Things to do in Orlando
Camp amid the magic of the great outdoors
If you are looking for an adventure on the ‘American frontier’, check out the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (+1 407 824 2900; disneyworld.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort). From pools with a 67ft-long corkscrew waterslide, wagon rides, pony rides, fishing to archery, many of the recreation activities are perfect for children and families.
Check out the Central Florida Everglades via an airboat
The wetlands that are located in the Everglades National Park cover 1.5-million acres (607,028 hectares), thus, the park itself is humungous. However, it is about a four-hour drive away from Orlando. For something closer to the city, check out the 'Central Florida Everglades' situated around Lake Kissimmee. The best way to explore the unspoiled and protected swamps, marshes and rivers is to join an airboat tour. Viator (+1 702 648 5873; www.viator.com) and GetYourGuide (+1 844 326 5840; www.getyourguide.com) are two of the companies that offer such services. Some of the tours even offer a visit to an aviary and to watch an alligator-handling show.
Float high above Orlando in a hot air balloon
Take to the sky and enjoy a flight on a hot air balloon as it glides across meadows and waterways of Central Florida. The experience generally lasts around an hour and concludes with a nice glass of champagne. Orlando Balloon Rides (+1 407 894-5040; www.orlandoballoonrides.com) is, for example, one of the leading companies for hot air balloon rides.
Play a round of golf
It is said that Orlando has more than fifty golf courses with many of them playing hosts to PGA Tour and other championships. For an ultimate golf experience, get ready to tee off in one of the many perfectly manicured courses. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge (+1 888 422 9445; www.bayhill.com), for example, is one of the top golf courses in the entire city.
Take a ride on a swan paddle boat
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a great place to kick back and feed swans and other birds living in the park. Visitors can also rent a swan-shaped paddleboat by the Relax Grill, a lakeside grill located in the park. A wheelchair-accessible boat is also available.
