Original Orlando Tours

  • Home
  • Original Orlando Tours

Original Orlando Tours Orlando's top-rated, family-owned local tour company, hosting Central Florida's most memorable groups and guests!
(11)

Orlando's original family-owned and top-rated tour company!

Where it all started….
04/11/2024

Where it all started….

Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn South, was owned by Orlando attorney Finley Hamilton and opened in 1968. Disney used the 140-room hotel as a "living laboratory" to learn about the hotel business. They created training manuals and restaurant menus that were later used in their own resorts.

In May 1970, Hamilton made a "handshake" deal with Disney to have them manage the hotel. The purpose was to train employees for the opening of Walt Disney World in October 1971. Hamilton believed that associating with the Disney brand would benefit his business.

The Hilton Inn South hotel no longer exists, but it was located near the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. The original hotel rooms (now renovated) are part of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort. Hamilton also paved the dirt road near his property, foreseeing an increase in visitors to the Orlando area from around the world. Consequently, he appropriately named the road International Drive.

Photo Source: Disney

30/10/2024

Join host Melissa Johnson in beautiful Winter Park, Florida, on ...

Always glad to support our friends and partners at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Winter Park!
30/10/2024

Always glad to support our friends and partners at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Winter Park!

ORIGINAL ORLANDO TOURS SAYS, NOBODY DOES CHRISTMAS AS WELL AS SeaWorld Orlando!ORLANDO, Fla. (October 30, 2024) – Voted ...
30/10/2024

ORIGINAL ORLANDO TOURS SAYS, NOBODY DOES CHRISTMAS AS WELL AS SeaWorld Orlando!

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 30, 2024) – Voted the #1 Best Theme Park Holiday Event in 2023 by USA TODAY, SeaWorld Orlando's beloved Christmas Celebration returns even more dazzling this year with an expanded array of festive entertainment, ALL-NEW holiday food, drinks and more. Starting November 16 through January 5, guests are invited to experience the park’s transformation into a stunning winter wonderland. With over three million twinkling lights illuminating the grounds, SeaWorld becomes a dazzling spectacle of holiday cheer.

Throughout the event, guests are invited to glide across Central Florida’s only outdoor ice rink at Bayside Stadium and be mesmerized by the Sea of Trees as they stroll among shimmering holiday trees that light up the water in sync with classic holiday tunes. Plus, guests won’t want to miss the breathtaking 70-foot centerpiece tree at the heart of the display. In addition, the fan-favorite O Wondrous Night show returns this year. The show is a heartwarming retelling of the Nativity featuring more than 30 cherished Christmas carols, brought to life through beautifully crafted life-size puppets, live animals and a talented cast.
Dazzling Holiday Shows & Entertainment

SeaWorld Orlando is turning up the holiday magic this year. This season, guests can explore the all-new Christmas decor at Journey to Atlantis Plaza, featuring sparkling lights and festive displays, including the enchanting Snow Globe Ballerina. In the Antarctica Realm, the winter wonderland continues with a snowy Christmas ambiance, playful Donder Elves and the exciting All-New Penguin Trek ride, where visitors journey through a snowy Antarctic landscape and come face-to-beak with SeaWorld Orlando’s incredible penguins.

Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen invites guests to join Mrs. Claus as she goes viral with cookie recipes straight from the North Pole, sharing holiday baking tips with a modern, social-media twist. The holiday celebration continues with “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale,” a dazzling display of fireworks set to classic Christmas tunes.
In Sesame Street Land, families can enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with favorite characters, the Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show and Storytime with Big Bird. Guests can also explore An Elf’s Story by the fireside, meet Rudolph and Bumble in Rudolph’s Christmas Town and visit with Santa Claus at Wild Arctic gift shop. For winter fun, visitors can take a spin at ice skating and catch “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” an ice-skating show featuring sparkling lights, festive costumes and graceful performances.

Access to the rink is first-come, first-served, with socks and gloves available for purchase.

ALL-NEW & RETURNING FAVORITE Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks

Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the season with an exciting selection of new food and beverage offerings. Holiday classics like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint are given a fresh twist, with creative and delightful options available throughout the park. Some NEW and RETURNING FAVORITE food offerings guests can delight in at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:

• NEW Festive French Onion Soup - Seasoned Crouton with Provolone
• NEW Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie- Biscuit covered chicken pot pie
• NEW Yuletide Pasta- Baked Ziti
• NEW Red Velvet Bundt Cake - Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cake Glazed with Signature Cream Cheese Frosting
• NEW Roasted Turkey OR Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham- Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brown Gravy
• NEW Santa’s Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich- Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• NEW Pork Tamales - Cotija Cheese, Cilantro Crema and Chicharrónes
• RETURNING FAVORITE Bison Burger - Bison Burger, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle
• RETURNING FAVORITE Oreo Beignets - Caramel, Oreo Crumble, White Chocolate

Guests can sip on seasonal beverages as they stroll around the park taking in the holiday delights. They will find options like frozen hot chocolate, coquito and frozen eggnog. Plus, there are various new and returning favorites to explore, including:

• NEW Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashion - Garnished with Orange Peel, Cherry
• RETURNING FAVORITE Holiday Peppermint Eggnog - Egg Nog, White Chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, garnish with peppermint stick
• RETURNING FAVORITE Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies - Rumchata, Vanilla Vodka, Cinnamon- Garnish with Ginger Snap Crumbs
• RETURNING FAVORITE Mistletoe Margarita - Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry, Lime Sour, Garnish with Lime Wedge

In addition to the diverse food and drink options, guests can take advantage of unique dining experiences for an additional cost, designed to enhance their visit. These include Dinner with Santa and Cookies, Cocoa & Milk. During Dinner with Santa, guests will be able to enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal with all the trimmings and meet Santa Claus himself. During Cookies, Cocoa & Milk guests can experience a night of wonder as they indulge in sweet delights and warm cocoa, capped off by a surprise visit from a favorite character, all set against the stunning backdrop of SeaWorld Orlando’s Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.

Guests can enhance their holiday experience by purchasing the Festive Food & Seasonal Sips sampling lanyard. For $75, the 10-sample lanyard allows visitors to enjoy all the holiday-themed food, beverages and desserts throughout the park, making it the perfect way to indulge in the season's offerings. Annual Pass Members can reap the benefits and purchase a 12-sample lanyard for the same price.

More to Celebrate at SeaWorld Orlando

Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld Orlando. From December 25 through January 1, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land™ during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.

Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.

New Year’s Eve: Guests can embrace the connection to the sea, marine life and the world we share as they bring in the New Year, SeaWorld-style. Giving 2025 a wondrous welcome with bold fireworks, festive entertainment and more.

Three Kings Celebration: In honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to enjoy special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees and festive holiday lights. Keep the spirit of the holidays burning brighter and longer than ever with this special event from January 4 - 6.

Exclusive Offers to Make the Holiday Season Even Brighter
For a limited time, guests can save up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes at www.seaworldorlando.com. Annual Pass holders receive 12 months of access, along with exclusive benefits like a 12-item Christmas Celebration tasting lanyard for only $75, early access to the highly anticipated 2025 attraction, complimentary parking, free guest tickets, exclusive events, discounts on merchandise and more. Restrictions and blockout dates apply.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldorlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Christmas Celebration details and information.

About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Experience the Joy, Laughter and Enchantment of the Holidays at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration Featuring New and Returning Festive Favorites
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration invites families to experience a spectacular lineup of delectable new treats, seasonal sips, dazzling live entertainment and joyous holiday moments
DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES IMAGES HERE
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 30, 2024) – Voted the #1 Best Theme Park Holiday Event in 2023 by USA TODAY, SeaWorld Orlando's beloved Christmas Celebration returns even more dazzling this year with an expanded array of festive entertainment, ALL-NEW holiday food, drinks and more. Starting November 16 through January 5, guests are invited to experience the park’s transformation into a stunning winter wonderland. With over three million twinkling lights illuminating the grounds, SeaWorld becomes a dazzling spectacle of holiday cheer.
Throughout the event, guests are invited to glide across Central Florida’s only outdoor ice rink at Bayside Stadium and be mesmerized by the Sea of Trees as they stroll among shimmering holiday trees that light up the water in sync with classic holiday tunes. Plus, guests won’t want to miss the breathtaking 70-foot centerpiece tree at the heart of the display. In addition, the fan-favorite O Wondrous Night show returns this year. The show is a heartwarming retelling of the Nativity featuring more than 30 cherished Christmas carols, brought to life through beautifully crafted life-size puppets, live animals and a talented cast.
Dazzling Holiday Shows & Entertainment
SeaWorld Orlando is turning up the holiday magic this year. This season, guests can explore the all-new Christmas decor at Journey to Atlantis Plaza, featuring sparkling lights and festive displays, including the enchanting Snow Globe Ballerina. In the Antarctica Realm, the winter wonderland continues with a snowy Christmas ambiance, playful Donder Elves and the exciting All-New Penguin Trek ride, where visitors journey through a snowy Antarctic landscape and come face-to-beak with SeaWorld Orlando’s incredible penguins.
Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen invites guests to join Mrs. Claus as she goes viral with cookie recipes straight from the North Pole, sharing holiday baking tips with a modern, social-media twist. The holiday celebration continues with “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale,” a dazzling display of fireworks set to classic Christmas tunes.
In Sesame Street Land, families can enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with favorite characters, the Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show and Storytime with Big Bird. Guests can also explore An Elf’s Story by the fireside, meet Rudolph and Bumble in Rudolph’s Christmas Town and visit with Santa Claus at Wild Arctic gift shop. For winter fun, visitors can take a spin at ice skating and catch “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” an ice-skating show featuring sparkling lights, festive costumes and graceful performances. Access to the rink is first-come, first-served, with socks and gloves available for purchase.
ALL-NEW & RETURNING FAVORITE Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks
Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the season with an exciting selection of new food and beverage offerings. Holiday classics like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint are given a fresh twist, with creative and delightful options available throughout the park. Some NEW and RETURNING FAVORITE food offerings guests can delight in at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:
• NEW Festive French Onion Soup - Seasoned Crouton with Provolone
• NEW Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie- Biscuit covered chicken pot pie
• NEW Yuletide Pasta- Baked Ziti
• NEW Red Velvet Bundt Cake - Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cake Glazed with Signature Cream Cheese Frosting
• NEW Roasted Turkey OR Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham- Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brown Gravy
• NEW Santa’s Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich- Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• NEW Pork Tamales - Cotija Cheese, Cilantro Crema and Chicharrónes
• RETURNING FAVORITE Bison Burger - Bison Burger, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle
• RETURNING FAVORITE Oreo Beignets - Caramel, Oreo Crumble, White Chocolate

Guests can sip on seasonal beverages as they stroll around the park taking in the holiday delights. They will find options like frozen hot chocolate, coquito and frozen eggnog. Plus, there are various new and returning favorites to explore, including:
• NEW Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashion - Garnished with Orange Peel, Cherry
• RETURNING FAVORITE Holiday Peppermint Eggnog - Egg Nog, White Chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, garnish with peppermint stick
• RETURNING FAVORITE Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies - Rumchata, Vanilla Vodka, Cinnamon- Garnish with Ginger Snap Crumbs
• RETURNING FAVORITE Mistletoe Margarita - Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry, Lime Sour, Garnish with Lime Wedge
In addition to the diverse food and drink options, guests can take advantage of unique dining experiences for an additional cost, designed to enhance their visit. These include Dinner with Santa and Cookies, Cocoa & Milk. During Dinner with Santa, guests will be able to enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal with all the trimmings and meet Santa Claus himself. During Cookies, Cocoa & Milk guests can experience a night of wonder as they indulge in sweet delights and warm cocoa, capped off by a surprise visit from a favorite character, all set against the stunning backdrop of SeaWorld Orlando’s Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.
Guests can enhance their holiday experience by purchasing the Festive Food & Seasonal Sips sampling lanyard. For $75, the 10-sample lanyard allows visitors to enjoy all the holiday-themed food, beverages and desserts throughout the park, making it the perfect way to indulge in the season's offerings. Annual Pass Members can reap the benefits and purchase a 12-sample lanyard for the same price.
More to Celebrate at SeaWorld Orlando
Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld Orlando. From December 25 through January 1, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land™ during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.
Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
New Year’s Eve: Guests can embrace the connection to the sea, marine life and the world we share as they bring in the New Year, SeaWorld-style. Giving 2025 a wondrous welcome with bold fireworks, festive entertainment and more.
Three Kings Celebration: In honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to enjoy special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees and festive holiday lights. Keep the spirit of the holidays burning brighter and longer than ever with this special event from January 4 - 6.
Exclusive Offers to Make the Holiday Season Even Brighter
For a limited time, guests can save up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes at www.seaworldorlando.com. Annual Pass holders receive 12 months of access, along with exclusive benefits like a 12-item Christmas Celebration tasting lanyard for only $75, early access to the highly anticipated 2025 attraction, complimentary parking, free guest tickets, exclusive events, discounts on merchandise and more. Restrictions and blockout dates apply.
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldorlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Christmas Celebration details and information.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.

Beautiful day for Flavors of Winter Park Foodie Walking Tour! Here is the peacock story on the way to pastries!
26/10/2024

Beautiful day for Flavors of Winter Park Foodie Walking Tour! Here is the peacock story on the way to pastries!

25/10/2024

Coming soon!

October Surprise! 50% off!We have a couple extra spots available on tomorrow's Flavors of Winter Park Foodie Walking Tou...
25/10/2024

October Surprise! 50% off!

We have a couple extra spots available on tomorrow's Flavors of Winter Park Foodie Walking Tour. Departs at 10:45am from the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Register at www.OriginalOrlando.com. For a 50% discount while they last, use code: HALWN24

We love working with Tom and all the great folks at the Scenic Boat Tour! Congratulations Tom!
25/10/2024

We love working with Tom and all the great folks at the Scenic Boat Tour! Congratulations Tom!

Visiting with Miami Skalleagues in Miami at WTE today.
22/10/2024

Visiting with Miami Skalleagues in Miami at WTE today.

Clarissa Howard, whose first assignment with the City of Winter Park in 2004 was to update the city seal to the beautifu...
18/10/2024

Clarissa Howard, whose first assignment with the City of Winter Park in 2004 was to update the city seal to the beautiful peacock logo we have today, shared that story with the 2024-25 members of Leadership Winter Park on a history tour conducted by Original Orlando Tours!

04/10/2024
20/09/2024

Tickets will be on sale in mid-November! We hope to see you on our voyage into Christmas 2024!

Heads up!
14/09/2024

Heads up!

Returning this December for its 5th straight year! The Winter Park Old Fashioned Christmas Cruise.Tickets will sell out ...
19/08/2024

Returning this December for its 5th straight year! The Winter Park Old Fashioned Christmas Cruise.

Tickets will sell out immediately again this year. The order of ticket sales is:

1. Past guests of ANY of our tours. Take a tour before November and head into the first group.
2. Newsletter subscribers. Sign up at www.OriginalOrlando.com.
3. Last year's wait list (this sells out fast and there is always a wait list).
4. General public. A small number of tickets are held back each year for general public sale.

Dates will be announced soon; tickets windows open up based on the schedule above starting in November. Visit the website or sign up to the newsletter to be notified when sales begin. DO NOT CALL THE SCENIC BOAT TOUR. They provide the boats, but do not operate the tour or its sales. That is done through Original Orlando Tours only.

Check your Original Orlando Tours newsletter at the end of August for information on this year's Winter Park Old Fashion...
15/08/2024

Check your Original Orlando Tours newsletter at the end of August for information on this year's Winter Park Old Fashioned Christmas Cruise!

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Original Orlando Tours posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Original Orlando Tours:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Share

Tour Like a Local and See the “Other” Orlando!

While we love Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Parks, Orlando and Central Florida has SO much more to entertain, education and enjoy...but without our local guides, they may not be so easy to find!

We love welcoming over 75 million annual visitors to Orlando each year, many of who enjoy one or more of our Original Orlando Tours to see “the other Orlando”! We take small groups to secluded beach, natural springs, secret favorite restaurants, quaint small towns, historical and exciting local attractions that you may not have known about when planning your holiday or vacation.

Every Original Orlando Tour is staffed by a knowledgeable local guide who will pick you up at your hotel and share with you the rich history beyond the big three resorts of the Tourist Capital of the World!

JUST ADDED IN 2019: Original Orlando Tours has launched “Sights & Eats Walking Tours” in beautiful and historic Winter Park, just a dozen miles from the Orlando tourist zone. Take a Walk in the Park and select from one of four tours: