Note: Prices are approximate and updated for 2026. Costs may vary depending on season, availability, and exchange rates. All prices are shown in GBP based on 2026 exchange rates.
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Orlando
- Visit Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
- Swim in the crystal-clear water at Blue Spring State Park
- Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
- Take a scenic boat tour through Winter Park’s chain of lakes
- Visit Kennedy Space Center and see the Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Experience Discovery Cove for a swim with dolphins
- Kayak on the Wekiva River through ancient cypress forest
- Discover the Morse Museum of Tiffany art in Winter Park
- Explore EPCOT’s World Showcase and drink around the world
- Take a nighttime airboat ride with Boggy Creek Adventures
Best Free Things to Do in Orlando
- Walk the 0.9-mile path around Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando
- Browse the Sunday Farmers Market at Lake Eola (free entry)
- Stroll through Disney Springs in the evening (no ticket needed)
- Explore Universal CityWalk without a park ticket
- Walk International Drive and ICON Park entertainment district
- Visit Park Avenue in Winter Park for boutique shopping and atmosphere
- Birdwatch at Black Bear Wilderness Area along the St. Johns River
Unique Things to Do in Orlando
- Night airboat ride spotting alligator eyes glowing in the dark
- Helicopter tour over theme park fireworks at sunset
- Manatee watching at Blue Spring State Park (November to March)
- Zip line directly over an alligator pit at Gatorland
- Swim in a first-magnitude natural spring at Wekiwa Springs
- Attend a live rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center
- Visit the world’s largest Tiffany glass collection at the Morse Museum
Orlando Is More Than Theme Parks
When most British travellers think about things to do in Orlando, the image that comes to mind is roller coasters and costumed characters. That picture is accurate, but it is only a fraction of what Orlando, Florida actually offers. This city has grown into one of the most well-rounded travel destinations in the United States, with world-class natural springs, vibrant independent neighbourhoods, excellent cultural institutions, and a nightlife scene that surprises most visitors.
For UK holidaymakers, Orlando sits roughly a nine-hour flight from London, with direct routes from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. Most people visit for the parks. The best things to do in Orlando, however, extend far beyond the resort hotels and ticketed attractions. This guide gives you everything you need to experience all of it.
Whether you are planning a family trip, a romantic break, or a budget adventure, the best things to do in Orlando Florida in 2026 span every budget, every interest, and every travel style. These are not vague suggestions. Every recommendation in this guide is genuinely worth your time.
Currency note: All prices shown in GBP. Approximate conversions based on 2026 exchange rates (1 USD = approximately 0.79 GBP). Check live rates before you travel.
2026 Planning Guide: When to Go and How Long to Stay
Orlando is a year-round destination. For UK visitors, the best time to go is September to October for lower crowds and comfortable temperatures, or April to May for pleasant weather and good availability. Summer is ideal for families travelling during school holidays, though expect higher prices and longer queues.
Getting There from the UK
Most UK visitors fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), which receives direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, and Norse Atlantic all operate routes. Flight times are approximately 9 hours from London and 9.5 to 10 hours from northern England.
- Prices start from around £400 and can go up to £900+ per person return depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
- Best value: Book 3 to 6 months ahead, especially for school holiday periods.
- Cheapest months to fly: January, February, and September tend to offer the lowest fares.
ESTA reminder: British citizens need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the USA. Apply online at the official US government website. Prices start from around £17 per person.
Best Time to Visit Orlando
- January to March: Mild temperatures of around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, quieter parks, and lower hotel rates. Ideal for couples or adults without school-age children.
- April to May: Warm and pleasant at 25 to 28 degrees. Easter can get busy, but May is a genuine sweet spot.
- June to August: Peak British school holiday season. Hot and humid at 32 to 35 degrees. Crowds and prices are at their highest.
- September to October: Crowds drop after Labour Day weekend. Temperatures ease to a comfortable 25 to 28 degrees. Halloween events at the parks are excellent for adults.
- November to December: Festive events begin early. Early November and early December can be surprisingly quiet and pleasant.
How Many Days Do You Need in Orlando?
Most UK visitors need at least 7 nights in Orlando to do the trip justice. A 10 to 14-night stay is the most popular choice for British families and allows comfortable coverage of the main parks alongside the natural attractions and city experiences that make Orlando worth visiting.
- 5 to 7 nights: Enough for two or three theme park days and a few non-park experiences.
- 10 to 14 nights: The most popular length for British families. Covers parks, nature, and city exploring without feeling rushed.
- 14+ nights: Recommended if you want every major park plus everything else Orlando has to offer.
UK tip: Do not spend your entire Orlando holiday in a theme park queue. Budget at least two or three days for non-park activities and you will return home with a much richer experience of Florida. See our full Orlando itinerary for families for day-by-day planning.
Free Things to Do in Orlando + Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
The best free things to do in Orlando include Lake Eola Park, the Sunday Farmers Market, Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, and Park Avenue in Winter Park. For cheap activities, Blue Spring State Park and Wekiwa Springs cost only around £5 per car and offer outstanding natural experiences.
Orlando has a reputation for being expensive, and theme park tickets certainly are. However, there are genuinely excellent free and cheap things to do in Orlando that most British visitors never discover. These are not filler activities. They are real highlights worth your time.
1. Lake Eola Park
One of the best free things to do in Orlando is spending an afternoon at Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown. Walk the 0.9-mile path around the lake, watch the resident swans, and grab a coffee from the surrounding cafes. On Sundays, the park hosts a popular farmers market with local food stalls, artisan goods, and live music. It is relaxed, beautiful, and completely free.
Price: Free entry. Swan boat hire prices start from around £8 per half hour.
2. Blue Spring State Park
Located about 45 minutes north of Orlando near Orange City, Blue Spring is one of Florida’s most stunning natural attractions and one of the best cheap things to do in Orlando for families. The spring maintains a constant temperature of 20 degrees Celsius year-round. From November through March, West Indian manatees gather in the warm water to shelter from cooler river temperatures. Watching them from the boardwalk is genuinely magical.
Price: Vehicle entry prices start from around £5 per car. Swimming and snorkelling are free once inside.
3. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs is a first-magnitude freshwater spring surrounded by subtropical forest. Swim in the crystal-clear spring, hire a canoe, or walk the shaded trails spotting deer, river otters, and turtles. It is one of the most beautiful affordable things to do in Orlando and feels a world away from the resort hotels.
Price: Vehicle entry prices start from around £5. Canoe hire prices start from around £20 per hour for a two-person canoe.
4. Harry P. Leu Gardens
This 50-acre botanical garden near downtown is one of the most peaceful cheap activities in Orlando. The rose garden, butterfly garden, and lakeside woodland trails are all beautifully maintained. The historic Leu House Museum on the grounds adds a fascinating glimpse of Victorian-era Florida life.
Price: Adult entry prices start from around £12. Children (4 to 17) prices start from around £3. Children under 4: Free. Mondays are free all day.
5. ICON Park Entertainment District
The ICON Park complex on International Drive is free to walk through. The area has restaurants, street entertainment, and a lively atmosphere that makes it a great evening stroll. The Wheel observation ride and the Museum of Illusions are optional paid add-ons, but simply walking the area and having dinner costs nothing beyond your meal.
Price: Free entry to the district. The Wheel prices start from around £17 for children and £22 for adults.
6. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
This one-hour narrated boat tour through the connected lakes and canals of Winter Park is one of the most underrated affordable things to do in Orlando for UK visitors. The tour passes historic lakefront mansions, ancient oak canopies, and narrow canals where turtles, herons, and osprey are common sightings.
Price: Adult prices start from around £13. Children (2 to 11) prices start from around £7. Children under 2: Free.
Best Things to Do in Orlando for Families
The best family things to do in Orlando include Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND Florida for younger children, Discovery Cove for animal encounters, and Gatorland for a uniquely Floridian wildlife experience. Orlando Science Center is an excellent indoor option for rainy afternoons.
Orlando is one of the world’s great family holiday destinations and the combination of major theme parks, wildlife experiences, water activities, and educational attractions means children of all ages stay engaged throughout the trip.
7. Walt Disney World Resort
No UK family guide to Orlando would be complete without Walt Disney World. The resort contains four main parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is the classic starting point for first-time visitors. The castle, the rides, and the atmosphere genuinely deliver on the childhood dream.
Price: One-day park ticket prices start from around £93 for adults and can go up to £125+ depending on demand and date. Children (3 to 9) prices start from around £88. Multi-day tickets reduce the daily cost significantly. Park Hopper add-on prices start from around £55 extra.
UK tip: Buy Disney tickets before you leave the UK through an authorised reseller. Prices can be lower and you avoid queueing at the gate. Book well in advance for school holiday dates.
8. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort is two parks in one complex, with the new Epic Universe park opening in May 2025. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, split across both existing parks, is a particular draw for British families who feel a deep connection to the franchise. Epic Universe adds even more content including a Ministry of Magic area themed to the British wizarding world.
Price: One-day single park ticket prices start from around £95 for adults and can go up to £115+ depending on date. Children (3 to 9) prices start from around £89. Two-park ticket prices start from around £120.
9. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND in Winter Haven, about an hour south of Orlando, is designed specifically for children aged 2 to 12. The rides are accessible for younger children, the park is far less crowded than the big two, and British families often feel at home given LEGO’s European heritage. The LEGOLAND Water Park add-on is a good value addition in warmer months.
Price: Gate prices start from around £89 per person. Book online in advance to pay from around £55 to £70. Combination tickets with the water park cost slightly more.
10. Gatorland
Gatorland is a uniquely Floridian wildlife park that has operated since 1949. It houses thousands of alligators and crocodiles, offers feeding demonstrations, and has a zip line directly over an alligator pool. For British children who have only seen these animals on television, it is a jaw-dropping experience.
Price: Adult prices start from around £23. Children (3 to 12) prices start from around £16. Zip line add-on prices start from around £55 per person.
11. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where you can swim with bottlenose dolphins, snorkel over tropical coral reefs, feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary, and drift down a lazy river. The all-inclusive model covers food, drinks, wetsuit hire, snorkelling gear, and sunscreen.
Price: Day resort package without dolphin swim prices start from around £125 for children and £160 for adults. Dolphin swim package prices start from around £195 for children and £230 for adults.
12. Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park is an excellent indoor option for families, particularly on a rainy afternoon or during intense midday heat. The interactive exhibits cover nature, science, technology, and space in ways that genuinely engage children from toddlers through to teenagers.
Price: Adult prices start from around £14. Children (3 to 11) prices start from around £11. Children under 3: Free.
Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Adults and Couples
The best things to do in Orlando for adults include EPCOT’s World Showcase for international food and drinks, airboat night tours through the Florida wetlands, helicopter tours at sunset, rooftop bars in downtown Orlando, and the Dr. Phillips Center for Broadway shows and live performances.
Orlando has a genuinely exciting adult scene that most British visitors never discover because they spend their entire holiday on resort property. From cultural evenings in downtown to wetland adventures and rooftop cocktails, there are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando for adults that have nothing to do with children’s entertainment.
13. Drinking Around the World at EPCOT
EPCOT’s World Showcase is a 1.2-mile promenade connecting 11 country pavilions, each serving food and drink from their respective nation. Walking the circuit while sampling wine from France, sake from Japan, beer from Germany, and cocktails from Mexico is one of the most sociable and genuinely fun things to do in Orlando for adults. The architecture, live entertainment, and sheer variety make it feel unlike any other theme park experience.
Price: EPCOT ticket required. Prices start from around £93 for adults and can go up to £125+ depending on date. Food and drinks inside typically range from around £5 to £14 per item.
14. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
For a truly Floridian experience impossible to replicate in the UK, an airboat ride through the Central Florida wetlands is unmissable. Boggy Creek, located near Kissimmee, offers both day and night tours. The night tour is particularly spectacular, with the searchlight catching alligator eyes glowing red in the dark water. Guides provide fascinating commentary on Florida wildlife and swamp ecology.
Price: Day tour prices start from around £26 for adults and £16 for children (3 to 12). Night tour prices start from around £30 per person.
15. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
For couples seeking romantic things to do in Orlando that feel sophisticated and cultural, the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando is one of Florida’s finest performing arts venues. Broadway touring productions, orchestral concerts, comedy acts, and international dance companies all perform here throughout the year. Check the programme before you travel and book seats in advance.
Price: Ticket prices start from around £35 and can go up to £90+ per person for major productions.
16. Helicopter Tour Over Orlando
A sunset helicopter tour over the Orlando theme parks is one of the most romantic things to do in Orlando at night. As darkness falls, the fireworks from Disney and Universal create a spectacular aerial show. Several operators near the parks offer flights ranging from 12 to 20 minutes. For anniversaries, honeymoons, or a special occasion, it is genuinely unforgettable.
Price: Prices start from around £75 and can go up to £130+ per person depending on route and duration.
17. The Hourglass District
The Hourglass District on Curry Ford Road is one of Orlando’s most authentic and creative neighbourhoods. It is packed with independent restaurants, craft cocktail bars, vinyl record shops, and local art galleries. British visitors who want to experience real Orlando nightlife rather than tourist-facing entertainment should spend an evening here.
Price: Free to explore. Dinner and drinks for two prices start from around £55 and can go up to £90+ depending on your choices.
Things to Do in Orlando Besides Disney & Theme Parks
There is a huge amount to do in Orlando besides Disney and the other theme parks. The city’s natural springs, cultural institutions, and independent neighbourhoods offer world-class experiences at a fraction of the park ticket price. Hidden gems like Winter Park, Bok Tower Gardens, and the Wekiva River are genuinely unmissable.
This is the section most UK visitors wish they had read before their first trip. If you want to know what to do in Orlando besides Disney, the honest answer is: quite a lot. The city has a rich culture, outstanding natural scenery, and unique experiences that most British holidaymakers never access because they stay on resort property the whole time.
Things to do in Orlando not related to theme parks include world-class botanical gardens, kayaking through subtropical wilderness, fascinating museums, charming historic towns, and one of the best natural swimming experiences in the United States. Non theme park things to do in Orlando are often significantly cheaper and far less crowded than the parks. Here are the best of them.
18. Explore Winter Park
Winter Park is the most rewarding hidden gem in Orlando for UK visitors who want culture, history, and quality food without the queues. This sophisticated small city borders Orlando and features brick-lined streets, boutique shops on Park Avenue, and outstanding independent restaurants. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, jewellery, and decorative art. For British visitors with an appreciation for arts and crafts design, it is a remarkable collection that stands comparison with major UK museums.
Winter Park represents exactly the kind of unique things to do in Orlando that reward travellers who look beyond the resort corridor. The combination of the boat tour, Park Avenue, and the Morse Museum makes it an effortless full day.
Price: Morse Museum prices start from around £5 for adults. Children under 18: Free. Friday evenings November to April: Free. Park Avenue is free to explore.
19. Kennedy Space Center
Located about an hour east of Orlando near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center is one of the most impressive non theme park things to do in Orlando and in the entire state of Florida. For British visitors, seeing the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V rockets, and Apollo mission capsules up close is genuinely moving. If you can time your visit to coincide with a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, that is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
UK tip: Check the Kennedy Space Center website for scheduled launches before you confirm your travel dates. Planning your trip around a launch is absolutely worth the effort.
Price: Adult prices start from around £47. Children (3 to 11) prices start from around £37. Rocket launch viewing add-ons prices start from around £30 extra.
20. Bok Tower Gardens
About an hour south of Orlando near Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most genuinely unique things to do in Orlando’s wider region. Set on one of the highest points in Florida, the Gothic and Art Deco Singing Tower carillon performs daily concerts at 1pm and 3pm. The 250-acre gardens are meticulously maintained with native Florida plants, woodland paths, and excellent wildlife watching opportunities.
This is one of the best hidden gems in Orlando for UK visitors who want something completely different from the resort experience. The gardens are peaceful, historically significant, and strikingly beautiful. It sits well outside the tourist bubble and feels genuinely special.
Price: Adult prices start from around £17. Children (5 to 12) prices start from around £5. Children under 5: Free.
21. Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park is a serious cultural institution with a strong American art collection and rotating exhibitions from internationally recognised artists. It is an excellent alternative attraction in Orlando for UK visitors who enjoy museums and want to experience something of the city’s cultural life rather than its theme park offerings.
Price: Adult prices start from around £12. Students and seniors from around £8. Children (5 to 18) from around £6. Children under 5: Free. First Thursday evenings each month: Free.
22. Kayaking at Rock Springs Run
Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park is one of the most beautiful natural experiences near Orlando and a strong contender for the best unique thing to do in Orlando besides a theme park. The crystal-clear spring-fed river winds through a subtropical forest canopy and you can tube or kayak downstream at a gentle pace. The water is a constant 20 degrees Celsius and completely clear. Arrive early on weekends as the park fills quickly.
This is quintessential Central Florida in a way the parks simply cannot replicate. If you only do one non theme park activity in Orlando, make it this one.
Price: Kelly Park vehicle entry prices start from around £3. Tube or kayak hire from nearby operators prices start from around £12.
Downtown Orlando and International Drive Activities
Downtown Orlando activities include Lake Eola Park, the Sunday Farmers Market, rooftop bars, and independent restaurants in the Milk District and Hourglass District. International Drive (I-Drive) offers the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, ICON Park, and some of the best restaurant variety in the city.
Downtown Orlando Activities
Things to do in downtown Orlando centre around food, art, independent shops, and genuine local life. The Wall Street Plaza area has a lively pub and bar scene on weekend evenings that feels familiar to British visitors. The Milk District is home to independent coffee shops, brunch spots, and creative restaurants that are a genuine step up from the chain restaurants of the resort corridor.
The Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola runs every Sunday morning and is excellent for local food, fresh produce, and artisan goods. The Orange County Regional History Center in the beautifully restored old courthouse tells the fascinating story of Central Florida from the Seminole people through to the Space Age.
Price: History Center adult prices start from around £7. Children (5 to 17) from around £5. Farmers Market: Free entry.
International Drive Things to Do
International Drive runs through the heart of tourist Orlando and has genuinely evolved beyond souvenir shops and chain restaurants. The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park is a well-designed walk-through attraction with over 5,000 sea creatures. Madame Tussauds Orlando is directly next door. The stretch between Sand Lake Road and Universal Boulevard has the best concentration of restaurants in the tourist district.
Price: SEA LIFE Aquarium prices start from around £18 for children and £22 for adults (cheaper online). Madame Tussauds prices start from around £18 for children and £22 for adults. Combination tickets for both start from around £26 for children and £32 for adults.
UK tip: Pointe Orlando, a few minutes north on I-Drive, has a quieter indoor dining and entertainment complex that is a good alternative when the main ICON Park area is crowded.
Outdoor Things to Do in Orlando
The best outdoor things to do in Orlando include swimming at Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring State Park, kayaking the Wekiva River, cycling the West Orange Trail, and kayaking at Rock Springs Run. Florida’s natural springs offer some of the most beautiful outdoor experiences in North America.
Florida’s natural environment is extraordinary, and Orlando’s location in Central Florida puts you within easy reach of some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the United States. For British visitors used to grey skies and modest wildlife, the contrast is remarkable.
- Kayak the Wekiva River through ancient cypress forest draped with Spanish moss. Spot herons, anhingas, turtles, and the occasional alligator. Prices start from around £20 per person for a two-hour kayak hire from Wekiva Island.
- Swim at Kelly Park Rock Springs Run, where the water is crystal clear and cool even in summer heat. Vehicle entry prices start from around £3. Arrive early on weekdays.
- Cycle the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved trail through small towns and farmland west of Orlando. Bike hire prices start from around £12 for a half-day rental in Winter Garden.
- Visit Black Bear Wilderness Area near Sanford for birdwatching along the St. Johns River floodplain. Free entry. Bring binoculars for osprey, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes.
- Sunset kayak tour on Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee. Guided tour prices start from around £40 per person including equipment.
Indoor Things to Do in Orlando
The best indoor things to do in Orlando include iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, The Escape Game, the Orlando Science Center, and the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park. All are excellent options for escaping the midday heat.
Rainy Day Activities in Orlando
Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms are brief but intense in summer. The best rainy day activities in Orlando include Andretti Indoor Karting, The Escape Game, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, the Crayola Experience, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Most storms pass within 30 to 60 minutes, so a well-timed indoor activity saves your afternoon.
Whether you are sheltering from a thunderstorm or avoiding the intense midday heat, Orlando has excellent indoor things to do that are worth planning for.
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Experience freefall in a vertical wind tunnel without jumping from a plane. Suitable for children from age 3 and adults of all fitness levels. Prices start from around £45 and can go up to £60+ per person for the introductory experience including training and two flights.
- Andretti Indoor Karting and Games: Multi-level go-kart tracks, laser tag, bowling, and a large arcade. One of the best rainy day activities in Orlando for groups and families with older children. Go-kart race prices start from around £20 per race.
- The Escape Game Orlando: Highly-rated escape room experiences across multiple themed rooms. Excellent for couples, groups, and families. Prices start from around £25 per person.
- Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall: A hands-on creative play area for younger children with over 25 activities including making your own crayon. Prices start from around £22 per child and £24 per adult.
- Museum of Illusions: A popular indoor attraction at ICON Park with optical illusions, holograms, and immersive rooms. Prices start from around £14 for children and £18 for adults.
Nighttime and Romantic Things to Do in Orlando
The best romantic things to do in Orlando at night include a helicopter tour over the fireworks, dinner at Disney Springs waterfront, Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life, rooftop cocktails at Celine Orlando, and a medieval jousting dinner show at Medieval Times.
Orlando genuinely comes alive after dark. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, looking for date night ideas in Orlando, or simply want to make the most of your evenings on holiday, there is plenty to keep you busy after sunset.
23. Disney Springs After Dark
Disney Springs is free to enter and transforms into one of the most atmospheric evening destinations in Orlando after dark. Live music at multiple venues, outdoor fire pits along the waterfront, world-class restaurants, and the spectacular Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life show make it a complete evening. Even if you skip the ticketed entertainment, dinner and a stroll here is one of the nicest romantic things to do in Orlando at night.
Price: Free entry to Disney Springs. Cirque du Soleil prices start from around £79 for adults and can go up to £103+ for premium seats. Children (3 to 9) prices start from around £55. Dining prices vary from around £15 to £55 per person.
24. Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a free entertainment complex outside the Universal parks with restaurants, bars, a comedy club, and live music. The CityWalk Comedy Club runs shows most evenings and is a solid option for adults looking for evening activities in Orlando without committing to a full park day.
Price: Free entry to CityWalk. Comedy Club ticket prices start from around £13. Restaurant dining prices start from around £15 per person.
25. Orlando Dinner Shows
Orlando has a long tradition of dinner theatre that is genuinely entertaining. Medieval Times, where knights on horseback compete in jousting and sword fighting while you eat with your hands, is theatrical and ridiculous fun. Pirates Dinner Adventure is similarly over-the-top in the best possible way. Both are popular with British families and make memorable date night ideas in Orlando.
Price: Medieval Times prices start from around £55 for adults and can go up to £63+. Children (12 and under) prices start from around £36. Pirates Dinner Adventure adult prices start from around £52.
26. Rooftop Bars and Cocktail Lounges
Downtown Orlando has several excellent evening venues. The Courtesy on Orange Avenue is one of the city’s finest cocktail bars with a thoughtful menu and sophisticated atmosphere. The Celine Orlando rooftop terrace has a wonderful view of the city skyline and is one of the most popular date night ideas in Orlando for locals and visitors alike. The Rusty Spoon nearby does excellent farm-to-table cooking with Florida-sourced produce.
Price: Cocktail prices start from around £10 each. Dinner for two with drinks prices start from around £70 and can go up to £110+ depending on your choices.
Top Orlando Attractions Compared at a Glance
Use this table to quickly match Orlando activities with your travel style, group type, and budget.
| Attraction | Best For | Price (per adult) | Time Needed | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World | Families, all ages | From £93 to £125+ | Full day+ | Theme Park |
| Universal Studios | Families, adults | From £95 to £115+ | Full day | Theme Park |
| LEGOLAND Florida | Children under 12 | From £55 to £89 | Full day | Theme Park |
| Discovery Cove | Couples, families | From £160 to £230+ | Full day | Wildlife / All-Inclusive |
| Kennedy Space Center | All ages | From £47 | Full day | Science / History |
| Gatorland | Families, wildlife | From £23 | 2 to 4 hours | Wildlife |
| Blue Spring State Park | Nature lovers | From £5 per car | Half day | Nature / Free |
| Lake Eola Park | Everyone | Free | 1 to 2 hours | Outdoor / Free |
| Wekiwa Springs | Families, outdoors | From £5 per car | Half day | Nature |
| Rock Springs Run | Adventurers | From £3 + kayak | Half day | Nature |
| Boggy Creek Airboat | Adults, thrill-seekers | From £26 | 1.5 hours | Adventure |
| Winter Park Boat Tour | Couples, adults | From £13 | 1 hour | Scenic |
| Bok Tower Gardens | Nature, history fans | From £17 | 2 to 3 hours | Culture / Nature |
| Harry P. Leu Gardens | Couples, strollers | From £12 | 1 to 2 hours | Outdoor |
| iFLY Indoor Skydiving | Adults, teens | From £45 | 2 hours | Indoor / Activity |
| Andretti Karting | Groups, families | From £20 per race | 2 to 4 hours | Indoor / Activity |
| Dr. Phillips Arts Center | Couples, adults | From £35 | Evening | Arts / Culture |
| Disney Springs | Everyone | Free entry | 2 to 4 hours | Entertainment |
| Medieval Times | Families, couples | From £55 | 3 hours | Dinner Show |
| The Escape Game | Groups, couples | From £25 | 1 to 2 hours | Indoor / Activity |
Sample Orlando Itineraries for UK Visitors
Use these itineraries as a starting framework. Mix and match based on your group, budget, and interests. For a full day-by-day breakdown, see our dedicated Orlando itinerary for families and Orlando itinerary for couples guides.
3-Day Orlando Itinerary (First-Time Visitors)
Day 1: Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs Evening
- Arrive at Magic Kingdom as early as possible to minimise queues.
- Spend the full day at the park covering the main rides and shows.
- Evening: Disney Springs for dinner and a waterfront stroll. Budget: park ticket from £93 per adult.
Day 2: Nature and the City
- Morning: Drive to Wekiwa Springs or Blue Spring for swimming and wildlife. From £5 per car.
- Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant in the Milk District.
- Afternoon: Orlando Museum of Art or Orlando Science Center. From £12 to £14 per adult.
- Evening: Cocktails at The Courtesy or rooftop at Celine Orlando downtown.
Day 3: Winter Park
- Morning: Scenic Boat Tour on Winter Park’s lakes. From £13 per adult.
- Midday: Browse Park Avenue and have lunch at a cafe.
- Afternoon: Morse Museum to see the Tiffany collection. From £5 per adult (free Friday evenings).
10-Night Orlando Itinerary for British Families
- Day 1: Arrival and recovery. Evening walk at Lake Eola Park. Free.
- Day 2: Magic Kingdom full day. From £93 per adult.
- Day 3: Gatorland morning, ICON Park evening. From £23 per adult daytime.
- Day 4: Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. From £95 per adult.
- Day 5: Blue Spring or Wekiwa Springs and Orlando Science Center. From £5 plus £14 per adult.
- Day 6: LEGOLAND Florida. From £55 per person online.
- Day 7: Kennedy Space Center. From £47 per adult.
- Day 8: Discovery Cove. From £125 per person.
- Day 9: EPCOT World Showcase afternoon and evening. From £93 per adult.
- Day 10: Winter Park full day including boat tour, Park Avenue, and Morse Museum. Under £20 per adult combined.
7-Night Couples Orlando Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival. Disney Springs for dinner. Free entry.
- Day 2: EPCOT World Showcase. From £93 per adult plus drinks.
- Day 3: Morning kayak on Wekiva River, evening helicopter tour. From £20 plus £75 per person.
- Day 4: Winter Park boat tour, Park Avenue lunch, Morse Museum. Under £25 combined.
- Day 5: Kennedy Space Center. From £47 each.
- Day 6: Universal Islands of Adventure. From £95 each.
- Day 7: Bok Tower Gardens, farewell dinner at The Rusty Spoon downtown.
5-Night Budget Orlando Itinerary
- Day 1: Lake Eola Park, Sunday Farmers Market, Milk District lunch. Around £20 for food.
- Day 2: Blue Spring State Park for swimming. From £5 per car.
- Day 3: Harry P. Leu Gardens and Orlando Museum of Art. From £18 to £20 combined.
- Day 4: Free walk through Disney Springs, evening at Universal CityWalk. Free entry.
- Day 5: Winter Park Boat Tour, Park Avenue browse, Morse Museum (free Friday evening). From £13 for the boat tour.
Frequently Asked Questions from UK Travellers
What Are the Best Things to Do in Orlando Florida?
The best things to do in Orlando Florida include Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Blue Spring State Park for manatee watching, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Discovery Cove, and the natural springs at Wekiwa. The best trips combine theme parks with the city’s outdoor and cultural attractions.
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are the obvious starting points for any first visit. But the best things to do in Orlando Florida extend far beyond the resort hotels. Kennedy Space Center is world-class, genuinely moving, and often overlooked by British visitors. Winter Park is beautiful and culturally rich. The natural springs offer some of the most extraordinary swimming and wildlife experiences in North America at a fraction of the cost of a park ticket.
What Are Free Things to Do in Orlando?
The best free things to do in Orlando include Lake Eola Park, the Sunday Farmers Market, Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, Park Avenue in Winter Park, and ICON Park district. Blue Spring and Wekiwa Springs cost only around £5 per car and offer extraordinary value for money.
Free things to do in Orlando are more plentiful than most visitors realise. Lake Eola Park in downtown is genuinely lovely and free. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk both allow free entry with no obligation to buy anything. The Sunday Farmers Market at Lake Eola is a great free morning activity. And for just £5 per car, the natural springs at Blue Spring and Wekiwa Springs deliver experiences that rival anything a paid attraction can offer.
What to Do in Orlando Besides Disney?
Things to do in Orlando besides Disney include Universal Studios and its Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Kennedy Space Center, natural springs for swimming and kayaking, Winter Park’s boat tour and art museum, Gatorland, Discovery Cove, and downtown Orlando’s restaurant and bar scene.
There is a great deal to do in Orlando besides Disney. Universal Studios is the most direct theme park alternative, with the new Epic Universe adding even more content from 2025. Beyond parks, the natural springs are spectacular. Kennedy Space Center is outstanding. Winter Park is charming, culturally rich, and completely different from the resort experience. The Hourglass District and Milk District in downtown Orlando have excellent independent restaurants and bars. Do not spend your entire Orlando holiday in a theme park queue.
How Many Days Do You Need in Orlando?
Most UK visitors need at least 7 nights in Orlando. A 10 to 14-night stay is ideal for British families wanting to cover the major parks alongside the natural springs, cultural attractions, and city experiences that make Orlando worth the transatlantic journey.
For UK visitors making the transatlantic journey, fewer than five nights in Orlando rarely feels worth the flight. Seven nights is a comfortable minimum. Ten to fourteen nights is the most popular choice for British families and allows a genuinely relaxed pace with time for parks, nature, city exploring, and proper rest days. Anything over two weeks is ideal for first-timers who want to see everything without rushing.
What to Do in Orlando for Adults?
The best things to do in Orlando for adults include EPCOT’s international food and drink walk, Boggy Creek night airboat tours, the Dr. Phillips Center for Broadway shows, rooftop bars in downtown Orlando, helicopter tours at sunset, and the independent restaurant scene in the Hourglass District.
Adults visiting Orlando will find plenty to enjoy beyond the family-focused parks. EPCOT’s World Showcase is essentially a very pleasant international drinks crawl. The downtown Orlando cocktail bar scene is excellent. Helicopter tours at sunset are spectacular. Boggy Creek night airboat tours are thrilling. The Dr. Phillips Center hosts world-class theatre and music throughout the year. And the natural springs offer genuinely beautiful outdoor adventures that feel completely removed from the tourist bubble.
Is Orlando Expensive for UK Visitors?
Orlando can be expensive if you focus entirely on theme parks, where a family of four can spend £400 to £500 per day on tickets alone. However, the city has excellent free and budget-friendly activities including natural springs, parks, and neighbourhood restaurants that balance costs effectively.
Orlando is expensive if you treat it purely as a theme park holiday. However, the city has excellent free and affordable alternatives that balance the overall cost of a trip. Natural springs cost only around £5 per car. Winter Park’s boat tour prices start from around £13. The farmers market, Lake Eola, and Disney Springs are all free. A well-planned trip combining paid park days with free and cheap activities is very achievable on a reasonable UK holiday budget.
Do I Need a Car in Orlando?
Yes. Orlando is a driving city and public transport between attractions is very limited. UK visitors should hire a car at Orlando International Airport. Driving is straightforward once you adjust to left-hand drive and the scale of American roads. Car hire prices start from around £250 per week for an automatic family-sized vehicle.
Hiring a car is essential for getting the most out of an Orlando trip. Public transport between attractions is minimal and resort-to-resort shuttle services are convenient but limited. UK visitors can hire a car using a standard UK driving licence at Orlando International Airport. Prices start from around £250 and can go up to £450+ per week for a family-sized automatic, including basic insurance. Driving in Orlando is straightforward on wide, well-signed roads once you adjust to driving on the right.
How to Save Money in Orlando: Money-Saving Tips for UK Visitors
The best ways to save money in Orlando include booking theme park tickets in advance through UK authorised resellers, visiting during September or October for off-peak prices, combining free natural springs visits with paid park days, and using attraction combo tickets for venues on International Drive.
Book Tickets in Advance
Theme park tickets bought in advance through authorised UK resellers are consistently cheaper than gate prices. Disney and Universal both offer discounts for online purchases. For peak school holiday periods, booking three to six months ahead is strongly recommended as popular dates sell out and prices rise significantly as availability drops.
Visit During Off-Peak Months
September and October are the best months for UK visitors who can travel outside school holidays. Prices for flights, hotels, and car hire are lower. Theme park queues are shorter. Temperatures are very comfortable at 25 to 28 degrees. Many UK travellers find September to October the single best time to visit Orlando and get the most for their money.
Combine Free and Paid Activities
The most cost-effective Orlando trips mix paid park days with free and cheap activities. A day at Blue Spring or Wekiwa Springs costs around £5 per car. Lake Eola, Disney Springs, and Universal CityWalk are free. The Morse Museum in Winter Park is free on Friday evenings. Strategic use of these free activities across a two-week trip can save a family of four several hundred pounds.
Use Combo Attraction Tickets
Several venues on International Drive sell combination tickets that reduce the per-attraction cost significantly. The SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds combination ticket, for example, saves around £10 to £15 per person compared to buying separately. ICON Park and various entertainment operators also offer bundle deals worth checking before you buy individual tickets.
Eat Away from the Resort Corridor
Restaurant prices in the immediate vicinity of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are significantly higher than prices in surrounding neighbourhoods. The Milk District, Hourglass District, and Winter Park all have excellent independent restaurants where a sit-down meal for two with drinks typically costs £40 to £70 compared to £70 to £100+ in the resort area.
Take Advantage of Free Water Activities
Swimming, tubing, and wildlife watching at Florida’s natural springs cost almost nothing. Kelly Park at Rock Springs Run, Blue Spring State Park, and Wekiwa Springs are all within an hour of Orlando and offer outstanding days out for families and couples at a fraction of any theme park ticket price. These are some of the best value days you will have on your entire trip.
UK tip: The Florida resident discount does not apply to UK visitors, but many attractions offer better prices for online purchases made more than 48 hours in advance. Always buy online rather than at the gate.
Plan Your Orlando Trip from the UK with Confidence
Orlando has been one of Britain’s favourite long-haul holiday destinations for decades, and in 2026 it deserves its reputation more than ever. With the opening of Universal Epic Universe adding a new generation of theme park experiences, and the city’s natural and cultural offerings sitting largely undiscovered by most British visitors, there has never been a better time to plan a comprehensive trip.
The best things to do in Orlando Florida go far beyond the resort hotels and ticketed attractions. Natural springs offer some of the most beautiful swimming and wildlife experiences in North America. Winter Park is a genuinely charming city with culture, history, and excellent food. Downtown Orlando has a lively and authentic bar and restaurant scene. And the theme parks themselves still deliver experiences that are genuinely difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you are travelling with your children for their first taste of American magic, planning a romantic break, or exploring Orlando on a careful budget, this guide gives you the tools to build a trip you will remember long after you land back in the UK. The things to do in Orlando in 2026 are waiting for you.
Book your flights early, sort your ESTA, hire a car, and start planning. Orlando, Florida is ready for you.
