Orlando, the theme park heaven and one of the best places to visit, is in Florida. Did you know that Orlando receives the highest number of tourists every year than other parts of the world? In 2015 alone, Orlando received more than 66 million visitors. According to statistics, this figure equals the total number of Atlanta residents. To date, Orlando receives more than 60 million tourists annually. Perhaps this is because of the many interesting facts and things to do while in Orlando. With its blooming flowers, green environments, and theme parks, the city indeed deserves the nickname, ‘The City Beautiful.’ There is a lot to do in Orlando that you will not have time to experience even 50% of the thrilling adventures in days. Are you planning to visit Orlando on short notice? Here is a list that will assist you in getting the most within 48 hours.
Walt Disney Land
This is the number one reason why Orlando is a famous city. Orlando has the largest Walt Disney store in the world. Statistics show that the theme park has approximately 70,000 employees. Walt Disney World Orlando sits on a 25,000-acre land. Live in magic and music by taking a tour of Walt Disney Resort, Orlando. Many assume that Walt Disney is a place for children only but that is not the case. There is a lot for children, adults, and activities for the whole family. Go and meet your favorite Disney characters and take pictures with them while meeting other brilliant surprises along the way. Walt Disney Orlando consists of four theme parks: Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. It also has a total of 27 hotels, where you can enjoy Orlando’s best dishes and even international cuisines. There are two beautiful water-parks to enjoy the sun and relax your mind. Did we mention that Walt Disney Orlando has a golf course? While you revive your golf skills, your family enjoys other activities of their choice. This theme park is a must-do for the majority of families around the globe. The best part is that you can end your day in any of the beautiful villas at the resort.
Cocoa Beach
Which experiences beat the relaxing mood on the beach on a sunny day, enjoying your favorite cocktails? Not many. Beach vacations are the most coveted experiences. Being on the beach comes with so much tranquillity due to the fresh air, soothing sounds of the waves, sub-tropical breeze, vitamin D, and generally feeling good. Cocoa beach is the most mentioned when visiting Orlando. It is an hour’s drive and closes to the Kennedy Space Center. How awesome is that? You can have fun at the beach and end your day by exploring the Kennedy Space Center if you are also a lover of astronomy. There is a lot to do at Cocoa beach than swimming and sunbathing. During the day, you can take a yacht trip over a few miles. It is also a thrilling experience to kayak in the mangrove tunnels. How about a manatee and dolphin kayak to have a close encounter with the gentle creatures? It is also a brilliant idea to take a trip to the historic Cocoa Village. Here, you can interact and make friends with the locals, enjoy culinary dishes, visit several art galleries with local art and even get yourself beautiful souvenirs. Do not be quick to leave the beach because nighttime brings another magical experience. The sunset welcomes a breath-taking view of bioluminescence. You can paddle or kayak through the calm waters as you awe at the bioluminescent effect of the glowing comb jellies and planktons.
Spook Hill
Have a taste of Orlando by visiting places that will have your blood running. Spook Hill is not a place associated with horror stories or mysterious events but a location that defies the laws of gravity. Located in Lake Wales, Spook Hill is a sloppy stretch of road that presents an optical illusion. The reason behind it is the unusual gravity. At this location, vehicles moving downhill appear as if they are rolling uphill. The area is quite remote, with a few house developments nearby and a school. Legend has it that the illusion relates to an ancient gator spirit that was killed and that the illusion is a consequence of the aftermath of depression. The area is a free tourist attraction site.
Visit Lake Eola
Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes. Most of the lakes in Orlando were naturally created through the formation of sinkholes. This was due to the collapsing of the underlying limestone. One of the famous lakes to visit is Lake Eola. The lake is popular as it lies in the heart of Downtown Orlando, offering an aesthetic, serene beauty. The lake occupies 200 acres of land. It was also created through the formation of a sinkhole. Two hundred feet below lies a natural aquifer filled with water. During a sunny afternoon, you can take a ride in the popular swan boats as you enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful view of the surrounding environment. The history behind the swan boats dates back to when an Englishman was raising swans on the lake. This was before Lake Eola was declared public property. If you want to stay active, paddle boats are the way to go. Apart from boat rides, you can also have fantastic views and take pictures of one of the most famous fountains in the world. Close by is an impressive Walt Disney amphitheater that hosts significant festivals, open-air movie screenings, and concerts. It is also okay to take a walk around the lake or have a picnic at your favorite spot.
Discover Cove
If you are planning a trip to a not crowded place, Discover Cove is one of your best picks. Here, you interact with a range of marine animals not only by watching but also by swimming with them. Get to know fantastic facts about bottlenose dolphins by having a close encounter with them. Besides, would it not be fun to get pulled through the waters by a dolphin? Safety is a guarantee as you will be in the presence of marine experts and trainers. If you have never seen a shark at a close range, Discover Cove is your ultimate solution as you will come face-to-face with sharks swimming safely behind glass. Another thrilling experience at this theme park is snorkeling in the grand reef, where you interact with numerous colorful tropical fish and velvety rays. Other activities to make your visit worthwhile include feeding exotic birds and swimming in the wind-away river.
Where to Stay While in Orlando
Finding a beautiful place to stay in Orlando is a walk in the park. If you need private spaces with unlimited benefits, Airbnb is perfect. They come at varying prices, and you can select a location close to places you intend the visit. The fantastic side of Airbnb is that the majority of owners are always willing to negotiate. There are also numerous hotels and villas with high-end services. All you have to do is set your budget and begin the search. Luckily, the internet comes in handy since you can go for your best pick based on verified reviews and ratings.
Orlando, Florida is the world’s largest tourist destination site globally, with over 60 million tourists every year. There are countless fun activities to engage in while in the city. If you plan a weekend trip to Orlando, proper organization will help you get the most within limited time. This guide gives you some of the best insights regarding the fun and unique adventures of ‘The City Beautiful.’
