Orlando, the capital of fun
- January 7, 2026
Orlando is often immediately associated with its iconic theme parks: fantasy worlds, endearing characters, and breathtaking roller coasters. It’s hard to imagine the city without this universe that constantly strives to offer increasingly spectacular experiences. However, Orlando is much more than its major attractions. Here, fun awaits on every corner, the cuisine surprises with unique flavors, and there are countless activities to suit every taste.
That’s why the Panorama Magazine team decided to venture beyond the theme parks and explore the “other Orlando” that many travelers are still unaware of. The result is a selection of experiences designed to encourage you to discover new ways to enjoy the entertainment capital.
By Julia Henríquez
Photos: Demian Colman
Who said science can't be fun or that holidays aren't for learning?
Amidst the adrenaline rush, there’s always room for a day dedicated to learning without sacrificing entertainment. Museums like WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Museum of Illusions demonstrate that learning through play is possible.
Logic-defying corridors, mirror mazes, optical illusions, sensory experiences like tornadoes and tremors, and ideal settings for capturing the best selfies are all part of the tour. Each visit invites you to test your mind and question the line between fantasy and reality.
These museums, each with its own unique charm, are the perfect excuse to add science and history to your next vacation. Whether you’re traveling with family, children, or adults, one thing is for sure: laughter is guaranteed.
Change the scene
For those seeking respite from urban chaos and crowds, Lake Eola Park is an ideal alternative. This green oasis, located in the heart of Orlando, boasts a 14-kilometer trail that skirts the lake—the park’s undisputed star—and an amphitheater with a constant schedule of free concerts and events.
Renting a swan-shaped boat to cruise the lake at sunset, participating in cultural or sporting activities, feeding the animals, or simply enjoying a picnic under the shade of a tree are just some of the options. In short, Lake Eola Park invites you to slow down and enjoy time with your family without leaving the city.
One place for the whole family
The complex houses a renowned car museum with a collection of nearly 2,000 vehicles, as well as a go-kart track, bumper cars, paintball, arcade, bowling, laser tag, inflatable play areas, axe throwing, a spa for children, a vintage photography studio, a cinema and many other activities.
To end the day, there are fast food options, an ice cream shop, and a James Bond-themed bar with a special menu inspired by the James Bond films. It’s a complete package for enjoying with the family without worrying about the weather or getting between activities.
Dezerland Park Orlando definitely deserves a full day’s visit. With nearly eight hectares of indoor attractions, this park offers a wide variety of entertainment and dining options for all ages.
A different touch, the story told in a unique and dynamic way
The story of the Titanic is widely known, whether through popular accounts or James Cameron’s famous film. However, the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition offers a much closer and more tangible experience of this tragic event. Through themed rooms and objects recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the exhibition allows visitors to understand the context, magnitude, and true impact of the shipwreck.
The experience is complemented by a visit to Madame Tussauds Orlando, where you can walk among life-size wax figures of artists, musicians, directors, and personalities who have shaped pop culture. The museum pays homage to the legacy of Marie Grosholtz, the French artist whose story gave rise to this unique art form that now allows us to tell stories from a completely different perspective.
Don´t miss it
At the heart of ICON Park stands The Orlando Eye, a 122-meter-tall Ferris wheel that offers some of the best panoramic views of the city.
The tour is done in customizable capsules, ideal for enjoying the scenery while other visitors try more extreme experiences, such as the SlingShot.
After watching the sunset from the top, ICON Park invites you to extend your visit with its diverse nightlife offerings. Restaurants with live music, the chance to catch a performance by the Blue Man Group, and a wine tasting at The Winery & Tasting Room complete an experience that combines views, entertainment, and gastronomy in one place.
Located just minutes from Orlando’s main attractions, the Ette Hotel combines luxury, relaxation, and entertainment in one place. After a long day of walking, the spa is the perfect escape, while children enjoy an experience designed just for them: rooms decorated with teepees, personalized service, and even a bedtime story.
The proposal is completed with the gastronomic experience of Salt & the Cellar, the hotel’s restaurant, whose cuisine bears the stamp of the renowned and award-winning chef Akira Back, elevating the stay with a top-level culinary offering.
The exquisite cuisine of the Salt & the Cellar restaurant, located in the Ette Hotel has Behind it all is the magic of renowned and award-winning chef Akira Back.
- Plan your next trip to Orlando with a variety of options. Mix theme park days with museum visits, outdoor activities, and alternative entertainment. Within just 1 km of International Drive, which connects Icon Park to The Pointe, you’ll find countless attractions to create the perfect itinerary. Plus, enjoy the many dining, drinking, and dancing options.
- If you’re in town for a special event, Eola Park is a perfect base for reaching the Kia Center, the stadium, and the Wall Street Center. Stroll through the neighborhood and discover a historic district with a vibrant cultural scene.
- The Orlando Auto Museum in Dezerland Park features over 2,000 vehicles spread across 20 themed rooms. See collections of Hollywood stars, cars used in movies or that were part of historical moments, see the world’s longest limousine, and explore the best of European brands.
- Aproveche los estacionamientos gratuitos y sin límite de tiempo que ofrece Icon Park, ubicados del cuarto piso hacia arriba. Estacione su carro y disfrute hasta el último minuto sin preocupaciones.
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