Florida First Timers
First time going to Florida
You're in for the holiday of a lifetime!
You might feel like there's a lot to find out about Florida and all the amazing things you can do and see there – that's where we come in!
This video gives you a great overview of all the best bits and is guaranteed to get you excited about the adventures you're about to have:
Map of Florida Attractions
Make sure you're close to the action! This map shows you where you'll find Florida's most popular attractions and destinations:
Florida Theme Parks
Where the magic comes to life! The Walt Disney World® Resort is made up of 6 theme parks that are beyond your wildest imagination.
This is where you'll meet Mickey and all his Disney friends, plus rides galore for all ages, 2 waterparks and magical entertainment the way only Disney know how!
What is it? Theme Park & Resort
Perfect for: Everyone – whether you're a kid or a big kid!
Don't Miss: Meeting the Disney characters – from Mickey, Minnie and Donald to the Princesses and more!
Where is it? Southwest of Orlando
Step into your favourite movies for the ride of your life! Universal Orlando ® Resort has 2 incredible theme parks – Universal Studios Florida ® and Universal's Islands of Adventure®
Explore Diagon Alley™, Hogsmeade™ and ride the Hogwarts™ Express at the incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter™!
What is it? Theme Park & Resort
Perfect for: Adults and older children the rides here can be fierce!
Don't Miss: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Where is it? Universal Boulevard, Orlando
Voted Best Amusement Park in the World by TripAdvisor! Swim with dolphins, feed exotic birds, relax on sandy beaches or swim with tropical fish at this beautiful paradise park.
Discovery Cove is all-inclusive, so you can enjoy all the food, drink and snacks you like all day long!
What is it? All–Inclusive marine park
Perfect for: Anyone who's ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins
Don't Miss: Taking a walk along the bottom of the sea at SeaVenture®
Where is it? Just off International Drive – and across the road from SeaWorld®
A theme park, waterpark and marine-life park all in one! Experience thrilling roller coasters for all ages, stunning ocean-inspired shows and wonderful animal encounters at SeaWorld Orlando®.
Plus find out how the park works to rescue and rehabilitate dolphins, manatees and other marine creatures.
What is it? Marine life theme park
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to learn more about how we can protect our oceans – and have loads of fun in the process!
Don't Miss: Orlando's tallest coaster, the 7-looping Kraken
Where is it? Just off International Drive – and across the road from Discovery Cove®
Experience the African Savannah – right here in Florida! Come to Busch Gardens for some of Florida's fastest, highest and most pulse–pounding rides.
It's also home to an African–themed safari park, with around 3000 animals including zebras, rhinos, and friendly giraffes!
What is it? Theme park & safari park
Perfect for: Animal lovers and thrill ride fanatics
Don't Miss: Feeding giraffes on the Serengeti Safari!
Where is it? Tampa Bay – about 1 hour's drive from Orlando
One of Orlando's biggest and most popular water parks!
With thrilling waterslides, white sandy beaches, double-wave lagoons and winding rivers, Aquatica is the perfect place to cool off in the hot Florida sun.
What is it? Water Park
Perfect for: Anyone – even if you're not a swimmer there's plenty to enjoy
Don't Miss: Ihu's Breakaway Falls: the world's longest drop tower multi–slide ride of its kind!
Where is it? Just off International Drive, across the road from SeaWorld!
Legoland
All of our Legoland Florida tickets include FREE transport to and from the park!
What is it? LEGO theme park!
Perfect for: Kids aged 2-12 – and Lego fans of all ages
Don't Miss: Feeling like a giant as you explore a scaled-down city made entirely from LEGO!
Where is it?Polk County, just 30 minutes south of the Orlando theme parks
Kennedy Space Center
Discover the wonders of Space at NASA's launch headquarters in Orlando!
What is it? NASA's real rocket launch headquarters
Perfect for: Anyone who wanted to be an astronaut when they grew up!
Don't Miss: Meeting real astronauts and seeing the world-famous Space Shuttle Atlantis
Where is it? Cape Canaveral – a stone's throw from Orlando
and Daytona Beach
Gatorland
Book Gatorland tickets and get ready to see more gators than you ever imagined!
What is it? The Alligator Capital of the World!
Perfect for: Families and anyone who wants to meet Florida's famous gators
Don't Miss: Seeing how high the gators can jump when there's food on offer!
Where is it? South Orange Blossom Trail – minutes from the theme parks and Orlando International Airport
Our Top Rated things to do in Florida
Dinner Shows & Dining
Save with the Kids Eat Free Card
Save $$$ on eating out with the family: Kids aged 11 and under eat for FREE in over 120 Orlando restaurants!
Get the Kids Eat Free Card
See the Cirque Du Soleil
Experience the mesmerising, spectacular Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney in Orlando!
Book Cirque du Soleil tickets
See the Blue Man Group in Florida!
One of the most popular evening shows in Orlando – live most nights at Universal CityWalk ®!
Book Blue Man Group ticketsAirboat Rides, Sports & Activities
Discover the Everglades by Airboat
Explore the Florida Everglades by the most fun mode of transport – an airboat ride! Plus visit the Wild Florida Wildlife Park
Book an Airboat Ride
Take an Orlando Balloon Ride
The ultimate way to celebrate a special occasion, or just a special holiday!
Book an Orlando Balloon Ride
Explore with Mucky Ducks
An off-road adventure on land AND water in your own 4-person amphibious vehicle
Drive a Mucky DuckTours in Florida
Winter The Dolphin Experience
Meet Winter the Dolphin, star of the movie "Dolphin Tale", at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Visit Winter the Dolphin
I-Ride Trolley
Save $$$ on getting around Orlando's International Drive area with this hop-on hop-off service
Book the I-Ride Trolley
Swim with Wild Manatees
Swim and snorkel with Florida manatees, and maybe even dolphins, in their natural habitat
Book Swimming with ManateesWhere to go Shopping in Florida?
Florida Mall
What is it?
Gigantic mall filled with big high-street and designer brands.
Where is it?
8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando 32809 – between 5–10 miles from the biggest theme parks.
Orlando Premium Outlets
What is it?
Outlet Villages where you'll find everything from designer clothes to fancy chocolates with up to 65% off!
Where is it?
1. International Drive – Closer to Universal Orlando Resort
2. Vineland Avenue
– Closer to Disney World
The Mall at Millenia
What is it?
Huge shopping mall catering to the more designer-name end of the market, but with plenty of high-street stores too!
Where is it?
4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando 32839 – Just 3 miles from Universal Orlando Resort
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
What is it?
Outlet mall with brand names galore and savings of 75% or more!
Where is it?
Next to Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, just 2 miles from Disney World!
Driving in Florida
Getting around Florida is easiest by car! If you plan to hire a set of wheels in the Sunshine State, car rental experts Alamo Rent A Car have given us their top tips for driving in Florida:
Know what fuel your car needs
Make sure you find out what kind of fuel the car takes, as you'll need to fill the tank before you return it! It may not always be obvious, so make sure you're in the know before you leave the rental location.
Make your life easier with a Sat Nav
You can add a GPS device to your rental for just a little extra cost per day, and in return it will make getting from place to place much easier and save you lots of time!
Know the child safety seat laws
In Florida, children aged 5 and under must sit in a child safety seat or booster seat. These can be added to your car rental for a small extra cost – better than facing a $60 fine and 3 points on your licence!
Driving on the toll roads
To drive on one of Florida's toll roads, you'll need to stop and make a payment at the toll booth. To save time you can get a transponder sticker which lets you "drive now, pay later" and sail straight through! Find out more about transponder stickers here
Turning at red lights
In Florida you're allowed to turn right at a red light if there are no pedestrians crossing at the junction - just remember to come to a stop first to check it's safe to do so. Anywhere that this rule doesn't apply will be fully signposted.