Orlando, a city in Florida, is one of the most visited destinations, with tourists from all over the world attracted to more than a dozen theme parks and attractions. Not just theme parks and amusement parks but dozens of golf courses, famous restaurants, luxury resorts, and hotels attract people of all ages. Orlando has a lot to offer everyone, and if you consider this your family destination, you must be aware of the best attractions and most visited places. So, we have listed the most visited areas in Orlando to explore.
With so many popular must-visit places in Orlando that offer exciting experiences, how does one choose the best to visit? So, based on the popularity and fun experience these places provide, we have listed and ranked them. Let's see them one by one:
There is no doubt that Walt Disney World Parks has been a popular destination since it was first opened to the public in 1971. Disney has four theme parks: Magical Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and two water parks. It also has an entertainment and shopping district, a sports complex, an extensive boardwalk, and numerous family hotels and resorts, providing visitors and guests with many activities. Since it opened its gates, the public has referred to it as Disney World or Disney Land. The nightly events are held here each year, like parades and fireworks. Walt Disney World is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Orlando.
In recent years, Universal Theme Parks has challenged Walt Disney Theme Parks, rivaling it and following it in the list of most visited places in Orlando. Universal has three individual theme parks: Universal Studio Park, Island of Adventures, and Volcano Bay, with new rides and popular attractions in each park. Universal Studios, the original theme park, offers a unique combination of theme parks and a real working studio to give visitors an interactive experience of the film-making Industry. Universal's Island of Adventure has zones dedicated to different film franchises, like the Marvel superheroes, Kong the Skull Island, Jurassic Park, and more. The last one is the latest and might be the most popular one, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; this wonderful area is based on the magical world of J.K Rowlings with everything from Harry Potter, Hogwarts Castle, Hogwarts Express, and even Hogsmeade.
SeaWorld Orlando displays massive aquariums with interactive experiences with Dolphins. However, it is prohibited to feed these dolphins now, but visitors can still interact with the dolphins in the Dolphin Cove pool with caretakers of these intelligent creatures. SeaWorld displays Sea creatures like Dolphins, sea lions, killer whales, sharks, and penguins. Apart from admiring Sea Life, there are many rides like the roller coasters, including the Manta coaster, Mako Hyper coaster, and Karken's virtual reality coaster, water rides for people of all ages that feel refreshing in the hot weather of Florida. Also, on the weekends, SeaWorld displays the fantastic fireworks for the visitors.
Discovery Cove is located next to SeaWorld and is one of the major attractions of Orlando because of the interactive sessions with the Sea life it provides in a more natural setting. Discovery Cove offers many activities, like swimming with Dolphins, snorkeling along the coral reefs, and even underwater exploration with diving gear. There is also a large bird sanctuary where you can interact with the exotic birds, lazy rivers for relaxation, and a tropical swim area and lounge alongside the pools where you can relax. Discovery Cove is among the most popular destinations in Orlando, so it is suggested that you book in advance if you want to visit.
Kennedy Space Center, established in 1968, is an ideal destination for those who love Astronomy and are interested in Space. It is the human spaceflight launch center of NASA, which allows visitors to see the official launch Complex 39, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and do not forget to go through the Heroes and Legends exhibition, which is the Astronaut's Hall of Fame which are for paying tribute to the explorers, scientists, and engineers who dedicated their lives for science. Also, the Rocket Garden, where the most famous rockets like Apollo and Gemini are showcased to visitors, and one of the most amazing and significant attractions of this place is the showcasing of the original Space Shuttle Atlantis. Other exciting experiences are the shuttle launch experience in the IMAX theatre, lunar exploration, and mock astronaut training.
Since the day it opened its gates to the public in 1949, Gator Island has attracted millions of guests to show them these beautiful reptiles, like Alligators, Crocodiles and they also display daily shows and demonstrations like Alligator Wrestling and Alligator Jumparoo. A few additions were the two new zip lines, Gator Gauntlet and Screamin' Gator, which run above the alligator and crocodile pens. There are also self-guided walks through the swamps where the visitors can see these reptiles. For kids, there is Gator Gully Splash Park to enjoy their time, and a selfie point at the entrance is a crocodile's jaws.
People think that Orlando is a family destination that targets children as its audience, but it is certainly not true; Orlando is an excellent destination that has something to offer people of all ages. Those who want to enjoy and have fun can visit the Walt Disney Theme Parks for a complete package fun experience; those who are interested in Hollywood and movie stuff can visit Universal's theme parks, where the visitors can have fun on the rides and also witness the film making, for astronomers and space enthusiasts there is Kennedy Space Center where you can see the famous rockets and the Hall of Famers of the space industry, and for those who are interested in marine life can visit SeaWorld and Discovery cove. Orlando is packed with this kind of place. All you have to do is step in and find what suits you best.