Top Things to Do in Orlando

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

A favorite thing to do in Orlando (for locals as well as visitors) is to spend a day at one of these giant water parks. Wacky in their theming, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both (a) tons of fun, and (b) lovely tropical places to hang out.

Arrive early; stake out a shady bower; then enjoy the lazy rivers, giant water slides, and family raft rides each park offers. Blizzard Beach is known for a crazily steep waterslide "ski jump" on "Mt. Gushmore". Highlights at Typhoon Lagoon are a giant surf pool, and snorkeling over a (usually crowded) coral reef.

For those buying a single-day pass, admission price to one of the water parks is much less than a day at the theme parks. For those buying a Park Hopper pass, it will get you into the water parks as well as the four theme parks.

- continue to Universal Orlando: Seuss Landing, Thrill Rides, Harry Potter Theme Park...

Check out prices at Kayak.com for Disney World resorts and Lake Buena Vista hotels (near Disney World).