Orlando summer guide

Orlando summer guide: 7 fun things to do for families and thrill-seekers

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Planning the ultimate summer getaway? Our Orlando summer guide is your go-to list for nonstop fun, unforgettable memories, and the perfect place to stay. Orlando is where summer comes alive. From world-famous theme parks to exciting local adventures, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re chasing thrills or looking for quality family time, this is the city that does both, bigger, brighter, and bolder.

This summer, all eyes are on Epic Universe, Universal’s brand-new theme park opening May 22, 2025. With jaw-dropping rides and immersive worlds, it’s set to be the biggest thing in Orlando. And the best part? Vista Cay Resort by Casiola is just minutes away, making it the perfect home base for your summer adventure. You’ll be close to all the excitement, and have a relaxing, fully-equipped vacation home to come back to.

There are so many exciting things to do this summer. To add to your Orlando summer guide, let’s dive into the top must-do experiences. You don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!

1. Go big at Universal Orlando™

Visit Orlando
©Visit Orlando

No Orlando summer guide is complete without Universal. Universal Orlando Resort™ is a playground for thrill-seekers and movie lovers, featuring three incredible parks: Universal Studios Florida™, Islands of Adventure™, and the tropical-themed water park Volcano Bay™.

Start at Universal Studios, where you’ll step into the world of your favorite films. Ride through the chaotic fun of Minion Mayhem, battle aliens in Men in Black™, and escape the curse on Revenge of the Mummy. Then go to Islands of Adventure, home to the record-breaking VelociCoaster, the legendary Hulk coaster, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™. Walk through Hogwarts Castle, sip a cold butterbeer, and shop for your first wand at Ollivanders.

If you need to cool off, Volcano Bay™ is the perfect summer escape. With thrilling water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river that winds through lush scenery, it’s an oasis with just as much energy as the theme parks.

2. Be first in line at Epic Universe

ueu front gate entrance rendering hero gradient a
©Universal Orlando

The buzz around Epic Universe is real, and for good reason. This highly anticipated theme park is Universal Orlando’s biggest expansion ever. Get ready for groundbreaking rides, fully immersive lands, and new worlds unlike anything you’ve seen before. Epic Universe will feature attractions themed around How to Train Your Dragon, classic monsters, and even a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ land. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of storytelling, this park will have something to wow you.

The park layout is designed like a spoke, with each land branching out from a central hub. This layout makes it easier to explore everything without backtracking, perfect for families looking to maximize their day. And with immersive details, live entertainment, and surprises around every corner, it’s shaping up to be the most innovative theme park in the U.S. Adding Epic Universe to your Orlando summer guide is a no-brainer. Whether you’re chasing thrills or magical moments, this new park will be one of the season’s hottest tickets.

3. Make lifelong memories at Walt Disney World®

Visit Orlando 4
©Visit Orlando

There’s a reason Walt Disney World® remains one of the top vacation spots in any Orlando summer guide. With four unique theme parks, Magic Kingdom®, EPCOT®, Hollywood Studios®, and Animal Kingdom®, this is where dreams truly come to life. Kids can meet their favorite characters, while adults relive childhood memories and enjoy world-class dining and entertainment.

Each park offers a different kind of fun. Ride Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom®, stroll through the countries at EPCOT®, get behind the scenes of your favorite films at Hollywood Studios®, or go on a safari at Animal Kingdom®. Don’t forget the nightly fireworks—no Orlando trip is complete without them lighting up the sky.

4. Make a splash at SeaWorld® & Aquatica®

Seaworld
©SeaWorld

When it comes to blending thrills and marine life, SeaWorld® Orlando stands out. Watch orcas leap into the air, feed stingrays, and explore the park’s unique combination of education and excitement. But don’t think SeaWorld is only about shows—it’s also home to some of Orlando’s most thrilling rides, including the high-speed Mako® and the Arctic-themed Ice Breaker coaster.

Right next door is Aquatica®, a water park that’s as fun for toddlers as it is for adults. Race down water slides, float along the lazy river, or take on the Reef Plunge—a clear tube slide that goes through a dolphin habitat! On hot Florida days, nothing beats splashing around under the sun.

5. Take in the views at ICON Park™

Tripadvisor
©Tripadvisor

If you’re looking for something more laid-back, ICON Park™ is a great stop to add to your Orlando summer guide. Located in the heart of International Drive, this outdoor entertainment complex offers restaurants, rides, shops, and attractions in one walkable spot.

The star of the show is The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that gives you panoramic views of Orlando and beyond. Snap some sunset photos or enjoy the light show after dark. While you’re there, check out Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Museum of Illusions.

It’s a great break from the theme parks, and there’s something for everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents. Grab dinner at Yard House, drinks at Tin Roof, or dessert at Sugar Factory.

6. Discover local nature and indoor gems

Visit Orlando 2
©Visit Orlando

Orlando has a lot more to offer beyond the parks. Nature lovers will enjoy a morning at Lake Eola Park, where you can rent swan boats, feed the ducks, or enjoy a quiet picnic. Shingle Creek Regional Park is another favorite, especially for kayaking, biking, or scenic nature walks.

Prefer air-conditioned indoor fun? Take the family to WonderWorks, a science museum with an upside-down building and many hands-on activities. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers quirky exhibits, while the Crayola Experience® allows kids to create and play in colourful, interactive zones. Adding these hidden gems to your Orlando summer guide helps break up your itinerary and keeps things fresh.

7. Catch a show or nighttime experience

Visit Orlando 3
©Visit Orlando

Orlando days are packed with action, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Make room in your Orlando summer guide for an evening adventure.

One unforgettable option? A live dinner show. Whether it’s pirates, knights, or mystery theater, Orlando’s dinner shows offer immersive storytelling and over-the-top performances paired with a full meal. Pirates Dinner Adventure features acrobatics, sword fights, and singing, all set on an indoor pirate ship. If jousting is more your speed, head to Medieval Times, where you can cheer on your knight while feasting like royalty.

Looking for something more laid-back? Plan a night at Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk™. Both spots offer live music, shopping, entertainment, and dining in one place. Walk along the water, grab ice cream or late-night snacks, and let the summer night vibes carry you into vacation mode.

Bonus tips for planning your Orlando summer guide

Vista Cay Holidays
©Vista Cay Holidays

With so much to do in Orlando, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few quick tips to help make your summer adventure smoother and even more fun:

Book early: Summer is peak travel season, especially with the opening of Epic Universe. Secure your theme park tickets, restaurant reservations, and vacation rental ahead of time to get the best options.

Stay close to the action: Choosing a location like Vista Cay Resort by Casiola keeps you near major attractions, so you can spend more time having fun and less time stuck in traffic.

Take rest days: Build a buffer day or two into your itinerary for local parks, indoor activities, or just relaxing by the pool. It helps everyone recharge and avoid burnout. Take a dip in the pool or lounge in the sun so you’re fully refreshed for the rest of your trip.

Pack for the weather: Orlando summers are hot and humid, with afternoon rain showers. Bring light clothes, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a poncho or umbrella so nothing slows you down. Comfy shoes are also a must. Expect a lot of walking.

Mix it up: Don’t feel pressured to do only theme parks. Orlando is full of surprises, and adding variety to your summer guide keeps the trip exciting from start to finish. You can always hit up a local library or museum to beat the heat!

With a bit of prep and the right home base, you can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

Plan your summer fun with Casiola

Orlando in the summer is pure magic, and with this Orlando summer guide, you’re ready to make the most of every sunny day and warm evening. Casiola Orlando puts you right in the middle of it all. Our vacation homes are just minutes from the action, with private pools, game rooms, and everything you need to relax after a full day of summer fun.

Book your Casiola vacation home and get your theme park tickets today to lock in the fun. Summer goes fast, and Orlando’s top attractions are calling!

FAQ

This summer is all about Epic Universe, Universal’s brand-new theme park opening May 22, 2025! With immersive lands and jaw-dropping rides, it’s set to be the biggest attraction of the season.

Orlando is packed with family-friendly fun! Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando™, SeaWorld®, and Aquatica® offer unforgettable experiences for all ages, from magical moments to thrilling rides.

Absolutely! Explore ICON Park™, Lake Eola, WonderWorks, or catch a live dinner show. Orlando is full of hidden gems and local adventures that go beyond the parks.

With stunning vacation homes just minutes from the action, like Vista Cay Resort near Epic Universe, Casiola offers space, style, and comfort. It’s your home base for relaxation after a day of thrills and fun.

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