“Do you want to go on a roller coaster ride with me?”

Even though my six-year old knows that I mean a virtual ride, his excitement is still high, as he leaps beside me on the sofa, and fixes his gaze on the laptop. A few minutes later, the ride is over, and he’s ready for more… just like any kid at a theme park.

Whether you are exploring Orlando, Florida for the first time, planning a future trip, or basking in the memories of a previous vacation,  The Orlando Virtual Tour takes you into 85 experiences throughout Orlando. Even Disney is even sharing its secrets – from how to draw Mickey, to how to create those famous churro bites at home.

visit Orlando

Visit Orlando has an excellent interactive virtual tour

So, get your laptops, smartphones (and suspension of disbelief) ready – and visit Orlando! Here are some highlights to get you started.

Marvel at Walt Disney World Resort

Begin your tour of virtual Orlando on Main Street at Walt Disney World Resort in front of Cinderella Castle. The 360 degree interactive format will make you feel like you are really there!

Zoom the Zip Line at Gator Land

They won’t eat you – unless you fall! Try  ziplining over alligators in Gatorland – an 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve in Florida, just south of Orlando. Gatorland was founded 71 years ago by Owen Godwin on a former cattle farm in 1949, and is still privately owned by his family. (And don’t worry, no one ever falls.)

Explore Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando

visit Orlando

Harry Potter Fans, Orlando has something for you. Travel virtually to  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, and explore a secret world, wizard-style.

Ride Orlando’s Tallest, Fastest Roller Coaster

Try riding Sea World’s Mako, the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando known for high speeds, deep dives, and thrills. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, this roller coaster speeds up to 73 mph and up to 200 feet high.

Ride The Dragon at LegoLand

Explore the LEGOLAND Florida Resort Castle virtually through the twists and turns of The Dragon, an indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster. The Dragon is a gentle picnic compared to the Mako, but it’s really great for younger kids.

Learn to Draw Mickey Mouse on Youtube

At the Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, kids can learn to draw Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. But you can do it at home too! Watch how-to tutorials on how to draw the famous mouse on the Disney Parks YouTube channel.

Taste Disney Magic with this Secret Churro Tots Recipe

While Disney parks are closed, you can still enjoy delicious Disney churro tots using this recipe inspired by the cinnamon flavoured snack found at all Disney parks across the globe. One of our dear freelancers, Sarah Deveau, tried them this week and says they are delicious!

Don’t forget – these virtual tools are also excellent resources for planning your next family vacation. Who knows – maybe you will be tasting those churros one day soon – for real!