Orlando, for most people, conjures up the image of theme parks, mainly Disney World, but it has a lot more to offer than that. In fact, Disney World is not in Orlando, but is in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The region sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year, and downtown Orlando is developing significantly under this tourist boom. Other cities in the metropolitan area include Altamonte Springs, Davenport, Kissimmee, and Winter Park.
When people think of Orlando, most think of theme parks and a vast urban sprawl. However, downtown Orlando includes none of the major theme parks (Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World), dinner attractions (Arabian Nights, Medieval Times), or even most small theme parks (Gatorland, Holyland Experience, Ripley's Believe-it-or-not, etc). Since Orlando is the larger city associated with most of these popular attractions, you will find details and descriptions of them below.
PLACE TO VISIT
Arboretum - An arboretum and botanical garden covering 80 acres (32 hectares), containing more than 600 species of plants (including more than 100 bromeliads) in cultivated gardens. Its cultivated areas currently include a Conservatory Compound, a Bromeliad Sanctuary, Cycad Garden, Fern Garden, Palm Collection, Rose Garden, Swamp Habitat, and Wetland Plants Display. Free.
Harry P. Leu Gardens - Beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes set in nearly 50 acres of land, featuring flora gathered from around the globe since 1936, including the largest rose garden in Florida and America's largest camellia collection outside of California. The Leu House, Harry P. Leu's former home set within the grounds and dating back to the 1880's, has tours every 30 minutes around its museum illustrating Florida living at the turn of the 20th century (closed during July). You can get married in various places in the gardens and there are special events held throughout the year.
Historic Bok Sanctuary - The Bok Sanctuary features acres of intricately landscaped gardens filled with an exotic array of flowers and trees. The gardens are home to a colony of wood ducks and many other wild birds. In the middle of the gardens sits the Bok Tower, with its 60-bell carillon playing music daily at 3PM. Bok Tower Gardens is open every day of the year from 8AM to 6PM with last admission at 5PM. The Visitor Center is open from 9AM to 5PM. Admission $10.
World of Orchids - Featuring thousands of blooms in an enclosed tropical rain forest, World of Orchids is a working greenhouse shipping orchids and other plants nationwide. A greenhouse covers nearly an acre (4,000 m²), and in this controlled climate of warm, humid air some 1,000 orchids are displayed in a natural jungle setting, with streams, waterfalls, and squawking parrots. World of Orchids also has a 1,000 foot (300 m) long boardwalk meandering off into nearby wetlands.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art — Houses the world's most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) including Tiffany art glass, leaded-glass windows, lamps, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Museum's holdings include a major collection of American art pottery and representative collections of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century American paintings, graphics, and decorative arts. Admissions is $3 for adults, $1 for students, and free for children under 12. Free Admission between 4-8pm on Fridays November through April.
The Orlando Museum of Art — Ongoing exhibitions of American portraits and landscapes, American impressionist works, and art of the ancient Americas.
The Orlando Science Center — A 207,000 square foot (19,000 m²) hands-on learning center with hundreds of interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Images surround visitors on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome. Other attractions include the Body Zone, teaching health and fitness, as well as an observatory. The center has the largest refracting telescope in Florida.
Orange County Regional History Center - Features exhibits and artifacts from the earliest days of the region to the modern day. Includes information on everything from the time of the Seminole Indians to the founding of the city to the Civil Rights era to the Disney period to today. Open Monday-Saturday: 10AM - 5PM; Sunday: noon - 5PM. Admission $9-$12.
International Trolley and Train Museum — Features 14 model railroad trains with sound and lighting traveling through an indoor garden with 12 foot (4 m) high mountains, waterfalls, and more than 30 trestles and tunnels. Also on display are toy trains from the 1920s to the present. Visitors can catch a ride in a California Victorian-style half open/half closed trolley or the 5/8-scale replica of an 1880 locomotive (a Mason Bogey) with its passenger cars.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium — Located in a building artfully constructed to appear as if it were collapsing to one side. Visitors can explore bizarre artifacts, strange collections, weird art/hobbies (for example, check out the 3/4-scale model of a 1907 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost automobile made entirely of matchsticks and glue), and interactive exhibits in sixteen odd galleries. Seriously schlocky, yet fun.
Walt Disney World — The acclaimed gold standard of theme parks on the planet is actually located 18 miles south of downtown Orlando, in a city called Lake Buena Vista. Hours vary by park and season.
Universal Orlando Resort - Top-ranked challenger to Disney, with two theme parks -- the original Universal Studios Florida and the second theme park, Islands of Adventure -- a nightclub and restaurant complex, CityWalk, and three resort hotels. Open from 9AM, with closing times varying from 6PM-10PM. Discounts are given for purchasing tickets online.
SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando - A beautifully landscaped 200-acre marine theme park featuring fantastic shows, thrilling rides, and fun exhibits -- a more laid-back alternative to Disney and Universal. Open from 9AM, with closing times varying from 6PM-10PM. Variety of discounts may be available by purchasing tickets online.
Discovery Cove - A unique companion to Sea World, it is often sold out as admission is limited to 1000 guests per day but admission does include all your equipment, food, drink and 30 minutes interaction with the dolphins in the water.
Holy Land - An educational, inspirational, biblical-themed park designed to look like Jerusalem. A ministry of Trinity Broadcasting Network. Check hours online; closed on Tuesdays. $5 discount on tickets purchased online.
Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida - Journey deep into Forever Florida, a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area, preserved just as nature intended. This beautiful site boasts 9 distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of natural flora and fauna including alligators, black bears, nearly two hundred species of birds and the endangered Florida panther. Choose your own fully-guided adventure: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari or, soar through the treetops on the NEW Zipline Safari. Reservations Required.
Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine - This extravagant Catholic church has become a tourist attraction in itself, thanks in part to the millions of Catholics from around the world who visit it and the rest of Orlando every year. Note: It is not a parish and therefore it cannot perform weddings, funerals, or baptisms.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Orlando International Airport. Most people arrive by commercial air arrive via Orlando International Airport, abbreviated OIA, which is Orlando's primary airport, and the busiest airport in the State of Florida in regards to passenger traffic. The airport is located to the southeast of downtown Orlando, but is centrally located with respect to the region and area attractions. Orlando International Airport is a secondary hub for AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, & JetBlue Airways which all fly numerous routes to/from Orlando. Furthermore, Delta Air Lines offers 15 flights daily (August 2009) between Orlando and their largest hub in Atlanta.
By train - Orlando has an Amtrak station that provides service to other destinations such as Miami, but also connects to other points as far north as New York via the Silver Star and Silver Meteor lines.
In nearby Sanford, the southern terminus of the Amtrak Auto Train which carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, effectively serving as a car-rail link from Orlando to the Washington, D.C. Metro Area.
By bus - Greyhound, 555 North John Young Parkway. Visitors arriving by Greyhound can go south on SR 423 to Interstate 4 to get to the major attractions.
