14 days from today: Things to do in Orlando, Florida

In “14 days from today,” discover Orlando’s magic, from exhilarating theme park rides to tranquil beachside escapes and vibrant culinary scenes.

Orlando, Florida, stands as a testament to diversity and vibrancy, offering far more than its globally renowned theme parks. In 2022, this city welcomed an impressive 74 million visitors, nearly reaching its pre-pandemic visitation levels, and maintaining its position as America’s most-visited destination. This influx includes 61 million domestic and approximately 4.9 million international guests from countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, drawn not only for leisure but also for the array of unique attractions Orlando has to offer​​​​.

The city’s appeal extends beyond its amusement parks, though they remain a significant draw. Visitors find themselves enchanted by Orlando’s pleasant weather, with an average annual temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, offering sunny and inviting days most of the year​​. The great outdoors beckon with beautiful lakes, natural rivers, and parks like the Everglades and Wekiwa Springs State Park, perfect for adventure seekers looking for activities like camping, biking, and rafting​​.

Cultural enthusiasts will find Orlando rich with museums, historic sites, and more. The Orlando Museum of Art, for instance, showcases contemporary Floridian artists and historical pieces, while the Kennedy Space Center offers a glimpse into the cosmos. Shopping aficionados and foodies will also delight in the city’s malls, Michelin-star restaurants, and the vibrant dining scene​​.

Connectivity is another of Orlando’s strengths. Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States, facilitates easy access for travelers worldwide, complemented by bus and train services, including a high-speed rail connecting Orlando to Miami​​. Accommodation options are plentiful and varied, catering to all preferences and budgets, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts​​.

In 2024, Orlando continues to evolve, introducing new experiences that underscore its status as the Theme Park Capital of the World. These include eco-friendly transportation options, innovative theme park attractions, and the world’s first surf coaster, ensuring that Orlando remains a top choice for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching vacation experience​​.

A Glimpse into Orlando’s Diverse Attractions: Activities and Events 14 Days from Today

Theme Park Adventures: must-visit parks and attractions highlights

Orlando’s theme park adventures offer an array of unforgettable experiences, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Pandora – The World of Avatar standing out as must-visit attractions for any traveler. Here’s a glimpse into what these magical worlds offer and some tips to enhance your visit.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This immersive experience spans two parks at Universal Orlando Resort: Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Key attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where you’ll journey through Hogwarts, and the thrilling roller coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Don’t miss the Hogwarts Express, offering a unique journey between the two parks, but remember, you’ll need a park-hopper ticket to enjoy this experience​​.

Interactive experiences like casting spells with a wand purchased from Ollivanders enhance the immersion, letting visitors leave their Muggle identity behind as they explore this enchanting world. Dining options such as the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron offer traditional British fare, and no visit is complete without trying Butterbeer in its various forms​​​​.

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora brings the lush, alien world of James Cameron’s Avatar to life. The area’s flagship attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage, simulates flying on a banshee over Pandora’s breathtaking landscapes. The Na’vi River Journey offers a gentler experience, with a boat ride through a bioluminescent rainforest. The immersive detail of the land, from its floating mountains to its interactive flora, makes it a day-to-night experience, with the area coming alive with bioluminescent beauty after sunset.

Tips for Maximizing Your Visit

• Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving at the parks before opening, especially for high-demand attractions like Flight of the Passage in Pandora or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
• Utilize Genie+ at Disney Parks: For visitors to Pandora, Disney’s Genie+ service can help skip the lines at popular attractions, making your visit more enjoyable.
• Interactive Wands: At the Wizarding World, purchasing an interactive wand allows you to cast spells throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, bringing the magic to life​​.
• Park Hopper Tickets: To experience the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, ensure you have a park hopper ticket, as it’s necessary for this unique journey​​.

Orlando’s theme parks are more than just rides; they’re gateways to worlds of adventure, magic, and wonder. Whether you’re dueling with dark wizards, flying on a banshee, or exploring alien ecosystems, these experiences promise to create memories that last a lifetime. Always check the latest visitor information and tips to make the most of your adventure in these magical worlds.

Cultural and Seasonal Events in Orlando

Orlando’s vibrant cultural scene is punctuated by a series of events and festivals that draw visitors from around the world. Two standout events that showcase the city’s rich tapestry of arts and celebrations are the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and Universal Mardi Gras.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Running from January 12 through February 19, 2024, ending 14 days from today, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort is a celebration that combines visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the globe. This festival is known for its wide array of offerings:

• Performances by Broadway Stars: Enjoy live performances by renowned artists from Disney’s hit Broadway shows, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts​​.
• Culinary Delights: Over 15 Food Studios spread throughout the park offer art-inspired dishes and drinks, blending taste with visual appeal. Favorites like the Rainbow Cake and Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib are just a couple of the culinary masterpieces you can enjoy​​.
• Interactive Experiences: The festival offers numerous opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the arts. From Animation Academy where you can learn to draw Disney characters, to a Paint by Numbers Mural that you can help complete, there’s no shortage of ways to unleash your creativity​​.
• Visual Arts and Merchandise: Explore galleries, meet artists, and shop for exclusive festival merchandise inspired by Disney characters and themes, including the beloved purple dragon, Figment​​.

For those looking to enhance their festival experience, Disney on Broadway Dining Packages offer priority seating at performances, available at select EPCOT restaurants​​.

Universal Mardi Gras

Another highlight in Orlando’s event calendar is Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. This event transforms Universal Studios Florida into a party straight out of New Orleans, with parades, live concerts, and authentic Cajun cuisine. The celebration is included with park admission, making it an easy addition to your Universal Orlando Resort experience.

• Parades and Performances: Experience the energy and excitement of Mardi Gras with spectacular night parades featuring dazzling floats, beads, and performances by bands direct from New Orleans.
• Concert Series: Universal Mardi Gras includes a concert series with live performances by top artists across various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Cajun Cuisine: Indulge in authentic Cajun and Creole dishes at the French Quarter Courtyard, where you can savor flavors straight from the Big Easy.

Both the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and Universal Mardi Gras offer unique experiences that showcase the diverse cultural and artistic offerings of Orlando. Whether you’re a foodie, art enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to experience the city, these events provide something special for every visitor. Make sure to check the official Disney Parks Blog and Universal Orlando Resort’s website for the most up-to-date information on event dates, performances, and special offerings​​​​​​.

Outdoor and Leisure Activities

For those seeking outdoor and leisure activities in and around Orlando, the options are abundant and cater to a wide range of interests, from serene beach days to thrilling water park adventures.

Beach Visits Near Orlando

Cocoa Beach, located just an hour east of Orlando, is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy Florida’s famous sunny beaches. Renowned for its surf culture, Cocoa Beach offers miles of sandy shores ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and beach sports. The Cocoa Beach Pier, extending 800 feet over the Atlantic, provides beautiful ocean views, dining, and shopping opportunities. For a unique experience, visit the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, offering a vast selection of beach gear and souvenirs​​​​.

Leisure Activities at Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay is Orlando’s premier water theme park, providing a tropical paradise filled with exhilarating rides, relaxing wave pools, and the leisurely Kopiko Wai Winding River. The park’s centerpiece, Krakatau Volcano, houses the thrilling Aqua Coaster that propels guests through dark twists and turns within the volcano before plunging into a splashy finale. For those looking to relax, Waturi Beach offers a massive wave pool with sandy shores, perfect for soaking up the sun. Volcano Bay’s design and attractions cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind in a lush, tropical setting.

Additional Outdoor and Leisure Recommendations

For a closer encounter with nature, consider exploring the Brevard Zoo, just a short drive from Cocoa Beach. It provides interactive experiences such as kayaking tours around animal exhibits and a treetop trek aerial adventure. The Dinosaur Store in Cocoa Beach offers an educational journey through prehistory with its museum exhibits, including authentic fossils and interactive displays​​.

Kayaking tours in Cocoa Beach offer an intimate experience with Florida’s wildlife, including manatees and dolphins, in their natural habitats. These tours guide visitors through the tranquil waters of the Thousand Islands in the Indian River Lagoon, showcasing the unique ecosystem of the area​​.

Orlando and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of activities that appeal to all ages and interests, from the thrill of water slides and roller coasters to the calm of beachside relaxation and nature exploration. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, you’ll find plenty of options to create memorable experiences.

Dining and Nightlife in Orlando

Orlando offers a plethora of dining experiences that cater to every palate, from theme park enthusiasts looking for immersive dining adventures to foodies seeking gourmet experiences at a fraction of the cost during Orlando’s Magical Dining month.

Theme Park Dining Experiences

At Disney World:

• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: This unique dining experience transports you to a classic drive-in movie theater setting, complete with car-shaped tables and a screen showing 1950s sci-fi B-movies. The restaurant’s menu has recently been overhauled, offering a variety of delicious options​​.
• Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: For Star Wars fans, this is the ultimate dining destination, offering a diverse menu in an immersive setting that feels like stepping into the movies​​.
• Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: This restaurant celebrates the spirit of adventure with a menu that’s as exploratory as the park itself, offering a mix of flavors from around the globe in a fine dining setting​​.
• The Boathouse at Disney Springs: For a waterfront dining experience, The Boathouse offers an expansive menu ranging from fresh seafood to steak, alongside live music and boat tours​​.

At Universal Orlando:

• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: A full-service restaurant at CityWalk known for its whimsical steampunk decor and extravagant milkshake creations, alongside a menu that creatively incorporates chocolate into savory and sweet dishes​​.
• The Leaky Cauldron in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley: This iconic spot offers a taste of traditional British fare in an authentically themed environment, making it a must-visit for fans of the series​​.

Orlando’s Magical Dining

Orlando’s Magical Dining is an annual event that takes place in August and September, offering food lovers the opportunity to enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners at some of the city’s most renowned restaurants for a fraction of the usual cost. This event not only showcases the culinary diversity of the area but also supports local charities, making it a worthwhile dining experience for both locals and visitors alike. For the most current participating restaurants and menus, it’s best to check the official Orlando Magical Dining website closer to the event dates.

Whether you’re dining amidst the fantasy of theme parks or exploring the gourmet offerings during Orlando’s Magical Dining, the city’s dining scene promises memorable experiences for every visitor.

14 Days From Today: What to expect?

Orlando, Florida, stands as a beacon of diverse experiences, blending entertainment, culture, and relaxation into a vibrant tapestry that appeals to visitors of all ages. From the magic of its world-renowned theme parks to the serene beauty of its nearby beaches, Orlando offers a multitude of adventures waiting to be discovered.

Theme Park Magic and Adventure

The city’s theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, are not just about thrilling rides; they immerse visitors in stories and worlds far beyond the imagination. Whether you’re dining in a galaxy far, far away at Docking Bay 7 or stepping into the golden age of movies at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, the theme parks offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional attractions​​​​.

Culinary Delights and Nightlife

Orlando’s dining scene is as diverse as its attractions, with options ranging from the whimsical Toothsome Chocolate Emporium to the traditional British fare of The Leaky Cauldron. The annual Orlando’s Magical Dining event showcases the city’s gourmet offerings, allowing visitors to enjoy premium dining experiences at a fraction of the cost​​​​.

Relaxation and Natural Beauty

Beyond the hustle and bustle of theme parks, Orlando offers opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature. Cocoa Beach provides a perfect escape with its golden sands and surf-friendly waves, while the tranquility of the Brevard Zoo or a leisurely kayak tour offers a closer look at Florida’s wildlife​​​​.

Orlando’s charm lies in its ability to offer something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of theme park rides, the delight of culinary adventures, or the peace of natural escapes, Orlando invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. As you plan your visit, consider including a mix of entertainment, culture, and relaxation to fully experience the breadth of what this vibrant city has to offer.

Planning 14 days from today, Orlando awaits to offer its blend of thrilling adventures, peaceful getaways, and gastronomic experiences. Whether it’s the excitement of theme parks, the calm of the beaches, or the taste of diverse cuisines, your trip planned the next 2 weeks promises memories that will last a lifetime. Start counting down to a journey filled with discovery and enjoyment.