Things to do in  Orlando

Orlando is home to more than a dozen world-renowned amusement parks, including the Walt Disney World® Resort (the largest amusement park in the world) and Universal Studios. Orlando's shopping and dining scenes are also draws, as is its proximity to coastal destinations such as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and Cape Canaveral.

There's more to Orlando than its blockbuster theme parks, from trips into nature (including kayak or airboat tours of local wetlands) to sports (like the Orlando Magic), shopping excursions, and eclectic food tours. It's also a convenient base for attractions including the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.

April is a good month to visit Orlando if you want to avoid summer's high-season prices, crowds, and sweltering temperatures (not to mention the potential upheaval of hurricane season). Springtime temperatures typically don't exceed the 80s Fahrenheit, making beach trips, nature excursions, and theme park visits more pleasant.

Walt Disney World® Resort welcomes upwards of 50 million visitors per year, and is far and away Orlando's most-visited attraction (and one of the most popular tourist resorts in the country). It offers six amusement parks (including two water parks), dozens of hotels, shopping and entertainment options, and top-tier restaurants.

If you have just three days in Orlando, begin by exploring the parks and entertainment at the Walt Disney World® Resort. On day two, go to Universal Orlando to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And on day three, head into nature: swim with manatees or go for a kayak excursion.

Yes, Orlando is generally a very safe and family-friendly city, and that's particularly true at tourist destinations like its many resorts and theme parks. Climate conditions often pose the biggest threat: Heat stroke can be a risk, and it's worth keeping an eye on the forecast during hurricane season (from June to November).