Orlando is known as House of the Mouse !!
Disney World is close from Orlando and so are Universal Studios, Sea World.
All theme parks are lot of fun. We visited 4 Disney warks(excluding water parks), I personally liked Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
1. Disney Hollywood studios has lot of shows, comparable to Universal studios LA or maybe better.
2. Lion King in Animal Kingdom is a must see show.
3. Magic Kingdom is almost similar to the one in LA. The famous Fantasmic from LA Magic Kingdom is in the Hollywood Studios and has amphitheatre seating in Orlando (Again a must watch).
4. Epcot centre has lots of hands on activities and is based on world theme, so for those who are staying longer can enjoy it.
Universal Studios Islands of Adventure is a must visit for thrill seekers. Jash was overjoyed with this park, Harry Potter ride etc !
If you do not go to Miami and want to get a feel of Florida beaches then Cocoa beach in Orlando is worth a visit. Clean beach, warm water & the Florida sand to explore.
One will find plenty of locations to buy Disney souvenirs (outside the park). Walmart in Kissimee also has lots of disney stuff. Walmart in Kissimee was huge, had a Subway, Groceries, Redbox, kids were thrilled when they heard they could watch a movie, on the way to Miami !
Key West – popular for water sports, scenic spots, beautiful drive.
If one doesn’t have the time to drive till the tip (i.e Key Largo), visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – this is one of the oldest underwater parks of Florida. Park offers snorkelling, kayaking, submarine rides etc. No thrill water sports here like parasailing or jet ski etc. Weekdays at this park are very busy too, so make sure to reach early.
Everglades – One can either go to Everglades national park or visit one of the private alligator farms near everglades. Private farms offer some shows, air boat rides etc.
Some of the restaurants we tried –
Heard good reviews of “Thali” in Miami from folks, this one is very close to Miami beach and offers very good food.
Gelato near Miami beach is nice too.
Another one that was recommended to us was “Vegetarian by Hakin” in the Miami area, we did not get a chance to try this out.
Woodlands a south Indian place in Orlando was decent too.
Most thai restaurants near Miami also had Japanese cuisine too (decent vegetarian Japanese options).
I was reading the list of Top 25 Amusement Parks in the World on TripAdvisor and was surprised to see Orlando, FL appearing many times in that list. Based on that list, you would need almost 15 days in Florida to do justice.
Thanks for the article. 🙂
Always been my to visit destination.. How about accommodation details.. Did u try any condo rental?
@ Prashant, I doubt if 15 days will be enough to explore whole of Florida 🙂 but lot of folks in KV also have spent a week or more at the theme parks.
@ Dimple, yes forgot to update the accommodation details, in Orlando we had rented from Magical memories Villa, a 3 bed/2 bath unit – the complex was about 10-15 miles from Disney parks, very spacious, with full kitchen rental, laundry etc.
Also the Disney App came out very very handy – for live wait times about each show and all.
There is also the Kennedy Space Centre – which I believe has Atlantis on exhibition. If you are in Florida and there is a launch that would be an additional not to be missed attraction.