Did your plane stop at Orlando Airport? Are you stuck waiting for your next flight? You can go on a bit of adventure. The area around Orlando Airport is a whole of exciting places. You can have fun. You can eat yummy food and can even go shopping. There is so much waiting for you. These places will make your layover fun. So, without further ado, let’s talk about them!
What Are The Best Things to Do near Orlando Airport
Let’s start with the most famous place of all. Walt Disney World Resort!
1) Have Fun at Walt Disney World Resort
When you arrive in Orlando, you should check out Walt Disney World Resort. It is a dreamland for kids and adults. More than 25 different resorts are here, some themed like tropical islands.
| About | |
| Location | Florida, United States |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 23 min (19.1 mi) via FL-417 Toll S |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Founded | October 1, 1971, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States |
| Parent organisations | The Walt Disney Company, Disney Experiences |
| Founder | Roy O. Disney |
| Number of employees | 77,000+ |
The best part? The theme parks! There are four huge theme parks inside Disney World, each unique and special.
- Magic Kingdom: This is the most famous part of Disney World. It offers fun rides, fireworks, and parades with Disney characters.
- Epcot: You can try food from different countries and see amazing technology.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Love movies? This place makes you feel like you’re inside a film! You can see Star Wars, Toy Story, and more.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: You can see real animals and even explore a land resembling the movie Avatar.
| Theme Parks Opening Times | |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Epcot | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Magic Kingdom | 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
2) Look at Beautiful Paintings in the Orlando Museum of Art
Do you like looking at pictures and paintings? Or maybe you don’t know much about art but still think seeing beautiful things is fun? This place has so many amazing paintings and sculptures. There are bright colours, cool shapes, and interesting designs everywhere. You can walk around and see art from different times in history.
| About | |
| Location | 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 27 min (23.2 mi) via FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W |
| Opening Times | |
| Tuesday to Friday | You can go between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. |
| Saturday and Sunday | The doors open at 12 p.m. and close at 4 p.m. |
| Monday and holidays | The museum is closed, so don’t go on those days! |
| Cost | |
| Adults | $20 |
| Seniors (60 and older) | $12 |
| Students | $10 (You need to bring a student ID) |
| Kids (ages 6-17) | $8 |
| Little kids (5 and under) | Free! They don’t need a ticket. |
| Military, Veterans, and First Responders | Free if they show an ID. |
| Museums for All | $3 if you have a unique SNAP EBT Card and ID. |
Every year, the museum presents many different exhibitions. Some art pieces stay there because they belong to the museum, while others are special and only come for a little while. You can visit anytime and always find something different and exciting!
Family Deal: If you have a big family, you can pay $45 for two adults and up to three kids! However, this deal is only available at the front desk.
3) Visit the Florida Mall for a Fun Break
Have some extra time while waiting for your flight? Visit the Florida Mall. It is a prominent, busy place with cool shops and tasty food.
| About | |
| Location | 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, United States |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 16 min (9.5 mi) via FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W |
| Opening Times | |
| Monday – Thursday | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Friday & Saturday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
This mall is one of the biggest in Orlando. It has over 250 shops. Clothes, shoes, bags, gadgets, and even makeup. Some stores sell fun souvenirs, too. Window shopping is fun, too. You can see all the new trends and plan what to buy next time.
4) Have Fun with Hands-On Activities at Orlando Science Center
This place is full of cool science stuff. You can learn about space, animals, and machines. There are fun games and activities where you can touch and play. They also have special live shows where everything is made to be exciting and easy to understand.
| About | |
| Location | 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA |
| Coordinates | 28°34′20″N 81°22′06″W / 28.572321°N 81.368394°W |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 26 min (14.9 mi) via I-4 E |
| Opening Times | |
| Thursday – Tuesday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Cost | |
| Adults | $27.99 |
| Seniors (Older People) | $25.99 |
| Students | $25.99 |
| Kids | $20.99 |
| Babies Under 2 | Free |
There is a unique area just for little kids. It is called KidsTown. Here, children can pretend, play, and learn about the world. The centre also has classes and fun learning events. These happen all year, and they help kids and adults incredibly understand science.
5) Enjoy Peaceful Nature at Airport Lakes Park
This park has big open spaces with trees, flowers, and a beautiful lake. You can sit on the grass or at a picnic table and watch the water. It feels peaceful. Birds fly around, and you might spot some special ones if lucky.
| About | |
| Location | 7098 Shadowridge Dr, Orlando, FL 32812, United States |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 7 min (2.6 mi) via S Semoran Blvd |
| Opening Times | |
| Everyday | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
The park is also suitable for walking. There are paths to stroll or stand and enjoy the view. The sound of nature makes it feel far from the city, even though it is close to the airport.
6) See Big Alligators Up Close at Gatorland
Gatorland is a super fun park with lots and lots of alligators and crocodiles, which look like alligators but have thinner noses. These amazing creatures live in water and on land.
| About | |
| Location | 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, USA |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 18 min (11.9 mi) via Access Rd/Jeff Fuqua Blvd and FL-417 Toll S |
| Opening Times | |
| Every Day | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Cost | |
| Adults (13+ years) | $34.99 + tax |
| Children (3-12 years) | $24.99 + tax |
There is a unique show called the Gator Jumparoo Show. In this show, trainers feed the alligators. The gators jump high to grab food. It is exciting to watch. Gatorland is not just about alligators. There are other incredible animals, too. You can see colourful birds, big tortoises, and furry mammals.
There is also a play area for kids, Gator Gully Splash Park. It has water for kids to play in, so they can cool off when it is hot outside.
7) Swim with Dolphins at Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a prominent, fun place full of water and animals. It looks like a beautiful island. People get to meet the dolphins up close. A trainer helps and shows them how to touch them. You can swim next to them, and some might even give you a ride by holding onto their fin.
| About | |
| Location | 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, United States |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 19 min (12.6 mi) via FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W |
| Opening Times | |
| Every Day | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
You can also snorkel in clear water. There are thousands of colourful fish and big, flat sea animals called rays. They swim all around. You can also feed bright, pretty birds. The ticket includes food and drinks all day. You also get free things like snorkels, wetsuits, towels, and sunscreen.
8) Live a Tasty Dream at Canvas Restaurant & Market
If you want to eat yummy food near Orlando Airport, go to Canvas Restaurant & Market. They cook American dishes, but they use local ingredients. That means the food is made with things that grow nearby. They also serve fresh fish from the sea.
| About | |
| Location | 13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827, United States |
| Distance from Orlando Airport | 15 min (7.8 mi) via Access Rd/Jeff Fuqua |
| Opening Times | |
| Monday – Thursday | 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Friday & Saturday | 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
This place has a little shop too. You can buy fancy cheese, fresh bread, and other tasty snacks. It is perfect if you want to take something delicious home.
How to Get Around Orlando Airport
Orlando Airport is big, but it is super easy to go from one place to another. There are many ways to travel.
You can take a train, ride a bus, or use a car. The airport has different spots for different types of rides. If someone picks you up, they wait on Level 2. If you need a taxi, bus, or rental car, go to Level 1.
Many people use Uber or other rideshare apps. The airport allows these services, so you can book a car from your phone and go wherever you need. If you want your vehicle, you can rent one.
If you’re looking for warm places in Florida in February, head to Key West. Its sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife make it the perfect winter escape.
FAQs
What is a good place to eat near the airport?
There are many food places close by. If you want fast food, there are burger and pizza spots nearby. If you like fancy food, there are nice restaurants in hotels. You can also try local seafood places or Cuban food, which is very popular in Orlando.
Can I find fun things to do with kids near the airport?
Yes. There are kid-friendly places near the airport. Some have trampolines, climbing walls, and arcade games. There is also a cool science center not too far away. If your kids like animals, you can visit a small zoo or a farm with pony rides.
Is there a shopping mall near Orlando Airport?
Yes. The Florida Mall is not far. It has many stores and a big food court. If you like discount shopping, there are also Orlando International Premium Outlets. If you need something quick, there are small shops inside the airport, too.
What can I do at night near Orlando Airport?
At night, you can find live music in some restaurants. There are bars and lounges with a fun vibe. Some places have karaoke or comedy shows. If you like movies, there are big theatres nearby too.
