Orlando is a great destination for a guys trip, and there are plenty of things to do beyond Disneyland's Magic Kingdom. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to go and things to do in Orlando when you're looking for an action-packed getaway with your buddies!
Where To Stay - Choosing The Right Location Is Key
If you're looking for the ultimate guys trip in Orlando, then you need to choose the right location to stay. Orlando is a big area but it isn't like most cities since attractions are pretty spread out and there isn't one specific city center - though Orlando does have a very nice downtown area.
As a result of the area being so spread out, it is essential that you decide what your agenda looks like. Do you want to plan on mostly going to Universal Orlando, Disney World, or one of the other parks? Or are you planning a Orlando sampler that might involve a day at a park followed by another going bass fishing followed by attending a Magic game downtown?
Based on your answer to this, you will be able to select the ideal spot for your guys trip.
Luckily there are TONS of hotel rooms in Orlando at all price points and styles. In this case, "tons" is 480 hotels and more than 130,000 rooms. To put that in comparison, Las Vegas has the most of any city at 150,000.
Now that you've started to think about where to stay, the next agenda item is how to get around.
Getting Around Orlando
There's only one answer here - you need to get a rental car in Orlando. This is especially true now that Disney has eliminated the Magical Express to their on-property resorts from the airport. At one time, that was a great option if you were planning a Disney guys weekend but sadly no more. Even options like train and bus aren't an option for visitors since the Orlando area is so spread out and low density compared to other cities you might visit.
Luckily it is very easy to get rental cars at Orlando's airport (as you'd expect), though you will want to make sure to verify policies regarding tolls since Orlando is notorious for having turnpikes and toll roads.
One nice thing about renting cars in Orlando is that there is a huge variety of fun vehicles. Sure, a mini-van is probably the most practical choice for your guys weekend getaway but if you want to get a convertible or even a luxury or exotic rental, those options are easy to find here too.
Awesome Ideas For An Epic Guys Trip To Orlando
Now that you've got the logistics out of the way, it's time to start thinking about all of the awesome things you can do in Orlando. Here are just a few ideas:
Orlando Golf
There are more than 50 golf courses in the greater Orlando area, so it's safe to say that you could spend your entire trip playing golf and not get bored. In addition to the numerous local courses, there are also plenty of world-renowned courses like Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Other golf clubs in Orlando to consider:
- Shingle Creek Golf Club
- Grand Cypress Golf Club
- Celebration Golf Club
- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Check Out Orlando's Craft Beer Scene
Orlando's craft beer scene has exploded in recent years and there are now more than 35 local breweries to check out. If you and your buddies are beer lovers, then you'll want to explore some of Orlando's best breweries.
Orlando breweries we recommend include:
- Crooked Can Brewing Company - Winter Garden
- Dead Lizard Brewing Company - Orlando
- Ten10 Brewing Company - Orlando
- Bowigens Beer Company - Casselberry
- Motorworks Brewing - Orlando
Attend An Orlando Magic Game
If you're a basketball fan, then you'll definitely want to catch an Orlando Magic game while you're in town. Located in Amway Center downtown, the Orlando Magic are one of the NBA's most exciting young teams and they always have a great homecourt atmosphere.
Visit Universal Studios
While it might be an unfair assessment, while Disney World might be mostly for kids and families, Universal Studios certainly has more for adults to enjoy. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure and now the new Epic Universe planned for a 2025 opening, there's plenty of action for a group of guys to enjoy here.
Orlando Has Some Great Fishing
If you and your buddies love to fish, then you'll be happy to know that Orlando has some great fishing. There are many lakes and ponds located throughout the city that are perfect for bass fishing. You can also head east to Cocoa and Titusville for some deep sea fishing less than an hour away.
Explore The Everglades And See Some Gators
Just a short drive from Orlando you can explore the Everglades and see some alligators up close. There are many airboat tours that leave from the Kissimmee area that will take you deep into the swamps to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
While there are some high-speed adventure tours, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore nature and learn something new so make sure to look for different Everglades tour options to find the one right for your group.
Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center
While not technically "in Orlando", we're going to include it in our roundup because it makes for an awesome guys trip excursion. From visiting the space center and touring behind-the-scenes history of human space flight to planning your trip around an actual rocket launch - a visit here is certainly on the bucket list for many men.
Don't Just Assume An Orlando Guys Trip Involves Disney!
As you can see, there's plenty to do in Orlando for a group of guys on a trip. So don't just assume that your only option is Disney World - although it's certainly worth a visit too. Plan ahead, map out some activities and most importantly - have fun!
