How to Make Orlando Feel Like an Adventure, Not a Checklist

No one wants to feel under pressure when they’re on vacation, especially when they’re visiting somewhere as beautiful and as action-packed as Orlando, Florida. With so much to see and do in this beautiful city, balance is key. From world-class theme parks and immersive experiences, to nature walks, natural beauty, and miles of breathtaking beaches, it’s easy to feel under pressure to see and do it all. 

One of the easiest ways to stop your Orlando trip from feeling more like a checklist is to focus on what you really want to see, do, and experience, and then you can prioritize them. Creating an itinerary that is jam-packed will only leave you feeling worn out and overwhelmed, and rushing to make memories. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how to make Orlando feel like an adventure rather than a checklist you have to get through. Read on to find out more. 

Give Yourself Freedom with a Car from the Airport

When you feel under pressure or short on time, you’re more likely to feel that any subsequent experience or visit needs to be rushed and ticked off as quickly as possible so you can get back on track. However, taking some simple steps, such as hiring a car from the airport, can provide you with some much-needed flexibility and freedom.

You can rent a car easily from the airport in Orlando, and enjoy taking it from A to B without worrying about taking public transport, or paying huge amounts of money to get Ubers or Lyfts across town. 

Driving will also give you access to hidden gems and give your trip a much-needed boost of spontaneity – something which you won’t get if you’re following a checklist. Imagine if the greatest culinary experience you have during your trip is when you visited a small eatery by chance? Renting a car makes everything much smoother and takes the stress out of your trip to Orlando. 

Focus on Creating Magical Moments, Not Just Photo Ops

We can all relate to the pressure of social media, whether it’s celebrities and influencers capturing picture-perfect moments or other parents who seem to always experience the very best things. If you want to ensure your Orlando vacation feels more authentic and less like a checklist, you need to leave comparisons at home. 

Comparison is the thief of joy. So if you spend most of your time in Orlando racing from one photo op to the next, then you and your family are going to get pretty fed up! Make sure you’re living in the moment and try not to get caught up in the excitement of taking photos and videos. This approach encourages everyone to slow down and make some genuine memories of their time in Orlando. Here’s how you can achieve this:

• Let someone else take the lead: Whether it’s your kids or your partner, let someone else take charge for the day. You’ll be surprised at where the day takes you!
• Build in quiet time: Every vacation needs to include some downtime. In Orlando, this could look like visiting Lake Eola Park and sitting by the water with a picnic, enjoying the pool at your accommodation, or stargazing from your hotel balcony!
• Take a detour: Whether it’s to visit a nearby garden, a zoo, or a different part of the beach, keep some of the moments in your trip spontaneous.

Spend Some Time in Nature

Spending time in nature almost forces us to slow down, catch our breaths, and keep things at a reasonable pace. It’s also unpredictable, so who knows what you might come across? In Orlando, there’s plenty to see and do in the great outdoors, and you might struggle to decide where to go! Here are our top recommendations to avoid that checklist feeling.

• Kayak or paddleboard through Shingle Creek: Head to the Everglades and you’ll find this peaceful, scenic area that offers you and your family the chance to spot turtles, herons, and even alligators from a safe distance.
• Stroll through Harry P. Leu Gardens: A beautiful 50-acre oasis near downtown Orlando. With shaded pathways, butterfly gardens, and blooming flowers year-round, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and escape the crowds.
• Take an airboat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga: Situated in nearby Kissimmee. Glide across wetlands at speed while learning about native wildlife. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for gators and bald eagles! 

Tips for Creating an Adventure Rather than a Vacation Checklist

Approaching your vacation with the right mindset can ensure you don’t feel rushed or pressured into turning your trip into a checklist. Here’s how you can prioritize adventure during your trip to Orlando.

Embrace Slow Travel

What’s the rush? You’re here to soak up the atmosphere and make memories, so don’t rush through them. Try limiting the number of places or attractions you visit in a day and allow plenty of time to explore a single area in full, rather than rushing between attractions.

Set Daily Intentions Rather than Schedules

While having a schedule does make sense and helps to keep things organised, it’s also important to be flexible. Instead of looking at your to-do list for the day, consider choosing a goal instead, such as “spending time outdoors” or “trying something new”. 

Include White Space

As part of your daily goals, always make sure that there’s room for downtime. Scheduling in blocks of unplanned time each day for resting, exploring spontaneously, or doing absolutely nothing isn’t a bad thing, and doesn’t mean that everyone is having a bad time. In fact, this approach leaves more room for surprises and spontaneity because everyone will be more relaxed and energised.

Final Thoughts…

Orlando is an incredible destination for a vacation. But with so much to experience in this city, don’t be tempted to rush between attractions or chase those picture-perfect moments to share on social media. Take things slowly, embrace the spontaneity, and enjoy the company of your family. Your adventure awaits!