Orlando, Florida, is synonymous with family-friendly fun and world-class entertainment, drawing millions of visitors each year to its array of theme parks and attractions. Home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, the city is a playground for thrill-seekers and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the city’s cultural side at museums like the Orlando Museum of Art or enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding natural beauty of central Florida.
The Same
The Family visits Orlando annually, as they see it as a a place where visitors of all ages can find something exciting to do, whether it’s exploring the enchanting world of theme parks, or enjoying outdoor adventures. #DisneyFans
The DINKs, on the other hand, avoided it most of their relationship. Until after a few years of hearing The Family talk about “Discovery Cove,” they gave in & gave it a try. Spoiler alert, there really is a theme park for everyone in Orlando.
Discovery Cove
An all-inclusive day resort where you can swim with dolphins and explore a tropical reef. This tropical oasis, owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, provides visitors with an unforgettable experience that blends marine life encounters, pristine beaches, and a touch of luxury. But you don’t actually stay overnight at the resort.
This should be on everyone’s bucket list. It was just that awesome of an experience. Our pictures don’t do it justice as we were having too much fun to remember to take many.
- Swim with dolphins: One of the main draws of Discovery Cove is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. The Dolphin Lagoon offers an intimate and interactive experience, allowing guests to frolic in the water alongside these intelligent and gentle creatures. We purchased the pass that included this experience. A dolphin experience like this anywhere else cost more than what we paid for the entire pass.
- Exotic Marine Life Encounters: Beyond the dolphin experience, Discovery Cove boasts a variety of encounters with other marine life. Snorkel through the Grand Reef, where you can swim alongside rays, colorful fish, and even come face-to-face with sharks (safely separated, of course, not that I knew that at first). The Freshwater Oasis offers a chance to interact with playful otters(Separated) and marmosets(on an island) in a lush rainforest setting..
- All-Inclusive: Discovery Cove takes the concept of an all-inclusive resort to the next level. Admission includes not only the immersive animal encounters but also freshly prepared meals, snacks, and beverages (Including beer & wine) throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a tropical feast while taking in the scenic beauty that surrounds them. TIP: They have slushie machines with 3 varieties. Our favorite concoction was adding wine to the frozen slushies. The best combo was chardonay with Mango slushy.
SeaWorld Orlando
Known for its spectacular marine shows featuring majestic killer whales, playful dolphins, and acrobatic sea lions, SeaWorld provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and intelligence of marine life up close. Beyond the thrilling performances, the park is committed to marine conservation and animal welfare, actively participating in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine animals.
The dolphins were extra playful both in the above water viewing area and the underwater viewing area. It was like they truly love to perform. The sea lions were extremely loud as hundreds of people purchased fish to feed them and they argued for attention. Absolutely loved the Walrus who was doing a back float in a constantly loop. The penguins were a bit disappointing as it is a very small display. We were glad we had waited until the line had died down.
- TIP #1: Bring a plastic comb with you. Running your fingers along the comb creates a sound that attracts the dolphins.
- TIP #2: Look for when there are Food Festivals. They have them often and the food & evening entertainment adds to the fun experience.
- ⚠️Deal Alert ⚠️: The Family discovered an amazing deal that The DINKs ended up enjoying as well. The deal comes out around black Friday every year with prices as much as 50% off. Packages vary but most include a day at Discovery Cove and 14 days unlimited at SeaWorld. Make sure your package includes swimming with the dolphins and parking. This alone would cost you more than the price of the ticket anywhere else.
Local Cuisine
Most think of Orlando and think amusement parks but with the influx of tourist comes an abundance of restaurants.
- Theme Park Treats: Orlando is home to major theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, where you can find iconic treats such as Mickey-shaped ice cream bars, Dole Whip, and Butterbeer (from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
- Seafood: Given its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando offers a variety of fresh seafood options. Enjoy dishes like Florida grouper, shrimp, oysters, and crab legs at seafood restaurants throughout the city.
- Cuban Cuisine: Orlando has a strong Cuban influence, and you can find authentic Cuban dishes such as Cuban sandwiches (made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread), black beans and rice (moros y cristianos), and plantain chips.
- Southern Comfort Food: Indulge in classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and collard greens at local Southern-style restaurants.
- Orlando Citrus: Florida is famous for its citrus fruits, particularly oranges. Enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice, citrus salads, and desserts featuring oranges and grapefruits.
- Food Festivals: Orlando hosts various food festivals throughout the year, showcasing local and international cuisines. Events like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the Taste of Orlando offer a chance to sample a wide range of flavors in one place.
- International Cuisine: Reflecting its diverse population and tourist base, Orlando offers a wide range of international cuisines. Explore restaurants offering Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean dishes.
The Family
As Disney fans, we tend to go to Orlando once a year. Not just because of amusement parks just because there is so much to do in general. While we haven’t done all the parks, we have done a lot of them, and have done the big ones several times with kids at different ages.
Walt Disney World Resort
For our family, an annual vacation to Orlando to visit Disney World became a beloved tradition when the kids were younger. Each year, we eagerly anticipated the magic and adventure that awaited us in the happiest place on Earth. From the excitement of meeting favorite characters to the thrill of exploring the enchanting theme parks, these trips created countless cherished memories. Disney World became our go-to destination, a place where both kids and adults could experience the joy and wonder of childhood, year after year. For the full details on our trips, check out AffordableFamilyTravel.com. Here are some of the highlights:
- Magic Kingdom: The iconic park featuring Cinderella Castle and classic Disney attractions.
- Epcot: Combines futuristic technology with cultural experiences and themed “World Showcase” pavilions.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Offers a glimpse into the world of movies and television, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A blend of a traditional theme park with a zoo, highlighting animal conservation and Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Universal Orlando Resort
As the kids got a little old, Universal became a favorite. Home to iconic rides like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride-3D, and Jurassic Park River Adventure, Universal Studios captivates visitors with immersive adventures inspired by blockbuster movies and TV shows. The resort also features Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, and CityWalk entertainment complex, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We love going during the international food festival.
From magical encounters in Hogwarts to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, Universal Studios Orlando promises an unforgettable blend of excitement, fantasy, and fun for all ages. For the full details and recommendations visit AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
- Universal Studios Florida: Features movie-themed attractions and shows.
- Islands of Adventure: Known for thrilling rides like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.
- Volcano Bay: A water park with a tropical theme and innovative water attractions.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Geared towards children ages 2-12, the resort features a theme park with interactive rides, attractions, and shows inspired by LEGO themes. Visitors can explore Miniland USA, where famous landmarks are recreated with LEGO bricks, or splash around at LEGOLAND Water Park for aquatic fun. Perfect for families with young children seeking creativity, adventure, and whimsical fun, LEGOLAND Florida Resort promises a memorable getaway immersed in the world of LEGO.
Gatorland
Established in 1949, Gatorland offers visitors the opportunity to experience these reptiles up close through various exhibits and interactive shows. The park features a breeding marsh where alligators freely roam, providing a glimpse into their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling experiences such as the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, which takes adventurers over the park’s marshlands and showcases panoramic views of the surrounding area.
In addition to its reptilian residents, Gatorland hosts a variety of other animals including snakes, birds, and tortoises. Educational programs and live demonstrations further enrich the visitor experience, offering insights into the behavior and conservation of these fascinating creatures.
The DINKs
Besides the theme park disctrict, we have also spent some time in downtown Orlando. It offers a dynamic atmosphere with high-rise buildings, trendy restaurants, lively nightlife, and a variety of cultural venues like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center.
MLB Soccer Game
Yes, it is all the hype. Watching an MLS soccer game is an exhilarating experience, full of energy and passion from both players and fans. The stadium buzzes with excitement as supporters don team colors, chant together, and wave flags, creating an electric atmosphere. Being built for soccer, this stadium is small and intimate compared to other sports venues here in the US. The only challenge with this stadium is that it lacked TV screens so we missed out of preplays and other things they typically show.
- Beer prices are high but not as high as football so there is that.
- Security is no joke. Make sure you check the bag & other policies before you head to a game.
Bars & Restaurants
We also hit up a few bars prior to the game. Downtown Orlando’s bar scene is both lively and diverse, offering something for everyone.
- Motorworks Brewery serves up a range of craft beers in a laid-back, industrial-style atmosphere, making it a favorite for beer enthusiasts.
- A short walk away is Wall Street Plaza, an energetic hotspot with multiple bars and venues in a pedestrian-friendly area. Among them, Rivals Bar stands out with its sports bar vibe, large TVs, and a prime location for catching the game or mingling with friends.
Not Orlando, but we included Busch Gardens in our ticket package along with Discovery Cover & Sea World for only $10/pp. It was worth the added expense but was our least favorite of the three parks we went to.
Busch Gardens Tampa
The park boasts a remarkable array of roller coasters, including the iconic SheiKra and the wild Cheetah Hunt, providing adrenaline-pumping moments for thrill-seekers. Beyond the rides, Busch Gardens is a haven for animal lovers, featuring expansive habitats that house a variety of species, from majestic lions and elephants to playful lemurs and meerkats. The Serengeti Safari offers a closer look at African wildlife in an open-air vehicle, allowing guests to observe and learn about these incredible creatures in a naturalistic setting. Unfortunately it doesn’t look the the park has done a ton of updates since I was a little kid.
Summary
In exploring Orlando, both seasoned visitors and first-time adventurers discover a city brimming with excitement and wonder. For the family who returns time and again, Orlando’s parks and attractions offer a familiar joy, each visit unveiling new adventures amidst the thrills of Universal Studios, Disney magic, and more. Meanwhile, the Dinks, initially uncertain, found unexpected delight in the serene beauty and aquatic wonders of Discovery Cove, discovering a hidden gem that enriched their Orlando experience beyond expectations. Whether diving into theme park thrills or discovering newfound favorites, Orlando’s diverse offerings ensure every visitor finds their own magic in this vibrant city of endless possibilities.
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