Clean Show Guide to Orlando 2025 (Part 2)

CHICAGO — The Clean Show is back this year, setting up shop Aug. 23-26 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. While there’s certainly enough to do at the show, visitors can also take advantage of one of the country’s most-visited destinations during their off-show hours or for an extended vacation.

In Part 1 of this series, we looked at ways to get around the city and some of its colorful neighborhoods. Today, we’re diving into what the region is perhaps best known for — theme parks — along with some lesser-known attractions that are easy on the wallet.

Theme Parks

Orlando’s reputation as the Theme Park Capital of the World continues to evolve with new additions and experiences opening this year, offering Clean Show attendees entertainment options just minutes from the OCCC.

Universal Orlando Resort

The resort’s much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opened in May, featuring more than 50 attractions across five immersive worlds. The new park includes Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. This expansion represents Universal’s largest investment in Orlando to date.

Universal’s existing parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, continue to offer attractions, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Marvel Super Hero Island. The resort’s CityWalk entertainment complex provides dining, shopping and nightlife options that extend the experience beyond park hours.

Walt Disney World Resort

The world’s most visited vacation resort continues to offer its four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), two water parks, and the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. Clean Show attendees will find the complete Disney experience available, including classic attractions, character experiences and world-class dining options.

From the Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain to EPCOT’s technological marvels and international pavilions, Disney World provides experiences for every age and interest. Disney’s Hollywood Studios features Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, while Animal Kingdom combines exciting attractions with incredible wildlife experiences.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld unveiled its Immersive Experience this spring, featuring the world’s first fully immersive Arctic flying theater. Building on the popular Penguin Trek family coaster, this new attraction transports guests to Arctic landscapes, diving beneath frozen waters and encountering Arctic wildlife in an unprecedented virtual experience.

The park continues to blend marine life education with inspiring attractions, offering unique experiences like Mako, Kraken and Ice roller coasters alongside educational shows featuring dolphins, whales and sea lions.

Accessibility

All major theme parks offer convenient transportation options and are located within 30 minutes of the Convention District. Multi-day tickets and packages allow attendees to bring families and extend their trip to the Clean Show into a summer vacation.

Budget-Friendly Orlando

While Orlando’s world-famous theme parks command most of the attention, Clean Show attendees looking for memorable experiences without breaking the bank will find plenty of wallet-friendly options throughout the area. In fact, Orlando was named one of the top five most affordable cities for family vacations by Forbes Advisor, thanks to many affordable and unique experiences for $30 or less.

Several major entertainment complexes offer free admission, making them perfect for spontaneous visits between conference sessions.

Disney Springs provides 120 acres of outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment along Central Florida’s natural springs, with no admission charge required.
Similarly, ICON Park on International Drive features free admission and parking, with a grassy central area perfect for relaxing while taking photos with the 400-foot observation Orlando Wheel backdrop.
Universal CityWalk offers free evening entertainment after 6 p.m. (except during special events), featuring themed restaurants, nightclubs and shopping. Visitors can board the complimentary water taxi to cruise canals throughout Universal Orlando Resort and enjoy free evening music at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
For those seeking green space, Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando provides free picnicking, concerts at the amphitheater, and the opportunity to feed swans. Sunday mornings feature free outdoor yoga and the Orlando Farmer’s Market.
Boxi Park in Lake Nona offers a unique experience in an open-air venue constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers, featuring live music, beach volleyball courts and a dedicated dog park.

Orlando’s cultural scene also offers value for visitors interested in arts and history with low-cost or free entry.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park displays the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including his famous lamps and art glass.
The Orange County Regional History Center, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate housed in a historic 1927 courthouse, explores 12,000 years of Central Florida history.
The Rollins Museum of Art on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park offers year-round free admission to view one of Florida’s oldest and most distinguished art collections.

For those wanting to stay active during their Orlando visit, there are several options that cost under $20.

The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour provides a relaxing 30-minute narrated cruise through lakes and canals, showcasing natural wildlife and historic mansions for $16 per adult.
Lake Eola Park Swan Boat Rentals offers pedal-powered fun for up to five guests at $15 per boat for 30 minutes, available Friday through Sunday.
Harry P. Leu Gardens presents 50 acres of botanical beauty just minutes from downtown Orlando, with admission at $15 for adults.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens features more than 500 animals across 23 acres of natural beauty, with online tickets starting at $19.95 for adults.

The area also offers several unique experiences beyond the traditional attractions that fit almost any budget.

SAK Comedy Lab offers improv performances with tickets up to $20, while the Orlando Eye at ICON Park provides 400-foot-high views of Orlando for $21.23 when purchased online. Nearby, the Starflyer — the world’s largest stand-alone swing ride — offers adventurous riders a 450-foot-high overlook of the city.
Museum of Illusions Orlando at ICON Park features more than 50 mind-bending exhibits for $24.99 per person, while Madame Tussauds Orlando offers celebrity encounters starting at $25.56 for adults.

Come back Thursday for the conclusion of this series, where we’ll feature some of the best places for food and drink in Orlando. For Part 1 of this Guide, click HERE.