When you think of Orlando, the first thing that springs to mind are the theme parks, primarily Walt Disney World. However, Orlando has so much more to offer than just attractions for kids and families. Whether you are visiting solo or with a group of friends, Orlando has so much to offer for all age groups.
Best time to travel to Orlando for adults
It’s best to avoid traveling to Orlando during school breaks. Spring Break, Summer and Christmas seasons will be crowded in the theme parks, with much higher prices in the resorts. The best times to visit include May, where you can experience Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, and September when you will see the start of the Halloween decorations and Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Theme Parks
While most Orlando visitors focus on the Disney theme parks, visit Universal Orlando which is packed with fantastic roller coasters and thrill rides. The top attractions for adults at Universal Orlando include Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Revenge of the Mummy.
Consider skipping the Magic Kingdom and enjoying the other theme parks. Epcot is perfect for drinking and eating around the World Showcase, where you can experience the culture of eleven different countries. Hollywood Studios has recently opened Galaxy’s Edge, dedicated to the Star Wars movies.
Universal CityWalk
After exploring the theme parks, head out to Universal CityWalk for great dining, shopping, and nightlife. Don’t miss the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium with its enormous milkshakes and steampunk theming. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food offers excellent meals and cocktails, as well as live music. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is another unique offering that has a comprehensive menu for both sushi and burger lovers. Louisiana themed bar, Pat O’Brien’s is a lively venue, and after a few drinks there head over to Rising Star Karaoke for your chance to sing on the stage.
Water Parks
The water parks in Orlando draw smaller crowds than the theme parks and are the perfect way to cool off from the Florida sun. Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando offers incredible rides and thrilling drops through the centerpiece volcano. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are located on Disney’s property, and you won’t want to miss your chance to ride Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. The slide is 120 feet tall and will have you traveling at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour! These are also the perfect parks to relax and sunbathe for a few hours.
Nightlife and Dining
Throughout the Orlando area and especially on International Drive, there are endless options for dining and nightlife. Visit Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar on I Drive, and there’s another similar venue at Disney’s Boardwalk called Jellyrolls.
If you are looking for clubs, head to Downtown Orlando, which offers many bars and nightclubs such as International Bar and EVE Orlando. For dining, Disney Springs has added many excellent restaurants in the past few years, including Morimoto Asia and The Boathouse. For a quick snack or breakfast, pick up a Voodoo Doughnut at Universal’s CityWalk. You won’t be disappointed by their selection!
Resorts
Of course, you’re going to need somewhere to sleep at night, and Orlando has an endless amount of resorts to choose from! If you’re looking to stay at Universal Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay are perfect for couples and groups of friends. At Walt Disney World, reserve a room or suite at Port Orleans French Quarter, a moderate resort that offers a quieter location for adults.
As you can see, Orlando has so much more to offer than just the Disney theme parks and activities for kids. It’s one of the best travel destinations for visitors of any age and a fun escape from reality for groups of friends. For more updates about travel destinations, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!