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Things to see in Orlando

Attractions

Kennedy Space Center

Just a 50-minute drive east of Orlando, the home of NASA offers daily bus tours of the space centre, static and hands-on exhibits, astronaut encounters and giant-screen film shows. The Shuttle Launch Experience simulates the sights, sounds and sensations of a launch.

Address: , Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, 32953
Telephone: +1 855 433 4210
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1800.

Website: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort offers three theme parks–Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay. For Harry Potter fans, the iconic Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade Village lie within Universal’s Islands of Adventure; while the Potter-themed rides and other magical experiences are available at Universal Studios Florida. In 2019 it was announced that another theme park called Universal’s Epic Universe was going to be built south of the existing resort.

Address: Florida Center, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, 32819
Telephone: +1 407 363 8000
Opening times:

Daily from 0900; closing times change daily.

Website: http://www.universalorlando.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is the largest theme park in the world, which covers a space almost twice the size of Manhattan. The park is divided into four theme parks, alongside water parks, restaurants, theatres and hotels. The four theme parks include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The best known of the four theme parks is the Magic Kingdom, which provides traditional Disney rides and attractions as well as allows visitors to meet their favourite Disney characters. Epcot explores the earth's natural phenomena as well as takes visitors on virtual trips around countries such as China and France (in World Showcase) and offers a glimpse into the technology of the future (in unDISCOVERed Future World). Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a theme park featuring rides, shows and tours inspired by Hollywood stories, such as ‘The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, visitors can learn about the animal kingdom, enjoy shows such as the 'Festival of the Lion King', and go on an animated jungle trek or African-style safari.

Address: , Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, 32830
Telephone: +1 407 939 2273
Opening times:

The opening times vary depending on each park and time of year. For specific dates, see the official calendar (www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/calendars).

Website: http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

The Holy Land Experience

A Christian-based theme park, the Holy Land Experience is a recreation of ancient Jerusalem, offering visitors an experience of what it was like in biblical times with most park employees in period costume. There are also live re-enactments.

Address: , 4655 Vineland Road, Orlando, 32811
Telephone: +1 407 872 2272
Opening times:

Tue-Sat 1000-1800

Website: https://holylandexperience.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Fantasy of Flight

This aviation-themed museum, located about half an hour west of Kissimmee, offers a clever 'immersion experience' into the history of flight, with flight simulators, an extensive vintage aircraft collection and fascinating behind-the-scenes tours.

Address: , 1400 Broadway Boulevard South East, Polk City, 33868
Telephone: +1 863 984 3500
Opening times:

Fri - Sun 1100-1500.

Website: http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Experience Kissimmee

Address: , 215 Celebration Place, Suite 200, Kissimmee, 34747
Telephone: +1 407 569 4800
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0800-1700 (except major holidays).

Website: http://www.experiencekissimmee.com

Visit Orlando

Address: , 8102 International Drive, Orlando, 32819
Telephone: +1 407 363 5872
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1500.

Website: http://www.visitorlando.com

Tourist passes

The Orlando/Orange County CVB offers the free Magicard, with discounts for many of the attractions, restaurants, sports and shops. Download and print from www.visitorlando.com or apply online for home delivery (USA only).

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

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Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

This beautiful resort-style hotel is right opposite SeaWorld, and has an impressive lobby atrium and a spectacular indoor courtyard. For the price, this hotel has great rooms and the restaurant choice is reassuringly diverse. All in all, this property offers superb value in this price range.

Sheraton Safari Hotel and Suites

With larger than average rooms, a great pool and an ideal location just outside Walt Disney World Resort, this make this a good family choice. As you can imagine, the décor is largely animal prints and exotic details. There’s been attention paid to the outdoor areas, including a 24m (80ft) water slide in the pool. The hotel is currently undergoing a US$25 million renovation, due for completion this spring.

Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin

The former operated by Westin and the latter by Sheraton, these are the archetypal fancy Disney hotels with all the attendant allures. Between the two hotels, there are 2,267 luxury rooms and 254,000 sq ft of meeting and exhibition space. They share 17 restaurants and lounges, four swimming pools, two health clubs, and a wide array of recreational activities.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

An 18-storey atrium welcomes honeymooners and families, screeching parrots and all. It’s hard to imagine a more replete resort hotel, and there’s a whole world to explore, from one of the best pools in the country to the comprehensive sports on offer to the destination restaurants.

Galleria Palms Hotel & Suites

One of the best-located budget hotel options you’re only a mile and a half from Disney but you can stay at a fraction of the price of similarly placed hotels. The rooms aren’t the largest you’ll ever stay in but they are clean and modern and there’s even a free breakfast.

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Formerly the Doubletree Resort Orlando, a US$35m refurbishment in 2010 means this is now one of the best value hotels on International Drive. Set in 11 hectares (28 acres) of landscaped gardens, there are three main pools and a children’s pool. There are varied dining options on site, and a myriad of choices just nearby.