Home of heart-stopping roller coasters and picturesque parks, Orlando Florida really is a city of contrast. Enjoy some of the most comprehensive theme parks on the planet one day, before exploring the natural world, with its armadillos and manatees, the next; meet dolphins at SeaWorld by day, before cheering on Orlando Magic at the Amway Center by night. If you're planning a family holiday to 'The City Beautiful' but just don't know where to start, take a look at our top 5 family experiences below so that you can begin building your dream getaway.
Disney World
Welcoming over fifty million visitors a year, Disney World is by far the biggest amusement park in the world. Orlando Florida's 'The Magic Kingdom' plays host to four separate fantasy lands, from the wild-western 'Frontierland' to the exciting futurism of 'Tomorrowland'. Epcot thrills visitors with thrilling rides and its 'World Showcase' - a curious collection of countries with a presentation of food, theatre, and culture from each. Animal Kingdom is the biggest park in Disney World, and features sprawling natural landscapes, animals and the awe-inspiring Tree of Life that stands proudly in the middle of the park. Pandora is the most creative of the worlds here, and the Avatar Flight of Passage is arguably one of the most inventive rides at the whole park. The colours, sounds and smells bring this ride to life in unparalleled wonder.
Universal Orlando Resort
Magical adventures, on-screen favourites and thrilling roller coasters will delight you across three vastly differing yet cinematically linked parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter stretches across two parks, linked by the enchanting Hogwarts Express. If you're feeling brave you can dare to escape the giant fire-breathing dragon at Gringotts or simply stroll through Hogsmeade, sampling magical treats and meeting wizarding royalty. Volcano Bay offers aquatic adventures as the only water theme park at Universal Resort while Universal's Island of Adventures is home to the most thrilling roller coasters at the resort. The Jurassic World VelociCoaster isn't for the faint-hearted and test subjects must be prepared for the heart-stopping Doctor Doom's Fear Fall.
Icon Park
There's no better way to see Orlando Florida than aboard The Wheel At ICON Park, standing at over 120 metres tall, and boasting 360-degree views of Central Florida, this one is great for families looking to see Orlando's sprawling theme parks from a unique angle. ICON Park is also home to Madame Tussauds Orlando, where you'll come face-to-face with Taylor Swift, Neil Armstrong and even Wonder Woman. If huge wheels and stars don't excite you, then how about huge sharks? SEA LIFE Orlando also calls ICON Park home with its own 360-degree underwater tunnel and interactive dive shows to thrill the whole family.
Lake Eola Park
Now for something a little different, away from the thrills and spills that Orlando Florida is synonymous with, you'll find Lake Eola Park in the heart of Downtown. Its gentle paths and glistening lake invite leisurely walks with or without the kids, and the many species of swan can be handfed using approved birdfeed purchased from feeders around the lake. In the centre of the lake, the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain provides illuminated displays best viewed at night, and dates back to 1957, when its art-deco styling was most prominent.
Live Sport
A proud and passionate city just wouldn't be the same without sports teams to live and die by and Orlando Florida is no different. Visitors can head down to the Amway Center to catch the Orlando Magic Basketball team and there's fun for all the family with live entertainment at half time and during the ad breaks. The purple and yellow of Orlando City Soccer Club can be spotted throughout Downtown with stars like Nani and Alexandre Pato tearing it up in the Sunshine State.
