TOP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO FOR FAMILIES

Holidays in Orlando serve up unbeatable entertainment and adventure. If you're planning a fun-loving holiday with the kids, we've rounded up the top things to do in Orlando so you can make your trip one to remember. Whizz across the parks on rollercoasters at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, experience the magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, tee off at fantastic golf courses or hit the beautiful beaches – Orlando attractions will spoil you for choice!

DISNEY HOLIDAYS

The fun never stops at Walt Disney World Orlando - you could stay here for a couple of weeks and not be done experiencing all the theme parks, live shows, rides and rollercoasters! Head to Magic Kingdom for the chance to meet classic Disney Princes and Princesses, or why not enjoy an evening dining with your favourite Disney characters? If you’re looking for movie magic, say hello to pirates and space warriors at Universal Studios, head into space at Epcot, find your favourite animals at Animal Kingdom or make a splash at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Browse our Disney hotels Orlando if you want to stay amid the action, where you can enjoy a delightful stay for the whole family.

Want to know more great things to do in Orlando? Check out our blog on Orlando's off the beaten track activities.

TRIPS TO ORLANDO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Hop across to Universal Studios Orlando for thrilling Spiderman and Doctor Doom rides, meet Hulk at Marvel Island and wander the enchanting cobbled streets of Diagon Valley. There’s also the star-spangled Superstar Parade, where you'll find your favourite characters from Nickelodeon, the night show at Universal's cinematic spectacular -100 Years of Movie Memories, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and of course the unforgettable multi-dimensional rides at Islands of Adventure. Grab a pizza at Mythos Restaurant or dine at the Three Broomsticks tavern in Hogsmeade, where you can also sip some Butterbeer at Hog’s Head pub - delicious!

HIT THE BEACHES

Another reason to visit Orlando is for its famous Gulf Coast beaches and if you're staying in the area for a while, we recommend you sink your bucket and spade into them all! Little over an hour’s drive from Orlando you'll find gorgeous stretches including Cocoa, Daytona, New Smyrna, Canaveral National Seashore and Flagler - perfect for blissful beach holidays. If the sand alone isn't enough, check out the Alan Shepard Beach Park at Cocoa Beach, a popular site to view space shuttle launches. When you're done lounging on the sands, the Canaveral Pier is the most iconic surf spot in Orlando, plus there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained when you want to dry off!

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

If you're looking for a splash-tastic day out in the sun, SeaWorld Orlando should be just the ticket. Feed sea lions at Pacific Point Reserve, prepare to be showered by Shamu the whale and potter around to Penguin Encounter. Whether you want to uncover the mysteries of the ocean or brave spectacular rides like Manta and Kraken - you're in for an unforgettable day trip. For waterslide thrills, go across to the Aquatica waterpark (inspired by the South Seas) complete with sandy beaches and watersports. Or spend the day at Discovery Cove, where you can laze on soft white sands, snorkel, swim with dolphins and feed tropical birds.

BUSCH GARDENS THEME PARK

If you're an adrenaline junkie looking to brave the biggest rollercoasters in Orlando, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, is your best bet. Plunge down 200ft on SheiKra , prepare to prowl over towering highs on the Cheetah Hunt or enjoy a merry ride on the milder Jungala. Kids will love Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where they can head for the rides, climb Elmo's Tree House and splash about in Bert and Ernie's watering hole. The park's ice show Iceploration (starring animals and large puppets) offers entertainment for all with world-class skaters, music and a show to remember. On the Serengeti Safari Tour and Sunset Safari, you can see hundreds of animals up close, with zebras and antelopes roaming free.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA

Located less than an hour from Orlando, this fun family theme park boasts Lego rides, live shows, restaurants and shops. Kids can make their way through 10 zones, which include Miniland USA, Imagination Zone and LEGO City. At the DUPLO village, tiny tots can fly planes and drive a car in a town that’s just the right size for them or if you're feeling up to the challenge, prepare to come face to face with the knights and dragons at LEGO Kingdom and hunt for treasure in Land of Adventure. Legoland also has the lush and beautiful Cypress Gardens, which have been preserved nearly a hundred years, so be sure to make time for an afternoon stroll while you're here.

If that's not enough action for one day, browse our list of some of the best things to do in Florida.

HAVE FUN AT GATORLAND

It may not match the scale of Disney and Universal Park, but it takes a daredevil to zipline over a marsh inhabited by over a hundred alligators at Gatorland, south of Orlando! Enter the theme park and wildlife preserve through a huge alligator mouth replica and prepare for unique gator wrestling in the sands, Gator Night Shine Tours where you can watch the mighty animals in the water and the screamin' gator zip line - sure to put you to the test! If you want to get a little closer to these amazing animals, there’s an aviary and a petting zoo to enjoy, too.

ORLANDO TICKET DEALS

When it comes to buying tickets to theme parks in Orlando, the golden rule is to buy in advance and secure great savings! Look out for flex tickets and multi-day passes and get yourself the free Magicard for discounts on Orlando attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. If you're feeling spontaneous and want to whisk the kids away during the school holidays, check out our last minute deals to secure cheap Orlando holidays.

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