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Best Orlando Visitor Center
Orlando is no stranger to millions of visitors flocking to it as it is home to two major theme parks and several attractions that are guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s needs. And for many, a visit to Orlando is an annual ritual. First time visitors who want to get the most out of their time in Orlando should head over to the Orlando Visitor Center for some great travel tips, maps, discounts and more.
What is the Orlando Visitor Center?
The official Orlando Visitor Center is where you’ll get all the information you’ll need for your vacation in the city, a chance to take selfies with various beloved characters, and some sneak peeks of the latest attractions available. You can even get exclusive discounts which you will not find when you book a ticket online.
What can you expect when you are in the Visitor Center?
Once you step inside the Visitor Center in Orlando, you can speak with any of the multilingual staff available to ask any questions you may have, and of course, see if there are any discounted tickets which can help you save time and money.. This center is available throughout the year so you can drop by anytime if you need additional information about Orlando. You can even use their currency exchange services without any fees. This is the perfect stop when you need help with planning your stay, need a free map, are looking for guides to hire, discounted attraction tickets, and even additional information on whatever attractions you have in mind.
Things to Do in Orlando
If you’re wondering what to do in Orlando, the Visitor Center will give you helpful tips on where you can go. Just to give you an idea, here’s a top level view of what you can find in the city:
Theme Parks
Orlando is frequented by tourists because it is home to several of the world’s top theme parks, full of fun, excitement and fantasy. Starting with Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll want to plan a visit to Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach being the best stops to cool down under the warm Florida sun.
Many visitors will also check out SeaWorld Orlando where its main theme park will give you the chance to get up close to various sea animals, experience exciting rides and attractions such as in Discovery Cove and Aquatica Orlando.
Don’t forget to visit Universal Orlando Resort, which some still consider as the second major theme park in the city. Here you’ll find Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Volcano Bay, as well as Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Attractions
The official Visitor Center can also direct you to tons of other attractions in Orlando that you should include in your itinerary. Starting with International Drive, or I-Drive, you’ll find The Wheel at ICON Park where you can soar over the city in a capsule, ICON Park’s other attractions where you’ll see impressive wax figures at Madame Tussauds. Gatorland is one of the oldest attractions that you’ll find in Orlando where you’ll get the chance to experience wild rides and real encounters with gators.
Airboat tours such as Boggy Creek Airboat, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida will take you through the famous Florida swampy marshes where you may even spot some alligators, which is a great experience.
Arts and Culture
For those who are interested in the arts and culture, visiting Orlando Visitor Center will help you narrow down your list of museums, galleries and shops to visit. Don’t miss historic Winter Park which is home to several fine museums such as Rollins College’s Cornell Fine Arts Museum which houses more than 5,500 works. You can also visit The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art as well as The Mennello Museum of American Art.
Shopping
Orlando isn’t just about theme parks and museums. You can also do some serious shopping here as well. There are many malls here, as well as factory outlets where you’ll want to shop ‘til you drop. Check out the Mall at Millenia where you’ll find your favorite ultra- luxury brands, currency-exchange services, complimentary valet, and beautiful architecture. The Florida Mall, on the other hand, is the largest shopping center in Central Florida. There are a number of designer outlets in Orlando available such as Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, as well as Orlando International Premium Outlets just to name a few.
Science Centers
For those who are interested in learning more about science, Orlando will not disappoint. You can check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex just a short ride away, and get to experience NASA at its finest. Learn more about space exploration and immerse yourself in the Rocket Garden while learning more about the people behind it. You can even see the real Space Shuttle Atlantis while visiting. For a more immersive experience, you can watch an actual rocket launch happening here too. No matter what age you are, the Kennedy Space Center will entertain and thrill you.
Restaurants
First timers in Orlando may feel a bit overwhelmed when visiting the city, which can be a bit frustrating when it comes to finding the perfect place to eat. Orlando does have dozens of restaurants that offer most every cuisine you can imagine, but which one to choose? The good news is that you will have mnay choices, and the Orlando Visitor Center will be happy to point you in the right direction.
The Edison, which is at Disney Springs, offers a surprising mixture of classic American dishes, unique entertainment, craft beverages, and burlesque shows on weekends. If you’ve visited I-Drive, Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, Yard House, and Tin Roof are worth checking out. B.B. King’s Blues Club, Taverna Opa, and Lafayette’s are the highlights in Pointe Orlando.
Celebrity chefs also have restaurants that are exciting to visit, such as Morimoto Asia which is owned by Masaharu Morimoto, Planet
Hollywood by Guy Fieri, and Wolfgang of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill just to name a few.
Parks and Gardens
Orlando is not just about theme parks. You’ll find that there are other areas to explore that will be a perfect way to spend some time with the family without being surrounded by too many people or too much action. If you want to take the family for a picnic, Lake Eola Park is a good place to be. You can enjoy some water sports, go biking, running, or try their paddle boats too if you like. Harry P. Leu Gardens is yet another great option to consider if you want to spend an afternoon with nature. Here you’ll find stunning landscapes with large trees providing ample and welcome shade.
New Attractions
A visit to Orlando Visitor Center will keep you up to date on all the latest attractions available in Orlando, which means that you won’t be missing out on any the fun in this city. Just to give you an idea of what else is new Orlando, here are a few to keep an eye out:
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
One of the newest additions that you’ll find in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure where you’ll be flying deep into the Forbidden Forest with magical creatures, towering trees, and other surprises.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars fans will be looking forward to the Galaxy’s Edge where you’ll experience the galaxy unfolding before you. You’ll be able to build your own lightsaber as well as your own droid and even get to sample the brew offered in the local cantina. You can even get to control the Millennium Falcon as well.
Transformation of Spaceship Earth
The grand icon at Epcot will get an upgrade with additional scenes reflecting human experience.
Orlando Starflyer
Another spot that you should add to your itinerary is the Orlando Starflyer which is located at ICON Park Orlando. This is a swing ride that will take you to 450 feet in the air which is even higher than that of the The Wheel. You will be swung at 60 mph before being taken back to land.
Visitor Centers in Orlando
There are several visitor centers scattered around Orlando that you can stop by if you need some assistance. You’ll find Visit Orlando Official Visitor Center at International Drive, at the USTA National Campus, Mall at Millenia, Ft. Drum Service, as well as Florida Turnpike just to name a few.
Traveling to Orlando is always fun since there are tons of activities for you to do whether you are visiting with your family, your friends, your colleagues or your special someone. If you’re not sure where to start on your adventure in the city, stop by the Orlando Visitor Center to discover more about what the city has to offer. You’ll feel like you’ve already started the fun here with the option of taking selfies with popular characters, you’ll get a free tote bag, maps, and even a guide to help you out. Let your vacation start here!
Resources:
[1] Ticket Vist Orlando ; Visit Orlando's Official Visitor Centers.
[2] Visit Orlando; Orlando Theme Parks.
[3] Visit Orlando Attractions, Attractions.
[4] Visit Orlando; Shopping in Orlando.
[5] Visit Orlando; Explore Unique Dining in Orlando.
[6] Fidelity Vacation Homes; Toy Story Land inaugura dia 30 de junho no Hollywood Studios, May 30, 2018.
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