For many visitors, Walt Disney World is the main reason for booking an Orlando holiday, but once you’ve experienced the magic of the parks, you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much more to explore across Central Florida.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in an Orlando holiday villa is the freedom to create your own schedule. With your own private space, kitchen and swimming pool, you can easily balance busy theme park days with shopping, sightseeing, relaxing and discovering attractions beyond Disney.
If you’re planning an Orlando villa holiday, here are some of the best ways to make the most of your time away from the Disney Parks.
Explore More of Orlando’s Theme Parks
Disney may be the biggest name in Orlando, but it’s certainly not the only one.
Universal Orlando Resort
Many families choose to spend at least a couple of days exploring Universal Orlando Resort, which offers attractions for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to immersive experiences based on popular films and television favorites.
The resort is home to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of restaurants, entertainment and shops.
For guests staying in an Orlando villa, Universal is an easy drive from many of the area’s most popular villa communities, making it simple to include in your holiday plans.
Epic Universe
Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has added even more excitement to an Orlando holiday. With immersive lands, innovative attractions and spectacular entertainment, it’s quickly become a must-visit for many families.
If you’re planning to visit both Disney and Universal during the same holiday, it’s worth allowing separate days for each resort rather than trying to fit too much into a single itinerary.
Returning to your villa each evening also gives everyone the chance to relax and recharge before the next adventure.
SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens
If you’re looking to experience even more of Florida’s attractions, SeaWorld Orlando is well worth adding to your plans.
With a combination of marine life, family attractions and thrilling roller coasters, it offers something quite different from the Disney and Universal parks.
Next door, Aquatica provides a fun-filled water park with slides, wave pools and lazy rivers that are perfect for cooling off during Florida’s warmer months.
For those who enjoy bigger roller coasters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay makes an excellent day trip from Orlando. The journey takes around 90 minutes each way, making it easily achievable as a full-day adventure.
Many guests choose to alternate busy attraction days with quieter days back at their villa, helping everyone avoid theme park fatigue.
Discover Orlando’s Shopping Scene
No Orlando holiday is complete without a little shopping.
Whether you’re searching for designer brands, Disney souvenirs or everyday bargains, you’ll find plenty of options within easy reach of most villa communities.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Bargain hunters often head to Orlando International Premium Outlets, where hundreds of well-known brands offer discounted prices throughout the year.
It’s an ideal place to pick up clothing, trainers, handbags and gifts before heading home.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs offers a completely different shopping experience.
Alongside Disney stores, you’ll find unique boutiques, restaurants, live entertainment and waterside walks, making it an enjoyable destination even if you’re not planning to visit the parks that day.
Many visitors spend an entire evening here enjoying dinner, shopping and entertainment.
International Drive
Often known simply as I-Drive, International Drive combines shopping, attractions and restaurants all in one location.
You’ll find everything from souvenir shops and outlet stores to attractions such as ICON Park, making it an excellent option for a relaxed day or evening away from the theme parks.
Great Florida Day Trips from Your Orlando Villa
One of the joys of having a hire car is being able to explore beyond Orlando.
Kennedy Space Center
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is around an hour’s drive from many Orlando villa communities.
Here you can discover the history of America’s space programme, see real spacecraft, meet astronauts on selected days and learn about current space exploration.
It’s an inspiring day out for both children and adults.
Clearwater Beach
If you’re ready for a break from the theme parks, Clearwater Beach offers beautiful white sand, calm waters and a relaxed Gulf Coast atmosphere.
The journey usually takes around 2 hours, making it ideal for a full-day escape.
Pack your beach towels, enjoy a swim in the Gulf of Mexico and round off the day by watching the famous sunset before returning to your villa.
St Pete Beach
Another excellent choice is St Pete Beach, known for its wide sandy beaches, beachside restaurants and laid-back atmosphere.
Like Clearwater, it’s easily reached as a day trip and offers a completely different side of Florida from the excitement of Orlando.
Enjoy Eating Out Close to Your Villa
One of the benefits of staying in an Orlando villa is having a fantastic choice of restaurants close by.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before heading to the parks or a relaxed family meal after a busy day, you’ll find something to suit every taste.
US192
Running through Kissimmee, US192 is one of Orlando’s busiest dining areas.
Here you’ll find everything from family-friendly restaurants and American diners to steakhouses, Italian favourites, Mexican cuisine and international restaurants.
It’s an excellent location if you’re staying in one of the many nearby villa communities.
US27
Communities in Davenport often enjoy easy access to US27, where the number of restaurants has grown considerably over recent years.
From casual cafés and pizza restaurants to barbecue, burgers and family dining, there are plenty of convenient options just a short drive from many villas.
Davenport
The Davenport area has become increasingly popular with holidaymakers, and its restaurant scene has expanded to match.
Whether you’re picking up takeaway after a long day at the parks or sitting down for a leisurely evening meal, you’ll find a wide range of choices nearby.
Of course, one of the pleasures of staying in an Orlando villa is that you don’t have to eat out every night. With a fully equipped kitchen, it’s easy to enjoy breakfast by the pool, prepare a relaxed family dinner or fire up the barbecue after a day of exploring.
Make the Most of Your Orlando Villa Holiday
While Walt Disney World is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any Florida holiday, some of the most memorable moments often happen away from the theme parks.
Whether you’re exploring Universal Orlando Resort, enjoying a beach day on Florida’s Gulf Coast, discovering Kennedy Space Center, shopping for bargains or simply relaxing beside your private pool, staying in an Orlando villa gives you the flexibility to experience Florida your own way.
At Debbie’s Villas, we’ve helped UK families plan unforgettable Orlando holidays for many years with the best family villas in Kissimmee and surrounding areas. Our carefully selected collection of Orlando holiday villas provides the perfect base for exploring not only Walt Disney World, but everything else that Central Florida has to offer.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover even more of the Sunshine State, we’re here to help you find the ideal villa for your next Florida adventure.