America’s family fun capital, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Sea World and other famous mega-theme parks, including Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. There’s more going on in the city than just Mickey and Goofy and the gang though. Once you’ve had your fill of the theme parks, adults will also be able to choose from several outstanding golf courses in the area, a family-friendly science center, plenty of entertainment options and a fine art museum.

When To Go

Timing can spell the difference between a good vacation in the theme parks and a great one. Since the Orlando area is an obvious destination for families, the area is at its most crowded during school vacations. If you’re traveling without youngsters or with just preschoolers, avoid school holidays.

Spring
Spring in Orlando is absolutely gorgeous: sunny and warm, but not killer hot and humid like it is in summer. In April and May, you may have some nippy days and others that are warm enough for the water parks. Avoid the weeks before and after Easter, which also coincide with Spring Break for a lot of schools. May, excluding Memorial Day weekend, and early June are excellent times to go.

Summer
If water parks are a must for your family, plan your trip in summer, but be prepared for serious heat and serious crowds. Fortunately, busy periods bring longer hours and sometimes added entertainment and parades, such as the evening SpectroMagic parade in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which you can’t see in quieter times. There are slightly fewer people in early June and late August.

Fall
Summer and early fall are hurricane season, but the period from late September through November, like spring, usually brings bright beautiful days with cooler temperatures and some of the lightest crowds all year.

Winter
For most people, winter in Orlando is too chilly for swimming—and at least one of the water parks is always closed. Outside of the holidays, including Christmas, New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and President’s Day, it’s the least crowded time of year.

Top Orlando Attractions

It’s difficult to believe that anyone could be lost for something to do in Orlando. The problem is, of course, not being able to find something to do, but how to wade through the myriad of options. I’ve always felt that the thing to do is simply stick to the most popular options; in short, the Top Ten Attractions is Orlando. If you do no more than that, from Walt Disney World to Universal Studios to Gatorland to SeaWorld, you’ll never lack for something to see or do during your stay in Central Florida. So, here you are- my guide to Orlando’s Top Ten Attractions:

Walt Disney World – this one is probably the reason you decided to visit Central Florida in the first place, aside from golf, that is. Disney World is the planet’s largest and most frequented recreational resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, Florida, outside Orlando, the resort features for theme parks, a couple of dozen themed hotels, shopping, dining, amusement, and recreation venues and of course, some golf courses.

SeaWorld Orlando – the famous marine theme park located near Orlando, Florida. It features the Kraken (rollercoaster), Journey to Atlantis, Animal Exhibits – Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter, Pacific Point Preserve, and Wild Arctic.

Universal Studios – All of your favorite films and stars are on display, along with 40 amazing and amusing rides, shows and attractions. A virtual interactive Terminator 2:3-D adventure offers a truly unique set of thrills, as does an encounter with Jaws, a trip Back to the Future, and a voyage beyond the stars in an E.T. Adventure. Special VIP tours are available by pre-arrangement.

Island of Adventure – Not one, but five fantastic islands bring to life all of your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoon heroes and children’s stories vie some of the most innovative and entertaining rides available anywhere: roller coasters, 3-D attractions and a dozen, or more, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Wet ‘N Wild – located in Orlando, and often considered to be the first major Water Park in U.S., Wet’NWild was founded in 1972, by SeaWorld creator George Millay: the “Father of the Waterpark.” Thrills, spills, rides and host of other water-related activities.

Discovery Cove – a terrific theme park where yo and the kids interact with a variety of marine animals, such as bottlenose dolphins, tropical fishes, rays, exotic birds, and land mammals. You can also enjoy swimming with dolphins.

Gatorland – an amazing 110-acre theme park & wildlife preserve where the big feature is, of course, the alligators and crocodiles. Reptile shows, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk, and a number of educational programs are also featured.

Holy Land Experience – The 15-acre museum features exhibits and presentations based on the Old and New Testament.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Orlando – there’s everywhere, but this unbelievable exhibition offered in Orlando has to be one of the best anywhere. It features bizarre artifacts, strange collections, photographs, weird art, strange hobbies and a number of interactive exhibits.

Orlando Museum of Art – no visit to Orlando would be complete without a visit this, one of the finest art museums in Florida. The museum exhibits local, regional, national and international works of art, including portraits & landscapes, impressionist art works.

Getting Around Orlando

Although public transportation in Orlando is practically nonexistent and taxis are expensive because of the distances involved, it is by no means absolutely necessary to rent a car when you are in the area. If you are staying at a Disney hotel or purchase a multiday passport instead of buying daily admission tickets to the Disney parks, your transportation within Walt Disney World is free. Outside Walt Disney World, just about every lodging is linked by private shuttle to area attractions. However, should you want to visit the major theme parks outside Walt Disney World, venture off the beaten track, or eat where most tourists don’t, then a rental car is essential.

Public transportation: Lynx offers a bus service with routes to downtown, major attractions, and several neighborhoods. The standard one-way fare is $1.50, and a seven-day pass costs $12. You must have a pass or the exact fare. Passes can be bought at scores of Lynx Pass Partner outlets throughout Greater Orlando.

International Drive is serviced by I-Ride Trolleys from 8 am to 10:30 pm. They operate every 20 minutes; the single fare is $1, and a one-day pass is $3. You can get on and off where you please, but you must have either a pass or the exact fare.

Taxis, on foot, or by bike: Taxis are plentiful, but for a late-night treat in downtown Orlando, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage or rickshaw ride. Carriage rides are available in downtown Orlando beginning at 7:30 pm, so pick up one on Church Street.

Rickshaws are available in the evening along International Drive and the downtown area. They carry three to four people and are free for up to two miles, but keep in mind that the drivers work for tips only. Longer rides are negotiable. You can hail them or ask staff at your hotel or restaurant to call one.

Bicycles can be hired at many locations, but are best used in resort areas away from main roads. Because of the distances between hotels, attractions, malls and so on, it is usually best to drive to your destination.