Top 10 Orlando Attractions You Must Visit – Part 2

As a follow on to our article Top 10 Orlando Attractions You Must Visit – Part 1, here are the next 5 places to check out.

Also take a look at: Top 10 Orlando Attractions You Must Visit – Part 1.

The next 5 attractions are:

Harry P. Leu Gardens

There are so many different sections to this attraction. We’ve mentioned just a few to tempt you! You can enjoy seasonal displays of plants and flowers as well as year round varieties.

Stroll through the Urban Garden area which shows Florida’s gardeners what they can do with small spaces. The Ideas Garden, which covers 3 acres, is land given over to educational displays of different plants and flowers suitable for the Florida area. The Enabling Garden shows how people with disabilities can enjoy gardening too.

Also on the grounds you’ll find a garden house with a botanical library, garden gift shop and art gallery. In the centre of Leu Gardens is Harry Leu’s home, which after major restoration has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Holy Land Experience

This is a theme park with a difference. The Holy Land Experience opened in February 2001. It’s the first of its kind in the world – the museum travels back to the time Christ was on earth and depicts life as it was then through biblical exhibits, presentations, drama and music.

At this attraction you’ll also see replicas of the Dead Sea Qumran Caves (area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found), Calvary’s Garden Tomb (where Christ’s body was placed after he died – a good place for a spot of reflection and prayer!), and the world’s biggest indoor model of Jerusalem circa A.D. 66.

Don’t miss the Scriptorium, home to the Van Kampen Collection, containing thousands of manuscripts, scrolls and religious artefacts as well as material from the personal collection of 19th century biblical scholar, Eberhard Nestle.

Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine

This is a popular choice with millions of Catholics visiting the area. This relatively new church with its beautiful stained glass windows, marble statue of Mary Queen of the Universe, bronze sculpture of Mother and child and outdoor chapel will have you in awe as to what can be achieved in a short space of time.

With so much to see and of course prayers to be said – try to fit in a visit to the church’s Pilgrimage Centre – as it holds a very fitting tribute to the late Pope John Paul II. The church also houses a museum which has a fine collection of art, sculptures and relics.

A series of concerts for special occasions are held during the year.  

Discovery Cove

This attraction is definitely “blow-the-budget”, but saying that it’s probably something you’ll not do again. To ease the pain of the admission price, what you are getting for your money is, use of wet suit, towels, lockers, snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Add to this your once in a life time experience of having a play with bottle nose dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon (session duration 30 min with brief training session beforehand).

Next it’s off to Coral Reef for a bit of snorkelling. Here you’ll meet many species of exotic fish as you swim through vibrant reefs, grottos and the remains of a ship. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of shark and barracuda. No need to worry though, they are safely behind protective glass!

This is just a taster of what to expect at Discovery Cove.

Little India and Little Saigon

Little Saigon is in the East Colonial Drive area and here you will find approximately 100 stores. These include Asian groceries, gift shops and some herbal remedy shops. Items stocked originate from China, Vietnam and Hong Kong. For authentic Vietnamese and Asian cookery you will find there’s an abundance of these restaurants here as well.

While you’re in Little India check out the South Orange Blossom Trail area and also Lancaster Road. In these areas you’ll find Indian shops, restaurants and you’re sure to catch the latest Bollywood movie at the local Indian cinema.

These are just a few suggestions there to kick start the old itinerary – have a ball in “the beautiful city”!

Need car hire for your trip to Orlando? Check out our car hire Orlando page.

Have you been to Orlando? What’s your favourite attraction there? We’d love to hear from you.