100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die, 3rd Edition

Book excerpt: Located smack-dab in the middle of the Sunshine State of Florida stands the City Beautiful of Orlando. No stranger to travel guides, Orlando is just the fourth-largest city in the state but one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming millions of visitors in an average year. In this updated third edition of 100 Things to Do in Orlando Before You Die, you’ll explore this ever-changing region and its newest attractions, coolest restaurants, and unique activities. Discover the best local microbreweries, the hippest ice cream spots, a place to skydive without getting into an airplane, and a lake where you can get a guided tour on a glowing, stand-up paddleboard. Naturally, many visitors are drawn to the top-tier attractions, theme parks, and award-winning hotels. And while those blockbuster sites may be the main attractions, you’ll find that in between those flashing lights and mouse-shaped desserts are endless experiences that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. Snorkel with gentle sea cows, soak in luxurious beer spas, visit historic parks where you can make your own blueberry pancakes, paddle on swan boats, ski indoors, and so much more. Join your Central Florida guides, Jon Busdeker and Brendan O’Connor, as they take you on a whirlwind tour of what makes this region so much more than just a place to buy a hat with ears or cosplay your favorite wizard.