Family Vacation GuideOrlando

This 110-acre wildlife reserve is filled with gators and fun attractions. Zipline over a gator-infested lake, even pose for a wrestling photo.

Home to dozens of shops, restaurants, Cirque du Soleil, and more, it's a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. You get a taste of Disney without the price of park admission.

You can see the candy makers making fudge, taffy, and brittle behind the counter. It's an old-fashioned candy shoppe on Main Street USA

This tiki hut serves frozen slushies, juice, and cookies, perfect for a hot day in Magic Kingdom.

Even in the future, the classic sundae reigns supreme. Stop by for a cold ice cream or soda float in Tomorrowland.

This beautiful glass atrium is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and host to daily meet and greets.

Inside Cinderella's Castle, this royal banquet hall has food fit for a princess with a refined palate. Make sure to reserve far ahead of time!

Hidden in Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant is a secret fairy wish book where you can write down your wildest wishes. The Blue Fairy checks it regularly ;)

In the big tree in liberty square you can find 13 lanterns representing the 13 colonies. Come by in the evening and watch them glow.

It's like stepping inside a storybook from your childhood. You enter a land of fairy tales, pirates, astronauts, and cowboys. This is Disney World's flagship park.

Fly through the canyons of the American Southwest on a roller coaster ride.

This 8-minute ride takes you through pirate battles and the adventures of Jack Sparrow. It's great for all ages, but really young kids might get scared.

Restless ghosts party in the halls of this haunted mansion. It's a delightfully scary ride for all ages. Kids will even love playing with the cooky attractions in the line.

It's one of the best attractions with the shortest wait. You venture inside a Disney movie, and wind hits you as fall, water splashes you, and you even get a whiff of perfume in Aladdin.

This coaster dips and dives, howling through the darkness of space. It's magical, futuristic, and very popular. So be sure to reserve your fastpass+ ahead of time.

You control the spin and blasters on Buzz Lightyear's spaceship. Aim for the evil Emperor Zurg and score points. You may just get the high score.

You spin around in oversized tea cups in this Alice in Wonderland themed ride.

It starts as a calm river ride with animatronic animals, and ends with a huge drop down a waterfall. Sit up front if you want to get wet.

The roller coaster car swings around turns and takes you into the workplace of the 7 Dwarfs. Make sure to reserve fastpass+ for this popular ride.

Grab burgers, fries, and taco salads at this counter service restaurant in Frontierland.

Disney's newest restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They serve delicious French food in the banquet hall of Sebastian's (the Beast's) castle.

Disney's manliest restaurant features giant pork shanks, BBQ, and burly cinnamon rolls. They also have a kid version of beer called LeFou's Brew.

Hearty Reubens, sandwiches, and burgers make up the menu at this old-fashioned American restaurant in Main Street USA.

It's the Italian restaurant where the Lady and the Trap ate from the same plate. They serve pasta, pizza, and Italian classics.

Sit down for a family-style Thanksgiving feast, any time of year. Enjoy New England food too in an elegant dining hall from the time of our founding fathers.

For younger kids, this roller coaster is a blast. You get to fly on a trusty winged beast and don't have to wait in line too long.

Come for breakfast, pastries, and unusual ice cream flavors.

Find the hidden meeting place of evil wizards who practice the Dark Arts. Keep your eyes peeled. It's not marked.

From Pineapple Whip Soft-serve with Coconut Rum to a Chocolate Waffle with Espresso Mousse, it's one of the best places for a frozen treat in Animal Kingdom.

Enter the world of double pineapple bliss – the dole whip float. It's soft-serve pineapple in pineapple juice. If that's not enough, you always get the fresh-cut pineapple.

It's a little counter where you can pick up soft-serve, pineapple floats, and collectable souvenir tiki bowls.

Remember when formal soda parlors were a thing? Well maybe not, but here's how you can relive soda's golden era in a Coney Island like setting.

Coca Cola logos are in Hindi script and Bollywood posters line the wall. Cool down with a slushy, classic Coke or a the rum spiked Coconut Lychee Lemonade.

It's like dining in the middle of a rainforest. The food is classic American with burgers, steak, and club sandwiches.

If your daughter is ages 2-10, this meet and greet with Anna and Elsa may just make their vacation. Lines are long! So come early, late, or at lunch time.

If robots drank margaritas, this is where they'd come. This hip, modern bar has huge, circular lounges with soft colored lights.

In a romantic candlelit cellar, this French-Canadian restaurant serves gourmet steak and seafood.

A highly seasonal menu features simple, yet delicious dishes prepared from fresh California ingredients. It also offers a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Enjoy a delicious Hawaiian banquet with storytelling at dinner time and character brunches with Stitch.

Fireworks light up Cinderella's Castle, while you finish off the night with a dessert party over the lake in Tomorrowland.

It's "haute" cuisine, which is to say it's very fancy. This tasting menu only restaurant is $135 a pop and extremely delicious.

Equal to the thrill of taking off in a jet plane without a windshield, this riveting ride takes you from zero to 40 MPH in about two seconds.

You get to pick a song to listen to as you fly down 17 stories on the world's first non-inverting loop.

Drop down 185 feet and you'll feel weightless. Then you jolt upwards at the speed of a space shuttle.

Two rides in one, you can pick one of two dragons to race on intertwining loops. It's worth trying both, and with two coasters, the line goes faster.

Embark on a whirlwind adventure with Harry and his friends as you fly through the classrooms and halls of Hogwarts Castle.

This is how wizards use the ATM. Zoom through the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank in a multi-dimensional 3-D thrill ride.

What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely jungle cruise in Jurassic Park? Well, the raptors get loose, and now you have to escape by plunging down an 85-foot waterfall.

Fire lights up the ceiling and scarab beetles cover the walls. Then everything goes pitch black and you don't know whether to hold your breath or scream.

This classic log flume sends you flying over a 75-foot drop with a cool story beforehand that will have kids laughing.

You may be on the ground, but it sure feels like you're flying across the skyscrapers of Manhattan in this 3-D ride with stunning effects.

This I-Drive attraction is an odd museum filled with all the unbelievable anomalies of the world like six-legged cows, vampires, and giants.

Kids get to learn about science, the fun way, by doing cool interactive experiments. The upside down building is quite a sight too.

This smaller theme park is home to classic, hard-hitting thrill rides. Ride the slingshot and fly 300 feet in the air.

This old-timey themed park and shopping mall has bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade, go carts, and haunted house, among stores and restaurants.

Tons of thrilling waterslides will keep you cool on a hot Orlando day. The park will close in Dec. 31, 2016 to make way for another, bigger one: Universal's Volcano Bay.

The water's always cool and clear in this natural spring. Take a scenic walk and then hop on in. Sure beats swimming with the gators.

They've got griddles by your tables where you can make your own pancakes. This 300-year-old mill at De Leon Springs was onced used by Spanish sugar plantations.

In this gorgeous coastal river, you have the opportunity to swim with hundreds of manatees. You can even kiss these loveable Sea Cows.

Sixty minutes from Orlando is a beach park, perfect for picnic. Bring your bathing suit and swim with dolphins and manatees in the warm ocean.

Stop for lunch or dinner on their gorgeous lakeside patio and admire the reflection of skyscrapers on the water.

Their calamari is amazing and the pan-fried Gator Tail Tenderloin is something you've gotta try. Sit outside by the lake or in their upscale, yet casual dining room.

It's a hipster's sports bar with creative burgers, big screen TVs, and an eclectic mix of graffiti art.

Twists on classic dishes include Smoked Salmon Flatbread, Herb Truffle Fries, and Cajun Lime Calamari. This spot is a downtown favorite.

The rustic wood and lamp-post lanterns make for an inviting atmosphere. Try the Smoked Black-Eyed Pea Tortellini or Hanger Steak with Molasses Glaze.

Kayak or paddle through a dense swamp forest at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Take a boat ride on the canals that connect the lakes of Winter Park. You'll pass through a botanical garden and cruise by a sculpture garden. Then go explore the town.

With something for all ages, they have 8 unique ropes courses and one zipline.

You fly across over a mile of cables on a course of 8 ziplines. Set up as dual racing zips, you can race your friends and family as you go.

It's rustic southern food, locally grown at the restaurant's own garden. Flavors are fresh, seasonal, and bold.

Artists paint, musicians play, and you eat, very well that is, at this Florida-inspired, tapas restaurant.

Chicago-style deep dish is a great way to satisfy your hunger after a day at the parks.

Chicago-style deep dish is a great way to satisfy your hunger after a day at the parks.

Pancakes are the size of your dinner plate, which makes it easy for more than one kid to split an order. You can even grab breakfast to-go on your way to the parks.

Great sushi, bento boxes with teriyaki, and huge noodle bowls make this pan-Asian kitchen a great spot for exciting food with the family.

Gather for great food, local art vendors, and family activities in this quaint historic town near Orlando.

Recognized as one of the best free art events in the country, you can walk the streets of beautiful Winter Park and see (and buy!) hundreds of works by local artists.

Head south to downtown Kissimmee for their summer farmers market, held every Tuesday.

This place is a little kid's dream. Giant dinosaur statues and a huge octopus surround the tables. It's very popular so make reservations early.

Get the Big Big Pig if you're appetite can handle it or a number of delicious sandwich baskets. The ribs fall off the bone at this family-friendly BBQ joint.

Enjoy pastas, soups, fresh baked goods, and healthy salads at this family-style Italian restaurant.

When you're really hungry, there are few joys like a hot sandwich with gooey melted cheese.

While you're in Florida, you might want to try some of the state's delicious Cuban food.

Tour 11 countries through their culture and food, as you walk around a lagoon. Then, see the triumphs of human technology and the wonders of the natural world.

Take a realistic aerial tour over California from the beaches of LA to the stunning Yosemite Valley.

Design your own virtual vehicle and then compare it as you ride next to it.

It's in almost every photo of Epcot. This 16-story futuristic globe is home to a ride that takes you past breakthroughs in technology.

You start in a rainforest and take a boat past prairies, deserts, and exotic greenhouses.

Probably the best way to energize tired kids on a hot day is this holy combination of Disney Characters and air-conditioning.

Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye "The Science Guy" teach kids about energy from solar and atomic power to prehistoric volcanoes.

Hosted by Coca Cola, this showcase has dozens of sodas, which you can sample for free. Make sure to try the delicious soda called Beverly.

It's a fun little boat ride with the three caballeros. You explore Mexico through animation, superimposed over live-action clips of Acapulco, Chichen Itza, and Mexico City.

It's an animatronic tribute to the big personalities of American history from Mark Twain to Ben Franklin.

Bruce the Shark, Nemo, and friends swim through the coral reef of an actual aquarium.

Sit outside at long tables for authentic German sausage and a stein, filled to the brim with crisp German beer.

An experience beyond the food, you get to watch Japanese chefs prepare your meal, how you like it, at your table.

Murals of the Italian countryside and crystal chandeliers help to set the mood in this old-world Italian restaurant.

Caramel treats of every kind imaginable line the glass displays of this German bakery and candy store.

This storybook dining hall resembles the inside of a medieval castle. Five different princesses, and the delightful Mary Poppins come by to meet the little ones.

The whole dining hall rotates slowly as you eat, showing you a different scene from nature. Meet Chip 'n Dale and animal friends as you dine.

In this quirky ceremony that takes place entirely in Japanese, you get to select an oyster and have it opened for you to reveal a pearl, which is yours to keep.

Try to snag a seat near the large glass windows and you can watch people boarding It's a Small World. This charming restaurant serves flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads.

Along the water, this Animal Kingdom restaurant serves a delicious half-smoked chicken and St. Louis-style BBQ ribs.

It's light, refreshing, and tasty all at the same time, perfect for a hot day. They serve hummus wraps, shawarma, and a large selection of vegetarian options.

It's all about BBQ chicken and pork here. With indoor and outdoor seating, this Hollywood Studios restaurant is also a great spot to get giant turkey legs.

You'd expect to find a bakery this good on the streets of Paris. Their open faced sandwiches and pesto chicken are also quite satisfying.

Docked on the manmade Echo Lake, you're in the center of everything. They're known for their mac 'n cheese, pulled pork, and Buffalo chicken.

Try the decadent fried fish sandwich and lobster roll, or the healthy grilled salmon with couscous and steamed broccoli.

The best place to cool down and recharge in Epcot. Grab a sushi snack, or a beer, sake, or plum wine, and the legendary Kakigori shave ice.

A place for health conscious Hollywood types, they serve salads with salmon, couscous, quinoa, and arugula. They also have hot dogs and burgers just in case.

You'll find all the usual burgers, fries, and chicken strips, but the gem here is the Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad, maybe one of the best things on a hot day.

Wraps and sandwiches, including their famous Brisket Sandwich and Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, is what you might imagine actors would nosh on between scenes.

People line up here for breakfast in Hollywood Studios. They've got pastries, bagels, and fruit in the morning, and sandwiches and sushi for lunch.

This isn't your county fair's funnel cake, it's a high-class funnel cake experience. If you go for funnel cake anywhere at Disney World, come here.

They have your regular burger and fries, but the real star of the show here is their perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken and healthy Greek salad.

Probably the best sandwich in Magic Kingdom, this restaurant serves hand-carved pork, turkey, and brisket that's been slow-roasted for hours.

Out in Adventureland, this is the spot to go when you need a simple, yet satisfying burrito, taco, or quesadilla.

This Magic Kingdom restaurant specializes in waffle fries. They've got BBQ Pork Waffle Fries, BLT Waffle Fries, and even Tex-Mex Waffle Fries.

You might not think that the Ham, Prosciutto, and Cheese Waffle Sandwich would be good. But it is! They also have classic chicken and waffles and plenty of sweet choices too.

Kids will love the concept of the breakfast pizza, which comes topped with eggs, bacon, and cheese. Open for lunch and dinner too, it's pizza any time!

With a variety of different Asian cuisine, this Animal Kingdom Restaurant serves many types of rice and noodle bowls.

You'll get stares of longing as you walk around with one of these family-sized cinnamon rolls.

Their tacos are actually pretty darn good, and you can't beat the lakeside view in the shade.

The winners here are the pretzels drizzled in icing and some seriously tasty Norwegian pastries. Their smoked salmon sandwich is quite delicious too.

This is your spot for sesame chicken, spring rolls, and other sweet and sour comforts. On cold winter days, the Beef Noodle Soup really hits the spot.

There's no shame in settling for a hot dog when you're in Germany. They've got brats, franks, currywurst, and lots of German beer.

It's not your typical burger and fries. It's New York strip steak, Louisiana shrimp and rice, and those famous Maryland crab cakes.

They've got teriyaki, udon noodles and the always tasty Chicken Cutlet Curry. It's a great intro to Japanese food, hot and raw.

Hollywood Studios shows you how movies come to life. See behind the scenes, hair-raising stunts, and movie sets that give the illusion of being in another place.

Fly through a Star Wars battle in a 3D moving theater that makes you feel like you're zipping around the Deathstar. You may just make the Kessel run in 12 parsecs.

You compete with family and friends in five different shooting games, as you take aim at moving targets with a shot at the high score.

Hop aboard Steven Tyler's limo and ride through the freeways of Los Angeles with the music of Aerosmith on the radio. It's a roller coaster race to the concert.

You ride up 13 stories in a creepy abandoned hotel from 1939. Then, suddenly, you drop down to the bottom, and shoot back up again.

It's a zany 3D movie starring the Muppets with bubbles that come out from under your seat. This show is a huge hit with the little ones and fun for parents too.

They're getting away! Stunt cars, jet skis, and motorcycles go into hot pursuit in this live action stunt show. Keep your eyes peeled for Lightening McQueen.

Tour sets out of famous films from romances, gangster flicks, and westerns.

It's prime time at your family's house in the 1950's. Watch old sitcoms as you nosh on delicious fried chicken and meatloaf. Just keep your elbows off the table!

This Hollywood Studios restaurant is modeled after the original Brown Derby, a favorite lunch spot of Hollywood stars from the 1930's.

It's a zoo, an animal sanctuary, and an amusement park in one. Go on a safari, explore the Himalayas and venture back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Book ahead of time to meet Donald, Mickey, and more at this very popular breakfast and lunch restaurant.

What little kid doesn't love stepping back into the prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Your guide takes you on a Jeep ride that traverses an animal sanctuary. They'll stop along the way to show you giraffes, elephants, and lions.

Walk into the Tree of Life and you turn into a bug. It's an amazing 3D show that takes you into a tiny world where a blade of grass seems like a tree.

It's a fun roller coaster with backwards motion on the tallest mountain in the world. Keep an eye out for the Yeti!

This track and motion simulator transports you back in time to save a living dinosaur before the big meteor. If only it were real.

This 400-foot tall ferris wheel has changed the Orlando skyline forever. Get the best view of the city as you ride the loop.

It's soon to be the most happening spot of I-Drive! When completed, it will host a wax museum, aquarium, skeleton exhibit, and tons of shopping and dining.

It may be their first season, but the Orlando City Lions soccer team have exploded in local popularity. If you ever counted MLS out, think again.

Orlando's east side is a haven for foodies. If you like to eat well, you should consider making the trip out here.

This brand new, grand concert hall hosts musicals, ballets, and other shows by Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Thought Astro Pops were as good as it gets? Think again. These handcrafted popsicles come in fruity, creamy, and boozy varieties.

They just enacted Prohibition and this innocent pharmacy has transformed into a secret bar.

With lots of gourmet tacos and an extensive list of tequila, it's a great place for the adults to unwind.

With homemade guac and gooey quesadillas, it's a delicious Mexican grill that the whole family will love.

They're known for their wood-fired preparations of fish from rainbow trout to Chilean sea bass. This is a fish lover's happy place.

For something a little adventurous, but equally accessible to kids, try this Turkish restaurant on Orlando's Restaurant Row.

They put on quite a show with belly dancers and cool decorations at this delicious Lebanese restaurant.

They source grapes from sustainable vineyards around the world to create wines worth tasting.

Journey into the jungles of Jurassic Park and the wacky world of Seuss Landing. You'll find thrills with an adventurous twist.

Walk through the home of Gru and his daughters and into the laboratory of an evil genius to see what life is like as minion.

Stop by for a quick meal of burgers and fries in the Jurassic Park section of Universal Studios.

If you're hungry and the kids are craving pizza, stop on in. Their meat lovers pizza is good, but their cookie-brownie hybrid is revolutionary.

The food is different from your normal burger and fries, and it's not as crowded as other spots. Thunder Falls Terrace is one of your best quick lunch options.

Stalactites hang from the ceiling in this gourmet restaurant that resembles a cave out of Greek Mythology.

One of the best fine dining options in Universal, this place features comforting Italian cuisine with one recipe from the chef's Italian grandmother.

With inventive creations like a pork belly flash-seared at 1,000 degrees, and baby back ribs cooked over kiawe coals, this place will treat your palate to something special.

Set in front of the canal of an Italian town, this restaurant is as impressive as any cosmopolitan restaurant in New York or Tokyo.

It's a great place to enjoy a gourmet meal with friends and family. This vibrant restaurant specializes in good old surf and turf.

The High in the Sky Trolley and plastic acrobats dance above you in this fantastically themed restaurant that will delight the little ones.

This is the best spot for a grab-and-go breakfast with pastries and coffee.

Cool down and delight your tongue with a refreshing slushie, soda, or beer.

Bring the little ones to Universal's Superstar Character Breakfast. For lunch they serve Southwestern BBQ, burritos, and tacos.

Come for a character breakfast featuring island-themed dishes like Hawaiian Pancakes and Tahitian French Toast.

During the holiday season you can meat the "mean one" with a secret heart of gold.

It's more interactive than SeaWorld, next door. You get to swim with dolphins, play with otters, and feed tropical birds.

SeaWorld's waterpark combines thrilling slides with sea life exhibits. The iconic Dolphin Plunge sends you flying down a tube into an actual dolphin sanctuary.

SeaWorld takes you inside the lives of dolphins, orcas, seals, and even penguins with a number of thrilling shows. There are two roller coasters and dozens of attractions.

It's the big show that you think of when you think SeaWorld. Orcas jump high in the air and dolphins do all kinds of crazy tricks.

There's nothing like stepping out of Florida and into Antarctica. This tame motion simulator ride takes you through the world of a penguin colony.

You fly like a Manta Ray, hanging from the coaster above. It feels a lot like how you might imagine hang gliding to be.

Alright Hamilton! This 20 minute show features sea lions in a fictional high school, performing tricks and wacky antics as they work to earn their diplomas. Come at pre-show for good seats!

It's a cool interactive show, where Crush, the surfer-dude turtle from Finding Nemo talks with guests in the audience. Little ones will love it!

Ah, the air-conditioning can make a big difference come lunch time. This casual SeaWorld restaurant has a little something for all ages and tastes.

It's SeaWorld's go-to spot of BBQ. There are also great options for the little ones of course, with mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, and fries.

How often can you say you've dined with a whale? This unique dinner show offers a buffet of organic food hosted by the orcas and their trainers.

Dine in a restaurant surrounded by wrap-around shark tanks. It's a memorable dining experience, to say the least, and the food is delicious too.

Their mango fruit salad and cold sandwiches are perfect for when the weather outside is hot and humid.

Hop on this elevator that takes you above it all. You'll have a great view of the entire park, and a nice, relaxing moment too.

Earning the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, this is probably one of the best outlet shops in the US. You'll find tons of deals and a large food court.

It might not be as big as Vineland, but this sister property has great savings from designer labels such Coach, Cole Haan, and Michael Kors.

It's geared towards value-minded shoppers and features top brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Guess,

Animatronic versions of all 43 US presidents premier in this 20 minute sit-down performance. It's a great opportunity to relax in an air-conditioned auditorium.

Cool down and rest your feet in this selcom busy attraction. It's a tour of American households through the decades.

From Liberty Square to Splash Mountain is a nice shaded walkway with plenty of benches where you can relax and watch the riverboat.

It's a 25-minute show with many types of exotic birds. Relax and enjoy the wildlife.