After living in Miami, Florida for 19 years, making the short trip to Orlando happens frequently every year. It is one of the most popular cities from which people can choose unique places and activities to enjoy with their families. The most common plan tourists make in Orlando is to visit the Disney World or Universal theme parks. Others may also head to Seaworld or water parks too. Those are fantastic choices for first-time visitors, yet for anyone else repeating the same parks every year, know that there are numerous other places to explore.
Photo Credit: Disney
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has a vast area of land that contains excitement at every corner. From cozy campfires to seeing Magic Kingdom up close by boat, this resort has it all. Upon arriving, guests can choose to reside in the Wilderness Lodge hotel or at their campsite. Disney provides cabins in the woods or guests can stay in their tents or their RVs too. The campground offers a range of activities and amenities that include horseback riding, archery, canoeing, swimming pools, golf carts, biking, and much more. At night, guests can attend Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-long to enjoy some tasty s’ mores, hot chocolate, and pictures with Chip and Dale. When the fires are put out, the lights go down and the movie begins. This event is an especially unforgettable way to spend some quality family time with nature all around you.
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Located right next to Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk has special magic that tourists love to visit year-round. Inspired by Coney Island and Atlantic City, this waterfront area is charming in every way. Tourists can enjoy a variety of bakeries and restaurants as well as entertainment and recreation. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Dolphin Hotel, Yacht Club Resort, and Beach Club Resort surround the water, providing their guests with a beautiful view and close access to everything by the waterway.
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At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests can take advantage of the many benefits at the hotel. They have access to a pool with a waterslide, a fireworks dining experience at California Grill, and close access to the monorail that leads to Magic Kingdom. Chef Mickey’s offers visitors a buffet area where they can eat a delicious breakfast. Characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy go from table to table to take pictures with every family present. The monorail is nearby, so you can see it come and go as you eat your meal. Families also take home a group picture in a booklet with recipes for tasty Disney treats!
Orlando, Florida is a vibrant city with many places to visit aside from theme parks. First-time visitors should surely make their way to places like Magic Kingdom, but tourists who have gone several times to the same parks should explore the other beautiful places that are incredibly close to main attractions. These three Disney locations are great for people to try savory meals, shop, and experience things unique to Orlando.