ThingsToDoOrlando.com Editorial Team
Orlando travel editors
The ThingsToDoOrlando.com editorial team researches and ranks the best things to do in Orlando, Florida, from theme parks and dinner shows to airboat rides, springs and day trips.
Our guides combine official attraction information with verified traveler ratings and live pricing from Viator, and we update our rankings every time we refresh our data. We write for first-time visitors, returning families and locals looking for something new.
Every recommendation is independent. We may earn a commission when you book, but that never changes what we recommend or how we rank it.
Articles by ThingsToDoOrlando.com Editorial Team
- Luau in Orlando: The Complete Guide to Polynesian Dinner ShowsWhere to see a real luau in Orlando, what the Polynesian Fire dinner show includes, what we saw on our visit, what guests say, and tips for seats, kids and smoke. Updated September 28, 2026.
- Orlando Halloween Events Guide 2026Every Halloween event in and around Orlando for 2026, with dates, ages, scare levels and costs, a filter to find the right ones, and local tips for doing spooky season right. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Aquatica Orlando Map & Layout – Navigating the Water ParkThe official Aquatica Orlando map plus where every slide, river, kids' area, restaurant and locker sits, and the walking routes locals use for thrills, families or a lazy day. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Volcano Bay Map & Layout – Navigating the Theme ParkThe official Volcano Bay park map as a free PDF, plus which slides are in which village, height limits, where to eat, and how locals get around without backtracking. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Epic Universe Map & Layout – Navigating the ParkHow Epic Universe is laid out, how the portals work, where to find lockers, restrooms and first aid, and the route locals use to skip the rope-drop crush. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Magic Kingdom Calendar & Best Days to GoThe best times to visit Magic Kingdom are mid-week in January after New Year's week, late April through mid-May, and September. Avoid Christmas week, spring break and the week of July 4. On a normal day, arrive for opening and save the evening for the fireworks. Updated September 25, 2026.
- EPCOT Calendar & Best Days to GoEPCOT has a festival running for most of the year, so the best days are weekdays during a festival you enjoy. Weekday evenings are great for World Showcase; festival weekends and holiday weeks are the busiest. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Hollywood Studios Calendar & Best Days to GoHollywood Studios is compact and ride-heavy, so crowds feel bigger here. Go on a weekday, arrive for opening to ride Star Wars and Toy Story Land favorites first, and avoid holiday weeks. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Animal Kingdom Calendar & Best Days to GoAnimal Kingdom rewards early risers: the animals are most active in the cool morning and the park often closes earlier than the other Disney parks. Visit on a weekday, arrive at opening and ride Flight of Passage and the safari first. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Universal Studios Florida Calendar & Best Days to GoTuesday to Thursday outside school holidays is the sweet spot at Universal Studios Florida. Check the Halloween Horror Nights calendar in the fall, because the park closes early to day guests on event nights. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Islands of Adventure Calendar & Best Days to GoIslands of Adventure is the thrill park, so go mid-week and ride Hagrid's and VelociCoaster at opening. In summer, ride the big outdoor coasters early before afternoon storms roll in. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Epic Universe Calendar & Best Days to GoEpic Universe is Universal's newest and most in-demand park, so every day is busy. Your best odds are a mid-week day in the quieter months, arriving before opening. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Volcano Bay Calendar & Best Days to GoGo on a hot weekday morning in late spring, summer or early fall and arrive before opening. Volcano Bay has closed for part of the cooler months in recent years, so check the calendar before you plan a winter visit. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Typhoon Lagoon Calendar & Best Days to GoVisit on a hot weekday from late spring to early fall and arrive at opening. In the cooler months, Disney usually operates only one of its two water parks while the other is refurbished, so check which is open. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Blizzard Beach Calendar & Best Days to GoGo on a hot weekday from late spring to early fall, arriving at opening. Disney usually runs only one water park in the cooler months, so confirm Blizzard Beach is open before you go. Updated September 25, 2026.
- SeaWorld Orlando Calendar & Best Days to GoWeekdays outside school holidays are the easiest days at SeaWorld Orlando. Event weekends, like the spring food festival and fall Howl-O-Scream nights, bring the biggest local crowds. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Aquatica Orlando Calendar & Best Days to GoA hot weekday from late spring to early fall is ideal. Aquatica runs a reduced schedule in the cooler months, so check the calendar before you plan a winter visit. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Discovery Cove Calendar & Best Days to GoDiscovery Cove limits how many guests it admits each day, so it never feels like a crowded park. The best days are warm, sunny ones from spring to fall; book ahead, since reservations sell out. Updated September 25, 2026.
- LEGOLAND Florida Calendar & Best Days to GoLEGOLAND Florida does not open every day outside busy seasons, so check the operating calendar first. When it is open, weekdays are the calmest; event weekends in October and December are the busiest. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Peppa Pig Theme Park Calendar & Best Days to GoPeppa Pig Theme Park runs on a limited calendar outside busy seasons, so check operating days first. Weekday mornings when it is open are the calmest, and it pairs easily with LEGOLAND next door. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Universal CityWalk Hours, Calendar & The Best Days to GoWhen CityWalk opens and closes, how to park free, the quietest days for dinner and the local timing tricks that skip the post-park rush. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Disney Springs Hours, Calendar & The Best Days to VisitWhen Disney Springs opens and closes, which days are quietest, and how locals use it to stretch a park day, rest mid-trip or kill time before a flight. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Universal Studios Orlando Attractions ListEvery ride and attraction at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Epic Universe, with height requirements, lands and honest local advice on what to ride first. Updated September 25, 2026.
- Where to Stay in Orlando: The Best Areas and Hotels for Every TripChoosing the right area saves hours of driving and a lot of money. Here is how Orlando's main neighborhoods compare, and who each one is best for. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Gatorland vs Wild Florida: Which Gator Park Should You Visit?Both parks promise alligators up close, but they are very different days out. Here is how Gatorland and Wild Florida compare, and which one fits your trip. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Kennedy Space Center: Tickets vs Tour With Transport From OrlandoDriving yourself and booking a tour from Orlando both get you to the rockets. Here is how to decide which option is better for your group. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Is Discovery Cove Worth It? An Honest Look at Orlando's All-Inclusive Day ResortDiscovery Cove costs far more than a regular park ticket. Here is what you get for the money, who will love it, and cheaper ways to swim with Florida wildlife. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Go City Orlando All-Inclusive Pass vs Explorer Pass: Which Saves More?Both Orlando attraction passes come from Go City, but they work very differently. Here is how to choose the one that actually saves you money. Updated September 24, 2026.
- What Are The Top 10 Things To Do In Orlando Florida?The ten Orlando experiences every visitor should know about, what they cost and how to plan them, plus the ten highest-rated tours travelers are booking right now. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Best Time To Visit Orlando: A Month-by-Month GuideCrowds, weather and prices swing a lot through the year. Here is how to pick the right month for your Orlando trip. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Rainy Day Things To Do In OrlandoAfternoon storms are part of life in Central Florida. These indoor and weather-proof ideas keep the fun going. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Free and Cheap Things To Do In OrlandoOrlando does not have to be expensive. These free and low-cost activities stretch your budget without sacrificing fun. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Orlando Airboat Tours: What To Expect and How To ChooseAirboats are one of the most Florida things you can do. Here is how to choose the right tour and maximize your chances of seeing gators. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Kennedy Space Center Day Trip From Orlando: The Complete GuideRockets, shuttles and real launch pads, about an hour from Orlando. Here is how to plan the perfect Kennedy Space Center day. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Romantic Things To Do In Orlando For CouplesOrlando is not just for kids. Sunrise balloons, sunset boats and a few very good date nights are waiting for couples. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Things To Do In Orlando Besides Theme ParksOrlando has a whole second personality outside the park gates. Springs, airboats, rockets, balloons and some genuinely great food are waiting. Updated September 24, 2026.
- Things to Do in Orlando, FL With Kids: The 2026 Family Guide by AgeOrlando for kids of every age: the best theme parks, water parks, wildlife, rainy-day and free things to do, family events this month, and local tips for pacing the trip. Updated September 30, 2026.
- Best Kayaking Tours In OrlandoThe best kayaking tours in and near Orlando, ranked by real traveler reviews: clear kayak manatee trips, spring runs and paddleboard tours with prices.
- Best Nature and Wildlife Tours In OrlandoThe best nature and wildlife tours in Orlando, ranked by traveler reviews: airboat gator spotting, manatee trips, safaris and eco tours with prices.
- Best Theme Parks In OrlandoThe best theme parks in Orlando plus the top-rated tickets and park experiences to book, ranked by traveler reviews with current prices.
- Best Airboat Tours In OrlandoThe best airboat tours in Orlando ranked by real traveler reviews. Compare prices, ride length and gator-spotting odds on the Everglades headwaters.
- Best Bus Tours In OrlandoThe best bus tours in and from Orlando, ranked by traveler reviews: Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, beach and city tours with hotel pickup.
- Best Day Trips In OrlandoThe best day trips from Orlando ranked by traveler reviews: Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, manatee springs, beaches and more with prices.
- Best Sightseeing Tours In OrlandoThe best sightseeing tours in Orlando ranked by traveler reviews: walking, ghost, history and city tours plus unique local experiences with prices.
- Best Dinner Shows In Orlando FloridaThe best dinner shows in Orlando, Florida ranked by traveler reviews: luaus, murder mysteries, magic shows and dinner cruises with current prices.
- Best Family-Friendly Tours In Orlando FloridaThe best family-friendly tours in Orlando, Florida ranked by traveler reviews: gator parks, airboats, space trips, shows and kid-approved adventures.
- Best Water Parks In Orlando FloridaThe best water parks in Orlando, Florida: Volcano Bay, Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Island H2O, plus bookable tickets with prices.