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.
Orlando welcomes more visitors than almost any city in the United States, and it is easy to see why. In one trip you can ride world-class roller coasters, walk under a real moon rocket, meet a few thousand alligators and end the night with a sunset boat ride. The hard part is choosing.
This guide answers the question we hear most: what are the top 10 things to do in Orlando, Florida? We cover what each attraction is, roughly what it costs, and tips to get the most out of it. After that, we list the ten highest-rated tours and experiences in Orlando on Viator, ranked by real traveler reviews and updated with current prices.
About prices: Costs below are approximate starting prices as of September 2026. Theme parks and attractions change prices often and many use date-based pricing, so always confirm on the official website or booking page before you go.
The top 10 things to do in Orlando at a glance
- Walt Disney World Resort for classic theme park magic
- Universal Orlando Resort for thrill rides and Epic Universe
- Disney Springs for free-to-enter shopping, dining and entertainment
- Universal CityWalk for nightlife, live music and themed restaurants
- ICON Park and The Wheel for skyline views on International Drive
- Gatorland for old-school Florida and thousands of alligators
- Lake Eola Park for a free downtown stroll and swan boats
- Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour for a relaxing hour on the lakes
- Discovery Cove for an all-inclusive day with dolphins and tropical fish
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for rockets and real space history
1. Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World is the reason many families visit Orlando in the first place. The resort includes four major theme parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, plus two water parks and a huge lineup of resorts, restaurants and nighttime shows.
- Cost: Multi-day tickets start around $109 to $165+ per day depending on dates and park options.
- Best for: Families, first-time visitors and lifelong Disney fans.
- Plan for: At least one full day per park.
Tip: Weekdays outside school holidays are usually cheaper and less crowded, and arriving before opening lets you ride headliners with shorter waits. Compare ticket options in our guide to the best theme parks in Orlando.
2. Universal Orlando Resort
Universal is the thrill-seeker's side of Orlando. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are connected by the Hogwarts Express on park-to-park tickets, and Epic Universe, which opened in 2025, adds immersive lands including Super Nintendo World. Volcano Bay rounds out the resort as a tropical water park.
- Cost: Single-park and multi-park tickets generally start around $119+ per person.
- Best for: Teens, thrill seekers, movie and gaming fans.
- Plan for: One day per park, or two to three days for the full resort.
Tip: Express passes can save hours on busy days. Compare tickets on our Universal Orlando page.
3. Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a large outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district that you can visit without a park ticket. Eat at well-known restaurants, browse unique shops, catch live music, or take a ride in a vintage-style Amphicar that drives straight into the water.
- Cost: Free admission and free parking. Dining and activities vary by venue.
- Best for: Rest days, rainy days and evenings out.
Tip: It is one of the best free things to do in Orlando. See more in our guide to free and cheap things to do in Orlando.
4. Universal CityWalk
Right outside the Universal parks, CityWalk is packed with themed restaurants, live music venues, dance clubs, a movie theater and shops. It stays lively late and makes an easy dinner stop after a park day.
- Cost: Free entry. Parking fees at the Universal garages vary by time of day, so check current rates. Individual venue costs vary.
- Best for: Couples, groups of friends and families grabbing dinner.
Tip: Mini golf and live music make it a fun evening even if you are not visiting the parks.
5. ICON Park and The Wheel
ICON Park is the entertainment hub in the middle of International Drive. Its centerpiece is The Wheel at ICON Park (originally called the Orlando Eye), a 400-foot observation wheel with air-conditioned capsules. The complex also includes SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds, plus restaurants and thrill rides.
- Cost: Attraction passes and combo tickets start around $31 to $64+ per adult.
- Best for: Arrival nights, couples and families staying on International Drive.
Tip: Sunset rides on The Wheel offer the best views. Find nearby activities on our International Drive page.
6. Gatorland
Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland has been an Orlando favorite since 1949. The 110-acre park and wildlife preserve is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, with live shows, a breeding marsh boardwalk and a zip line that runs right over the gator pools.
- Cost: General admission typically ranges from about $35 to $40 per adult.
- Best for: Families with young kids and wildlife fans.
- Plan for: A relaxed half day.
Tip: Pair it with a ride on the Everglades headwaters. See our best airboat tours in Orlando and best nature and wildlife tours.
7. Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is the heart of downtown Orlando. Walk the path around the lake, rent a swan-shaped pedal boat, see the fountain light up at night and browse the Sunday farmers market.
- Cost: Free to enter and stroll. Swan boat rentals are extra.
- Best for: Budget travelers, families with little kids and evening walks.
Tip: Downtown restaurants and bars are steps away, which makes this a great start to a night out. Many sightseeing tours start nearby.
8. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Just north of Orlando, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a relaxing, hour-long guided cruise through narrow canals and quiet lakes, past lush gardens, lakefront estates and towering cypress trees. Afterward, stroll Park Avenue for shops and cafes.
- Cost: About $20 per adult.
- Best for: Couples, multigenerational families and anyone who needs a slower day.
Tip: Want to get on the water yourself? Clear kayak tours on the same chain of lakes are some of the highest-rated experiences in Orlando. See the best kayaking tours in Orlando.
9. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive tropical day resort from the SeaWorld family. Snorkel along a reef filled with tropical fish, float down a lazy river, feed exotic birds in the aviary and relax on white-sand beaches. Packages that include a dolphin swim let you meet bottlenose dolphins up close.
- Cost: Day packages start around $170+ per person and include food and beverages. Dolphin swim packages cost more.
- Best for: Special occasions, couples and families with confident swimmers.
Tip: Daily attendance is limited, so book early. Compare other water days in our guide to the best water parks in Orlando.
10. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
About an hour east of Orlando, Kennedy Space Center lets you get up close to Space Shuttle Atlantis, walk beneath a Saturn V moon rocket and tour active launch pads. If your dates line up with a launch, it can become the highlight of your whole trip.
- Cost: Admission starts around $83+ per adult.
- Best for: Families with kids 6 and up, science fans and first-time visitors.
- Plan for: A full day including travel.
Tip: Tours with round-trip transportation save the drive and parking. Read our Kennedy Space Center day trip guide or compare Kennedy Space Center tours.
The 10 highest-rated tours and experiences in Orlando
Big attractions are only part of the story. These are the ten highest-rated tours and experiences in Orlando on Viator right now, ranked by traveler rating and review volume. Every one has at least 100 reviews and a 4.5 rating or higher, and we include only one of each type of activity (one kayak tour, one airboat ride and so on) so the list stays varied. Prices and ratings update automatically.
1. The Escape Game Orlando: Epic 60-Minute Adventures on I-Drive
Our Orlando location is on International Drive next to ICON park and right by various entertainment and dining options. Popular food stops include Yard House, Five Guys, and Chuy's, perfect if you want a family-friendly time out in Orlando.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 947 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
2. Bill Drill: All-Ages Tactical Adventure in Orlando
Looking for something truly different to do in Orlando? Step into Decision Tactical, the city’s only indoor tactical theme park, and experience the Bill Drill—our most advanced, full-action adventure.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 301 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
3. Winter Park Chain of Lakes Day Time Clear Kayak Paddle
Take a 2 hour guided tour in our 100% clear kayaks while exploring the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Winding through the Venetian style canals you’ll find the picturesque city is laced with history and lined with some of Florida’s finest flora and fauna.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 249 travelers
- Small group experience
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 2 hours
4. Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee
Explore Kennedy Space Center on this out-of-this-world day tour! On the way to the visitor center your specially trained tour guide will provide you all the information you need to ensure you have the best day possible and how to make the most of your time.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 1,502 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
5. Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is an aerial adventure ropes course. Climbers navigate their way through a maze of obstacles set in the trees featuring swinging logs, cargo nets and many other games to truly test their limits.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 860 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 3 hours
6. 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando
Americanghostadventures. com -This 2-hour walking tour will take you through historic downtown Orlando.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 769 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
7. Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour
Gypsy Gold is home to America's first Gypsy Vanner Horses and the most popular farm tour in Florida. Learn about the colorful British Gypsy culture and meet dozens of their magical Gypsy Vanner Horses.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 462 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
8. 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes
Take an award winning tour of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven! Awarded the Certificate of Excellency & Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 431 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Small group experience
9. Day 16 miles Private Helicopter Tour over Fun Spot
Take a 16 miles (8-10 mins) tour and you will fly over Give Kids The World Village, The Big Orange, Gaylord Palms Resort, Old Town, Fun Spot, and Kissimmee city. It is a private helicopter tour!
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 289 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
10. 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Tour Orlando Florida
Get ready to feel the rush as you soar across the marsh on our powerful 8–10 passenger airboats! With elevated stadium-style seating, every guest gets a perfect, unobstructed view on this thrilling 1-hour adventure tour.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 181 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
How to plan your Orlando trip
- Mix big and small days. Alternate a theme park day with a lighter day such as Gatorland, Lake Eola or a boat tour.
- Book date-based tickets early. Disney and Universal prices rise as dates get closer and on busy weeks.
- Plan around the weather. Summer afternoons bring heat and storms, so schedule outdoor activities in the morning. See our rainy day guide.
- Use free attractions. Disney Springs, CityWalk and Lake Eola cost nothing to enter.
- Pick the right season. Our guide to the best time to visit Orlando breaks down crowds and prices month by month.
Ready to book? Browse every tour and ticket on Book Now, or explore family-friendly tours and day trips from Orlando.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Orlando?
Walt Disney World is the most visited attraction in Orlando, and Magic Kingdom is its most popular park. For thrill seekers, Universal Orlando Resort is a close rival.
What can you do in Orlando for free?
Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk and Lake Eola Park are all free to enter. Disney Springs also has free parking.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
Five to seven days lets you visit two or three theme parks and still enjoy a few of the other top things to do, like Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center or a Winter Park boat tour.
What is there to do in Orlando besides theme parks?
Kennedy Space Center, Gatorland, Lake Eola, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, airboat rides and clear kayak tours are all excellent. See our full guide to things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.
We research Orlando tours, attractions and events so travelers and locals can plan with confidence. More about us.
