Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World

Why do I think Orlando is more than just Disney World? Well whenever I tell people I’m going back to Orlando, the first thing they usually say is:

“You must really love Disney.”

And while they’re not wrong, I think that statement misses one of the best things about Orlando.

In my opinion, Orlando is so much more than Disney World.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love Disney. I still ride Spaceship Earth every single trip and genuinely think it’s one of the most underrated attractions in Florida. But over the years I’ve realised that some of my favourite Orlando memories haven’t happened inside a Disney park at all.

They’ve happened at restaurants, golf courses, entertainment districts, water parks and attractions scattered throughout Central Florida.

Guests who stay in our Luxury Orlando Villas, Private Villas Orlando and Orlando Vacation Villas often arrive expecting a Disney holiday and leave realising Orlando has much more to offer.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Margaritaville

One of the biggest examples of this is Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

When most people picture Orlando, they think of theme parks. However, some of my favourite evenings have actually been spent around Margaritaville Resort Orlando Villas and Luxury Margaritaville Resort Orlando Villas.

The atmosphere is completely different from Disney.

The colourful neighbourhood, tropical landscaping, outdoor dining and laid-back vibe create an environment that feels more like a Florida beach town than a traditional Orlando resort.

I’ve become a huge fan of the area and genuinely think it’s one of the most underrated places to stay in Central Florida.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Sunset Walk

If you’ve never been to Sunset Walk, you’re missing out.

I honestly think it’s one of the best entertainment districts in Orlando.

One of the biggest reasons I love staying near Margaritaville Resort Orlando Villas is the fact that Sunset Walk is right on your doorstep.

There are restaurants, bars, live music venues, shops, family entertainment and regular events throughout the year.

It’s the sort of place where you can spend an entire evening without even realising how much time has passed.

After spending all day walking around a theme park, having somewhere like Sunset Walk to relax in the evening is a massive bonus.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of the US 192

The US192 might not sound exciting, but I absolutely love it.

One of the reasons I enjoy staying in areas such as Family Villas Near Disney World, Villas Near Disney World Orlando and Luxury Villas Near Disney is because of their proximity to the 192.

The road is packed with:

• Breakfast restaurants
• Lunch spots
• Steak houses
• Sports bars
• Mini golf courses
• Shopping
• Attractions
• Entertainment venues

I love having options.

Whether I want pancakes before heading to Disney or a great steak after a day in the parks, the 192 always delivers.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Mini Golf

This might sound ridiculous considering how many world-famous attractions Orlando has, but I absolutely love mini golf.

There is something wonderfully old-school about spending an evening playing mini golf with friends or family.

Orlando has dozens of excellent courses and they provide a perfect break from the major theme parks.

Not every activity has to involve a rollercoaster or a queue.

Sometimes a simple game of mini golf can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a holiday.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Golf

Most people don’t realise how good the golf is in Orlando.

In fact, Orlando is one of the best golf destinations in the United States.

I’ve spent many enjoyable mornings playing golf before heading off to enjoy the rest of the day.

Golfers often stay in:

• Golf Villas Orlando
• Reunion Resort Golf Villas
• Luxury Reunion Resort Villas
• Luxury Villas in Reunion Resort

The courses are fantastic and offer a completely different side of Orlando that many visitors never experience.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of the Slingshot

This is probably my most controversial opinion.

One of my all-time favourite attractions in Orlando is the Slingshot.

I ride it every single time I visit.

Every.

Single.

Time.

The anticipation is incredible.

The launch is terrifying.

And the feeling afterwards is amazing.

No matter how many times I ride it, I still get nervous.

For me, it remains one of the most exciting experiences in Orlando and a perfect example of why the city offers so much more than Disney World.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Universal Orlando

I love Disney, but I also love Universal.

In fact, many visitors who stay in our:

• Villas Near Universal Studios
• Luxury Villas Near Universal Studios
• Luxury Villas Near Universal Resort
• Orlando Villas Near Epic Universe
• Luxury Villas Near Epic Universe

split their time between Disney and Universal.

The opening of Epic Universe has only strengthened Orlando’s position as one of the world’s best vacation destinations.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of Disney Springs

Ironically, one of my favourite non-park experiences is actually owned by Disney.

Disney Springs is fantastic.

Restaurants.

Live music.

Shopping.

Entertainment.

Great atmosphere.

It’s one of those places where I can happily spend an evening without stepping foot inside a theme park.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of the Wildlife

One thing that surprises many first-time visitors is just how much wildlife there is in Florida.

Coming from the UK, it still feels slightly surreal seeing turtles sunbathing beside lakes, huge birds flying overhead and, of course, the occasional alligator.

One of the things I always tell visitors is to keep an eye on the lakes and ponds around Orlando. There’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife during your trip. It’s one of those things that makes Florida feel completely different from home.

Now, I certainly wouldn’t recommend swimming in random lakes, but seeing an alligator in the wild is genuinely one of those uniquely Florida experiences.

For me, the wildlife is part of the adventure. Whether it’s alligators, turtles, egrets, herons or bald eagles, there is always something interesting to spot if you take the time to look around.

It’s another reminder that Orlando isn’t just theme parks. It’s also a fascinating part of Florida with its own natural beauty and wildlife.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of the Beaches

A lot of people forget that Orlando is perfectly positioned for beach day trips.

One of my favourite things about staying in Orlando is that you can spend a few days enjoying the theme parks and then head to the coast for a completely different experience.

If you’re looking for beautiful Atlantic beaches, I highly recommend places like Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about swapping rollercoasters for the ocean for a day.

You can spend the morning walking along the beach, have lunch overlooking the water and then be back in Orlando later that evening.

For international visitors especially, it’s one of the things that makes an Orlando holiday such good value. You’re not just getting Disney and Universal. You’re getting access to some fantastic Florida beaches as well.

Why I Think Orlando Is More Than Just Disney World Because of NASA

If you’ve never visited the Kennedy Space Center, I honestly think you’re missing one of Florida’s greatest attractions.

As someone who loves history, technology and learning new things, I find the place fascinating.

Standing beneath the Saturn V rocket is one of those moments that genuinely makes you appreciate the scale of human achievement. The exhibits, space shuttle displays and astronaut stories are incredibly interesting, and there’s something there for both adults and children.

Even if you’re not a huge space enthusiast, I think it’s worth visiting at least once.

The Kennedy Space Center is about much more than rockets. It’s about exploration, innovation and some of the most important moments in modern history.

You can learn more through the official Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and the official NASA website.

For me, it’s one of the best day trips you can take from Orlando and another perfect example of why the city offers far more than just theme parks.

Useful Resources for Planning an Orlando Vacation

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, these are some of the websites I find most useful:

• Walt Disney World
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Visit Orlando
• Visit Florida
• Cocoa Beach
• Sunset Walk Orlando

Alongside these resources, visitors can also explore our guides to Luxury Orlando Villas, Private Villas Orlando, Margaritaville Resort Orlando Villas and Family Villas Near Disney World to help plan the perfect Florida vacation.

My Final Thoughts

Disney World will always be the biggest attraction in Orlando.

There’s no denying that.

But limiting your Orlando holiday to Disney alone means missing some incredible experiences.

For me, Orlando is about:

• Margaritaville
• Sunset Walk
• Ford’s Garage
• The Slingshot
• Golf
• Mini golf
• Universal Orlando
• Disney Springs
• Great restaurants
• Great villas
• Great memories

That’s why I think Orlando is far more than just Disney World.

And honestly, that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back.

FAQs

Is Orlando worth visiting if I’m not a Disney fan?

Absolutely. Orlando offers golf, restaurants, shopping, entertainment districts, water parks and attractions that appeal to all types of travellers.

What are the best non-Disney attractions in Orlando?

Some of my favourites include Sunset Walk, the Slingshot, Universal Orlando, Disney Springs and the golf courses around Reunion Resort.

Is there good golf in Orlando?

Yes. Orlando is one of the best golf destinations in America and features numerous championship courses.

Is Margaritaville Resort Orlando worth visiting?

Definitely. The atmosphere, restaurants, entertainment and proximity to Disney make it one of my favourite areas in Orlando.

Why do you love Orlando so much?

Because every trip feels different. There is always something new to do, somewhere new to eat and another reason to come back.