First Time in Orlando: 8 Must-Do Activities for New Visitors
How to Make the Most of Your First Visit to Orlando?
Renowned as a hub of excitement and entertainment, there are tons of things to explore in Orlando, especially for first-time visitors. But while the city is known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, it’s also rich with cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored. From engaging museums and dynamic stage shows to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Everglades, Orlando offers diverse experiences beyond its famed parks.
For first-time visitors, Orlando presents a unique blend of thrills and tranquility, ensuring memorable moments that cater to every interest. If you’re traveling to Orlando for the first time, these are the things you simply can’t miss.
1. Walt Disney World® Resort
Timeless enchantment and thrilling adventures
Good for: Families, Photo
Of course, no trip to Orlando is complete without stepping inside the extraordinary realm of the Walt Disney World® Resort. With a pass for the four main parks that make up the resort, you have the freedom to move between these worlds however you choose.
Experience the timeless enchantment of fantasy and adventure at the Magic Kingdom® or discover the magnificent showcase of nations inside Epcot®. At Hollywood Studios®, you can see the magic of the movies come to life, then explore the wild side with exotic encounters at Animal Kingdom®. If you choose, your pass can also come complete with admission to other exciting attractions such as Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or the Oak Trail Golf Course. Read more
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-939-5277
Walt Disney World® Resort
2. Universal Studios Florida™ & Islands of Adventure
Epic tales and unforgettable experiences across multiple worlds
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Turn yourself into the star of your very own story at Universal Studios Florida™ and Islands of Adventure™. Inside these movie and TV-based theme parks, go beyond the screen as you face a fire-breathing dragon, fly high above the city streets with your favorite superheroes, and explore a secret school of witchcraft and wizardry.
With multi-day passes, you also have the chance to enjoy other activities and attractions like the live entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk™ and the wild waterslides at Volcano Bay™. Read more
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Universal Studios Florida™ & Islands of Adventure
3. Legoland Florida
Rides, shows, and creative building adventures
Good for: Adventure, Families
Immerse yourself in the playful and imaginative world of Lego with one- or two-day admission to Legoland Florida. Dedicated to entertaining families with children between the ages of two and twelve, this interactive amusement park features more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions all geared toward the Lego builder within you.
Wander the park’s eleven themed areas to see pirates perform water acrobatics, take a ride on a roller coaster through a land of dinosaurs, and put your building skills to the test as you create cutting-edge, computerized robots. If you choose to purchase a combination ticket, you’ll also get access to the Legoland Water Park. Read more
Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 888-690-5346
Legoland Florida
4. I-Ride Trolley Unlimited Ride Pass
Seamless travel to top attractions and shopping
Good for: Families, Photo, Shoppers
Enjoy convenient transportation between Orlando’s top attractions with the I-Ride Trolley Unlimited Ride Pass. With two lines and more than 100 stops along International Drive and Universal Boulevard, you can travel to sites like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Magical Midway, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the Orlando Eye, and many more.
The trolley is also a great way to get to restaurants and shopping, including the Orlando International Premium Outlets, where you can find nearly 200 brand-name shops and eateries in a beautiful open-air mall. Read more
I-Ride Trolley Unlimited Ride Pass
5. Orlando Explorer Pass
Effortless city exploration and tailored attraction choices
Good for: Couples, Families
Experience even more of the city when you pair the I-Ride Trolley with the Orlando Explorer Pass. This combination offers a flexible and exciting way to experience the city’s attractions. With the Explorer Pass, you can choose admission to select popular attractions. Dive into history at the Titanic exhibition, enjoy a round of golf at the adventure-themed Congo River, or meet lifelike wax figures of celebrities at Madame Tussauds.
Beyond attraction entries, the pass also provides exclusive deals at various retailers, restaurants, and activities. This duo ensures a comprehensive and convenient exploration of Orlando’s vibrant offerings.
Orlando Explorer Pass
6. Kennedy Space Center
Astronaut adventures and historic spacecraft encounters
Good for: Families, History
Discover the wonders of space travel at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. This state-of-the-art visitor center showcases NASA’s remarkable achievements through immersive exhibits. Walk in the footsteps of America’s legendary space pioneers as you touch a piece of moon rock, get an up-close look at the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and walk under the huge Saturn V, the most powerful launch vehicle ever put into operation.
If you really want to know what it’s like to be an astronaut, experience the feeling of lift-off on the Shuttle Launch Experience. You can even check the Kennedy Space Center calendar to schedule your visit during a rocket launch and watch a shuttle roar to life in front of your very eyes.
Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 855-433-4210
Kennedy Space Center
7. Lake Tohopekaliga
High-speed thrills and captivating ecosystem insights
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Go flying across the waters of Lake Tohopekaliga on a guided nature-spotting adventure tour aboard an airboat. With a knowledgeable captain behind the wheel, feel the spray of the mist as the fan-powered boat roars to life and blasts you across the water at high speeds.
As you cruise over the water, your guide combines the rush of high-speed travel with an educational journey, sharing fascinating facts about the region and its diverse ecosystems. Enjoy a memorable outing filled with speed, knowledge, and breathtaking scenery.
Lake Tohopekaliga
8. Blue Man Group
A creative spectacle that captivates audiences worldwide
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Prepare to be amazed by the Blue Man Group, a trio of bald, blue performers who lead audiences on a captivating journey through music, comedy, and special effects. Their innovative blend of performance art creates a mind-blowing experience that has enthralled audiences for over 30 years.
Secure your tickets to see the Blue Man Group at Icon Park and become part of the global audience that has embraced their weird, wacky, and wonderful performances. This dynamic show promises to entertain and inspire, offering an unforgettable evening of creativity and fun. Read more
Location: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 800-258-3626
Blue Man Group
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