Dezerland Park Named Best Attraction in Central Florida

Image courtesy of Dezerland Park

From exploring an extensive collection of iconic vehicles to racing go-karts and competing in arcade games, Dezerland Park offers Central Florida residents and visitors a variety of entertainment options under one roof. The Orlando destination has earned First Place in Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine’s Best Attractions awards, recognizing its place among the region’s many things to see and do.

Spanning more than 850,000 square feet, Dezerland Park features more than 12 indoor attractions, combining automotive history, interactive entertainment, dining, and activities for visitors of different ages and interests.

For the Dezerland team, the award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the local community.

“This recognition means so much to us, especially because it comes directly from the readers and community of Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine,” Director of Marketing Todd Larkin said. “Central Florida is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the world, so to be recognized among them is something our entire team is incredibly proud of.”

The team emphasized that the recognition reflects the people behind the experience, from the employees who operate the attractions to the guests who return and support the destination.

“From every high score at Pinball Palace to unforgettable VIP tours of the Orlando Auto Museum and friendly competition at Brass Axe, it’s our team that brings these experiences to life every single day,” Larkin said. “This recognition belongs just as much to them as it does to the guests who continue to visit, support, and vote for Dezerland Park.”

An Entertainment Destination Under One Roof

Dezerland Park was created on founder Michael Dezer’s vision of combining his passion for automobiles with entertainment experiences for all ages. That vision has grown into a destination where visitors can explore automotive history, compete in interactive games, and enjoy a variety of activities without traveling between locations.

“Dezerland Park is Florida’s largest indoor entertainment destination, featuring more than 850,000 square feet of excitement under one roof on Orlando’s I-Drive,” Property Manager Shannon Gall said.

Among its attractions is the Orlando Auto Museum, which features more than 2,000 vehicles displayed across 18 themed exhibits. The collection includes classic cars, rare automobiles, military vehicles, and vehicles associated with Hollywood films and popular culture.

Image courtesy of Dezerland Park

The museum is a major draw for visitors, but the team hopes its appeal extends beyond dedicated car enthusiasts.

“We want every guest to leave the Orlando Auto Museum with a sense of wonder and amazement,” General Manager Jaime Figueroa said. “The collection takes guests on a journey through automotive history, Hollywood, pop culture, and beyond.”

From recognizable movie cars to unusual vehicles visitors may never have encountered before, the exhibits offer opportunities to discover something unexpected.

“What makes the museum so special is that you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate it,” Figueroa said. “There’s something that sparks a memory, starts a conversation, or leaves you completely amazed, regardless of your age or interest in cars.”

Beyond the museum, visitors can race on Florida’s longest indoor go-kart track, play hundreds of arcade games at Pinball Palace, try axe throwing at Brass Axe, enjoy boutique bowling, or experience virtual reality escape rooms. The park also offers the Bond-themed 007 Kitchen & Bar for guests looking to grab a bite or enjoy cocktails during their visit.

A Different Kind of Orlando Experience

Orlando is known around the world for its major theme parks, but Dezerland offers visitors another way to experience the city’s entertainment scene.

“We see Dezerland Park as the perfect complement to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, offering guests a different kind of entertainment experience,” Figueroa said.

Rather than following a single attraction or itinerary, visitors can decide how to spend their time based on their interests. Families might divide their day between arcade games, go-karts and the auto museum, while couples or groups of friends might opt for competitive activities and dinner.

Image courtesy of Dezerland Park

“With more than 12 indoor attractions under one roof, guests have the flexibility to explore at their own pace, choose the experiences that interest them, and enjoy as much or as little as they want,” the Gall said.

The park also offers free admission to the building and free parking, allowing visitors to explore before deciding which paid attractions they want to experience.

Its indoor setting is particularly appealing in Central Florida, where high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans.

“Being entirely indoors also gives us a unique advantage in Florida, offering a comfortable escape from the summer heat and unpredictable weather,” the Larkin said.

That all-weather environment, combined with the variety of activities, helps make Dezerland an option for locals and tourists throughout the year.

Keeping Visitors Coming Back

With so many attractions available, variety plays an important role in creating an experience that appeals to multiple generations.

“Variety is what makes Dezerland Park such a great destination for families and friends of all ages,” Gall said. “The Orlando Auto Museum is another favorite, where generations can connect over iconic movie cars, rare vehicles, and automobiles that bring back memories.”

Image courtesy of Dezerland Park

In addition to its regular attractions, Dezerland hosts car shows, family-friendly festivals, themed events, and community celebrations. Seasonal promotions and special offers also give guests new reasons to return.

“Our goal is to make every visit feel a little different,” the team said.

The destination has also developed a role in the community beyond entertainment. According to the team, Dezerland regularly supports local schools, nonprofit organizations, and charitable initiatives through donations, partnerships, and community events.

“Giving back is also an important part of who we are,” Larkin said. “Whether we’re hosting a fundraiser, supporting a local cause, or simply providing a place for families to spend time together, our goal is to make a positive impact beyond our attractions.”

Many of its community events are free to attend, creating additional opportunities for Central Florida residents to gather and participate in activities throughout the year.

Planning Your Visit

For first-time visitors, the Dezerland team recommends beginning at the Orlando Auto Museum and leaving plenty of time to explore its extensive collection before moving on to other attractions.

“We’d recommend starting with the Orlando Auto Museum, where you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the incredible collection of more than 2,000 vehicles,” Gall said.

From there, guests can challenge friends at Pinball Palace or Brass Axe, grab a meal at 007 Kitchen & Bar, and explore the park’s other indoor experiences. The team recommends purchasing tickets online in advance to take advantage of exclusive savings.

And if visitors have time for just one attraction, the team has a clear recommendation.

“If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s the Orlando Auto Museum,” Figueroa said. “From iconic Hollywood movie cars to rare and one-of-a-kind vehicles, there’s truly nothing else like it in Orlando!”

Looking ahead, Dezerland plans to continue hosting its monthly car shows and Dezerland Diecast Showdown, along with Military Appreciation Days and holiday-season celebrations featuring family activities and visits from Santa Claus.

The team encourages visitors to check Dezerland Park’s website and social media channels for upcoming events, special offers, and holiday happenings.

For a destination built around bringing different experiences together, the Best Attraction award is also a celebration of the people who make those experiences possible and the community that continues to support them.

“We want Dezerland Park to be a place where Central Florida residents and guests feel connected and proud to have in their community, and continue to visit for years to come,” the team said.

For more information, visit dezerlandpark.com.

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Ava McDonnell
Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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Written by Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines.

Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers.

Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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