Here are, according to us and our local team, the things to do and see in Orlando in order to get the real vibe, real essence of the city.
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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look to this map of the city, to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3.Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is Florida's most popular family attraction and has been for many years. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Theme Park, and MGM Studios are just some of the highlights that have long entertained children and parents. There is enough to see and do to keep families occupied for days on end. Additions such as Downtown Disney now cater to a more adult crowd, with shopping, restaurants, theaters, and music venues. Get Google maps directions>
4. SeaWorld
Orlando's SeaWorld, with its huge aquariums, dolphin and whale shows, touch pools, and extensive list of rides, draws a large family crowd. It also allows opportunities for close up encounters with dolphins and other residents. SeaWorld in Orlando is among the world's largest marine parks.
Get Google maps directions>
5. Universal Studios
Universal Studios offers a look at the film studio of Universal studios, but also offers all kinds of other attractions and entertainment. This combination theme park and working studio was designed in consultation with Steven Spielberg to give visitors an interactive experience with the movies. As a result the attraction is designed to entertain adults and children and draws a large number of families.
There are two different theme parks at Universal; Universal Studios Florida, and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Each of these offers something a little different. The first offers a look at the studios and Islands of Adventure is where visitors will find theme areas with rides and eye catching sights. Many visitors spend much more time here than they had anticipated.
City Walk, also part of Universal, is a huge entertainment complex, featuring dining, shopping, movies, and other day and night entertainment. Get Google maps directions>
6. Discovery Cove
Located next to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove is one of the areas premier attractions. Visitors can experience some of the mysteries of the sea in an island resort setting. Some of the options including swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling along a reef, and wading among stingrays. On land you can relax in lounge chairs in the tropical setting.
Visitors can purchase an all inclusive one day pass but due to the extreme popularity of Discovery Cove you are best off booking a reservation well in advance during peak season.
Get Google maps directions>
7. Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is one of Disney's most popular water parks, with all kinds of slides and rides, a wave pool for surfing, and areas for small children to enjoy themselves. Shark Reef gives visitors an opportunity to swim with leopard and bonnethead sharks, along with sting rays and other fish.
Get Google maps directions>
8. Islands of Adventure
Located at Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure has five unique islands, each designed in their own theme, complete with rides and various other forms of entertainment.
Get Google maps directions>
9. Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center showcases several branches of science from mechanics to biology and applied technology. There are a variety of themed exhibits. Among the top favorites is "Kids Town". Kids Town is available to children under 48 inches tall with stimulating interactive exhibits. There are also laser shows and large format films at the Dr. Phillips CineDome.
In addition to the exhibit galleries the Science Center presents touring exhibits from across the country. Get Google maps directions>
10. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe
Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine was built in the 1980s. This large church can seat 2,000 people and is adorned with impressive stained glass windows. The church contains an 8 ft marble statue of Mary, created by sculptor Jill Burkee. In the outdoor chapel is another sculpture of the Mother and Child by Jerzy Kenar.
On site is a museum with religious sculptures, paintings, and a relic of Saint Desiderius. Also of interest is the Pilgrimage Center, offering information on the history of the Christian Pilgrimage.
This Catholic Church serves the many visitors to the Orlando area as a place of worship.
Get Google maps directions>
11. Gatorland
Gatorland has thousands of alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles, some of which perform in daily shows and demonstrations. The "Alligator Jumparoo" show and "Gator Wrestlin'" are two examples. The facility is also home to rare leucistic alligators which are white.
A small train does rounds on the grounds and an observation tower provides views of the breeding marsh and surrounding region.
One of the more recent additions to Gatorland is the zip line that runs over top of alligators and crocodiles. For the less adventurous there is still the self guided swamp walk, and kids will enjoy the Gator Gully Splash Park. Get Google maps directions>
Carlos is our Orlando local representative, we asked him what an ideal day of leisure in Orlando could look like, what would he suggest to do from early morning to late at night?
Here is what he suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Carlos on Twitter @bigcitychase #Orlando #questionforCarlos if you have questions for him, we may publish your conversation in this blog if he thinks it might be useful to other Orlando visitors.
Carlos from Orlando for Big City Chase Orlando :
"Hi there, my name is Carlos, my father was from Cuba and my mother from Chicago they moved from Chicago to Orlando when I was 2 years old and I've been living it up here since then! I'm actually an experienced tour guide, if you get in touch when you are here I can take you to Orlando's best places inside a great classic car but for right now, let me tell you where I'd go to spend a great leisure day in my town of Orlando :
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