Things to do in Kissimmee

By Sarah Harris

A popular tourist destination for families and solo travellers alike, Kissimmee quite often conjures the image of famous theme parks and outdoor adventures. Though the area is perhaps best known for Disney World, you may be surprised by the myriad of fantastic attractions and points of exploration on offer. Trust us when we say, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Whether you’re looking to visit Magic Kingdom, make a splash at Island H20 Water Park, or spend a relaxing day ambling through the Disney Wilderness Preserve, there’s a little something for everybody here. If you’re planning to make the visit, you’ll need a good trip plan – but that’s where we come in! Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area.

Hit the Theme Parks

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Those travelling with family might want to check out the next item on our list. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, Magic Kingdom is amongst the most popular theme parks in the world. With over 50 rides, attractions, and shopping locations to choose from, you’ll never be bored here – rather, you’re more likely to struggle to fit it all in! Test your limits on Space Mountain, if you prefer to play it safe, take a turn on It’s a Small World, and definitely don’t forget to take a picture outside of the iconic Cinderella Castle. Whatever you choose to go for, there’s no going wrong here!

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Another one of our favorite things to do in Kissimmee is visit Fun Spot America. Though it isn’t quite as famous as some of the area’s other amusement parks, this place more than holds its own with a wide variety of unique rides and games to choose from. With over 20 exciting attractions, the fun just keeps on coming. For thrillseekers, excitement awaits you as you drop from 300 feet on the world’s tallest rollercoaster. This spot is also great for kids, offering old-time classics like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. Bringing the charm and nostalgia to the theme park, this place is sure to put a smile on your face.

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Kissimmee is known as a total hub of fun and entertainment – and it sure doesn’t disappoint! As the area’s most popular entertainment district, Old Town provides the ultimate amusement park experience. Boasting everything from killer dining and shopping experiences to live music events and car shows, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Still, what’s perhaps most charming about this place is that it seeks to offer a classic recreation of Old-Florida town; walking through the area, you’ll be able to notice the historic architecture and distinctive storefronts. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, this spot is not to be missed!

Try Something Different

Sure, we know that Kissimmee has a lot to offer in the amusement park department. Still, if you want to get to know the area a little better, there are plenty of interesting hidden gems and points of exploration to be uncovered. Completed in 1943, the Monument of States serves as a mark of American unity following the attack on Pearl Harbour. This creative outdoor installation is made up of 1, 500 stones from all over the United States, with messages inscribed into them – it even includes one from Franklin D. Roosevelt himself! This makes for a quick stop, meaning that you’ll have some time to explore the local area.

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Since Florida is well-known for its beautiful weather, it may come as no surprise to you that the area is home to some of America’s most wondrous green spaces. If you’re looking to spend some downtime in nature, the Disney Wilderness Preserve provides the perfect refuge from the city. Just a short stop from Disney World, this place offers plenty of space and fresh air, as well as one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. On the premises, you’ll be able to admire over 1,000 species of plants and animals. This fantastic hidden gem is a total must-see for all nature lovers.

Have a Blast

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For those looking for a little bit of a challenge, why not check out the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park? Perfect for all adventurous types, the park provides an unforgettable outdoor experience set right up against the stunning natural pine forests of Kissimmee. At the park, you'll be able to test your limits through around 100 different aerial obstacle course challenges. Fly through the trees on Tarzan ropes. Test your bravery on a zip line. Navigate through swinging logs. A little different and a whole lot of fun, this one should be right at the top of the itinerary!

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If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Kissimmee’s most popular water park, Island H2O, is the perfect place to spend time with friends or family. Perfect for big groups, this place offers more than 20 exciting experiences catering to all ages, including drop slides, a wave pool, and a children’s area – so basically, everyone’s happy! As if that wasn’t enough, this aquatic attraction is the first of its kind to offer customizable interactive experiences that are fun for all the family. Thoroughly invigorating and 100 per cent unique, we couldn’t possibly think of a better day to spend a sunny Florida’s afternoon!

There’s no doubt about it: Kissimmee is a city built for exploration. Set just south of Orlando, this vibrant area has much to offer for the avid explorer. Whilst visiting, you might be surprised by the many different things this place has in store - you just know where to look! Kissimmee’s adventure parks are an absolute must - whether you’re looking to visit Disney World or something a little different like Old Town, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. If the outdoors are more your thing, the area has a number of fantastic experiences to be enjoyed. All in all, Kissimmee is an incredible place to explore for all types of travellers. 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.

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Where to Stay in Orlando

Blessed by year-round beautiful weather and sunny skies, Orlando is best known for its major attractions like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. For anyone making their way to the City Beautiful for the first time, choosing a place to stay can be a little overwhelming. Still, we’re here to tell you that there’s no single winning spot to make your roots – rather, you should choose somewhere to suit your vacation plans and reasons for visiting. If you’re looking to hit the theme parks, then International Drive is where you’ll want to be. For nightlife and culture, you couldn’t do much better than downtown Orlando. Or, to live like the locals, check out Eatonville. Wherever you choose to stay in the city, you’ll have a great time. Check out our list for further guidance on which area would be right for you. International Drive Whilst there’s much to see and do everywhere in the city, International Drive remains a popular tourist hotspot for its proximity to the city’s most famous attractions. Stay here, and you’ll be well within reach of top theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Aquatica. Though its theme parks are the area’s main draw, if you conduct a little research you’ll find ample reason to love this vibrant area of the city. Not unlike the ‘Vegas Strip’, the area offers clusters of hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions to choose from. From great entertainment districts to fun shopping opportunities, International Drive really has it all. Serving as a major tourist corridor since 1972, this area provides accommodation choices for all types of travellers. No matter what price range or style you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Travelling is made easy in this part of the city, with excellent bus services and even some hotels offering free shuttles to the main amusement parks. Whether you’re travelling with family or going solo, we recommend this spot for those who like to be in the center of all the action. Kissimmee Another great option for tourists is of course Kissimmee. A little further out from all the hustle and bustle, this area presents a great mix of nature and urban attractions to keep everybody happy. Whilst the area is still very close to Orlando’s most famous theme parks, you’ll find that there’s so much more to love about Kissimmee. From Fun Spot America to the Monument of States, there’s a lot to see here. Most visitors rent out condos or villas in gated communities, creating a relaxed vibe that is ideal for families and big groups. If you decide to go down this route, you’ll have access to the community park, clubhouse, and a common pool. A tried-and-true classic, there’s no going wrong when you stay in Kissimmee. Winter Park For those looking to explore a different side of the city, Winter Park may be your best bet. Once considered a winter resort, this charming area presents much to do for culture vultures and art lovers. For those with a thirst for knowledge, the area has the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum amongst many others. It doesn’t stop there though – Winter Park is also a prime destination for nature lovers, with over 70 parks in the vicinity which host various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or catch a late-night movie under the stars, you’ll never be bored in Winter Park. Staying in this area also means that you’ll still be super close to all those quintessential Orlando attractions, without feeling overwhelmed by them. Win-win! Eatonville If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit more relaxed, why try Eatonville? Located just a few miles north of the city, this area is often recognized for its unique history, as it was one of the first all-black self-governing municipalities in the United States. Today, this thriving cultural gem is a great place to stay in the city, offering something a little different from your typical Orlando vacation. Here, you’ll find fantastic one-of-kind cultural amenities, including the Zora Neale Hurston Museum and the Moseley House which are well worth the visit. Its dining and drinking scenes boast killer bars and restaurants – try southern-style fried fish at Soul Food Fantasy, or for something a little sweet, head over to DaJen Eats Café & Creamery. Offering a laidback ‘’live like the locals’’ experience, we love this spot because it allows us to see more of the area. Downtown Last but most certainly not least, we recommend downtown Orlando for those traveling without kids. Matching the vibrant energy of Winter Park, the city’s historic center is known as a total hub of cultural activity. Daytime attractions are definitely not far and few between; with the Amway Center, Lake Eola Park, and Wells’ Built Museum just a stone's throw away, there’s a lot to see here. Come nightfall, the area is fun and bustling with life. If you’re wondering about dining options (and let’s be real, why wouldn’t you be?) don’t worry – the area presents some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Getting around the area is pretty simple – you can hail down passing cabs, check out the city’s metropolitan bus system, or just walk it. Never one to disappoint, we particularly love this area to stay in because it’s always reforming itself, coming up with cool and interesting new things to do. Crammed with iconic sites and bursting with fun, Orlando is well-recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A trip to the City Beautiful is a dream come true for many, so putting the right amount of research into where you stay is key. Whether you’re looking to hit the theme parks, visit the area’s best museums, or just relax, your chosen location will play heavily into your vacation. Of course, there isn’t one spot that is truly best for everyone – just one that is right for you. Wherever you choose to stay, just remember – the city is what you make of it. See the sites, discover new things, and most importantly, have fun! 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 January

Thinking about making a trip to Orlando this January? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. There are countless ways to enjoy wintertime in The City Beautiful. If the weather is warm enough, you’ll be able to able to visit all your favorite theme parks no bother. For those cooler days, the city’s cultural institutions are a total must-visit. And, for when you feel like you need to take a break, the area presents a lot of great laidback activities to try. Trust us when we say, you’ll never be bored exploring Orlando. So, without further ado, here are our favorite things to see and do in the area. We hope you like them and manage to try some of them out! Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to take a selfie with Brad Pitt? Or maybe strike a pose with Will Smith? Well, as it turns out, now you can! For pop-culture fanatics and lovers of the big screen, Madame Tussauds presents an exciting entertainment experience to remember for all. What began as a small project by famous wax worker Marie Tussaud in the 1800s is now a worldwide sensation right up to this very day, with locations in almost every major Western city – including Orlando. View over 50 life-like figures of some of the most famous faces in the world, ranging from actors and singers to political figures and superheroes. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a phone so you can snap some pictures for Instagram! If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Museum of Illusions. Standing out amongst the other exciting experiences in the city, this place aims to boggle the mind - in the best possible way. Combining architecture, design, psychology and space, the institute presents its unique collection of mind-twisting, eye-tricking installations for a broad audience. With over 50 incredible exhibitions to be enjoyed, the fun never stops coming. Walking around the institution, you’ll find everything from kaleidoscopes and prisms to tilted and reverse rooms. Undeniably intriguing and fascinating, this place is a total crowd-pleaser, great for those of all ages. Aside from its interesting cultural institutions, Orlando presents many fantastic historical structures well worth checking out. Standing as a modest, one-story cottage among College Park’s residential streets, the Jack Kerouac House once served as a home to the famous Beat writer. Though he only lived here less than a year, Kerouac managed to write ‘’The Dharma Bums’’ in its entirety during this time. Today, this National Historic Landmark is now a residence for budding writers – but if you want to take a peek inside, just ask! Beautifully preserved and holding such high cultural relevance, we don’t recommend missing out on this one. Get Cultured Though Orlando is perhaps best known for its world-renowned theme parks, the city’s cultural institutions are more than worth checking out. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, the Wells' Built Museum of African American History once served as a hotel for black visitors to the area. Since then, the structure has been converted into an institution showcasing the storied history of African American culture in the city. Inside, you’ll find everything from artefacts and artwork to old documents and photos pertaining to Orlando’s black and civil rights history. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to learn a little more about the area, there’s no better place to be. Orlando presents a wealth of free museums covering a wide range of interesting topics – you just need to know where to look! An important educational tool, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center works to paint a powerful and moving picture of the past. Through carefully curated exhibitions, educational programs, and personal stories, learn more about those who were affected during this period of time. Within the museum’s intriguing permanent holdings, you’ll find a diverse array of historic documents, photos and artworks which work to tell the story of one of history's most lamentable injustices. Impactful though sombre, we recommend this stop for anybody who takes a deep interest in European history. Learn Something New For those brisk January afternoons, why not head over inside at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? The perfect experience for those with curious minds, this place works to break down the fascinating history of space travel and deliver it in a digestible way. Even those who aren’t scientifically-minded are sure to be blown away by what this institution has to offer; inside, you can touch a real moon rock, walk amongst NASA shuttles, and attend lectures held by veteran astronauts. Still, the star of the show here has got to be the shuttle launch simulator, which recreates a rocket's orbit into space for visitors. As fun as it is unique, this place should rank right at the top of the itinerary! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of January is visit the Orlando Fire Museum. Built into a renovated 1926 firehouse, the institute seeks to demonstrate the fascinating history and cultural relevance of firefighting. The perfect stop for all history lovers, this place is an unmissable educational experience; amongst its unique holdings, you’ll find everything from painted leather buckets to early motorized apparatus. Still, the museum’s major showstopper has got to be its wonderful collection of vintage firetrucks, giving a sense of what firefighting was like in a different time. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando in January. When the weather cools down, this opens up more opportunities for exploration and adventure. Trust us, getting bored in Orlando is mission impossible, no matter the time of year. Whether you're interested in exploring the city’s most popular attractions, hitting up its fantastic museums, or heading over to the historical landmarks, this vibrant Southern metropolis has a little something for everybody. 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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