Orlando… The city that takes you back to childhood

By Noura Khan
Travel Writer, The Times Kuwait

The city that captures the hearts of millions of tourists every year, Orlando with its enchanting theme parks, vibrant entertainment options, and year-round sunny weather has become a top destination for travelers seeking fun, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Orlando’s tourism scene offers a unique blend of enchantment, excitement, and education. With its world-class theme parks, diverse entertainment options, and captivating natural attractions, it is no wonder that this city continues to be a top choice for travelers. Whether you are a family looking for a magical Disney experience, an adventure seeker eager to conquer thrilling rides, or a nature enthusiast interested in exploring Florida’s wildlife, Orlando has something for everyone. So pack your bags, and let us fly together to Orlando, ‘The City Beautiful’.

I have so far visited Orlando four times, and on each visit I enjoy the tourist destinations and parks and feel amazed by what Disneyland and Universal Studios have to offer, as if I am seeing them for the first time.

Walt Disney World Resort is perhaps the most iconic attraction in Orlando, drawing visitors from across the globe. This magical wonderland consists of four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From meeting beloved Disney characters to enjoying thrilling rides and spectacular parades, Disney World offers a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories.

In my opinion, Orlando deserves at least ten days, and you should devote a full day to each of the Disney parks and each of the Universal Studio parks in order to enjoy it well. Let your childhood return and go enjoy all the games that suit all ages at Disney Parks. And, if you like action games and fast-paced adventures more, then I think Universal Studios will suit you better, specifically the second park called Adventure Island, because it is full of fast trains.

The Universal Orlando Resort is another gem in Orlando’s crown. Comprising two major theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this destination is a haven for movie and theme park enthusiasts. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a part of both parks, is a particular highlight, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the magical world created by J.K. Rowling

For those fascinated by marine life, SeaWorld Orlando is a must-visit. This aquatic theme park features awe-inspiring shows featuring dolphins, killer whales, and other marine creatures. It is also home to thrilling rides like Mako and Kraken, making it a well-rounded attraction for families.

There are many factors you should take into consideration before choosing when to fly to Orlando, for example, the weather, vacation, and all-inclusive savings on hotel and flight prices. Orlando has a humid subtropical climate that differs from Miami and other parts of Florida. The best month to travel to Orlando is February, the end of May, and June. During these months, you can get great discounts and good offers on hotels and flights because tourism in Orlando at these times is less crowded.

The city of Orlando is an American city that is considered one of the most important cities in the state of Florida. It is considered one of the centers that occupies a very important economic and touristic position due to its warm tropical climate throughout the year. It also receives more than 51 million tourists annually, and its international airport is considered one of the busiest airports in the world. This is also because it is characterized by its picturesque nature and the abundance of recreational resorts that attract the world to it economically and touristically.

If you ask me about my favorite state in America, I will tell you immediately that it is Florida, specifically Orlando, although I have visited many other states, but what I found in Orlando makes me decide to repeat the visit every time.

I feel that it is an excellent family destination. You will feel a strange feeling of comfort and familiarity everywhere, even driving the car and the wide and comfortable streets. By the way, I strongly advise renting a car and not relying on public transportation and taxis.

Among the other activities that you enjoy are swan feedings and picnics under the shade of palm trees at Lake Eola Park, a 43-acre downtown oasis in Orlando. There you will find a farmers’ market held on Sunday morning, and you can also enjoy free concerts held on the park’s terraces on many occasions.

Shows are also held at the Black Hammock Adventures amusement complex on Lake Jesup, where free alligator and bird shows are always held. And do not forget to visit the Disney Boardwalk, a quarter-mile promenade of exquisite dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife. The area is also filled with roaming musicians competing with each other to provide free entertainment for the night. The area is located near most of the Disney hotels in Orlando.

Noura Khan, a travel influencer and content creator, is a Kuwaiti national, holds a degree in law from Kuwait University and has worked as a journalist prior to taking up a position in the government. In 2018 she started blogging on travel and has visited more than 57 countries since. She has more than 54K followers and her blog post @nourajtraveller is well appreciated for content and travel information. Noura writes exclusively for The Times Kuwait on her travel visits.