get off the ride and couldn't contain their excitement. Adults likewise were jabbering about their favorite scenes. I get motion sickness easily and cannot ride many of the rides at theme parks, but EPCOT does not bother me in the least. It is smooth and clear, so I just look straight ahead and I am fine. Hint: for the best view, ask the cast member if you can wait for the "top center" row, which is row 1 of gate B. You get a nice crisp view without the distraction of dangling legs. Another hint: If you have a larger backpack, just leave it in the marked off spaces at the end of the row rather than trying to fit it under the seat.
4. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 972 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus
We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them. We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same. This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail. Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!
5. Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By 252ahsanm
One Of The Best Ride We Ever Had With Kids If You Guys Visit Animal Kingdom Must Be Go Asia Park and Ride This and After This Kali River
6. Exotic Animal Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Exotic Animal Experience is a TOTALLY interactive, hands on experience with exotic animals including lemurs, kangaroos, muntjac deer, kinkajou, bush baby, wallaby, fainting goat, zebra and most recently, our ADORABLE sloths, Saki and Blossom, our precious baby camel Baby Girl. All visits are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, and only offered n the mornings. We offer group visits or private visits, please see our website for more details as far as current pricing and animals. Because of the extreme interaction we DO have an age restriction in place, and ask that you PLEASE visit the website for all details on the age restrictions and pricing. ALSO, please remember to call to schedule your visit before driving out without an appointment, visitation is strictly limited for the animals well being. Treat yourselves to a once in a lifetime experience like no other! Be prepared to fall in love many times over, as each animal will steal your heart with his/her silly antics and sweet personalities!
Reviewed By msmccuiston - Dallas, United States
Enjoy and up close experience with sheep, camel, sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, Muntjac deer and more. Leslie and her staff have GREAT care and concern for the well-being of the animals and it shows in their personal dedication. This is an opportunity that doesn't come often. And worth every $$$ to experience. My husband and I appreciate the personal experience we were given and LOVED the dogs. I wish everyone cared for animals the way Leslie and her staff do. The visit was quite a WONDERFUL experience. Thanks for a unforgettable experience.
7. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By 416LynnS - League City, United States
Disclaimer -- I did not ride this ride as I didn't want to be sick the rest of the day. But my wife and boys (9 and 10) rode it. They LOVED it. This was probably their favorite ride at DHS and it was a toss up between this ride, Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) and Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) as to their favorite ride. I advise getting a Fast Pass as the lines can grow quickly to two hours or more.
8. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By 180debrap - Saugus, United States
This is a great attraction at Hollywood Studios in Orlando,Florida. I would suggest getting a Fast Pass since the line can easily be over an hour I've been on this ride dozens of times, and I love the free-fall experience. While you are on the ride, there is a show happening at the same time - so if people are sitting in front of you with their hands in the air, you will miss some of the show. This attraction is similar to Guardians of the Galaxy in the California Adventure in Anaheim, California. This is one of my favorite rides/attractions at Disney. This attraction is right next to Rock-N-Roll roller-coaster, another must-see attraction. There is also a great place to get ice cream near this attraction.
9. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By DisneyDarwin - Spring, United States
The folks who imagined this place were true visionaries --- birds, birds and more birds. So many species and so many individual birds. The layout makes it easy, just drive and take your time and enjoy the wildlife. We saw mostly shore and water birds, but there were a couple of elevated spots that were fully of warblers, wrens, sparrows and such. This is a most worthy destination.
10. Avatar Flight of Passage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,756 reviews
Reviewed By AdamC113 - Madison, United States
Hands down one of the best attractions in the Disney complex....fun theme, amazing views, puts you in the movie... definitely try to get a fast pass as the wait times can be LONG
