With ODTUG Kscope18 just over six months away, we're getting very excited about all the activities and attractions that Orlando has to offer! Here's a list of a few "hot spots" that we encourage you to check out during your stay in Orlando. Reminder that you have until January 5, 2018 to submit your abstracts for ODTUG Kscope18. The ODTUG Kscope18 Early Bird registration pricing goes until March 29, 2018. Click here to reserve your hotel room at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
Special thanks to Chris Carey of Scholastic Book Fairs for providing us with this list of the best sights and attractions in Orlando.
Orlando Eye
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is just the beginning! The iconic 400-foot tall observation wheel provides breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions, with sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, theme parks, and on a clear day, views of Cape Canaveral. There are many awesome restaurants surrounding the Orlando Eye, including: Yard House, Uncle Julio's, Sugar Factory, and Tin Roof. Not to mention, the Orlando Eye base is home to a Madame Tussauds wax museum and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Early evening is the best time to go. The Eye takes about half an hour from start to finish.
Andretti Indoor Karting and Games & Topgolf
Right up the block from the Orlando Eye, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and Topgolf Orlando recently opened. Both of these places are great for hanging out with your buddies, enjoying some food and drinks, playing games, and having lots of fun!
I-Drive (International Drive)
If you want the entire "Orlando tourist" experience, the International Drive Resort Area is a must. There are escape rooms, an indoor skydiving facility, miniature golf courses, souvenir shops, helicopter tours, and even a zombie outbreak arena!
Downtown Orlando™
There is more to Orlando than Disney! Restaurants, bars, art, and activities collide in the Downtown Orlando™ area.
Gatorland
When some folks travel to Florida, they think "Disney." Others wonder about alligators. At Gatorland, there is lots to do, like an adventure tour, petting zoo, and zip line, and you can get up close and personal with the Florida 'gators.
Celebration, Florida
Home of the new Wonderland Cookie Dough Company, Celebration is a nice, quiet town with restaurants, not far from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
Disney Springs®
Restaurants, activities, shopping, and events all in one place!
Universal Orlando CityWalk™
Right outside of Universal Studios Florida™ and Islands of Adventure™ is Universal Studios CityWalk™ where there are restaurants, bars, a movie theater, and shopping. It's a wonderful place to chill out before or after exploring the Universal Studios Florida™ theme parks.
Universal Parks & Resorts
If you haven't been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ , it is a popular attraction for the whole family at the Universal Studios Florida™. Diagon Alley™ is not to be missed, especially in the evening.
Other Parks
Given the location of ODTUG Kscope18, all theme parks in the Orlando area are easily accessible, including Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure™, and SeaWorld. You and the family can cool down at one of Orlando's local water parks including SeaWorld's Aquatica, Disney's Blizzard Beach, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and Universal's Volcano Bay.
Use hashtag #Kscope18 to stay up to date on all things ODTUG Kscope18 or use it to share your excitement for ODTUG Kscope18! Click here to follow along with the conversation on Twitter.
