Central Florida

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Florida® showing a city, rides and night scenes
Central Florida
Central Florida which includes signage and night scenes
Gatorland® showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Central Florida featuring zoo animals

Families love Central Florida with good reason, as the region is packed with exciting theme parks, outdoor escapes and fascinating museums.

The exhilarating family attractions of Central Florida dominate many itineraries for people visiting the region. Away from the excellent theme parks, however, you’ll discover architectural wonders, artistically minded cities and pleasant, tourist-free pockets of natural beauty.

Explore the Polk County History Museum for an overview of the history of Central Florida. Replica Seminole Chickee Indian homes explain the stories of Florida’s Native American communities.

Stay in Polk County to enjoy more of Central Florida’s best cultural attractions. Marvel at the masterpieces from around the world in the Polk Museum of Art or watch touring Broadway performances in the atmospheric and outdoor Polk Theatre.

Experience the cinematic magic and thrills of Orlando’s theme parks. Enchanting Walt Disney World® Resort features six different parks. Travel around the world at Epcot®, meet princesses in the Magic Kingdom® Theme Park or look backstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Ride thrilling roller coasters at Universal Orlando® Resort, which also features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

Orlando offers more entertainment outside of its popular theme parks. Walk down Central Boulevard in the Downtown region to enjoy multiple public art installations. Browse a vast collection of African, Ancient American and contemporary paintings and sculptures in the Orlando Museum of Art.

Stroll between 13 different Frank Lloyd Wright buildings at Florida Southern College. Take a docent-led tour through the stunning campus to learn about the great architect’s involvement with the university.

Find some tranquility in the gardens and forests of Central Florida. Bok Tower Gardens covers 150 acres (60 hectares), featuring children’s play areas and a historic monument in the center. Canoe or hike around the lakes and rivers of Ocala National Forest for a scenic escape from the cities. Disappear into Circle B Bar Reserve and watch the trees for rare bird life.

Fly into Orlando International Airport to land in the heart of Central Florida. The region remains warm and accessible in every season, making it a fun destination throughout the year.

Where to stay in Central Florida

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International Drive District

Visitors to International Drive District rave about its breathtaking beach views, exciting theme parks and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Aquatica or The Orlando Eye while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

International Drive District
Magic Kingdom® Theme Park which includes interior views and rides as well as a couple

Bay Lake

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Exciting theme parks plentiful wildlife and top sights from Epcot® to Walt Disney World® Resort – discover Bay Lake, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

Bay Lake
Universal Studios Florida® which includes signage, night scenes and a city

Florida Center

If you're spending some time in Florida Center, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida are top sights worth seeing.

Florida Center
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Downtown Orlando

3/5(6 area reviews)

Ample dining options, great live music, and fantastic lake views are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Orlando. A visit to The Social or Orlando City Hall might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Church Street Station or Lynx Central Station to get around town.

Downtown Orlando
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Champions Gate

Ample dining options and top golf courses are well-reviewed features of Champions Gate. Make a stop by top sights like ChampionsGate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Champions Gate
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Windsor Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Windsor Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mystic Dunes Golf Club and Island H2O Live!.

Windsor Hills
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

4 out of 5
10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL
The price is €98 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
€98
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (6,169 reviews)
"A little cleaner especially the bathroom, floors, and linens."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

4 out of 5
8800 Vistana Centre Dr, Orlando, FL
The price is €88 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
€88
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,638 reviews)
"My favorite resort"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL
The price is €129 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
€129
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,369 reviews)
"It was a whole family the room was spacious. We had to use the laundry & it was convenient & had everything we needed. The pool was amazing."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,303 reviews)
"Everything was perfect I recommend these hotel because the staff work was outstanding in kitchen and at front desk including cleaning personal."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Vacation Village at Parkway

Vacation Village at Parkway

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,950 reviews)
"Our room had a washer & dryer Full kitchen Parking plenty of it"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

3.5 out of 5
1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,160 reviews)
"Good location, however rooms bit too small and bathroom would deserve renovation."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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