10 Reasons to Pick Orlando for Your Next Vacation
How to Convince Anyone that Orlando is the Best Vacation Spot on Earth
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation destination then Orlando has it all. This Central Floridian city has been purpose-built for tourism and offers an unforgettable stay regardless of your age or interests.
Home of the world’s greatest theme parks, the fabulous shows and rollercoaster rides at Disney and Universal could fill an entire fortnight. But the unique wilderness, fantastic beaches, and friendly nature of the locals also play their part in making Orlando the ultimate place to have the time of your life.
What are the top reasons to pick Orlando for your next vacation?
1. Theme park capital of the world
For rollercoatster and ride fanatics
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. There are at least 32 different theme parks in and around the city, with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando being the most well-known. Throngs of tourists head there for the extraordinary ride offerings, endless dining options, and photo ops with characters from major Hollywood blockbusters.
Other popular choices include Busch Gardens and Legoland. New and exciting attractions debut almost every year, so keep your eyes peeled for major developments. Read more
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
2. Unique hotels you won’t find anywhere else
Orlando is a hotbed of amazing accommodation
Good for: Couples, Families, Unusual
From a hotel that lets you rock through the decades of popular music (Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando) to a stay in a Polynesian village (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort), Orlando’s range of accommodation trumps pretty much anywhere else in the world.
Don’t miss Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort which is inspired by Africa’s kraals and features savannas with over 200 animals, pools with epic waterslides, and award-winning dining.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
3. Fun for all the family
It’s truly endless
Good for: Couples, Families
Orlando is perhaps the greatest family-friendly destination in the world! Children, teens, adults, grandparents, and everyone else needn’t look very far to find an attraction that caters to their tastes.
Disney World and Universal aside, the variety of world-class shopping, outdoor adventures, and bountiful nightlife leaves no shortage of fun. Don’t miss exciting attractions like Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, Crayola Experience, Kennedy Space Center, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Read more
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
4. Embrace the seasons
Vacay in the city any time of year
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Orlando is an amazing place to be during any of the year’s major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Halloween, and July 4th (Independence Day). Many of the city’s major theme parks remain open and even host their own themed celebrations (perfect for family photo ops).
Must-visits include Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and NYE festivities at Universal’s CityWalk. Check the theme parks’ official websites for all the latest events and celebrations (most feature an online calendar or monthly schedule).
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
5. Year-round beach weather
Hit the seaside for some serious R&R time
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Orlando is called ‘The City Beautiful’ for a reason. The tropical climate and endless sunshine makes almost every day feel like a vacation and there are several famous beaches a short drive from Downtown.
Orlando is situated right in the center of Florida but the coast can be reached within an hour. Head to stunning Clearwater Beach for its powdery sand, warm azure waters, and year-round sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Alternatively, there’s Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Amelia Island.
6. Outdoor adventures on your doorstep
Intrepid days out await
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Orlando is the perfect destination for anyone looking to try a new watersport or encounter native fauna. Tour the swamplands of the Florida Everglades on a zippy airboat or partake in exciting animal excursions where you can get up-close to alligators.
From parasailing and wakeboarding to tubing and knee-boarding, Orlando Watersports Complex offers a fun day out for the whole family. Meanwhile, swing by waterparks like Island H2O Live! and Universal Volcano Bay, or play Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive. Read more
7. Lively nightlife
Stay out well after sundown
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Whether its a romantic date night or a family affair, Orlando knows how to party! For families with young children, Disney Springs offers the perfect evening outing. This mega entertainment complex features live performances, a movie theatre, mini-golf, and even a bowling alley.
For nightlife that caters to adults, head over to International Drive and Universal CityWalk. Both streets feature various bars and clubs, strictly for those over 21 years of age. For a more local flavor, check out Wall Street Plaza in the Downtown area of Orlando for its lively weekend block parties. Read more
8. Free and budget-friendly things to do
Save money by spending less
Good for: Budget
A visit to Orlando isn’t just about those pricey theme park tickets. Harry P. Leu Gardens and the Sunday Farmer’s Market are free alternatives that will interest anyone who likes horticulture, food, and nice outdoor vibes.
Various museums also offer free entrance on specific days of the week (check out the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center). Nature enthusiasts will adore Lake Eola Park, Ocala National Forest, the Tibet Butler Preserve, and the University of Central Florida Arboretum (all ideal for walks and hikes). Read more
9. Incredible dining options
An enchanting foodies paradise
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Unusual
T-Rex Café, Cinderella’s Table, and The Three Broomsticks Inn are just a few of the otherworldly restaurant offerings available in Orlando. Walt Disney World features theatrical character dining, which will see you having breakfast, lunch, or tea with your favorite Disney mascots.
Orland’s dinner shows allow you to be a player in a historic jousting match (Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament) or a detective helping to solve a murder (Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows). Don’t forget to check out the simulated space station dining at Space 220 (Disney’s Epcot) or the 1920s service station diner, Ford’s Garage. Read more
10. World-class luxury
A ritzy holiday is yours to be had
Good for: Couples, Luxury
For those seeking upscale relaxation, Orlando has plenty to offer. There are over 150 golf courses in the city (yes really!), including the Grand Cypress Golf Course (designed by famed professional golfer Jack Nicklaus), Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, and Grande Vista Golf Club (on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades).
Indulgent spas in the city are also readily available, offering services such as mud facials, oil massages, and all-inclusive hair salons. Book a session at the swanky Four Seasons Resort or the Waldorf Astoria Spa.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.