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 Pointe Orlando or Aquatica 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
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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
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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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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Reunion

The top golf courses and fun-filled water parks are top of the list for many visitors to Reunion. A stop by Reunion Resort Golf Course or Jack Nicklaus Course might round out your trip.

Reunion
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 1 Dec to 2 Dec
€129
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,626 reviews)
The team member upgraded our stay from a standard room to a family suite which was a nice surprise. I have stayed at two other "value" resorts at Universal Orlando, but this is by far my favorite. Hard to beat the fun retro theme!

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive Orlando FL
The price is €110 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
€110
20 Dec - 21 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,317 reviews)
Everything was great besides me being unaware that I had to pay to park I did not like that

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

4 out of 5
5780 Major Blvd Orlando FL
The price is €87 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
€87
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6,898 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
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.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

4 out of 5
8113 Resort Village Drive Orlando FL
Stay at this spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,286 reviews)
Staff was great! The room was fantastically amazing!! Super clean & Great view! Definitely my new #1 pick. Bed are springy and the pillows are flat Definitely need to be updated but were still better than almost all places. Pool was fantastic and hot tub was great. Overall super amazing place to ...

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,396 reviews)
Fresh breakfast cooked to order, where do you find that these days??? Hitel was clean and super friendly staff. Definitely will come back!

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
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 family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,259 reviews)
Great location at the mall literally walking from the lobby into the mall!! Amazing staff, clean and quiet and we felt very safe. The restaurant there for guests only is a bit pricey but definitely enjoyed the complimentary drink from the bar. Check in/out was super easy, a secure parking lot left ...

Reviewed on 24 Nov 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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