Day Trips from Orlando
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
Within a driving distance of less than ninety minutes from Orlando, there are several highly recommended sites worth visiting if you have time and energy left after spending time at the main attractions of Orlando, provided, of course, that you have a car/rental car.
♦ Additional towns and trips in the Orlando area in the article: Cute towns and nature trips north of Orlando
Recommended tours in the Orlando area:
Entrance tickets to parks and guided tours in Orlando from GetYourGuide.com:
Recommended tours in the Orlando area from Viator:
In Orlando:
Near Orlando:
Water attractions:
Land attractions:
Recommended accommodation in Orlando
In Orlando, it is recommended for families to stay in a luxurious villa with a private pool at a price that competes with a hotel.
Recommended sites for searching and booking villas in Orlando:
On the recommended Booking.com site, there is a selection filter for staying in villas and vacation homes in Orlando. This is my preferred choice for vacation rental sites.
Or:
Orlando Supreme Vacation Homes
Florida Dream Vacation Homes
Amazing Vacation Homes
Or in apartment hotels in Orlando:
recommended apartment hotels on International Drive (the best location in Orlando!):
Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at SeaWorld
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
recommended apartment complex at an attractive price near Universal:
Orlando Florida Condos 4 Rent near Universal
Kennedy Space Center
Located in "Cape Canaveral" at a distance of 75 km east of Orlando. The drive is via a highway called: Bee Line Expressway, which is a toll road. The drive takes about 45 minutes. This is the launch site of the famous space shuttles in the USA. The site features an impressive visitor center, where the American space program is presented using many multimedia means. The display also includes moon rocks and a large selection of spacecraft and satellites.
♦ Booking tickets for the Space Center from Expedia: Expedia
In two cinemas screening 3D films, IMAX, on giant screens 5.5 stories high each, you can watch movies (periodically updated) about space and spacecraft. The site also features a "Rocket Garden" with many historical rockets of various sizes.
The basic entrance ticket to the site includes a guided tour of about two hours in the Space Center, an IMAX movie about space, and entrance to the various exhibitions and displays on site. The guided tour departs every 15 minutes from the visitor center and includes a bus ride between the site's facilities and two observation stops. For an additional fee, you can purchase specific guided tours such as: "Cape Canaveral Then and Now" or "Cape Canaveral Up Close," as well as entry to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which presents the glorious past of pioneer astronauts and features interactive flight simulators. The site also includes a memorial room for the fallen who died in the shuttles, the first and second Challenger, and the Columbia which carried the late Ilan Ramon:
Astronaut fans are invited, for an additional fee, to have lunch with astronauts, during which you can ask questions and get an autograph. A unique and much more expensive experience is the "Astronaut Training Experience" known as "ATX," where you participate in an astronaut training day and even train in simulators simulating space flight, including a "Gravity Chair." The minimum age for this experience is 14. Reservations must be made in advance.
The site also features a huge shop for souvenirs, toys, and space-themed clothing:
Two new attractions at the site are:
"Angry Birds Space Encounter" which includes creative and fun activities such as: creating your own private bird on a computer screen, challenging puzzles, and brain and agility games related to the popular bird game, as well as a mirror maze and laser activities.
"Space Shuttle Atlantis" - in a giant complex six stories high, there is a full-scale model of the space shuttle. Visitors can learn through experience using simulators and interactive activities about the thirty years of the shuttle space program.
The massive shuttle launchers are also displayed in their giant life-size:
For children, there are various simulators as well as an outdoor and indoor playground. A nice slide from the second floor and more. The site also has a large restaurant.
A short video on a trip to the Space Center:
Further information about the Space Center on the site: Kennedy Space Center
Busch Gardens
Located in Tampa, which is the largest city on Florida's west coast, about a 90-minute drive southwest of Orlando. In Tampa and its surroundings, there are many attractions justifying a stay of two to three days, but the main one without a doubt is "Busch Gardens." This is a huge theme park including many amusement park rides, entertainment shows, and a zoo, all in eight central areas, all with an African theme.
A monorail train takes visitors on a tour of the savanna where zebras, giraffes, and many other animals reside. The park features some of the fastest and scariest roller coasters in the world. The newest and most popular coaster is called "SheiKra," featuring a steep 90-degree drop from a height of 65 meters. Another recommended coaster is "Montu," named after the Egyptian god of war, which includes a steep 90-degree drop accompanied by a giant loop and plenty of other surprises.
But don't worry, the little ones were also kept in mind with an entire area called "Land of Dragons" dedicated to them. A new attraction in the park is a night safari including a guided walk of about two hours among the park's animals after sunset. Entry to this attraction is for a separate fee. Night safari spots must be reserved in advance. This park also has a front-of-line pass called "Quick Queue," which can be purchased for an extra fee. The park is open daily; opening hours vary by season.
A combined ticket with Universal Studios, "Wet 'n Wild" water park, Aquatica, and SeaWorld can be purchased.
Entrance tickets for theme parks and attractions in Orlando
♦ Booking entrance tickets for Disney, Universal, Legoland, and SeaWorld parks in Orlando:
Discounted multi-day tickets, each day to a different park:
♦ Booking entrance tickets for the theme parks in Orlando from Expedia: Expedia
For Disney, Universal, Legoland, SeaWorld parks and many other attractions!
LEGOLAND® Florida
The newest theme park in Orlando. Opened in 2012 and is especially suitable for young children aged 2-12.
The park in Florida is the largest of Legoland parks in the world, featuring no less than fifty million colorful Lego bricks and fifty rides in ten different complexes, including: "Miniland USA," with famous American buildings all built from Lego bricks, "Pirates' Cove," "Imagination Zone," "Duplo Village" designed for toddlers, "Lego Technic," a driving school, and the area (opened in summer 2013) "World of Chima" including an interactive boat ride with water cannons and a 4D movie based on the popular character from Cartoon Network.
The newest attraction in the park (opened in spring 2018) is The Great LEGO® Race, which is actually the world's first roller coaster combining Virtual Reality (VR) technology. The ride simulates a competition between you and competing Lego characters like a pirate, a wizard, and more. After putting on the VR goggles, you will enjoy a unique view of the Lego world and an adrenaline-filled roller coaster.
♦ Booking entrance tickets for Legoland Florida from Expedia: Expedia
LEGOLAND® Water Park
Adjacent to the Legoland park is the LEGOLAND® Water Park featuring a wave pool and several slides and water attractions for young children, all built around the "Lego" and "Duplo" themes. A combined ticket for both parks can be purchased at a discounted price.
The park was established on the site where the "Cypress Gardens" park stood for many years, combining rides and shows within magical botanical gardens. Legoland's founders were careful to preserve the unique vegetation and integrate it among the new Lego facilities.
The park is located near a town called "Winter Haven," situated southwest of Orlando, about a 40-minute drive. 8 km southeast of SR 540.
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Within about an hour's drive (90 km) northeast of Orlando is one of the largest and most famous car racing tracks in the USA and indeed in the entire world.
Every year in February, the "Daytona 500" race is held at the site, which is the biggest race of NASCAR.
To book tickets for Nascar races: TicketNetwork
Additionally, several other car races are held at the site each year. But even without a race, car enthusiasts have much to do at the site year-round. Guided tours ranging from half an hour to three hours are held at the historic racing site, including a "behind-the-scenes tour" of the garage, the drivers' room, the press box, a tour on the track itself, and a close examination of the winning car. Those not satisfied with just observing cars can drive a 600-horsepower racing car themselves on the famous track. Of course, a valid driver's license and a significant fee are required for this. Reservations must be made in advance!
A cheaper experience suitable for children and youth is the Ride-Along Experience.
A ride in a two-seater racing car alongside an experienced racing driver who will drive for you at high speed while other family members wave to you from the stands. The ride on the racetrack is not held every day. It is recommended to check the website or by phone when the experience is available.
A short video on tourists in racing cars in Daytona:
Gatorland, Gatorland
A site with more than 5,000 alligators, snakes, and other reptiles. A train tour among the alligators, an observation tower over the breeding area, and walking trails. Various shows are held in "Gatorland," including alligator feeding, snake shows, and more.
An attraction for the daring in the park is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line—sliding at a speed of about 50 km/h from a 7-story high tower on a zip line over 130 alligators watching you with open mouths from below. Participation in the experience, which takes about two hours (including training and guidance), involves an additional fee. It is recommended to book in advance. Guided tours are also held in the park (for an extra fee) both day and night, where you can closely observe alligators in their natural habitat.
Reservations must be made in advance for these tours. An unforgettable and quite expensive experience is becoming an alligator trainer for about two hours. Designed for ages 12 and up. The park is located 15-20 minutes' drive from Disney World on Highway 441.
Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando
"Gatorworld", Gatorworld
More suitable for young children; you can hold a small alligator in your hand. You can feed an alligator. There is a petting zoo for farm animals. You can drive through and observe alligators from your car. Located northwest of Orlando near Wildwood. Address: 492 FL-44, Wildwood, FL
Airboat Ride
In the past, all of Florida was one big swamp. Today, even near Orlando, you can find several swamps mainly used for tourism purposes. An airboat ride is a fun and very popular family experience. For about an hour (or half an hour, your choice), you ride in a speedboat in a wild area among animals (mainly alligators, turtles, and birds) and rich vegetation.
Several companies organize this type of cruise. The drive to them is less than an hour from Disney.
For booking a recommended airboat ride from Viator:
♦ Speedy airboat ride in the swamp - One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando
Option for a one-hour or half-hour ride. You can upgrade and add lunch.
Speedy cruise in a mini catamaran
A special experience combining scenery, nature, and self-drive fast boating in the lakes of central Florida, an hour from Orlando in the city of Clermont surrounded by lakes.
This is a guided tour by Catboat Escapes. You cruise through several lakes connected by canals. In the large lakes, you cruise at high speed of 25 mph, and in the canals between the mangroves and villas, you cruise slowly. During the cruise, you learn fun facts about alligators, vegetation, and the wealthy residents living in the area, all while participating in a cool "quiz." A wonderful and diverse experience suitable for all ages and any group (from age 5). Views, adrenaline, and everything is perfectly organized.
A must-do trip for those in Orlando who want to combine some nature among the theme parks.
This cruise can be booked via Viator:
♦ Experiential lake cruise in a small double catamaran - Tour of Lakes Escape by Personal Catamaran
The lake is located about 45 minutes west of Orlando. Independent arrival at the site.
