Top 10 things to do in Orlando

Venture to Cape Canaveral for ‘out of this world’ discoveries. Experience the exciting Mission Zones at this space centre, from the beginning of space exploration, to current missions. Free your inner quest seeker. Learn about the space station, or take part in an astronaut training experience. See the ingenuity behind space rockets, engage with the greatness of the Apollo era and re-live missions to the moon. You can also find out more about the future of NASA.

Time your visit to catch a live launch and witness this spectacle of power from the main visitor complex. To be up close to the action, buy tickets to view from the LC-39 Observatory Gantry.

Discover Orlando

Make a visit to Universal’s three epic parks. Wander along Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios™ and discover spellbinding moments in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Feel the exhilaration of Universal’s Islands of Adventures™. Come face-to-face with dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park River Adventure™ and soar through the skies on rollercoasters or take a 3D journey with a superhero on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man®. To cool off, dive in at Universal’s Volcano Bay™, a tropical oasis filled with beaches, waterslides and rubber ring rides.

Check the closing times of each park for your visit, as these often vary. This means that you can have extra time in your favourite park or visit another on the same day, depending on your ticket.

Discover the wonders of Disney in Orlando. Gaze up at Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom and watch your favourite characters party in parades. Take a walk on the wild side at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — then see The World of Avatar or jump on Expedition Everest. Come evening, settle in for the dazzling River of Lights show. Get ready for the action at Disney's Hollywood Studios or head to Epcot for a cosmos of fun. Cool off with a day out at Disney's Blizzard Beach or kick back at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

To stay ahead of the game, download the Walt Disney World® app. Check waiting times, see where you are on the map and find character meet-and-greets.

Tipped as one of Orlando’s best water parks, SeaWorld’s Aquatica is a must-visit. Pump up your adrenaline, with a freefall on Ihu’s Breakaway Falls slide. Grab a rubber ring and slide side-to-side on Omaka Rocka, or take the family on Walhalla Wave for a thrilling water maze ride. Take the children to Walkabout Waters or Kata's Kookaburra Cove® for a miniature world of water park fun. Ride through Roa’s Rapids river, hit Cutback Cove’s wave pool, then relax as you drift along Loggerhead Lane’s lazy river.

Enjoy more time on the slides when you buy a Quick Queue pass, which provides unlimited front-of-the-line access to some of Aquatica’s most popular rides.

Soak up a captivating landscape, with colourful reefs, cascading waterfalls and luscious lagoons. Experience unforgettable moments, when you swim with bottlenose dolphins, get up close to playful otters and feed exotic birds. Meet the creatures in the Freshwater Oasis, then check out the tropical fish and sting rays as you snorkel through The Grand Reef. Unwind on sandy beaches and meet the gentle sloths that live here. To see curious caves, flourishing rainforests and more wildlife wonders, float along the Wind-Away River.

Feed the chirpy birds early in the day, when they’ll be more likely to eat from your hands and perch on your shoulder. Later on, they may be too full from feasting with other visitors.

Shop to your heart’s content in Orlando’s premium outlets. From Macy’s to Michael Kors at the Florida Mall, or the mixture of designer boutiques and outlet malls along the way of International Drive, you’ll want to explore it all. For something extra special, treat yourself to a piece of Prada. Otherwise, stroll through The Mall at Millenia for a little window shopping that won’t break the bank. Just be sure to save space in your bag for the journey home.

Check the currency exchange rate before you head to Orlando, so you pick the best prices and save a buck on your shopping spree.

Book a stay

Explore the gateway to the Everglades from Orlando. Hop aboard an airboat excursion to see the wilderness of Florida’s wetlands and marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, as you glide around the creeks surrounded by swamp creatures and towering trees. Make the most of a safari on the headway of the Everglades and with your airboat captain’s commentary, catch the best wildlife spots. From eagles in the skies, to turtles in the waters – experience an outdoor adventure like no other.

Have your camera out at the ready, because you never know when you might see something spectacular.

What a putt of luck. Florida is a hot spot for hitting the range and Orlando is no exception to the stunning golf scene. Head to the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Club or the mesmerising Shingle Creek Golf Club. Savour endless views of rolling greens, glistening lakes and golden sand pits. These courses scream Florida. What better way to play your favourite sport than in glorious sun, followed by a bite of club house lunch? Just be sure to watch out for the odd croc.

If it’s a hot day, you’ll be better off using a golf buggy to get around the course. Remember to stay hydrated and hit the club house for refreshments too.

Skim across the shimmering waters of Lake Bryan. Hire a jet-ski and whizz around, and take advantage of a free lesson, if you haven’t used a jet-ski before. Sail away from the shore for exhilarating wake-boarding, water-skiing and tubing experiences with an instructor. For a more leisurely experience, rent a kayak for up to three people, or try stand-up paddle boarding in this tropical oasis. Newbies can also participate in a free paddle boarding lesson before setting off around the lake.

When you rent water sports equipment here, you can enjoy complimentary beach access, including the beach volleyball set-up. Make the most of a day here and bring a cool-box with lunch.

Put aside the jam-packed agenda, take time to whirlpool the days away with a spa break. Surprisingly, you’ll be spoilt for choice of spas across the city. Just breathe, as you recline with cucumber on your eyelids, after browsing through the variety of sublime treatments. Discover the tranquillity in The Waldorf Astoria Orlando Spa or visit Orlando’s Woodhouse Day Spa for a truly unique spa experience. These award-winning spas provide ultimate serenity for a full day of bliss.

Make a booking for the ultimate spa day at the start and end of your break away, to feel revitalised from head to toe.

Choose a great retreat on the famous International Drive, with all-you-can-eat buffet options and a choice of three pools to swim in after days packed with adventure.

Book a stay at the Rosen Inn at Pointe

Kick back in this great value retro-themed resort, close to all the Universal parks, with its very own water park.

Book a stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Take a four star break, with palm shaded pools and a stylish bar for signature cocktails – enjoy this sanctuary in the heart of International Drive.

Book a stay at the Wyndham Orlando