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    15 Things You Can Do In Orlando Without Actually Visiting Orlando

    Disney World and oh so much more.

    Anna Haines
    by Anna Haines

    BuzzFeed Staff

    If you were super pumped for a spring break getaway to Orlando, the closing of Disney World and other major theme parks last month probably hit hard. Canceling vacations is never fun, but staying home is the easiest way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

    Karen Abbatiello @KarenA5887

    @WaltDisneyWorld We are safe in Disney Style! #disneyworld #DisneyMagicMoments #disneyathome

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    So you made the right choice opting to quarantine and chill instead! But you may have found yourself still dreaming about roller coasters and Disney fireworks. *Sigh*

    Thankfully, this is the longest spring break ever, so it's not too late to make up for some of what you missed in Orlando.

    Disney

    From thrilling rides to surprising live performances — a whole new *virtual* world of Orlando awaits.

    1. Virtually stroll Magic Kingdom’s Main Street — without the crowds!

    Visit Orlando

    So maybe you won't be able to get the iconic shot in front of Cinderella Castle, but by having the street all to yourself, you can really take in the charming shop exteriors you might have otherwise overlooked.

    2. For a little more action, snag the perfect viewing spot (aka your couch) for Disney’s newest Magic Happens Parade.

    View this video on YouTube

    The bright costumes, cheerful choreography, and feel-good music is just what we need right now.

    3. No visit to Disney World would be complete without at least one virtual ride. Thankfully YouTube is teeming with 360-degree videos of your favorites, like Splash Mountain (no lines + no getting wet = pure bliss).

    View this video on YouTube

    You can also spot celebrities like Claire Danes giving Goofy a giant hug and Katy Perry rocking Minnie ears on the carousel.

    4. By this point you're probably thinking, "but what about the snacks?" We've got you. This Dole Whip recipe, just released by Disney, will be the cherry on top of your virtual visit.

    Disneyland App

    All you need is ice cream, pineapple juice, frozen pineapple, and a blender...and voilà! You can find even more Disney-inspired recipes here.

    5. Escape reality with a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

    Visit Orlando

    Your virtual tour kicks off with a short clip of the Escape from Gringotts roller coaster. You'll then be guided through Diagon Alley, passing Hopping Pot and Carkitt Market along the way. Finish up in the London Area with a virtual ride on the triple-decker Knight Bus.

    6. While you’re at Universal Orlando Resort, why not preview some of the rides via 360-degree videos on their YouTube channel?

    View this video on YouTube

    The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the (now closed) Dragon Challenge are particularly thrilling. For a more family-friendly roller coaster, head over to Legoland Florida Resort Castle for a ride on The Dragon.

    7. Or for a more relaxing ride, virtually float down the lazy river at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

    View this video on YouTube

    Cocktail highly recommended.

    8. Another calming dose of nature can be found at Eola Park where you can virtually cruise the lake in a giant swan-shaped boat.

    Visit Orlando

    While you’re there, you can also ~stroll~ West Church Street to get a feel for downtown Orlando.

    9. If wandering the streets has you yearning to get in the driver’s seat, head to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.

    Visit Orlando

    Virtually tour their indoor tracks or experience a high speed chase for yourself with their online race.

    10. Or take to the skies with a quick 30-second virtual zip line over Gatorland.

    Visit Orlando

    Take in the views as you soar through the treetops, but try not to look down when you pass the alligator breeding marsh.

    11. You can even imagine what it would be like to fly totally equipment-free at iFLY Orlando.

    Visit Orlando

    Take an online tour of their high-energy vertical wind tunnels and marvel at visitors floating in the air.

    12. Itching to learn more about humans defying gravity? Check out the Kennedy Space Center via Google Earth. You’ll get an inside look at the rockets and facilities, with historical facts along the way.

    Google Earth

    You can learn even more on Kennedy Space Center’s Facebook page. They’ve started offering daily educational livestreams with more behind-the-scenes lessons and some ~practical~ knowledge too (like how to make a rocket out of a paper towel roll).

    13. You can virtually experience Orlando's arts scene by attending a concert via the daily livestreams posted on Central Florida Community Arts’ Facebook page (6 p.m. EST).

    14. For a truly one-of-a-kind stage performance, head to Phantasmagoria's Facebook page for their live performances on Sunday nights (8 p.m. EST).

    Aerial acrobatics, fire, puppetry...this Victorian horror troupe offers just the kind of escapism we need right now.

    View this post on Facebook
    Phantasmagoria / Via Facebook: PhantasmagoriaOrlando

    Aerial acrobatics, fire, puppetry...this Victorian horror troupe offers just the kind of escapism we need right now.

    15. Craving something a little more grounded in reality? Check out SAK Comedy Lab's Facebook page every night at 7 p.m. EST for a good laugh with their improv comedians.

    Don't forget to check out Bring Me! for all of BuzzFeed's best travel tips and hacks, vacation inspiration, and more!

    Jay Fleckenstein / BuzzFeed