Orlando Memorial Day Weekend 2020 - Fun Things to Do in May

By Katie Sagal

Spending Memorial Day Weekend in the central Florida area? There are lots of fun activities to enjoy this holiday weekend. Whether you're all about theme park thrills or prefer to take in scenic vistas, there's something for everyone to love in Orlando. If you’re looking for Orlando Memorial Day Weekend 2020 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Orlando in May, including...

  • Visit the exciting I-Drive 360 Complex
  • Explore Lake Eola Park
  • Take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center
  • Check out the animals living in the Everglades
  • Visit Lion Country Safari
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Orlando pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Orlando attractions & activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Orlando attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Orlando pass.

Head to a Theme Park

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Celebrate the start of the summer season at one of Orlando's many theme parks. Spend some time enjoying classic theme park rides at Fun Spot America Theme Park. Kids and adults alike can take their turn on the famous, multi-level Go Kart tracks, knock around on the bumper boats, take a spin on The Revolver wheel, and more. Getting In: Fun Spot America tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

LEGOLAND Florida

Another top theme park option is LEGOLAND® Florida. This 150-acre park is filled with attractions that are just perfect for kids 12 and under. Your kids can go on over 50 rides, see a show, and explore the Miniland cities in Miniland USA. Don't forget to visit LEGO Heartlake City, where you can meet new friends and play around with the whole gang. Then, there's the "LEGO Movie 4D: A New Adventure," which allows fans to continue their love for the LEGO Movie. Getting In: LEGOLAND Florida tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

The I-Drive 360 Entertainment Complex

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Check out the exciting area all the locals are buzzing about. Filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, this fun-packed entertainment complex right in Orlando, promises visitors a memorable time. Be sure to take a ride on ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye), take pictures with your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds, walk through the 360-degree underwater tunnel at SEA LIFE Aquarium or discover a new appreciation for anatomy at Skeletons: Animals Unveiled! Getting In: ICON Orlando tickets and Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Visit Kennedy Space Center

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Visit one of the world's greatest hubs of technology and discovery, the Kennedy Space Center, and explore where many of mankind's greatest accomplishments have taken place. Tour NASA's launch and landing facilities, play around with interactive simulators, and meet a real astronaut! Getting In: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Lion Country Safari

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Visit America's first wildlife preserve where over 900 animals (lions included) roam free over two safari parks. Families and animal lovers will want to visit Lion Country Safari, where you can drive the four-mile route through hundreds of zebra, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest and of course, lions. There's also a walk-through safari with a chance to feed giraffes and visit a petting zoo. Getting In: Lion Country Safari tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Explore Central Florida Everglades

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Explore the Everglades on a Boggy Creek Airboat tour and see gators, turtles, birds, and more in their natural environment. Glide across the surface of the water between walls of tall grass. To help you plan, it's important to know that the best time to see the most wildlife is in the morning between 9AM and 11AM. Getting In: Boggy Creek Airboat tour tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Tour Winter Park

One of the most beautiful suburbs of Orlando is Winter Park, a city filled with indie shops, tasty restaurants, delightful gardens, and lovely architecture. In addition to popping in a few local businesses, why not take a boat tour of Winter Park's peaceful canals and lakes? It's a great way to spend a relaxing hour. Getting In: Winter Park Boat Tour tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Explore Lake Eola Park

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Located right in the heart of downtown Orlando, the scenic Lake Eola Park is a great place to spend a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend with friends and family. Visitors will enjoy seeing the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain which is the "official" icon of the City of Orlando. Take a stroll on the scenic walking paths, pack a picnic and toss a Frisbee around, or rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and paddle around Lake Eola. Getting In: It's free to explore Lake Eola Park.

Stroll the Beaches

Whether you want to head all the way to New Smyrna or Cocoa Beach, or feel like exploring the tiny but delightful Winter Park Beach, there are fabulous beach options to fulfill your Memorial Day summer dreams. Get to the beach early to get a great spot, grab a towel and you're pretty much set to go! Getting In: Beach admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Orlando pass. For more information, please visit the website of your chosen beach.

Remember to Save on Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Orlando in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Orlando pass, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Is Orlando Safe?

With its emblematic theme parks and year-round beautiful weather, Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world that you can visit. Forever fun and presenting countless interesting activities to choose from, the city has made a prime choice for family vacations for generations now. Still, those making a trip to the City Beautiful might stop to ask themselves before visiting, ‘’well, is it safe?’’ If you’re planning to make your way over to Orlando and have any concerns about your trip, don’t worry! We’ll help you figure that all out with our guide to staying safe in the area. Keep scrolling to learn more about how you can stay mindful when exploring Orlando. How Safe is Orlando? If you’re travelling to Orlando for the first time, you might be worried about crime in the area. Since Orlando is a tourist-heavy location, petty crime is an unfortunately common occurrence, coming in a wide variety of forms. From bag-snatching and phone grabbing to pickpocketing and credit card fraud, it can sometimes seem like there’s a lot to be aware of here. When you’re walking around the theme parks, be sure to keep your wallet hidden and possessions secure at all times. To avoid standing out from the crowd, we suggest that you dress conspicuously and keep valuable items out of full view. While all of this sounds like it can be a little unsettling, we know that if you’re smart about it, you should be just fine. Is Transport in the City Safe? In coming to a new city, it's important that visitors are able to get around safely. As a big city and thriving tourist destination, Orlando presents countless options for local transportation, each with their own perks. If you’re looking for total convenience and freedom of travel, renting a car from a local vendor is always a good option. Not only is this choice one of the most secure ways to explore the area, but it will save you money. As another easy and time-efficient course of action, taxis are available at most major attractions and hotels. For those who want to use cabs as a primary mode of transportation, we suggest that you stay vigilant of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings. And for a more cost-effective way to see Orlando, the city’s comprehensive bus system is a good choice. When taking any public transport, we recommend that you work out your route ahead of time, and to avoid these types of services at night if you can. Though making your way around a new city can seem a little daunting, with the right planning, it will seem like no biggie. How to Stay Safe in Orlando When travelling to a new area, you have a right to know whether it's safe to explore. Of course, there is no one straight-up answer to this – like most big cities, Orlando presents some areas that pose less of a threat than others. For those who are particularly worried about personal safety, areas like I-Drive, Kissimmee and Winter Park should make you feel more comfortable. Bursting with iconic attractions and events, these places are always a great option. Whilst staying in areas which you are more familiar with may seem like a good idea, there’s a lot more of the city to see. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then downtown is filled with fantastic cultural attractions that are not to be missed. If you do decide to explore one of Orlando's bolder neighborhoods, it's important to always pay attention to your surroundings. As long as you keep your wits about yourself and stay sharp, you should experience no problems here. Are the Theme Parks Safe? Another common concern of visitors to Orlando is the theme parks, and how safe they may be. If you’re planning your stay around some of the city’s most popular entertainment attractions, it might be comforting to hear that park regulation is left up to the state. With so many fantastic sites packed into one area, Florida has pretty strict safety measures regarding its amusement parks – so there’s no need to worry here. Still, it’s important to stay smart when exploring these iconic attractions. Walking around the site, we recommend staying in groups of two or more, and always carrying a theme park map with you. When visiting one of these attractions, you should also keep a mobile phone with you, so that you can stay connected with the rest of your group. Whilst these places can seem a little intimidating due to their impressive size, if you approach them with the right attitude, you’ll make memories for years to come! Is Orlando Safe at Night? Though Orlando is generally recognized as a family destination, its nightlife is a real treat for those who are willing to explore. With areas like I-Drive, downtown, and Ivanhoe Village all offering a great way to let loose a little on vacation, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And whilst Orlando’s bar scene stands up to any major US city, it can also present some real dangers. Whilst spiking and attacks are irregular incidences, we all recognize that they can and do happen – so it's essential to know what you can do to protect yourself. For starters, when heading out for a night on the town, we recommend going with a group (you should stay with your group throughout the night to ensure total safety). At the bar, it’s important to always keep an eye on your beverage and remember to drink plenty of water as well. When making your way back to your accommodation, make sure to choose a safe method of transportation – we suggest taking a taxi over public transport. Whilst all of this might seem like a lot to handle, you can never put a price on safety! Without a doubt, Orlando is a fantastic destination for exploration and adventure – however, it’s always important for visitors to stay alert and make smart decisions when discovering this unique entertainment capital. Whilst the bustling streets and theme parks might seem a little chaotic to some travellers, with a little common sense, you should be able to handle them like a pro. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Orlando in February

There are hundreds of things to do in Orlando during the wintertime. The city doesn’t typically slow down throughout this time of the year – far from it, actually. Compared to northern states, Orlando’s wintertime is pretty mild, thanks to its subtropical climate. Because of this, February is a great time to visit – the weather is more bearable, there are fewer crowds, and great deals to take full advantage of. Whether you’re looking to check out the theme parks, visit the museums, or take some time off at the farmers’ market, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of some of the best things to do in Orlando during the month of February. No matter what you choose to do here, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! SEE THE SITES Orlando’s temperate weather in the wintertime makes it perfect for visiting some of the area’s most famous theme parks. Whether you’re a pop culture fanatic or travelling with family, there’s no better place to be than the Universal Resort. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this place is recognized as one of the most popular theme parks in the world – and it’s easy to see why. The park is split into ten different zones, each with their own unique theme. With over 30 rides and attractions on-site, there’s a lot to choose from here – but that’s all part of the fun! We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a big smile on your face. If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Breaking away from the typical museum encounter, the institute works not only to educate its visitors about space travel but bring the experience to life. Through awe-inspiring attractions, exhibits, and activities, learn more about some of man’s finest achievements. At the institute, you can view historic spacecraft and memorabilia, learn more about those who have dedicated their lives to space travel in the Astronauts Hall of Fame, and touch a real moon rock. But if you thought that was all, you were wrong! A favorite for most visitors, the Shuttle Launch Experience provides a fantastic simulation of a real rocket blast off. No doubt one of the more unique stops on our list, this place is a total must-see. LEARN SOMETHING NEW Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of February is visit the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History. A perfect activity for those cooler days, the institution seeks to present, preserve and interpret artefacts from African American culture and that of the diaspora in a wonderful historical space. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, the museum once served as a hotel for African Americans who were barred from Florida’s segregated hotels. Upon entrance, visitors can view an impressive collection of memorabilia pertaining to Orlando’s black history and Civil Rights Movement. For those with a great thirst for knowledge and deep appreciation for culture, this one should rank at the very top of the itinerary! If you’re looking for art and culture in Orlando, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Though the city is perhaps best known for its famous theme parks, its wonderful galleries may just surprise you. Established by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art plays a major role in the city’s creative scene. In its eclectic repository, the institution houses over 2, 400 works covering Contemporary Art, African Art, and that of the Ancient Americas. Walking through the institute, you’ll be able to spot works that are incredibly rare and thousands of years of age. As fascinating as it is fun, this place is well worth the visit. FIND COOL OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES If you’re looking to take some quiet time in nature, Orlando has some spectacular green spaces to choose from. Wild and romantic, the charming Kraft Azalea Garden makes a fantastic contrast to the vast urban landscapes found elsewhere in the city. Open all year round to the public, this wonderful secluded space is perfect for taking a little time to yourself. Strolling through the park, you’ll notice cypress and banyan trees, and obviously, azaleas. Sat on the shore of Lake Maitland, the park has a small dock that offers fishing and boating activities. You should also be able to spot beautiful birdlife around the area, including egrets, herons, owls, and woodpeckers. Incredibly peaceful and picturesque, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a lazy afternoon in the city. During February, the weather is cooler and less humid than usual, but not typically cold, making it a great time for outdoor activity in Orlando. A total favorite for locals and visitors alike, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is the best way to start the weekend in the city. Taking place every Saturday morning, this place is well-recognized for its wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, delectable treats like chicken pot pies, Jamaican patties and kettle corn draw in the crowds to this favorite local mainstay. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Browsing the stalls, you’ll find everything from raw honey and artisan cheese to original crafts and souvenirs. Vibrant and bustling with life, we recommend this place for all the foodies out there! Choosing to visit Orlando in February is a great idea. Why? Because you’ll be able to hit all the famous sites and attractions without the uncomfortable heat and humidity. There are countless ways to explore Orlando in the winter, for all different types of travellers. If you’re a thrillseeker, the Universal Resort is right at your fingertips. For those who are interested in learning more about the history of the area, the city’s cultural institutions are a must. If you just want to relax, the area presents many beautiful parks to be discovered. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit you. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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