The flagship of the state of Florida : Kissimmee-Orlando. According to citypopulationreview, the city is probably known to every (foreign) tourist, because of the enormous number of amusement parks in the Kissimmee-Orlando region. This tourist attraction is every child’s dream, with theme parks such as Walt Disney World® and SeaWorld® within easy reach. But it is also a good place for adults, whether you like nature or shopping. Add to this the wonderful weather: Orlando is a perfect destination for a holiday in the sun. A stay in one of the many luxury villas or hotels makes the holiday complete. A visit to Orlando guarantees fun for young and old! Also nice to take with you on your tour through Florida or fly drive Orlando.
13 attractions in Kissimmee – Orlando
Although you wouldn’t believe it, there is a lot more to do in the Orlando area than visiting each theme park one by one. A short distance away is Everglades National Park, which is great for hiking and kayaking. But you can also go ziplining, paddle boarding or take an airboat in the nearby nature of Kissimmee. Would you rather stay indoors? The Orlando-Kissimmee region has a huge number of malls and outlets where you can shop to your heart’s content. From designers to electronics: you can find everything here; often with hefty discounts. Do you like to hit a ball? There are a number of golf courses in the Orlando-Kissimmee area, where you can play golf or grab a bite to eat.
1. Walt Disney World Resort
An absolute must-visit in Orlando: Walt Disney World®. The area of this amusement park covers a huge area, as it consists of four different amusement parks, two water parks and more than twenty hotels. Of course you can visit Magic Kingdom®, with classics such as Adventureland and Frontierland, but what makes Walt Disney World® so much fun is that it also has more theme parks in addition to two water parks. Do you like animals and nature? Then Animal Kingdom® is recommended. Join a safari or climb Mt. Himalayan rollercoaster. Hollywood Studios ® is the place to be for a glimpse into the Disney kitchen. This park brings your favorite stories to life: from The Incredibles to Frozen; you will find them all here. Especially if you are a fan of Toy Story, you should definitely visit Toy Story Land®, located in this park. Are you a real globetrotter? Then head to Epcot® and take a futuristic journey around the world. End your day at Disney Boardwalk®, where you can enjoy unlimited shopping and dining. Finally, you can relax completely in one of the many hotels.
2. Sea World Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando is unique in its kind: an amusement park and an aquarium in one! So do you like marine animals such as dolphins, killer whales and seals? Then this is the park for you! Attend one of the shows and don’t forget to bring your poncho: there’s a chance you’ll get wet! If you prefer a thrill, the park also has plenty to offer. From towering roller coasters with multiple loops to a wild water course: the choice is huge. There is also plenty to do at SeaWorld® for the little ones; the newly-new Sesame Street Land® in particular attracts many visitors. End your day with dinner in one of the many restaurants. Whether you like lobster or burgers, SeaWorld® has it all!
3. Universal Orlando Resort
Always wanted to be a movie star for a day? Then a visit to Universal Orlando Resort cannot be missed. This park consists of two theme parks and a water park. At Universal Studios Florida, hunt for aliens in Men In Black™ or experience Krustyland with Homer Simpson in The Simpsons Ride™. Harry Potter fans should definitely visit Islands of Adventure™. Imagine yourself as a wizard in Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. But even if you are a fan of superheroes, you are in the right place in this part of the park. Music lovers can complete their stay with an overnight stay at Hard Rock Hotel.
4. Fun Spot America Kissimmee
For those looking for a truly authentic American amusement park, it would be a good idea to visit Fun Spot America at Kissimmee. This park, which was established in the 1970s, may be a lot smaller than the parks mentioned above, but that certainly doesn’t make it any less fun. Because this park is a real family business, it has a very unadulterated American feel. There are plenty of attractions; feast your eyes on the Ferris wheel or scream your lungs out on the roller coaster. Extra fun: the park is open every day until midnight and the queues are much shorter than at the larger parks.
5.Old Town Kissimmee
Go back in time and imagine yourself in the days of Grease: in Old Town Kissimmee you are back in the fifties. This entertainment district just outside of Orlando is home to shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. Shop ’till you drop: the shops have a wide range of clothing, accessories and souvenirs. You can also have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants. For the little ones, a ride in the Ferris wheel should not be missed. But the real attraction of Old Town is the car show. You can admire more than seventy old-timers here: every Friday and Saturday afternoon all kinds of old-timers pass by.
6. Gatorland
Near Orlando is the “gator capital” of the world: Gatorland. This park is all about alligators and crocodiles. But there are also other animals to see in the park, such as turtles and wild cats. A real daredevil should also try the zip line. Via a cable car you skim at a considerable height over the reserve of the alligators. Don’t like heights, but are you looking for action? Then be sure to buy a ticket for Adventure Hour. You will then get a look behind the scenes and enter the alligator reserve under the guidance of a guide. Do you dare to take a picture a few meters from the alligators?
7. Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park
Can’t get enough of all the animals? Then Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park might be a nice addition to your trip to Orlando. You can tear through the Everglades by airboat and look for alligators in the wild with a guide. Do you want to be sure to encounter an alligator? Then you should definitely go to Gator Park and attend one of the shows. Don’t like alligators? No problem! Wild Florida is home to more than 200 different animal species. An absolute must in the park is the drive-thru safari. You drive through the park in your own car and you can look for all kinds of animals, such as giraffes, bison and antelopes.
8.Medieval Times Dinner Show
Are you looking for a unique activity where you can eat delicious food at the same time? Then the Medieval Dinner Show might be something for you! Step back in time to the Spanish Middle Ages during this dinner show. While enjoying a delicious dinner in a real castle you watch the spectacle of knights fighting on their horses. The huge portions ensure that you have eaten enough at the end of the evening! Each knight represents a grandstand, so you might be lucky! The show lasts about two hours.
9. Celebration
The fact that everything here revolves around the theme parks and the tourist sector is still evident in the town of Celebration. This town was originally built by The Walt Disney Company for Walt Disney World® employees. Today, the city is no longer owned by the company, but is still closely associated with it: after all, the amusement park is only a few kilometers away. Today it is a beautiful neighborhood with large villas and luxury hotels. You can take a bike ride here to admire all the beautiful real estate, but there are also some nice shops in the city center.
10. Visit the city center
You would almost forget, but there is also plenty to do in Downtown Orlando! If you don’t like the theme parks or have time to spare, you should definitely go to the center. For example, you can visit one of the many museums. Whether you’re interested in science (Orlando Science Center), art (Orlando Museum of Art) or history (National Vietnam War Museum), there’s something for everyone. Go up the ICON Orlando Observation Tower for spectacular views or visit Orlando Brewing and enjoy an organic beer. If you prefer to be outdoors, you can tee off at one of the many golf courses in the area or simply relax in one of the parks.
11. Shopping
Do you like shopping? Then you should definitely take a day off during your holiday to visit an outlet or mall. In the outlets you can shop the biggest brands with high discounts. Close to Orlando you have Orlando Premium Outlets (including the American brands American Eagle, Banana Republic, Cole Haan, lululemon and Vineyard Vines) and Lake Buena Vista Factory (including the American brands Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy and Levi’s) . Would you rather go to a mall? Florida Mall (including Apple, Abercrombie, Champs and Hollister) or Mall at Millenia (including Bloomingdale’s, Kiehl’s, Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret) are recommended. You may have to buy an extra suitcase to take everything back with you…
12.Gulf Coast
Have you had enough of all the hustle and bustle? Then escape to Gulf Coast; or the west coast of Florida. From Orlando it is a good one and a half hours drive, which is not too bad for American distances. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, with its snow-white beaches and azure blue sea, this is the ideal holiday destination. In the towns of St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach you will find many hip bars, tasty restaurants and nice shops. But there are also plenty of beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
13. Hike in the Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest is located north of the city of Orlando. What makes the forest unique are the different ‘springs’ in the park in which you can swim. These pools get their clear color from the rising groundwater, purified by lime. But you can not only swim in this forest: you can also go hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. If you want to walk or cycle, Timucuan Trail is a must. This walk is about two kilometers and gives a good impression of the Florida landscape. But there are three other hiking trails you can choose from. During your time in the park, you’re also sure to spot a variety of animal species, including alligators, herons, turtles, and birds. The mild climate means that you can visit Ocala National Forest all year round. Due to the heat after noon, it is advisable to undertake strenuous activities in the morning. Also, make sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orlando/Kissimmee
What are the top attractions in Kissimmee-Orlando?
Orlando is best known for the area’s theme parks. This is really the attraction of the area and the entire tourism sector is geared to this.
What are the best outdoor activities in Kissimmee – Orlando?
In addition to exploring Ocala National Forest, you can also visit one of the region’s many zoos. The attraction of these zoos is often the alligator, the animal of Florida.
What are the most popular things to do in Kissimmee – Orlando?
Visiting the amusement parks is by far the most popular activity in the region.
What are some of the property amenities at Kissimmee – Orlando?
In Orlando you will find many hotels, villas and apartments. You can make it as luxurious or as budget as you want.
