8 Things to Do Near Orlando Airport During A Layover

Have you found yourself with a layover at Orlando Airport and wondering how to make the most of your time there instead of just waiting?

Time is priceless and there are effective ways to make it worthwhile by embarking on a new adventure and starting to explore!

The area near Orlando Airport is full of treasure troves, so rest assured the options will entertain you.

In today’s guide, we’ve cautiously collected the best things you can do near Orlando Airport during a layover or flight delay.

Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

There is not a shortage of amazing things a traveler can do near Orlando Airport during a layover since the opportunities are endless in this majestic and sun-drenched city!

Orlando is a wonderful city in Florida that has been transformed into a bustling tourist destination welcoming millions of tourists every year.

Below, we present you with our list starting with no other than visiting the Walt Disney World Resort!

1) Have Fun at Walt Disney World Resort

If you are a fan of Disney, then once stepping foot in Orlando, you should explore the Walt Disney World Resort!

Walt Disney World Resort is a magical destination and a great family vacation idea.

You can choose from 35 different resorts, each with unique themes, locations, and amenities, and explore 4 amazing theme parks:

  • Magic Kingdom
  • Epcot
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Plus, you can indulge in a wide range of dining options, from quick-service meals to fine dining experiences featuring unique cuisine and character dining opportunities.

Store your luggage near Orlando Airport

With Stasher!

Opening times:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Epcot: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Magic Kingdom Park: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 18 miles from Orlando Airport

2) Admire Art Collections at the Orlando Museum of Art

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to the Orlando Museum of Art is worth it!

The Orlando Museum of Art promises an enriching experience, where visitors can appreciate a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and American pieces.

The museum was founded in 1924 and each year features about a dozen exhibitions consisting of special and visiting exhibitions, as well as ones curated from the museum’s collections.

Opening times:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Mondays & holidays: Closed

Prices:

  • Adults: $20
  • Seniors (60+): $12
  • Students: $10 with a valid ID
  • Children Ages 6-17: $8
  • Ages 5 and Under: Free
  • Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and First Responders: Free with valid ID
  • Museums for All: $3 with a valid SNAP EBT Card and ID
  • Family Bundle: 2 Adults and up to 3 children: $45 (must be purchased at the front desk)

Address: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 15 miles from Orlando Airport

3) Spend a Few Hours at the Florida Mall

If you have extra time to kill during your layover, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to spend a few hours at the Florida Mall.

The Florida Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Orlando with over 250 stores to choose from.

You can find a variety of clothing, accessories, electronics, beauty products, and souvenirs.

Even if you are not looking to buy something, you can enjoy some window shopping.

Plus, there are numerous dining options so you can satisfy any craving at wonderful eateries.

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Address: Florida Mall Ave, Florida 32809, USA

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 7 miles from Orlando Airport

4) Explore Interactive Exhibits at the Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a fantastic destination for people of all age groups.

It features a range of hands-on exhibits covering topics such as physics, astronomy, biology, and technology.

At this unique center, you can experience live science demonstrations and shows presented by knowledgeable educators, and if you have children with you, they will be astonished.

Created specifically for kids, KidsTown is an interactive play area where children can take part in imaginative play while learning about science concepts.

Also, during the year, the Orlando Science Center hosts a variety of educational programs and immersive workshops on STEM.

Opening hours: 

  • Thursday – Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Closed

General Admission:

  • Adult: $27.99
  • Senior: $25.99
  • Student: $25.99
  • Youth: $20.99
  • Under Two: Free

Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 21 miles from Orlando Airport

5) Take in Scenic Views at Airport Lakes Park

If you want to unwind in a beautiful setting near the Orlando International Airport, then Airport Lakes Park, located just 5 minutes from the airport by car is the perfect spot.

Airport Lakes Park is a scenic recreational area with gorgeous landscapes, where you can observe wildlife, and enjoy tranquil views of the lake in the park’s designated picnic areas.

Airport Lakes Park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching activities.

Address: Airport Lakes Park Orlando, 7098 Shadowridge Dr, Orlando, FL 32812, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 2.5 miles from Orlando Airport

Without a doubt, exploring Airport Lakes Park is a must-do on your trip to Orlando, and one of the most convenient experiences since it’s that close to the International Orlando Airport. But, dragging your luggage through this beautiful park can quickly dampen the experience.

This is where Stasher comes in, offering a convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage solution.

While we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations near Orlando Airport.

Also, it is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!

Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.

Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.

6) Observe Alligators up Close in Their Natural Habitat at Gatorland

Gatorland is a fascinating theme park and home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles.

Visitors can observe these incredible reptiles up close and even attend the thrilling Gator Jumparoo Show, where trainers feed gators and showcase their jumping abilities.

Besides alligators, Gatorland features a variety of other animals, such as exotic birds, tortoises, and mammals.

Moreover, Gatorland offers designated play areas for children, including the Gator Gully Splash Park, where children can enjoy a break from the Florida heat.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission:

If booked online, a single-day ticket costs as follows:

  • Adult (13+): $31.99
  • Child (3-12): $21.99

Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 10 miles from Orlando Airport

7) Swim with Dolphins at Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a tropical oasis that offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with one of its highlights being the opportunity to swim with dolphins!

Visitors can take part in a guided interaction with these intelligent marine mammals, including swimming alongside them, touching them, and even receiving a dorsal fin ride.

Besides that, Discovery Cove offers the opportunity to visitors to snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays and even hand-feed hundreds of exotic birds.

Admission to Discovery Cove includes unlimited food and beverages throughout the day, and among the amenities are snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, towels, and sunscreen.

Opening hours: Daily from 7 a.m. – 5 a.m.

Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 11 miles from Orlando Airport

8) Live a Mouthwatering Experience at Canvas Restaurant & Market

If you are seeking a mouthwatering experience near Orlando Airport, then Canvas Restaurant & Market is the perfect spot to satisfy your taste buds.

The restaurant’s cuisine features new American dishes with a focus on seasonal, regional produce and fresh seafood.

In addition to its restaurant, Canvas features a market where guests can purchase a wide range of gourmet provisions, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread. 

Opening hours:

  • Monday -Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Address: 13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827, United States

Proximity to Orlando Airport: 6.8 miles from Orlando Airport

Now that we covered some adventurous things to do near Orlando Airport, let’s see how easy it is to get around Orlando Airport.

Getting Around Orlando Airport

Getting around Orlando Airport is quite easy since there are numerous transportation options to choose from.

Travelers can easily leave the airport and go back to it, through transport means such as train, bus, and car.

There is curbside pickup by private car on Level 2 and Rental cars, Shuttle, taxis, and buses on Level 1.

Orlando International Airport permits rideshare services like Uber for pickups and drop-offs.

If the above options don’t suit your needs, then you can opt to rent a car.

Orlando International Airport offers on-site rental car facilities that are located adjacent to the main terminal, making the process quite straightforward.

How to Store Your Luggage Near Orlando Airport 

As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in sun-drenched Orlando, is not a piece of cake.

That’s where Stasher is stepping in!

At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.

Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags near Orlando Airport with the help of Stasher.

After selecting Orlando Airport, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.

Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.

Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.

Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!

Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!