Things to Do in Orlando: Tours, Tickets & Day Trips
Everyone comes for the parks; the best Orlando trips also leave them. Budget four or five days for Walt Disney World and Universal, then plan the days in between. The Kennedy Space Center is an hour east and the highest-rated day out in Central Florida (from $69 with transport, $72 admission only). Airboat rides through the Everglades headwaters are 45 minutes away (from $28, gators almost guaranteed). Crystal River, 90 minutes north-west, is the only place in the US where you can legally swim with manatees (from $45 to watch, $61 to swim, November to March is peak). Add Clearwater Beach for the Gulf’s white sand (from $88 with transport) or the Spanish fort and cobbled streets of St. Augustine (from $79). Evenings are for the dinner shows. Late January to February and September to early November have the smallest crowds.
876 tours · prices per person, book with partner
All experiences in Orlando — FAQ
What are the top 10 things to do in Orlando?
By traveller ratings: 1) Magic Kingdom and EPCOT at Walt Disney World, 2) Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, 3) the Kennedy Space Center, 4) an Everglades airboat ride, 5) swimming with manatees at Crystal River, 6) a clear-kayak tour of the springs, 7) a Clearwater Beach day trip, 8) St. Augustine, 9) a dinner show such as Medieval Times, and 10) ICON Park’s wheel and aquarium on International Drive.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
A week is the realistic minimum for families: four park days (two Disney, two Universal), one for the Kennedy Space Center, one for an airboat or manatee morning, and one for a beach. Without theme parks, three days covers the Space Center, the Everglades and Crystal River. Avoid Christmas week, spring break and July if you can.
What can you do in Orlando for free?
Disney Springs and CityWalk (free to enter, free parking at Disney Springs), the Disney resort monorail and boat loop around the Magic Kingdom, the Boardwalk at night, Lake Eola Park downtown, the Leu Gardens on the first Monday of each month, Wekiwa Springs State Park (small car fee), and watching a rocket launch from the Space Coast beaches.
What are the best day trips from Orlando?
Kennedy Space Center (1 hour, from $69), Everglades airboat rides (45 minutes, from $28), Crystal River manatees (90 minutes, from $45), Clearwater Beach (2 hours, from $88), St. Augustine (2 hours, from $79) and Cocoa Beach (1 hour). Every one of these runs as a guided tour with hotel pickup from the International Drive and Kissimmee areas.
