How Walt Disney World Can Be the Gateway to Greater Orlando Adventures
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For me, Orlando is synonymous with magic, adventure, and unforgettable memories, thanks largely to the global reputation of Walt Disney World.
Every year, millions of international visitors flock to Disney’s iconic parks, drawn by its fairy-tale castles, thrilling rides, and world-class entertainment.
However, what many people don’t realise is that Orlando has much more to offer beyond the gates of Disney. It’s a lot like my home town of the Gold Coast. We have some big name theme parks and I feel it’s important to investigate how that can be leveraged by smaller tour operators.
By tapping into the magnetic pull of Disney, international tourists can unlock a treasure trove of incredible experiences and extend their stay to explore Greater Orlando.
The Magnetic Pull of Disney Orlando for International Travelers
Disney Orlando is more than just a theme park; it’s a dream destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers worldwide.
From Brazil to the UK, from Japan to Australia, travellers are captivated by the stories brought to life at Disney’s four sprawling parks.
Its reputation for magic and impeccable service sets the stage for a visit to Orlando.
This global draw provides a golden opportunity to introduce international tourists to other attractions in the area, making their trip even more memorable.
I don't know about you but not everyone can do an entire holiday solely focused on Disney. Take a look at my blog about the The Other Side of Disney’s Magic: Challenges for International Travellers — Tourism Growth Coach
Beyond Disney, there are more parks to attract visitors to Orlando.
Once Disney has cast its spell, visitors often seek complementary experiences to round out their holiday.
Over the last 45 years Orlando as a destination has attracted an impressive lineup of attractions that cater to a variety of interests and age groups. Many complementary to Disney but also offering something unique too.
Universal Studios Orlando
Thrill-seekers and movie buffs will love Universal’s cinematic rides and immersive worlds, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s an ideal follow-up for families and groups who want to dive into a completely different kind of magic.
SeaWorld Orlando
A perfect mix of education, entertainment, and conservation, SeaWorld offers breathtaking marine life encounters, thrilling roller coasters, and spectacular live shows.
Legoland Florida
A must-visit for families with younger children, Legoland combines playful creativity with theme park fun, offering rides, interactive exhibits, and, of course, plenty of LEGO bricks.
Then there are the lesser-known attractions of Orlando
For those who want to step off the beaten path, Orlando also offers unique experiences that many international visitors might overlook.
ICON Park
Located in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district, ICON Park is a lively hub of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Its star feature, The Wheel, provides breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Kennedy Space Center
A short drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center allows visitors to delve into the history and future of space exploration. International tourists often find this destination awe-inspiring and a nice contrast to the fantasy of Disney.
We took advantage of our hire car and headed out to Kennedy Space Center and it didn't disappoint. An engrossing experience showcasing everything from the Space Race to Space X. It’s well worth a visit. Thank goodness it was also not as hectic as Disney.
Winter Park
Known for its charming streets and serene boat tours through the chain of lakes, Winter Park is a picturesque escape where visitors can enjoy fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural experiences.
Creating Multi-Day itineraries to extend stays
Every destination worldwide is focused on extending the stay of their visitors. It helps increase spend, the value of the visitor and supports the broader economy, not just tourism businesses.
The key to converting visitors into Greater Orlando explorers lies in smart itinerary planning.
Here are my tips for making it easy for international tourists to extend their trip and spend more in the destination.
Bundle Attractions
Sounds simple enough but so many cities just don't do it. Collaborate with tour operators to offer packages that include tickets to other parks and experiences that complement the main attractions, in Orlando’s case Disney.
Highlight Local Themes
Consider creating themed holidays such as Halloween Haunts, Wildlife Week, Spring Sensations etc. Use those keywords to promote a number of experiences in your destination that fit the theme.
Promote themed itineraries, such as “Adventure Week” with visits to Disney, Universal, and Kennedy Space Center, or “Family Fun Days” with Disney, SeaWorld, and Legoland.
Simplify Transportation
Transportation is a visitor's number one concern once they have decided on a destination. How do I get around? How do I see everything I want to see simply and as cost effectively as possible?
As a destination you need to provide clear guidance on how to travel between attractions, including shuttle options, rental car suggestions, and ride-share services. Hand feed this to your visitors so they can see how easy it is to visit your destination.
Offer Insider Tips
Look at what other information visitors might need.
Share valuable advice such as
The best times to visit attractions
How long to plan to be at each attraction.
Where to dine nearby and what cost effective options are available tight up to 5 star dining experiences.
How to find quiet spots to relax between activities.
Depending on the target market maybe you have specifics about child friendly restaurants and changing areas.
Promote Seasonal Events
This does seem super obvious however the holidays are peak travel times so maybe you don't need to promote Seasonal events however if there are some holidays season that are not peak for your destination consider running Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Summer Holiday promotions and events.
Showcase your destinations festive holiday markets, light displays, and special events happening in December to entice visitors to stay longer.
Final Thoughts
By leveraging Disney Orlando’s global reputation, tourism operators in Greater Orlando can captivate international visitors and encourage them to explore beyond the park gates.
With so much to see and do, Orlando is the perfect destination to turn a magical Disney trip into a comprehensive and transformative travel experience. For visitors and businesses alike, the possibilities are endless.
We all have the opportunity to leverage our destination and those attractions that bring in visitors. How are you doing this is your business?
As you plan your next strategy to attract international tourists and leverage your destination and the attractions surrounding your business.
