Discover the best ways to tour Orlando, including options by bus, boat, train and more.
Orlando is a wide-ranging destination with lots to discover — and you can see it all in comfort and style with tour operators and transportation providers throughout the area. Featuring options by bus, boat, balloon, bike and train, here are some of our favorite ways to tour Orlando’s open-air theme parks, unforgettable attractions, captivating hidden gems and gorgeous natural wonders. Happy trails!
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Unique Ways to Tour Orlando
Whether you want to see Orlando by foot, bus, boat, train or more, options abound.
By Boat
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Noted for acclaimed dining and shopping, a high concentration of museums and galleries, and tree-lined, cobblestoned streets, Winter Park is one of Central Florida’s most gorgeous communities — but you can only see half of its beauty by land. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour will treat you to a breathtaking, relaxing look at the city’s pristine waterways, as well as the multimillion-dollar mansions that dot the shorelines.
Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park
Airboat Tours
You can explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades and other beautiful Central Florida waterways with airboat tour operators throughout the area. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures (get discount tickets), Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park (get discount tickets) all operate close to Walt Disney World.
Airboat & Kayak Tours
For a slower-paced water adventure where you can really take in the scenery (and get a workout while you’re at it), opt for a kayak or paddleboard tour with local operators. Unique options include those offered by Discovery Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Epic Paddle Adventures, and Get Up and Go Kayaking.
Discover: Orlando Ecotourism
By Bus
City Sightseeing Orlando Inc.
With a quarter-century of experience and partnership with the worldwide City Sightseeing Tours organization, City Sightseeing Orlando Inc. (formerly Florida Dolphin Tours) provides manatee swim tours, trips to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida’s east coast and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s west coast, and more.
Gray Line of Orlando / Gator Tours of Orlando
Founded as Gator Tours of Orlando in 1993, Gray Line of Orlando’s expertise and impeccable service attracted the attention of global tour operator Gray Line, which became an official partner in 2006. They offer a City Tour of Orlando featuring points of interest around theme parks, attractions, downtown Orlando and more. They also have daily trips to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, beach and boat tours, eco tours, and fun evening activities for the whole family.
I-Ride Trolley
Between attractions, dining, shopping and entertainment, you could easily spend an entire vacation just exploring Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District (aka I-Drive) — especially when you let the I-Ride Trolley do the driving. More transportation than tour, this service runs through our main tourism district from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. It is also highly affordable, with a one-day pass priced at just $5 and deep discounts on multi-day passes.
Save on discount tickets: I-Ride Trolley
By Bike
Toho Bikes — Electric Bike Tours & Rentals
Enjoy casual lakeside cruising with no pedaling at Toho Bikes, which was created to expand the accessibility and enjoyment of Central Florida’s beautiful lakefronts. Whether you are looking to see birds, ducks, squirrels, raccoons or even snakes or alligators, anything is possible along your ride.
More Ways to Tour Orlando
Downtown Orlando Walking Tours
Home to professional sports, cultural venues, acclaimed restaurants and stellar nightlife, downtown Orlando is a must-visit — and two unique walking tours will make you feel like a local while you’re at it.
Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods
First, take a self-guided walking tour of The City Beautiful’s past with Voicemap: Orlando’s Historical Highlights Walking Tour. Presented by Voicemap for Apple and Android devices and priced at $5.99, the tour takes about an hour to complete. It will guide you past established landmarks such as the Orlando Public Library, Lake Eola Park and Church Street Station, as well as numerous downtown restaurants and bars — feel free to take as many breaks as you wish along the way.
For something a little spookier, book a Moonlight Walking Tour at downtown Orlando’s historic Greenwood Cemetery. Traditionally available once a month during a full moon, these free evening tours provide a wealth of information about Orlando’s past and our historic personages — many of whom now reside at Greenwood. Reservations are required, and slots tend to fill up quickly.
Wandering Palm Food Tours
Eat your way through the best of Orlando’s culinary options with Wandering Palm Food Tours, which was created out of a love for food, supporting local, and good company. The guided tours focus on foodie-friendly neighborhoods throughout the destination, including our Orlando Main Streets districts.
You will be introduced to some hidden gems, hear a few historical tidbits, enjoy the views, and make some new friends.
SunRail
Orlando’s commuter rail service is a fun, easy and affordable way to tour Orlando and Central Florida. Running from Poinciana in the south, about 20 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, to DeBary in the north, about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, SunRail usually operates Monday through Friday, although limited weekend service is offered during major events.
Discover: Orlando Train Rides
Balloon Rides
Enjoy a glorious, bird’s-eye tour of Orlando’s natural preserves, beautiful resorts and famous attractions with local balloon ride operators, which offer sunrise flights departing daily (weather permitting) including some options close to Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy a tour that will let you check something truly memorable off your bucket list.
Orlando’s world-famous theme parks offer numerous VIP and behind-the-scenes tours where you can create unforgettable memories that can only happen in Orlando.
Please note: Theme park tours are paid services and some require separate theme park admission. Additionally, tours might be temporarily modified or unavailable at the time of your visit. Check with your favorite parks for complete details.
Walt Disney World® Resort
The underground “Utilidor” tunnels at Magic Kingdom® Park are the stuff of legend — but you can see them with your own eyes courtesy of Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Walt Disney World® Resort. You’ll also learn little-known facts, trivia and tidbits during the five-hour tour, which includes complimentary lunch and an exclusive keepsake.
Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
Go backstage at EPCOT® with Behind the Seeds, a one-hour tour of the fish farm and four greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion. It’s perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening or natural sciences. And though it’s not technically behind the scenes, Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park offers a privately guided tour of the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa.
Several other tours await at Walt Disney World — including Disney Private VIP Tours, where you and up to nine companions can custom-build the ideal itinerary with an assist from a VIP Tour Guide. Check for current availability ahead of your next visit.
SeaWorld® Orlando
Become one with the oceans at SeaWorld Orlando with the Ultimate VIP Tour. In addition to personal experiences with dolphins, penguins and other sea life, this guided excursion includes the park’s Quick Queue Unlimited program, reserved seating at a signature show, expedited park entry, preferred parking and other features.
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando
If you come to SeaWorld more for the creatures than the rides, consider the park’s Animal Experiences — affordably priced add-ons to regular admission that will get you face-to-face with SeaWorld’s amazing residents without committing to a guided tour. And if you’ve ever wanted to interact with dolphins, the Trainer for a Day Program at Discovery Cove® will pair you with two of the majestic creatures plus a behind-the-scenes tour and other extras.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort offers public and private versions of its VIP Tour Experience. Both tours include an expertly guided romp through Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure or a combination of the two.
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
The public VIP Tour Experience accommodates up to 12 guests per tour, with multiple parties in the same group. The tour includes VIP Priority Front-of-the-Line access to all participating rides and attractions during the tour (based on itinerary), as well as behind-the-scenes experiences. Complimentary valet parking is part of the tour based on availability, as is breakfast and lunch from a Universal Orlando Resort restaurant for two-park tours.
On the other hand, the private VIP Tour Experience is exclusive to you and your party and gives you the ability to customize your own itinerary and experience the parks your way. Everything from the public version is included, plus dinner at one of Universal Orlando’s award-winning restaurants and a My Universal Photos™ 3-Day Photo Package.
Whether you go public or private, you can choose from a 1-Day, 2-Park Experience lasting seven hours, or a 1-Day, 1-Park Experience lasting five hours. The private version also offers a 2-Day, 2-Park Experience, including five hours at each of the featured theme parks.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Bricks are integral to everything at LEGOLAND Florida Resort — including the theme park’s VIP Experiences, which are available in Red Brick, Silver Brick and Gold Brick packages. All three include single-day admission, a personal VIP Host, an exclusive tour of LEGOLAND Florida’s model shop, priority access to rides and attractions, and reserved seating at shows, plus other bonuses.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Silver Brick guests also get complimentary valet parking and refreshments. Lunch, all-day refreshments, a VIP gift bag, a Q&A session with a Master Model Builder and a building session with a take-home build are included with the Gold Brick package. LEGOLAND Florida’s Red Brick VIP Experience runs four hours, and the Silver Brick and Gold Brick versions are seven hours each.
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