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The Ultimate Orlando Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in Orlando Florida

Visiting Orlando? Put these things on your bucket list!

Growing up in Atlanta, we used to visit Orlando every year during our school breaks. We went often enough that our parents eventually purchased a timeshare there. Visiting now brings back a lot of nostalgic memories, and making this list made me realize how much more there is to explore there.

The Ultimate Orlando Florida Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in Orlando // Local Adventurer

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Last Updated: November 24, 2023

The Ultimate Orlando Florida Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in Orlando

Because theme parks are the most popular attractions in Orlando, we couldn’t leave them out, but we listed them briefly so that you can know about all the other great things to do in Orlando.

Tourist Attractions + Local Attractions

  1. 1.

Ghost tours of cemeteries and haunted buildings.

  1. 2.
    Arcade City, I Drive 360

Various arcade games, from classic pinball to modern driving games.

  1. 3.
    Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Artsy, eclectic cafe that serves unique tapas. Live entertainment throughout the week.

  1. 4.

Gator wrestling, snake show, swamp walk, you can wrestle an alligator, Screamin Gator Zip Line, Trainer for a day program feeding baby alligators.

  1. 5.

Theme park with go-karts and roller coasters.

  1. 6.
    Helicopter Rides

Over all the parks, there are several companies.

  1. 7.

Drive an actual tank through a half-mile course full of obstacles, turns, hills, and surprises.

  1. 8.
    Ice Bar Orlando

Grab a drink from this below freezing bar that’s built from ice.

  1. 9.

Largest Legoland in the world.

  1. 10.

See your favorite celebrities and historic icons in their life-size wax forms.

  1. 11.

400 ft tall observation wheel.

  1. 12.
    Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

Putt putt that’s great for a fun date night or come play with the family.

  1. 13.
    Planet Hollydwood

Tribute-to-Hollywood American restaurant. Check out all the cool movie memorabilia here.

  1. 15.
    Toothsome CHocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

Willy Wonka inspired.

  1. 16.

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure with the main attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Volcano Bay Waterpark

  1. 17.

Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot (you can drink around the world), Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach Water Park, and Typhoon Lagoon (they do surf lessons). If you’ve visited before, you can always try a new way to explore the parks with a backstage tour or a Segway tour. If you are up for a challenge, try running the Disney Marathon. It might be more about meeting the Princesses with no lines.

  1. 18.

100+ hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, ropes course, etc.

See More: 25 Free Things to do in Orlando Florida

Spectate: Shows + Events

  1. 19.

Go see an Orlando Magic game.

  1. 20.

(DT Orlando) Live music venue and nightclub party till after hours.

  1. 21.

The venue achieves an N1 sound rating – the lowest level at which humans can detect sound.

  1. 22.

Luau and Samoan Fire Dance dinner show with Hawaiian, Tahitian, Tongan and Polynesian entertainers.

  1. 23.

Catch a Broadway musical, symphony orchestra, or a comedy show here.

  1. 24.

Oldies at the Wednesday Night Pitcher Show and other movies. If you haven’t seen The Room yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a box of plastic spoons and go!

  1. 25.

Nine large venues that hosts various amateur and professional sporting events throughout the year.

  1. 26.

WWE NXT wrestling match taping.

  1. 27.

Braves come for spring training.

  1. 28.

They have a Sunday Gospel Brunch.

  1. 29.

Disney animation comes to life via acrobatics.

  1. 30.

Transport yourself to 1931 gangland Chicago for a fun and entertaining show.

  1. 31.

Enjoy Carnival style performances with your Latin and Caribbean food.

  1. 32.

Knights, javelins, horses! Be aware, you’ll be eating without utensils.

  1. 33.

Tailgate party at the Citrus Bowl.

  1. 34.

Family-friendly dinner show.

  1. 35.

(Downtown Disney) We’ve gone here a lot for the bread pudding and piano bar.

  1. 36.

Locals will tell you it’s the best improv comedy in Orlando.

  1. 37.

Solve a murder mystery during dinner.

  1. 38.

Chic lounge and theater for live music and comedy.

Museums + Monuments + Memorials

  1. 39.
    Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary

Queen of the Universe

  1. 40.
    Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

World’s largest collection of Louis Tiffany stained glass art.

  1. 41.
    Cityarts Factory

(DT Orlando) Showcases new and emerging talent, changes on a monthly basis.

  1. 42.
    Kerouac House

See where the author of On The Road, Dharma Bums lived.

  1. 43.
    Leu Gardens / Harry P. Leu Gardens

A grand, 50-acre botanic garden and estate on Lake Rowena with roses, camellias, butterfly garden, and more. Admission is free during their annual plant sale flora and fauna bonanza in March and pick up a few plants for your home.

  1. 44.
    Maitland Art Center

Mayan Revival buildings of Orange County’s first National Historic Landmark.

  1. 45.
    Mennello Museum of American Art

We loved the collection of folk art.

  1. 46.
    Orange County Regional History Center

5 story museum on the history of Central Florida.

  1. 47.
    Orlando Museum of Art

Select Wednesdays 6-830 they have Art Night Out – create your own masterpiece plus beverage in cost.

  1. 48.
    Orlando Science Center

There are lots of hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows. You can also get some free therapy from Eliza the computer psychologist.

  1. 49.
    Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum Newport

Specialty museums with oddities and interesting attractions.

  1. 50.

Well designed tanks and displays with knowledgable staff.

  1. 51.
    Skeletons: Museum of Osteology

America’s largest skeleton museum.

  1. 52.

Museum dedicated to Titanic artifacts.

  1. 53.
    World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe

Learn about the history of chocolate. Cafe is free to visit.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum Orlando + Free Museums in OrlandoPin

Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 54.

See gators in their natural habitat.

  1. 55.
    Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Rehab center for hawks, owls, etc.

  1. 56.
    Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Golf here. Other great places to golf include Waldorf Astoria Club, Grand Cypress Resort, or Reunion Resort that’s designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.

  1. 57.
    Disney Wilderness Preserve

See some of the local landscape and wildlife.

  1. 58.
    Fishing Charters

Plenty of fishing charters from Orlando.

  1. 59.
    Giraffe Ranch

Small safari-like adventures.

  1. 60.
    Florida Dolphin Tours

Dolphin encounters near Clearwater Beach and other excursions.

  1. 61.
    Hot Air Ballooning Over Orlando

Ride over Disney and Universal Parks and more.

  1. 62.
    Lake Eola Park

It’s popular for swan boat rides, paddle boats, wallking, feeding swans. There’s also a 6 min fountain show at 8:30 pm and free yoga on Sundays.

  1. 63.
    Mead Botanical Gardens

(Winter Park) Short paths, good for a quick stroll through some planted gardens. You might even see otters and wild birds.

  1. 64.
    Orlando Wetlands Park

You can see gators here. It’s not a natural habitat but an eco project to recycle Orlando’s used water.

  1. 65.
    Shingle Creek Regional Park

(Kissimmee) Kayaking with alligators, bald eagles, etc at the source of the Florida Everglades. You can experience it through an airboat ride or if you dare, by kayak.

  1. 66.
    Tibet-Butler Preserve

No admission fees to enjoy this preserve.

  1. 67.
    Wekiwa Springs State park

(Altamonte Springs) Cool springs to swim in, can kayak, snorkel, canoe, hike, or cycle.

  1. 68.
    Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Through Chain of Lakes.

Thrills + Adventure

  1. 69.

Fast karts and challenging tracks.

  1. 70.

Thrilling experience, great if you’re not ready to try the real deal.

  1. 71.
    Orlando Watersports Complex

Wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, kneeboarding, waterskiing.

  1. 72.
    Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding

Reservations are recommended.

  1. 73.
    Sling Shot and Starflyer at Magical Midway

World’s largest slingshot and swings that rise above the ground over 230 ft, rotating 360 degrees at approximately 50 mph.

Shopping

  1. 74.
    Disney Springs

(formerly Downtown Disney) Ride the Aerophile balloon here.

  1. 75.
    East End Market

Earthy and locally sourced eatery and market.

  1. 76.
    Flea World

Largest flea market in the US with thousands of different booths.

  1. 77.
    The Florida Mall

Central Florida’s largest shopping center, 1.7 million sq ft.

  1. 78.
    Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Lots of bargain and outlet shops.

  1. 79.
    The Mall at Millenia

The upscale mall.

  1. 80.
    Orlando Premium Outlets

You’ll see tour buses stop here, so be ready for large crowds at all times.

  1. 81.
    Universal Citywalk

Known for shopping and nightlife and includes Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, NBA City, and more.

  1. 82.
    Winter Park Farmer’s Market

Fresh produce, bakery items, etc.

Miscellaneous

  1. 83.
    Courtesy Bar

Old-school cocktail bar. They have cocktail classes – 545 pm first and third Sat of the month.

  1. 84.
    Cowboys Orlando

Orlando’s best country nightclub.

  1. 85.

Create your own custom crayon here.

  1. 86.

Feature length customizable escape games up to 2 hours long! Voted Orlando’s #1 Entertainment Experience.

  1. 87.
    Dine at a Celebrity Chef’s Restaurant

Morimoto Asia, Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, and more.

  1. 88.
    Hanson’s Shoe Repair

A popular speakeasy. Other speakeasies to check out are Park Social, Pharmacy, the Treehouse Orlando, Geek Easy, the Courtesy, the Woods, and the Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden.

  1. 89.

Explore the Central Florida Everglades by skimming above the water’s surface in an airboat.

  1. 90.
    Orlando Brewing

Free brewery tours Mon-Sat at 6 PM except on Beer30 (30th of each month) – You can also brewery hop to Ocean Sun, Crooked Can, Ten10, and Red Cypress.

  1. 91.
    Truffles and Trifles

Take a cooking class.

  1. 92.
    Waldorf Astoria Orlando Spa Day

Other spa options: Ritz Carlton Spa at Ritz Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes, Poseidon Spa at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, or the Salt Room for salt therapy.

  1. 93.
    World’s Largest Mcdonalds

It’s 19,000 square feet.

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Day Trips

  1. 94.
    Cocoa Beach

(59.8 mi / 1 h 2 min East, with tolls) Check out the Sea Turtle Preservation Society Turtle Walks.

  1. 95.
    Clearwater Beach

(118 mi / 1 h 58 min SW, with tolls) Try jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding here.

  1. 96.
    Daytona Beach

(55.8 mi / 57 min NE) Typical beach activities plus Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Beach Pier.

  1. 97.
    Homosassa Springs Wildlife State park

Swim with manatees down the Crystal River.

  1. 98.

(51.9 mi / 51 mi East of Orlando) Visitor Complex + Shuttle Landing Facility, Titusville.

  1. 99.
    Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

(Titusville) Kayak over a bioluminescent lagoon.

  1. 100.
    New Smyrna Beach

(Volusia County) The shark attack capital of the world according to Guinness Book of World Records.

  1. 101.
    Silver Springs State Park

(Ocala) Glass bottom boat rides see fish and occasional gator sightings, and scenery with Spanish moss.

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Seasonal + Special Events

  1. Bite30

Great prix fixe menu prices at 30 of Orlando’s top restaurants.

  1. 3rd Thursday of the Month

Culture crawl every 3rd Thurs of the month.

  1. Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot

(Feb-May) Amazing displays of your favorite Disney charactors as floral and topiary sculptures.

  1. Strawberry Festival, Plant City

(Mar 1-11, 64.6 mi / 1 hr 15 min SW) 11-day festival that celebrates the harvest.

  1. Florida Film Festival by Enzian Theater

(end of April) Current, independent, and international cinema.

  1. Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival

(mid-May – end of May) Longest running fringe festival in the US.

  1. International FOod and Wine Festival, Epcot

(late Aug – mid-Nov) Try food and drinks from around the world.

  1. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard’s Annual Harvest Grape Stomp

(Aug) Live music, winery tours, grape stomping competitions.

  1. Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom

(late Aug – Nov 1) Costume parties, candy, and more. Great for young kids.

  1. Halloween Horror Night, Universal

(mid-Sept – early Nov) Haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment. Not intended for young children.

  1. Orlando Film Festival at Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe

(late Oct) Filmmakers, donors and partners come to celebrate the movie-viewing experience.

  1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Magic Kingdom

(early Nov – late Dec) Holiday treats, performances, and special events.

  1. Macy’s Day Parade, Universal Studios

After Thanksgiving, this parade comes from NYC to Orlando and stays here until Christmas. They call it Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s.

  1. Holidays Around the WOrld, Epcot

(late Nov – Dec 30) Don’t miss the Candlelight Processional.

  1. Grinchmas, Universal Islands of Adventure

(Dec) Who-liday Christmas performances and more.

  1. Christmas, Florida

(23.5 mi / 26 min east) Go during Christmas to get your cards postmarked here.

  1. Florida Citrus Parade

(end of Dec) Celebrates the holidays and two annual college football bowl games: the Citrus Bowl and the Camping World Bowl.

101 Things to Do in Orlando FL Map

Tips for First Time Visitors to Orlando FL

  • The Best Time to Visit is Spring or Fall. The weather is good and you avoid the summer crowds.
  • If you are visiting the main parks (Walt Disney World and Universal), do everything you can to avoid holidays! It becomes ridiculously packed. We had a friend who went the week of Christmas and Magic Kingdom closed because it was at capacity!
  • Don’t try to do everything in one day. Esther visited all the Disney parks in one day before as a bucket list item but it did not feel very good. You’re spending most of the time running around between them that it was hard to enjoy any of the parks.
  • If you’re visiting between late May to mid-October, then be prepared for a bit of rain every day. The rain doesn’t usually last, but be prepared with a lightweight rain jacket. It’s good to have handy even not during the rainy season.
  • It gets hot! Be prepared with water (these are our favorite travel water bottles. We love this reusable water bottle that folds up when we don’t need it) and sunblock.
  • Don’t forget to budget for other extra fees. Park tickets are already pricey, but you also have to pay for parking, food, etc. Parking usually runs roughly $20 per park.
  • Dress comfortably and in layers if you’ll be out all day.

Where to Stay in Orlando FL

What’s Nearby

  • New Smyrna Beach (55.4 mi NE, 55 min, map)
  • Kennedy Space Center (46 mi E, 55 min, map)
  • Cocoa Beach (60.3 mi E, 1 hr 5 min, map)
  • Sarasota (131.4 mi SW, 2 hr, map)
  • Miami (244 mi S, 3 hr 45 min, map)
  • Key West (393 mi S, 6 hr 15 min, map)

Planning Checklist

Did we miss anything? What would your ideal trip to Orlando include?

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Esther and JacobPin

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Anne88

    I also enjoyed some fabulous places during my last journey of this alluring city and came back with great experience.

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