There are a couple reasons why Orlando always brings a smile to my face and a good chunk of it is due to my love of anything Disney. There are daily flights to Orlando so there’s really no excuse not to release your inner child.
Top 5 Orlando Attractions for the Kid at Heart
1) Theme Parks Galore
Clearly, if you are a themepark junkie, you need no convincing to head straight to Orlando. The sunny Florida city is home to Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Dinosaur World, Gatorland and Legoland to name a few. If you are in Orlando for just a weekend it’s best to pick one of these instead of trying to cram in two or three. Whenever I would visit Disney World with my family I’d drag my Mom or Dad with me to Sea World but by the end of the week I was thoroughly exhausted.
2) Drive to the Coast
Orlando is not too far from the coast so the city can easily be a weekend getaway. There are daily shuttles from the Orlando airport to Cocoa Beach that coast $45 per person or $80 round trip. Renting a car for the weekend is a more extensive option but might offer more flexibility in your schedule. For a bit more adventure, take a kayak lesson or sign up for a boat tour. You can even see the space launches from the beach.
3) Feel Exotic in Arabia
If you like majestic horses, romance and over-the-top theatrical productions, Arabian Nights is the perfect way to spend a night in Orlando. The 90-minute dinner performance has been voted “Orlando’s Best Dinner Attraction” by locals and with 60 horses and 20 acts to aimed to entertain, it’s easy to see why. A ticket includes a three course meal and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.
4) Get Wet ‘n Wild
If a day trip to the beach isn’t in your itinerary, you can still beat the summer sun by spending a few hours at Get Wet n’ Wild water park. Highlights include the park’s Disco H2O retro raft adventure which plays upbeat 70s jams throughout the ride, The Black Hole and The Next Generation. For those who want a more relaxing experience, stick to the always enjoyable lazy river.
5) Channel Alice in Wonderland
Alice is one of my favorite Disney characters so there’s no better place to channel the famous cartoon star than wandering through fields of flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The 50-acre attraction costs about $7 per person but there are select hours when entrance is completely free. The gardens are also close to downtown Orlando, so when you are finished looking for the White Rabbit, you can chill out at a local coffee shop or bar.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
