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3 Days in Orlando for First Timers

How to spend a long weekend in O-Town.
By Katie Sagal

South Florida is full of sunshine and entertainment. From animal attractions to water parks and fairgrounds, Orlando is a great getaway spot. Here are our top tips for first-time visitors.

Heading to Orlando for a long weekend without any firm plans? Check out our suggestions for things to do during three days in Orlando. This itinerary is filled with tons of fun for the whole family and is designed to give you a great overview of the area’s best attractions.

This 3 day itinerary includes:

  • WonderWorks
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
  • Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World
  • The Wheel at ICON Park
  • Gray Line Orlando Tour
  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
  • Fun Spot America
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando

Only have a few days in Orlando? We’ve also put together a sample 2 day itinerary.

DAY 1 Stop #1:WonderWorks

WonderWorks Orlando is one amazing attraction. For starters, everything is upside-down! With more than 100 fun and interactive exhibits to explore, you’ll never tire of this place. Some highlighted exhibits include a 36-foot-tall indoor ropes challenge course, a 4-D Extreme Motion ride, simulated earthquakes and hurricanes, a machine that allows you to measure the speed of your baseball pitch, and many more!

Among these many delightful activities, a few of our favorites also include an awesome glow-in-the-dark ropes course and the always-enjoyable laser tag. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

two-cute-kids-watching-variety-colorful-aquarium

Home to more than 5,000 diverse sea creatures from vibrant, tiny little fish to a Giant Sea Octopus, SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando is an excellent place for those who love animals and all things aquatic. Filled with multiple themed habitats and several interactive components – including a very popular rock pool filled with sea anemones – this aquarium is a must-visit.

You should also make sure not to miss Orlando's only 360-degree ocean tunnel, which allows you to walk *under* majestic sea creatures.

Stop #3: Gatorland

florida-gator-floating-on-water

There’s no other place quite like it in the world – Gatorland is a truly unique destination dedicated to the most iconic of all Floridian creatures, the alligator. Of course, they’ve got a few crocodiles, too! You’ll experience everything from tours and performances to exhibits and nature walks, all contained within this 110-acre wildlife preserve. There’s even a petting zoo! (Don’t worry – there are no alligators there.)

Be sure to also check out their Gator Gully Splash Park, which turns this already awesome attraction into a delightful place to be amid Florida humidity. This attraction is a quintessential destination for the Orlando traveler. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Stop #4: The Wheel at ICON Park

beautiful-cyan-sky-icon-orlando-eye

You've got to make sure you spend some time at the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast! The Wheel at ICON Park offers truly astonishing views of Orlando – stretching far and wide. No matter what time of day you plan to visit, we are sure you will have amazing sights of the Central Florida.

This place is an amazing addition to I-Drive. You're also very close to a number of other fun attractions that you could explore, either in addition to today's itinerary, or on another day. From an aquarium to a museum to a golf course, there is plenty to love about this area!

DAY 2 Stop #1: Gray Line Orlando Day Tour

Since you spent most of yesterday indoors, dedicate today to exploring the great outdoors. This day-long excursion provides a comprehensive perspective on the city of Orlando and its surrounding environs.From Lake Eola and charming Winter Park to the shopping distinct of Park Avenue and Disney’s City of Celebration, you’ll get a great overview of the area’s biggest highlights.

You’ll even get plenty of time on your own to spend exploring each distinct neighborhood. This tour lasts for approximately 7 hours. Because the tour does last all day, plan to each lunch along the way – perhaps along Park Avenue?

DAY 3 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® Florida

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is actually the biggest LEGOLAND® park in the world, and that’s saying something! This 150-acre theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, and gardens for you to explore – all of which are LEGO®-themed.

We should also note that this is primarily designed for children ages 12 and under, so if you're a party of all adults, or with older children, you can substitute another attraction for LEGOLAND -- perhaps the iconic Kennedy Space Center?

Check out our guide for tips on visiting LEGOLAND Florida before your visit. We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Fun Spot America

roller-coster-sunny-day

Looking for some extreme fun? Then check out Fun Spot America, one of Orlando’s more accessible theme parks. It’s a great way for everyone to burn off some steam and to keep the kids entertained after lunch.

Some of the things to do at this amazing theme park include include go-karts, bumper boats, bumper karts, the White Lightning roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a suspended car called the Paratrooper. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Madame Tussauds Orlando

Madame Tussauds Orlando

For a final excellent I-Drive option to round out your three days in Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando is a fine choice. This international sensation offers excitement, inspiration, and just plain fun in one fun attraction.

Come here to see your favorite celebs in their signature scenarios, from Taylor Swift mid-concert to Shaq hitting a layup. Other themed areas include Film, History and Leaders, A-List, TV, and more. Don't forget to snap those perfect photos for Instagram!

Save up to 50% on Orlando attractions  

Remember, this 3 day Orlando itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Central Florida. A pass with Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Discover our full line-up of Orlando attractions from Kennedy Space Center to Fun Spot America.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Pick whichever Orlando attraction pass suits you, and save as you sightsee!

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Rollercoaster at Legoland Florida Resort.
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Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison

Florida’s Legoland and Walt Disney World resorts require little introduction. These Orlando heavyweights come with significant boasts. Did you know, for example, that Legoland Florida is, at 145 acres, the second-largest Legoland on the planet (beaten only marginally by Legoland Windsor in the UK)? Or that Walt Disney World frankly dwarfs it (and every other theme park in the world for that matter), weighing in at a whopping 27,000 acres? Well, now you do. Read on for our comparison of this entertainment equivalent of David and Goliath as we put Legoland and Walt Disney World through their paces... Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Legoland Name: Legoland. Or, if we must be pedantic about it: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Age: A mere whippersnapper next to Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida opened to the general public in October, 2011. Legoland in a nutshell: This epic interactive theme park is a firm family favorite, with 150 acres in which to let kids young and old run riot. We’re talking Lego-themed rollercoaster rides, 4D movie theaters, water shows and more. Heck, there’s even a standalone Peppa Pig theme park, a water park and a botanical garden here. Add to that several restaurants and gift shops and you have all the ingredients for a great day out. Though technically aimed at kids aged 2-12, it’s also pretty great fun for grown-ups too! There’s easily enough to do here to justify a couple of days. Maybe even three. Legoland: Vital Statistics Size: 145 acres Number of zones: there are a whopping 12 themed zones to explore, and we’re not even including the Cypress Gardens, Peppa Pig Theme Park or Legoland Water Park in that count. Number of attractions: there are somewhere in the region of 50 fun rides, theaters and other attractions in the main park. Number of hotels: three. Number of Lego bricks: 4m+ Visitors: around 1.5 million annually. Unmissable Highlights at Legoland Florida Adrenaline heads will want to hit up the coasters in Lego Kingdoms and the Land of Adventure in which, respectively, The Dragon and traditional wooden Coastersaurus are among the most hair-raising. Meanwhile, fans of Lego Ninjago will find much to enjoy on the interactive Ninjago-themed dark ride. Kids can earn their Legoland driving licenses in Lego City, play video games and build Lego Mindstorms robots in the Imagination Zone, and meet Lego friends including Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma in Heartlake City. For something a little bit... weirder, mosey on down to Pirates’ Cove, where the daily live action water-ski stunt show on Lake Eloise sees Captain Brickbeard, Calico Jade and the rest of the scurvy pirate crew put through their paces on wakeboards, flying boards and more. Meanwhile, over in the Land of Adventure, there’s a safari trek that takes in life-size lego lions, tigers and elephants. And in Lego Movie World you can get involved in the Battle of Bricksburg, in which participants spray down evil Duplo invaders and, well, get royally drenched in the process. Legoland Florida: Information for Visitors Opening hours: Standard opening hours are 10AM-5PM daily, but these vary by season and on weekends and holidays. The Water Park tends to open a little later and close a little earlier than Legoland. Check the Legoland website for the latest opening hours. Tickets: There are various options available direct, from multi-day tickets to VIP and annual passes. You’ll need separate tickets in addition to your Legoland ticket if you want to visit the Legoland Water Park. Alternatively, an Orlando attraction pass from Go City includes one-day entry to Legoland Florida, plus admission to dozens more top Orlando attractions for one money-saving price. Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Walt Disney World Florida Name: Walt Disney World Florida, to give it its full name. Initially just plain old Disney World, Walt’s first name was added posthumously in recognition that the whole project had been his idea. Age: This stalwart of the theme park scene first opened its gates way back in October 1971, a shade under five years after Walt’s death. Walt Disney World in a nutshell: Walt Disney World is a monster entertainment complex that’s truly worthy of its founder’s name. What was once a vast tract of Florida swampland now contains – deep breath – four separate theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, several shopping complexes and multiple hotels. Frankly it’s more of a Disney city than a mere theme park: to give you some idea of scale, it’s approximately the same size as San Francisco. However, it is the theme parks here that are the main event, running the gamut from the classic Magic Kingdom to Epcot (a celebration of human technological innovation and achievement), Hollywood Studios and the vast Animal Kingdom – the world’s largest theme park at a humongous 580 acres, fact fans. With that in mind, you may find that one or even two weeks isn’t quite enough time to take it all in. Walt Disney World: Vital Statistics Size: 27,000 acres or thereabouts, around half of which has been developed to date. Number of parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom makes four. There are also two water parks and several dozen additional satellite zones and attractions. Number of attractions: there are around 170 rides across the four main parks. Number of hotels: 32, of which 22 are owned and operated by Disney. Visitors: around 58 million annually, making Walt Disney World the world’s most visited vacation resort. Unmissable Highlights at Walt Disney World I mean... where to start? Can you even say you’ve been to the Magic Kingdom if you fail to grab a selfie at the iconic Cinderella Castle, ride the original Space Mountain rollercoaster or shake hands with Mickey, Minnie and the gang? Then there’s Epcot (or EPCOT, if you insist), where the Mission: Space thrill ride comes with complimentary motion-sickness bags and the World Showcase neighborhood contains pavilions representing the cultures, cuisines and architecture of 11 nations including Norway, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom. Get a taste of the golden age of cinema at Hollywood Studios, where highlights include the Muppet-themed Grand Avenue, several Star Wars rides and the 11-acre Toy Story Land. And hit up the Animal Kingdom which is, in effect, one of the world’s biggest zoos. Go on an African safari, ride the Wildlife Express Train, catch a show at the Tree of Life Theater, and say hey to the resident anteaters, macaws, gorillas, hippos, crocodiles and other critters. Word has it you might even bump into the occasional overgrown mouse or duck... Walt Disney World: Information for Visitors Opening hours: Hollywood Studios and Epcot generally open from 9AM-9PM; Magic Kingdom is 9AM-10PM and Animal Kingdom 8AM-7PM. However, timings will vary a little by season. Check the Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date opening hours. Tickets: Several options are available direct via the Walt Disney World website. Save on attractions in Florida Save on admission to Orlando attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Orlando skyline
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Best Shopping in Orlando - Trendy, Affordable, Outlet Malls & More

You can't leave O-town without paying a visit to one of its many malls and partaking in a shopping spree – you are on vacation after all. Here's our pick of the best stores, outlet malls and more, whatever your budget...
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Outdoor Activities Orlando

Seated right by the eastern coastline and offering dreamy weather all year round, the Sunshine State is pretty much built for outdoor activity. With a fantastic mix of nature and urban attractions, the city caters to all types of travellers. For thrillseekers, there’s no better place to be than Orlando. Check out some of the top-rated theme parks and waterparks in the country. If you're a nature lover, lose yourself in the area’s beautiful parks and wildlife preserves. Foodies will enjoy strolling through the open-air markets dotted around the city, with more than enough to choose from. Wherever your interests may lie, Orlando has at it all! So, if you’re thinking about making the visit, use our list as a starting point for exploring the area. Whatever you choose to do in Orlando, it’s impossible to be bored! See the Classics Of course, no trip to Orlando is complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. Part of the Walt Disney World Resort, this place is the most visited theme park in North America – and with good reason! Bringing all of our childhood dreams to life, this place is like the world epicenter of fun and imagination. With over 40 rides, attractions and dining options to choose from, the park provides a great entertainment experience for those of all ages. There’s so much to see and do here, it’s really up to you. Highlights include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and Country Bear Jamboree. Oh, and definitely don’t forget to take a picture in front of the world-famous Cinderella Castle! The true magic of Universal comes to life at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can experience many rides and attractions based on one of the world’s best-sellers. Bringing one of our favorite movie series to life, this specialist park works to cater to all our cinematic fantasies. Franchise fans will be spoiled for choice with testing thrill rides, incredible 3D adventures, and fantastic shows. Hop on the Hogwarts Express train, pick up your very own wand in one of the stores, or sip a butterbeer in The Leaky Cauldron. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. With those long, hot Florida days, of course you’ll be looking for somewhere to cool down. Thankfully, Orlando goes all out with their famous waterparks dotted around the city for our enjoyment. Still, out of all of its offerings, Universal’s Volcano Bay tops the list for its creativity and variety. Boasting over 20 rides and attractions from the pretty tame to the super scary, this place has a little something for everybody. Adrenaline junkies will love Ko’okiri Body Plunge, a thrill ride which a whopping 125-foot drop. For those want to play it safe, rides like the Taniwha Tubes and Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides are exhilarating without testing our fear to its very limits. The park also has a beach area and even cabanas to relax under. Whether you’re looking to get your pulse racing or just want to soak up the sun, this place truly has it all. Get in Touch With Nature Orlando’s nature reserves are some of the most interesting in the country, with thousands of acres of swamps and wetlands just waiting to be explored. Located just south of the city, the Disney Wilderness Preserve offers a considerate and ecofriendly way to view animals in their natural habitat. Part of Everglades National Park, the reserve presents a completely unique ecosystem, which is not currently seen anywhere else on the planet! Strolling through the area, you’ll be able to view over 1,000 species of plants and animals all in the same place. Along the trails, expect to see everything from cranes and deer to raptors and water snakes. If you’re an outdoorsy type, this place should place right at the top of your itinerary. If you’re looking for a way to take in the natural beauty of Orlando, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Offering a quiet respite from the city, Kraft Azalea Garden is just perfect for taking a lazy stroll, reading a book, or just simply enjoying the sights. This calm and romantic spot features majestic centuries-old oaks, cypress, and banyan trees. In addition, the park is home to many species of beautiful birds, including egrets, cranes, and woodpeckers. Enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic, or watch the sunset over Lake Maitland – the world’s your oyster! Relax! The best way to start the weekend in Orlando is by heading over to the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. Running on every Saturday from early morning right through the afternoon, this place is known for its huge spread of fresh produce. Still, what draws us in every time is its large number of food vendors, serving up an enticing array of dishes from around the globe. Snack on some freshly popped kettle corn as you browse. Try a flaky Jamaican patty hot from the oven. Indulge in a cupcake with all the trimmings. Whatever you decide to go for, we promise you won’t leave hungry! The city may best be known for its famous theme parks, but it’s also home to some wonderful urban landscapes to be discovered. Situated in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is affectionately considered to be one of the city's top natural treasures. This lively green space has plenty of plant life and spectacular views of the Orlando skyline. Still, the park is more than just a pretty face; within its boundaries, you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, feed the live swans, and see concerts at the Walt Disney Ampitheater. In addition, outdoor classes, farmers markets, and special events shine a spotlight on the scenic location throughout the year. Living up to its sunny reputation all throughout the year, Orlando makes the perfect destination for outdoor activity. Across the city, you’ll find everything from world-class theme parks and water parks to stunning gardens and wildlife reserves which make for a super relaxing day out. Whatever your interest, don’t forget to bring your sunblock and sunglasses! And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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