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Must-Do Experiences in Orlando

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Orlando is brimming with excitement and adventure, offering a plethora of attractions and activities to suit every traveler’s interests. From world-renowned theme parks to cultural landmarks and natural wonders, Orlando has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Orlando, Florida.

A beautiful shot of Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando, Florida

Experience the Magic of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is the epitome of Orlando’s allure, enchanting visitors with its iconic characters, thrilling rides, and captivating shows. With four distinct theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Walt Disney World offers endless entertainment for guests of all ages. From meeting beloved Disney characters to embarking on exhilarating adventures, a visit to Walt Disney World is an unforgettable experience.

Cheer on the Orlando Magic at Kia Center

Catch the excitement of NBA basketball by attending an Orlando Magic game at the state-of-the-art Kia Center. Located in downtown Orlando, the Kia Center provides an electric atmosphere as fans gather to cheer on their favorite team. Experience the thrill of live basketball action and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the game.

Explore the Wonders of the Kennedy Space Center

Embark on a journey to the final frontier at the Kennedy Space Center, located just a short drive from Orlando. This iconic space exploration complex offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about NASA’s history, witness rocket launches, and explore interactive exhibits. From touring the Space Shuttle Atlantis to experiencing the thrill of a simulated space mission, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is truly out of this world.

Discover Tranquility at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Harry P. Leu Gardens. This 50-acre botanical oasis showcases a stunning array of plant species, themed gardens, and scenic pathways. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush landscapes, admire the colorful blooms, and relax in the serene surroundings. Harry P. Leu Gardens is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Immerse Yourself in Art at the Orlando Museum of Art

Explore the vibrant world of art at the Orlando Museum of Art, home to a diverse collection of exhibits spanning various styles and periods. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient artifacts, the museum offers a rich cultural experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Attend special exhibitions, participate in art workshops, and discover the beauty and creativity of the human spirit.

Experience the Magic of LEGOLAND Florida

For a family-friendly adventure, head to LEGOLAND Florida, where imagination comes to life in brick form. This interactive theme park features rides, shows, and attractions inspired by the beloved LEGO brand. From building your own LEGO creations to splashing around in the water park, LEGOLAND Florida offers a day of fun and creativity for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

Dive into Thrilling Adventures at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is a playground of excitement and adventure, offering two thrilling theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Step into the world of movies and television at Universal Studios, where you can ride iconic attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Transformers: The Ride-3D. Then, venture into mythical lands and encounter legendary creatures at Islands of Adventure. With immersive experiences, thrilling rides, and live entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort promises an unforgettable escape.

Get Up Close with Alligators at Gatorland

Experience the wild side of Florida at Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World”. This unique attraction offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with alligators and other native wildlife. Watch thrilling gator shows, embark on a swamp walk adventure, and even zip line over alligator-infested waters. Gatorland provides a one-of-a-kind experience that combines education, entertainment, and adventure.

Embrace the Magic of Orlando

Orlando is a city that captivates the imagination and inspires wonder, offering a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy. From the enchanting world of Walt Disney World to the thrilling adventures of Universal Orlando Resort and the cultural treasures of the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando promises an unforgettable journey filled with magic and excitement. Embrace the spirit of adventure and discover all that Orlando has to offer.

Summertime is Quality Family Time!

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Each year, we try to maximize the amount of time we can in our trailer trailer, affectionately known as the #SilvaBulletRV.

Last year, we took an amazing trip down to Florida with our trailer. The girls really wanted to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. We are all huge Harry Potter fans, so when they asked, we all got really excited.

Next thing you know, we are planning our trip. We decided to tow our trailer down, and make it an extended 3 week trip. By doing so, we were able to visit places we had never been before, and see some of the great places in the US along the way.

 

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The trip south

We booked 3 campgrounds on the way down. Our first campground was Wally World in Loudonville, Ohio. We had stayed at this campground before, and absolutely loved it. We stayed at Wally World for 2 days.

 

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Volunteer Park Family Campground in Heiskell Tennessee was our next stop. We stayed there for one night.

Our third stop was Southern Trails Resort in Unadilla Georgia. We stayed there for one night. While there, we met people from our home campground in New York State. Such small world!

 

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Florida!

When we arrived in Florida, we stayed for 3 nights at Ellenton Gardens in Ellenton. It was a small RV park with an awesome pool.

 

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We visited friends, and spent some time at the beach on Anna Maria Island. One of the best beaches I have ever been to. The kids loved it there!

 

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Our second destination in Florida was Sherwood Forest RV Resort in Kissimmee. This was a beautiful park, and would be our home base for the time we spent going to and from Universal Orlando.

 

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Universal was awesome, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter did not disappoint.

 

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It was time together we will never forget!

 

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The trip home

The first campground we stayed at on the way home was Barnyard RV Park in Lexington South Carolina, where we stayed for 2 days. This was less than an hour from where Wendy’s cousins live, so we were able to get in a visit before we left.

 

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Our next destination was Fort Chiswell RV Park in Max Meadows Virginia. The scenery was stunning! We were in the mountains, so cell reception was not the best… but none of us cared.

 

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Our last 2 nights were spent at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort in Kimbolton Ohio. Wendy and the girls got in some geocaching while there.

All hands on deck

As you can imagine, with an itinerary like this, we needed all hands on deck. Wendy and I shared the driving, and the girls helped in every way they could. They helped cook meals, clean up, and pack up the trailer.

When we arrived at a campground, they helped put the wheel chocks in, set up the stabilizers on the trailer, and unpacked the trailer. When it was time to leave, they helped with clean up, and the reverse order of set up. Having all hands on deck makes easier work for everyone.

Quality Family Time

21 days on the road + 5517kms traveled + drove through 11 States (New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania) = Quality Family Time.

While it was tiring at times, I wouldn’t have passed up this opportunity for anything. We love spending time together as a family, and this was the perfect time to do it.

As well, we couldn’t have done this trip without the organizational skills and superb planning of my tag team partner for life!

If you are thinking of taking a road trip, be sure to check out Furkot to help with your trip planning. It helped keep us on track, and gave us a very detailed itinerary. Next trip we’ll probably stay closer to home in Canada, and maybe look into Haliburton cottage rentals for a change.

Cheers,
Big Daddy