Orlando in September

Wondering what to do in Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve never been to Florida, there's no better place to start! The entertainment capital of the South is packed with everything from world-famous theme parks and waterparks to fantastic shopping destinations and museums. The city is also home to many beautiful parks and wilderness reserves to be discovered. Come autumn time, the area has a lot of exciting activities and events, so be sure to check those out! So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Wherever your interests may lie, there’s sure to be something for you.

Explore the Area

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In September, Orlando can get pretty hot, and well... humid. If you’re looking to get away from all of the heat, why not head over to the Orlando Museum of Art? Founded by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the institute works to bring seminal pieces to a broad audience. Upon entrance, visitors can view an impressive collection of over 2,400 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. These works span from the 18th to 20th century and come from a broad spectrum of acclaimed international artists. We recommend setting a good few hours aside for this one since there’s a lot to see here.

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Since Florida is known for its beautiful tropical weather, it only makes sense that the state is home to some of the best nature reserves just waiting to be explored. Part of Everglades National Park, the Disney Wilderness Preserve stands out for its entirely unique ecosystem. No, really – this habitat is the only one of its kind currently found on earth! A total nature lover’s haven, the park has over 1,000 species of plants and animals on-site. At the park, you can take scenic strolls or off-road buggy tours to learn more about the environment and the animals which thrive there. Just remember to wear your comfiest walking shoes!

Find Fun Activities

Looking for something a little different? Well, look no further than the Museum of Illusions! Breaking away from the typical museum experience, the institute offers a totally unique sensory experience where nothing is quite as it seems. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to explore over 50 immersive exhibits which play with motion, color, shape, and space to twist the mind. Fan favorites include kaleidoscopes and holograms and tilted and reverse rooms. Don't forget to bring your phone so you can capture some snapshots of the incredible exhibits!

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If you’re looking to get into the true Florida spirit, what better place to be than Repticon Kissimmee? Taking place in late September, this two-day reptile show is a total must for any animal lovers in the area. Held in over 50 cities and 20 states, the festival recognized as one of the biggest animal expos of its kind. At the event, you’ll be able to get up close with a wide array of exotic reptiles in a safe and considerate way. In addition, you can attend live seminars and demonstrations to learn more about the animals and the different habitats which they come from. As fun as it is engaging, the festival provides a totally one-of-a-kind experience to remember.

Those who are travelling with family might be interested in the next item on our list. Spanning over 50 acres of gorgeous greenery, Harry P. Leu Gardens is an unmissable sight any time of the year. Standing out from other green spaces in the city, these tropical gardens showcase a wide array of exotic plants, thanks to founders Mr. And Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who scoured the world for unusual vegetation to bring back from their excursions. In early September, the park transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibition. At the event, you’re tasked to spot the beautiful wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees. Bringing magic to life, this event would make the perfect family day trip.

Relax!

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Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of September in Orlando is checking out the Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival. Now over 10 years old, the event celebrates local artisan vendors and outstanding winemakers on the beautiful grounds of their lush vineyard. Culinary offerings cover a wide variety of cuisines and can be meat and seafood-forward, though Lakeridge also offers many alternatives for those with special dietary requirements. Throughout the weekend, there are outdoor performances, activities, winery tours and wine tastings to be enjoyed. If the aim of the game is to spoil you, then the festival sure does its job.

If you want to indulge your inner foodie, then Magical Dining might just be the festival for you! Running the whole way throughout the month, this event gives diners the opportunity to try out some local favorites at lowered prices. Living up to its name, the event offers delectable dishes across a wide array of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a quiet romantic date spot, or something a little more casual, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Explore the best that the city has to offer, with no holding back! Oh, and the best part? For every magical meal bought, $1, is donated to charity, so everyone benefits.

Orlando is known as ‘’The City Beautiful’', and with good reason. Spend a day in the area, and it defies you not to fall in love with it. Fall is a fantastic time to visit since the crowds will have thinned out, whilst the weather will still be summery. The best things to do there run the gamut – it‘s just up to you to choose! Looking for great family day trips? Head the Museum of Illusions for the ultimate day of fun. Or, discover the city’s artsy side at the Orlando Museum of Art. If you’re an outdoorsy type, spend a day at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Whatever your pleasure, the city provides a wide array of attractions, activities, and festivals to be enjoyed. 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
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Stuart Bak
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Visiting LEGOLAND® Florida Resort - Discount Admission, Tips & More

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven, just 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa, is a multi-day vacation destination designed for children 2-12 years old. This super popular resort includes an interactive, 150-acre theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a world-famous botanical garden and the 5-acre LEGOLAND Water Park. You'll also find the LEGOLAND Hotel, located just steps from the theme park entrance. This unique lodging option features 152 rooms and suites, each with its own LEGO® theme and some with beautiful views of nearby Lake Eloise. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – LEGOLAND® Florida Resort admission is available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. See all available Orlando passes, attractions & prices. Families with kids won’t want to miss out on a chance to explore all that LEGOLAND Florida Resort has to offer. Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort Be sure to download the Quest to LEGOLAND® app, the brand new GPS adventure game from LEGOLAND Florida Resort. It offers games and trivia for kids as you travel towards the park. If you are visiting with older teens, be aware that this theme park is geared more towards kids between the ages of 3 – 10 (although anyone with a passion for LEGOs will get a kick out of the building activities). Parking at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is $17, but you can save $2 if you purchase parking in advance online. Scope out the park map before you visit to plan your itinerary. Save money on admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort with your pass! If you’re traveling with large bags or other items, lockers are available for rental. Because the park is geared towards children, there are a number of height requirements you should take into consideration before deciding what rides to see. Given that scattered thunderstorms are common in Central Florida, save some indoor attractions or shopping time for the inevitable afternoon rain. If you have really small children, bring your own stroller to avoid paying the rental fee. Small snacks and water can be brought into the park; other food items can be easily purchased once inside. When is the best time to visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Like most theme parks, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be busiest in the heart of the afternoon. Arrive early in the morning and miss out on the longest lines for the first part of your day. What to bring to LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Comfortable shoes. You'll be walking quite a bit around this sizable park. Sunblock and a hat. Florida is notorious for giving people sunburn even on cloudy days. A bathing suit, for the water park. Trust us -- you'll end up getting soaked even if you don't go on rides with the kids. A camera or phone. You'll want to capture the looks of complete and utter joy on your kids' faces. Money for souvenirs and lunch. There are plenty of places in the park to shop and dine. Minifigures! You can exchange them at the park for a new and exciting minifigure. What is there to do at LEGOLAND Florida Resort? The wonders are endless at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, but here is a selection of our favorite rides and attractions in the park. Be sure to check out LEGO NINJAGO World and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat too. LEGO® NINJAGO® World LEGO NINJAGO World is a hot new component of LEGOLAND. Kids are invited to enter a magical martial arts kingdom where you become the ninja in your very own LEGO®NINJAGO® [NIN-JAH-GO] adventure. LEGO NINJAGO World is an immersive area filled with several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a dazzling new attraction that blends 3D computer animation, “4D” effects and groundbreaking technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park. LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Designed with the same attention to detail and kid-centric features that made LEGOLAND Hotel an immediate hit, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is a village-style vacation resort with 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms, each with whimsical LEGO décor inside and out. The brightly colored bungalows are grouped into 13 “coves” named after popular LEGO Minifigures. Each includes an outdoor play area with fun and challenging elements, all within view of the bungalows’ shaded patios, where mom and dad can relax while kids play. Located about a half-mile from the theme park entrance, the site also features a central swimming pool and sandy play area, a buffet restaurant, pool bar, a giant LEGO-inspired lighthouse with a real rotating beacon and picturesque views of Lake Dexter. LEGO World of Chima Based upon the immensely popular line of toys presented by Cartoon Network, the World of Chima is filled with tons of great rides and experiences. Splash through an interactive water ride with the whole family, undertake the monumental Quest for CHI, race through SpeedzorzTM Arena, roam through Cragger’s Swamp, and immerse yourself in a 4-D movie experience. Miniland USA Adults and kids alike will get a kick out of this exhibit, which contains scale replicas of famous cities, buildings, and monuments from around the country. Featured local attractions in this Miniland include Daytona International Speedway and the Kennedy Space Center, as well as an homage to the state of Florida. You'll also see Miniland construction imitating New York City, California, Las Vegas, and more. Here is also where you'll find the LEGO Star Wars exhibits! DUPLO® Valley This area is specially designed for the littlest of guests, featuring a train, a mini tractor ride, and a water play area. Toddlers will also enjoy a DUPLO Farm and the DUPLO Tot Spot. There’s even a snack center and daycare in here. LEGO Kingdoms LEGO Kingdoms will bring you back in time to the medieval era when knights roamed the earth fighting dragons and saving damsels in distress. Explore the LEGOLAND castle, engage in the Royal Joust, crawl into the Forestman’s Hideout, be thrilled on the Dragon Coaster, and climb aboard the Merlin’s Challenge train. Land of Adventure Explore long-lost tombs and search for treasure in the Land of Adventure. Then, hop aboard the Safari Trek for a tour of life-size LEGO animals. Roam the maze in Pharaoh’s Revenge, and launch high into the air on the Beetle Bounce. There’s no end to the excitement in this part of the park. Imagination Zone This region of the park really brings out the creativity and ingenuity in kids. Kids can build their own LEGO cars, construct and program LEGO MindstormsTM robots, and immerse themselves in the world of LEGO’s Hero Factory line. Plus, you can see some of the best LEGO sculptures in the world here! Pirate’s Cove Who doesn’t love a good splash fight? LEGOLAND’s Pirate’s Cove features a one-of-a-kind water ski and stunt show in which LEGO-clad pirates have taken over Lake Eloise. LEGO City Kids can play at being an adult in the LEGO City, without any of the downsides! Be a firefighter or policeman and save the day at the Rescue Academy. Hop aboard a small-scale driving course, fly through the air on a steel coaster in the Flying School, and captain your own ship in the Boating School. Heartlake City One of the newer regions of the park, Heartlake City is an area designed especially for the female LEGO fans in the family. Based on the popular LEGO Friends line, this destination is filled with fun adventures for kids of all ages. Enjoy a horse-themed disc coaster on Mia’s Riding Adventure, take a photo at Stephanie’s Heartlake News Desk, and explore specialty shops. Botanical Gardens One of my personal favorite areas of LEGOLAND is the Botanical Gardens. Here you'll find a historical garden filled with cypress trees and other native plants. It's been restored to its original glory and re-imagined as a resource for curious kids looking to learn about the environment around them in Florida. You'll also find lush flowers like camellias, azaleas, and more. There's even a tree that was planted in 1939, a Banyan tree that still watches over the garden. What attractions are near LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Because LEGOLAND Florida Resort is centrally located between Orlando and Tampa, there are a number of attractions within driving distance if you want to fit a morning at LEGOLAND Florida Resort into a larger itinerary. Here are a few of the closest. Little kids will love a visit to the charming Green Meadows Petting Farm, a great interactive zoo-like experience. Nature-lovers won’t want to miss out on a scenic nature tour by Boggy Creek Airboats. Looking for more theme park rides? Check out Fun Spot America for some great attractions and rides. How much more Florida can you get than the famous Gatorland? Pay a visit to this unique adventure park for the experience of a lifetime. Looking for more information about the area? Check out our Orlando neighborhoods guide. What attractions are near LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Because LEGOLAND Florida Resort is centrally located between Orlando and Tampa, there are a number of attractions within driving distance if you want to fit a morning at LEGOLAND Florida Resort into a larger itinerary. Here are a few of the closest. Little kids will love a visit to the charming Green Meadows Petting Farm, a great interactive zoo-like experience. Nature-lovers won’t want to miss out on a scenic nature tour by Boggy Creek Airboats. Looking for more theme park rides? Check out Fun Spot America for some great attractions and rides. How much more Florida can you get than the famous Gatorland? Pay a visit to this unique adventure park for the experience of a lifetime. Looking for more information about the area? Check out our Orlando neighborhoods guide. What is there to eat near LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Given the scope of the park and the fact that you’ll probably spend an entire day there, it makes the most sense to eat in the park. Here’s a selection of the kinds of dining options available at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The Market Restaurant is open the entire time the park is, and serves healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including gluten free and vegetarian fare. If you’re in the mood for a treat, check out Granny’s Apple Fries for delicious things. Trying to please picky eaters? Then head to the Pizza and Pasta Buffet for some good old-fashioned carbs. There’s even a salad bar for the health-conscious. Another dessert option is Sunny’s Ice Cream Shop – perfect for hot summer afternoons. If the kids loved the Land of Adventure, treat them to a dinner at Castle Burger. Who says no to fried chicken? No one at Fried Chicken Co. Looking for a sandwich option? Try I-Zone Paninis or Lakeside Sandwich Co. Need to Know Hours Hours vary seasonally; check the operating calendar for the dates of your visit. Address & Directions One LEGOLAND Way Winter Haven, FL 33884 Driving Directions: From Orlando, take I-4 WEST to exit 55 (US Highway 27 South). Turn right off U.S. Highway 27 at State Road 540/Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Park is four miles on the left. Public Transportation: Round trip transportation from the I-Drive 360 at 8350 Universal Blvd, Orlando 32819. Note: Shuttle service is by reservation only and reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call (877) 350-5346 and hit * to make a reservation. Save on Admission with Go City® Remember, a pass for Orlando with Go City® is one of the best choices for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes LEGOLAND® Florida Resort tickets, plus admission to dozens more top attractions. You'll make great savings on top sightseeing tours, and popular activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price. Families with kids won’t want to miss out on a chance to explore all that LEGOLAND Florida Resort has to offer.
Katie Sagal

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