Incredible Orlando Experiences: Unique Holiday Gifts without Clutter

By Kate Cohen
September 2, 2025

Everyone has enough stuff.

This holiday season, give your loved ones the gift of memory-making.

Outstretched hands holding a small parcel wrapped in brown paper and beige ribbon.

Orlando is home to a variety of unique gift-worthy experiences that won’t accumulate clutter and instead create core memories.

Here’s our guide to gifting Orlando experiences as unique holiday gifts for every person in your life this year.

For the Animal Lover

Orlando is an amazing destination to see and interact with unique animals from around the world. Here are a few gift ideas for the animal lover in your life.

Discovery Cove

A family of four in matching black and yellow wetsuits stand in water smiling and petting a dolphin.

One of the most unique experiences for an animal lover is a day at Discovery Cove.

This all-inclusive day resort is full of aquatic adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel alongside rays and tropical fish, hand feed exotic birds, and mingle with flamingos.

Unwind as you float along the Wind-Away River, or go for a swim in Serenity Bay, the resort’s heated freshwater pool with sandy beaches.

Food, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included in a Discovery Cove day pass, as are wet suits, sunscreens, and towels.

Check out their upgrades for unique add-on animal experiences (like swimming with dolphins), premium alcoholic beverages, cabanas, and more.

Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park

A family of four smile, looking up as a boy feeds a giraffe a piece of lettuce.

There’s a reason the word “wild” is in the name at Wild Florida.

This unique destination allows guests to explore 170 acres of natural Florida landscape that is also home to 150 native and exotic animals from around the world.

You’ll stay in your car on this self-guided safari ticket, enjoying a front-row seat to zebras, giraffes, American bison, eland antelope, and more.

After your drive-thru safari, you’ll have an opportunity to hand-feed giraffes or stretch your legs as you wander the Wild Florida Gator Park – included in the cost of your safari ticket.

Gatorland

Several gators sunbathing on a shallow shore surrounded by marshy greenery.

Few things are more quintessentially Floridian than an alligator.

At Gatorland, you can see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from tiny babies to massive 14-foot monsters. But native reptiles aren’t the only creatures you’ll see at Gatorland.

Gatorland is also home to a free-flight aviary and a parrot playground with colorful birds, majestic Florida panthers and bobcats, tortoises, snakes, and more.

For a small additional fee, you can enjoy the Capybara Encounter and meet adorable capybaras up close.

For the Thrill Seeker

Orlando’s wild roller coasters are just one draw for adventurous thrill-seekers. Here are some other heart-racing experiences the bold and brave will love.

iFLY Orlando

A woman in a red jumpsuit and helmet smiles at the camera, suspended off the ground and being guided by a coach in a red jumpsuit.

There’s nothing that will get your heart racing quite like skydiving – even when it’s indoors.

At iFLY on International Drive, you can experience the adrenaline of skydiving without the sensation of falling. Skilled instructors will teach you how to safely master their wind tunnels before helping you take to the “skies.”

Experienced skydivers and beginners alike will love this brag-worthy adventure that thrill seekers of all ages will enjoy.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is the ultimate outdoor aerial obstacle course for anyone who loves an exhilarating physical challenge.

Their four courses vary in difficulty and suspense, featuring obstacles like zip lines, Tarzan ropes, hanging skateboards, and wobbly suspended bridges. Kids 6 and older can participate in the aerial obstacle adventures, too, particularly the Kids Course, composed of two separate courses with 21 challenges.

Be sure to check out their giant 425-foot zip line for a truly thrilling experience.

Orlando Heli Tours

If heights are how you prefer to get your thrills, take a ride with Orlando Heli Tours.

Take to the skies for incredible birds-eye views of Orlando landmarks, including Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.

For a limited time only, Orlando Heli Tours is offering a private nighttime flight over parts of Disney, including EPCOT’s newest fireworks show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us.

See Orlando like you’ve never seen it before – as a passenger in a helicopter soaring through the skies.

For the Audience Afficianado

There’s nothing like watching a live performance bringing magic and mystery to the stage. Here are a few experiences theatregoers will love.

A Show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The front of a large modern glass building labeled Dr. Phillips Center with several large palm trees and an umbrella.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is an extraordinary venue in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

Each season, it welcomes the biggest names in Broadway touring productions, music, comedy, and live entertainment. There’s truly something for every audience member to enjoy, whether it’s the latest Tony-award winning musical or a grand symphony performing in Steinmetz Hall, one of the most acoustically perfect venues in the world.

Check out their upcoming calendar of events to find the perfect show ticket to gift to your loved one.

A Dinner Show

A man in a suit, glasses, and top hat stands on stage in front of a red curtain holding a fan of playing cards.

Orlando is a city of entertainment, even when it comes to dining.

A dinner show is a memorable experience that combines a delicious meal with an entertaining performance – the perfect combo, really. Check out dinner theatre experiences like Sleuth’s, where the audience gets to actively play a role in solving a hectic and hilarious crime. Or take the family to WonderWorks for The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, complete with unlimited pizza, beer, wine, and of course, mind-blowing magic tricks.

Read more about the best dinner shows in Orlando here.

Orlando Shakes

Support Orlando’s local arts scene by gifting tickets to a show at Orlando Shakes.

This professional theatre has been producing classic and contemporary plays and musicals for over 30 years, building a reputation as a high-quality professional theatre in Central Florida. Enjoy new imaginings of centuries-old Shakespeare plays, innovative new stories for the stage, and special productions just for kids and families.

See what awaits you at Orlando Shakes this season.

For the Kids

Kids don’t need more stuff – they need engaging, hands-on experiences that build core memories. Here are some innovative gift ideas for the little ones in your life.

A Show at Orlando Family Stage

A bright, colorful lobby with brightly colored circles on the floor and circular neon lights hanging overhead.

Orlando Family Stage (OFS) is Central Florida’s only theatre that produces shows and experiences for kids and families exclusively.

From professional performances to interactive camps and classes, OFS has been inspiring young minds for decades. Their theatrical season often features beloved literary characters, innovative new musicals, and popular classic shows.

Looking for a gift for someone with a new baby? OFS hosts Baby & Me classes that promote bonding and play for new families.

Symphony Storytime

The Symphony Storytime Series is a wonderful opportunity for young children to experience live music. Hosted by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, this intimate experience features a performance of live music designed for kids ages 3 through 7. Accompanied by narration and hand-drawn illustrations, each show brings a beloved classic children’s story to life.

Tickets start at just $10 per show. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Orlando Science Center

A large T-Rex skeleton towering in an indoor museum exhibit.

Orlando Science Center (OSC) is a hands-on museum that encourages creativity, innovation, and learning. Its engaging exhibits feature everything from dinosaurs to engineering experiments to immersive habitats with fascinating live animals.

There’s even an area designed for little ones ages 7 and under to splash, climb, tinker, and explore. Inspire a love of learning in a child with a trip to OSC.

For the Nature Enthusiast

Orlando’s wildlife is lush, unique, and mysterious. Home to the headwaters of the Everglades, you never know what you’ll discover while you’re out adventuring.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

An airboat floats on a marshy surface surrounded by marsh greenery and a cloudy blue sky.

Get up close to some of Orlando’s most breathtaking wildlife aboard an exciting airboat with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. You’ll feel like you’re flying amidst sprays of water and walls of tall grass as your captain navigates the boat through the everglades. Keep your eye open for creatures like alligators, turtles, birds, and other animal residents basking in their natural environments.

Try the sunset tour for an even more magical experience.

Kayaking at Wekiva Island

A beautiful river surrounded by marshy trees, palm trees, and lily pads, with a large dock area complete with chairs and hanging string lights.

If your gift recipient prefers a more leisurely paddle, gift them a kayak or canoe rental from Wekiva Island.

Located on the Wekiva River, this perfect pit-stop is home to an outdoor bar peddling local beer and wine, a delicious food truck, and plenty of seating with sensational views. This picturesque destination is a great launching point to spend a few hours on the water gliding alongside natural wildlife life like gators and wading birds.

Then, when it’s time for refreshments, return to Wekiva Island to refuel with a drink and a delicious meal.

Revolution Adventure

A row of red dirt bike ATVs along a dirt path, beneath hanging branches of mossy trees.

Embrace the great outdoors at Revolution Adventures, a private 230-acre recreation park with something for everyone.

Get good and dirty with ATV rentals or test your skills driving a Mucky Duck amphibious vehicle through mud, dirt, and water.

Try your hand at axe throwing, target archery, or clay shooting with rentable equipment and guidance from an expert team.

Or, if relaxation is more your style, try fishing on Revolution Adventure’s 65-acre lake, regularly stocked with brag-worthy catches.

For the Foodie

In 2023, Travel + Leisure named Orlando the Best Food City in America – and for good reason. Here are some unique experiences for the foodie in your life.

A Milk District Eats Food Tour

Orlando is made up of dozens of charming, quirky neighborhoods, many of which are home to legendary local bars and restaurants. The Milk District, just outside of Downtown Orlando, has a reputation for serving some of the best food in the city.

On the guided food tour, you’ll be led through the area by a local guide, sampling food and drinks from a variety of Milk District eateries and establishments. A tour might include deliciousness like sandwiches from Bad As’s Sandwiches, house-made hotdogs from Primrose Lanes, and amazing ice cream from Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.

An Incredible Meal

A beautiful steak on a salt slab being engulfed in orange flames.

Orlando is home to nine restaurants with Michelin stars, 15 Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, and another 35 Michelin Recommended establishments. There are also dozens of restaurants without Michelin accolades that offer menus that are treats for all the senses.

The city’s culinary scene takes pride in innovation, freshness, and delivering unforgettable dining experiences. As a truly special gift, treat your loved one to an amazing meal at one of Orlando’s many outstanding restaurants.

Decorate a Disney Cake

Disney Springs is the perfect destination to find a variety of Disney-themed treats and treasures.

At Amorette’s Patisserie, a French-inspired bake shop, guests can book an opportunity to decorate a character dome cake guided by a talented Disney pastry artist. You’ll create a culinary mouse-terpiece as you sip on specialty tea, coffee, and select alcoholic beverages.

Each reservation accommodates up to two guests, so bring a friend and spend the morning making a delightful treat to take home.

For the Traveler: A Rosen Gift Card

A tall hotel building with outdoor walkways glowing at twilight surrounded by palm trees.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has been synonymous with Orlando hospitality for over 50 years.

When you gift someone a Rosen Gift Card, they can redeem it for a stay at a Rosen property, like the comfortable, affordable, and conveniently located Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.

Rosen gift cards can also be redeemed at any Rosen dining establishment, spa, and even the Shingle Creek Golf Club attached to Rosen Shingle Creek.

Give the gift of hospitality this holiday season and treat your loved one to a Rosen gift card.