It’s called the Theme Park Capital of the World because it’s home to exhilarating rides and unbeatable, world-famous water parks.
But Orlando, the centrepiece of Florida, offers so much more – from incredible cuisine, non-stop sporting events and nightlife, to wonderful wildlife and nature trails.
Add all these essential holiday ingredients to year-round sunshine, and you have the perfect mix for a winter break, just as dark nights roll in at home.
Here, we reveal seven great reasons to jet to Orlando
1.WORLD-CLASS ROLLER COASTERS AND ATTRACTIONS
From steep drops and gravity-defying twists to accelerated speeds and loop-the-loops, the world’s theme park capital is home to simply jaw-dropping roller coasters.
Some of the biggest names in the theme park business can be found here, so whether you’re after breathtakingly fast rides, heart-stopping drops – or simply the chance to watch your friends scream their lungs out! – you’ll find there’s no better place to be.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to visit ICON Park, where you can take in an aerial view of Orlando on The Wheel or – just around the corner – brave the world’s tallest swing ride, the Orlando Starflyer, which stands loud and proud 450ft above the city. Hold on tight!
2. YEAR-ROUND SUNSHINe
Famous in part for being located in Florida, the Sunshine State, Orlando boasts a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine. With average highs of 23C over winter, you can explore Orlando’s year-round offerings, or just chill out by a pool and make the most of the winter sun.
Explorer Island at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort is the perfect place to do just this and soak up some vitamin D.
3. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Did you know Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes? Each and every one of them has something to offer the active traveller. From canoeing and paddle-boarding in Winter Park (also home to the Scenic Boat Tour, which takes you on a winding journey through the area’s many interconnected lakes), to clear-bottom kayaking at beautiful Rock Springs – and even air-boating through the bayous at Midway – there are plenty of things to be getting involved with.
When you’re not out on the lakes, hire a bike and cycle along the iconic West Orange Trail, which takes you along the shores of Lake Apopka, where you can spot amazing birds, such as the speedy northern harrier and elegant black-necked stilt.
4. AWARD-WINNING FOOD
Sample some of Orlando’s famous seafood gems – Apalachicola oysters, Florida lobster and Key West pinks at Disney Springs’ Paddlefish restaurant. Theme parks are renowned for character dining and magical dinner shows, but Downtown Orlando is one of the ultimate go-to-spots for foodies.
Cuisine is so crucial to Orlando culture that each February, the Downtown Food and Wine Festival features the best dishes from 30 of Orlando’s top restaurants. Orlando is also home to some of the leading connoisseurs of the culinary world; from Masaharu Morimoto’s Asian delights to Guy Fieri’s iconic burgers and sandwiches, you don’t need to travel far here to stumble upon something delicious.
True foodies absolutely must visit Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, where they can indulge in a number of amazing foods from the likes of Jōdo Sushi and Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza, and grab a locally brewed pint at Crooked Can Brewing Company.
5. SPORTS AND SPORTING EVENTS
With 170 world-class golf courses, a state-of-the-art tennis campus and miles of hiking terrain, it’s always ‘game on’ in Orlando.
Immerse yourself in the state’s sport history by finding a bustling sports bar to watch the iconic Super Bowl in February. In January, the NFL Pro Bowl at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium brings an American football celebration to the city.
Footie fans can’t miss the chance to see an MLS Orlando City Soccer match, while basketball-lovers won’t be able to resist watching the NBA Orlando Magic teams do their thing – c’mon, Orlando Magic!
