Location: Orlando
Top Things to do in Orlando
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Orlando, Florida (FL)
From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks, giggling with the dolphins at SeaWorld, or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens, or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.
Restaurants in Orlando
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. 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.
5. 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
6. SeaWorld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33,056 reviews
Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld® Orlando, where the aquatic world comes alive. Only here can you experience Orlando's new tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako, named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks. Then, see the world through the eyes of a penguin in the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, and laugh to the all-new Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High™ show. Here you can also climb aboard and ride the mighty Manta®, experience the power and grace of killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu® show One Ocean®, and share an epic voyage with sea turtles on the 3D 360 TurtleTrek®.
Reviewed By lewisbarker380 - Warrington, United Kingdom
Don’t listen to the negativity about this place! Absolutely love sea world! Love all of the animals that you can sea, the perfect mix between aquarium/zoo and theme park! Roller coasters here are immense and the animal shows are amazing! Just immerse yourself and enjoy!!
7. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,586 reviews
"Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides, as well as slides and rides for the whole family—like a kid-sized, snow-castle fountain play area with scaled-down versions of the more thrilling attractions.
Reviewed By carlieb451 - Weybridge, United Kingdom
It's a good day to relax have fun be adventurous with the lovely lagoon river to the rapid slides that lay upon that park the this is defo the best one over typhoon lagoon for the little ones with a area just for them we go each year but try and get snacks for the day to fill up on as the prices are very high for the avarage food you get so a publix or walmart and your on your way to having brilliant home food snacks and a brilliant day with less of the expense
8. Universal Studios Florida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,991 reviews
Hang on tight. Your heroes are about to burst through the screen and yank you into the story. You’re the star here and you’ll disappear into one jaw-dropping adventure after another. Dodge evil villains. Defend the earth. Face a fire-breathing dragon. Wander into animated worlds where characters you love are suddenly right beside you. Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump into the action of your favorite films at the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park.
Reviewed By Traveldelightbb - Johannesburg, South Africa
GET THE FAST PASS!!! From waiting in a quick queue, riding and a requeue for The Hulk in a space of 10 min - you don't get better than this! BEST RIDES: Harry Potter - for the adventure and true escapism The Hulk - for the thrill The Mummy - Scary fun Spiderman - so well presented Rockit - speed and fun to your favourite jam Bart Simpson - unexpected surprise Transformers - only cause I adore Bumblebee DISAPPOINTMENTS: The Fast and Furious - what a waste of time Shrek Jurassic Park - should have been more personalized Take your own water in to the park $3.50 IS STEEP...Food is expensive and mass produced with little flavour The experience is really wonderful, top draw and UP WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST!
9. Disney's Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,807 reviews
"Disney's BoardWalk area contains more than 90,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. It encompasses Crescent Lake and is ""a village on the water"" near many Disney Resort hotels in Walt Disney World Resort. This quarter-mile entertainment, dining and shopping area is also conveniently close to 2 Disney Theme Parks.With sherbet-colored building facades, striped awnings, rising columns and archways, Disney's BoardWalk is designed after the boardwalks that were famous during the turn of the 20th century along such coastal cities as Coney Island, New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey.Stroll along Disney's BoardWalk during the day to explore the unusual shops and restaurants. When the sun cools down, the nightlife heats up with street performers, food vendors, midway games and lots of live entertainment.
Reviewed By newfeatures2002
In November - December 2018 I visited the Disney Boardwalk and was amazed. What an experience. The water way features, the light house, do you know that there are live ducks on the dock? Special features include a fabulous light show, boat rides, the Boardwalk bakery, gift shop, The ESPN Club, and more.
10. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34,218 reviews
Encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom park, one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. Home to more than 2,000 animals across 300 unique species, the park reflects Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation and is committed to animal care, education and research. Explore 7 enthralling lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora - The World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A.
Reviewed By Archited2013 - Fairport, United States
Animal Kingdomis an excellent park - laid out in “lands” like the Magic Kingdom. The centerpiece is the tree of life, a huge artificial tree with hundreds of animals depicted in it. The “Main Street” leading up to the tree is an area called The Oasis. This area is usually quickly passed by most, but is a really unique with a lot of trees, shade and some unique animal areas. The tree of life itself is spectacular and should be viewed from multiple angles to see all the detail. There is also a projected light show on the tree at night. Additionally under the tree is the show “It’s tough to be a bug” with characters from Bugs Life. Other lands include Dinoland, Asia, Africa and the newly built Pandora from Avatar. Our favorite rides and shows include Dinosaur, Nemo show, Expedition Everest, jungle walk, Kali River rapids, safari ride, Festival of the Lion King show and the new Pandora area. Theming is very good and food is descent too. Our favorite restaurant is “Tiffins” near Pandora - very good food and atmosphere! Very good park and now they have a river light show at night which is OK but gives more options for stuff to do at night. If you like animals do not miss the safari and jungle trek in Asia! Pandora theming great - Flights of Passage very good but long lines, Navi river journey is just average.
