This summer, Avelo Airlines began nonstop service between Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and Orlando (MCO), New Haven-CT (HVN), as well as seasonal service to Baltimore-DC (BWI). They also recently announced new seasonal nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), which begins Nov 11th. These flights, as well as those offered by American, Delta, and United, offer travelers 13 nonstop flight options from ILM, and lets travelers easy connect to over 360 destinations, with just one stop. I encourage you to view ILM’s growing route map and nonstop flight options.
 
For this article, I’d like to highlight one of our new nonstop destinations, Orlando.  For many, when they think of Orlando they think of theme parks…which makes sense since they are known as the Theme Park Capital of the World.  There’s also a lot to do beyond theme parks.  So, we asked our partners at Visit Orlando to share some ideas with us on ways visitors could build an unforgettable getaway. We appreciate their team guest contributing to this Insights article. 
 
Orlando: Imagine the Possibilities
 
Orlando is the only place in the world where you can have breakfast with Mickey Mouse, cast spells in Diagon Alley™, zoom across water in an airboat, pet a penguin, and catch an incredible fireworks show — all in one day. With more than 190 unique activities in this welcoming destination, plus more debuting every year, there are nearly 1.8 million distinct combinations, ensuring thrills for your entire group no matter how you choose to experience Orlando.
 
Here are some ways to build an unforgettable getaway of your own — and they’re all exclusive to the Theme Park Capital of the World.
 
Fireworks. Every Night.
Catch fireworks and similar shows every night of the year (weather permitting). From the evening spectaculars at Walt Disney World® Resort, to an incredible combination of music, water and light at Universal Orlando Resort’s Cinematic Celebration, to seasonal shows at SeaWorld® Orlando and holiday displays, gorgeous fireworks are a nightly feature.
 
Tour Orlando’s MICHELIN Guide Restaurants
With more than 6,000 places to eat, Orlando is ready to satisfy all your cravings. Not sure where to start? How about 34 MICHELIN Guide restaurants, including four MICHELIN Starred venues, seven Bib Gourmands and 23 Recommended eateries. These stellar dining choices can be found throughout Orlando’s tourism districts, unique neighborhoods and nearby cities.
 
Hear Sound Like Never Before
There is a wondrous new reason to visit downtown Orlando: Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This acoustically remarkable space boasts an N1 sound rating — the lowest level at which humans can detect sound. It is also one of the few theaters on the planet that can transform in shape, seating and sound to accommodate a stunning array of art forms and events.
 
Watch Rocket Launches on the Regular
In Orlando, catching sight of a rocket launch is possible almost anywhere thanks to the destination’s proximity to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and KSC Visitor Complex. Combined with the stunning perspective of Orlando available from atop The Wheel at ICON Park®, a live launch becomes an unforgettable moment to witness in person.
 
Hang Glide … Without Mountains
Mountains aren’t necessary to hang glide — at least, not in Orlando. Experience the first and largest aerotow hang gliding park in the world, Wallaby Ranch. Just south of the main tourism districts, this innovative flight school invites thrill-seekers of any experience level to tandem hang glide the safest way possible: by being towed 2,000 feet in the air, then gently released to ride the air currents back down.
 
Soar Over Gators
Fly seven stories above 130 live alligators and crocodiles at the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland, aka The Alligator Capital of the World®. There is no other experience like it, traversing 1,200 thrilling feet across Florida wildlife and breathtaking views from high above the treetops.
 
These are just some of the incredible experiences waiting for you in Orlando. Start planning your Orlando vacation with the help of Visit Orlando’s complimentary Vacation Planning Services and get insider advice and special offers on the best Orlando experiences. You can even make an appointment to receive advice and guidance on building the perfect Orlando itinerary with personalized assistance. Head to VisitOrlando.com to start planning your own unbelievably real getaway today.