Orlando is so much more than just mickey ears and Epcot theme park. Explore a city of golf courses, emerging artists, avant-garde galleries and world-class restaurants. Whether you drop in on Disney World or not, Orlando has a lot to offer. Discover a whole new world in Orlando, Florida with the help of our travel guide.
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With hotels inspired by Italian, African and Polynesian architecture, living out your holiday fantasies is easy. Accommodation at Walt Disney World ranges from full-glam to Disney-themed rooms. Wrapped by a 29 hectare animal reserve that’s home to over 200 animal species, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is as close to a safari as you can get in Florida. You’ll find a tropical oasis at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort while the Wilderness Lodge is a cosy, rustic-style retreat. For pure extravagance, you can’t go past the lavish Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Themed resorts are also on offer at Universal Orlando with the Italian-inspired Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. For a little luxury outside of the theme parks, the upscale Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an excellent escape. Want to see more city and less theme parks? Stay in one of downtown Orlando’s boutique hotels. We suggest the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando. If you’d prefer to make yourself at home, get an Airbnb in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Audubon Park. Whether you opt for Disney or downtown, there are plenty of magical places to stay in Orlando.
With plenty of theme parks and a hipart and restaurant scene, there’s never a sleepy moment in this Florida city. If you’re looking for a magical time with the little ones, younger kids will love the well-known castles and characters of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. At Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, super fans can journey on The Hogwarts Express or visit Ollivanders, to collect their very own wand. More of a thrill seeker? Rollercoaster lovers are in for a wild ride on The Incredible Hulk at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Put your building skills to the test by and get creative at LEGOLAND’s hands-on theme park. For an educational family outing venture to The Kennedy Space Centre for an interactive simulated space exploration.
When the theme parks aren’t occupying your time, downtown Orlando also has plenty to offer. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art for an eclectic mix of classic American art and contemporary works. Get a taste of Florida’s new food scene at East End Market, where Domu serves up delicious ramen, and Lineage Coffee Roasting keeps the city well-caffeinated. With lots of independent stores, boutiques and restaurants, strolling along the cobbled streets of the Church Street District makes for an interesting afternoon out.
If you prefer cycling over strolling, rent a bike and enjoy the scenic trail through Loch Haven Park. Worked up an appetite? Grab a burger at The Strand. A cosy space where new American dishes fuse with old school classics. End your night with some live music at Will’s Pub or see if you can score the password to get into the secret bar, Hanson’s Shoe Repair. No matter what kind of adventure you’re up for, you’re sure to find it in Orlando.
Choosing the right hotel for a family holiday to Orlando, Florida is crucial – these stays offer the best combination of location, amenities, value and fun.
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For kids and adults alike, whether you’re slightly interested in space or a mad science fan, a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre is fascinating. Learn about the history and future of US space travel, tour the Apollo centre and don’t miss the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit - a dramatic display, as if it’s still orbiting earth. If the timings right, you may even see a crewless rocket or satellite launch.
Set off from the city and spend the day soaking up the beautiful natural springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Craft distilleries and seasonally inspired restaurants can be found in St. Augustine.
Design aficionados should schedule a visit to the West Palm Beach Antique Row Art & Design District. For a day at the beach, Canaveral National Seashore is a calming retreat that’s just an hour east of the city.
From the airport: flights to Orlando with Qantas operate via Los Angeles or Dallas/Fort Worth with onwards connections on our codeshare partner American Airlines. Uber, taxi, hotel transfers or the Supershuttle can transport you to your hotel.
In and around the city: if you're staying at Walt Disney World then a complimentary network of buses, boats and monorails can transport you between the Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks and shopping venues. Bus networks are not efficient or reliable if you have limited time, so it's recommended to hire a car.
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: ± Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
