The Perfect Orlando Vacation – Things to do in The DisneyWorld City
Orlando, for most people conjures up the image of theme parks, mainly Disney World, but it also has a lot more to offer than that. In fact, Disney is technically not in Orlando, but is in nearby Lake Buena Vista.
Besides that, you can visit the famous World of Orchids and Orlando Museum of Art. As a compliment to Disneyworld, you can enjoy the Seaworld.
Whatever you're gonna visit in Orlando, just make sure that you don't miss downtown Orlando. There's a lot of fun and things you should see!
Sightseeings
Attractions
Accommodation
Restaurants
Pubs and Nightlife
Traveling Tips
Sightseeings
•
Arboretum of the University of Central Florida —
An arboretum and botanical garden covering 80 acres (32 hectares), it
contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads,
in cultivated gardens. Its cultivated areas currently include a Conservatory
Compound, a Bromeliad Sanctuary, Cycad Garden, Fern Garden, Palm Collection,
Rose Garden, Swamp Habitat, and Wetland Plants Display.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, +1 407-246-2620.
Daily 9AM-5PM except Christmas Day. Beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes
set in nearly 50 acres of land, featuring flora gathered from around the
globe since 1936 including the largest rose garden in Florida and America's
largest Camellia collection outside of California. Leu House, Harry P.
Leu's former home set within the grounds and dating back to the 1880's,
has tours every 30 minutes around its museum illustrating Florida living
at the turn of the 20th century (closed during July). You can get married
in various places in the gardens and there are special events held throughout
the year. $5 (free every Monday 9AM-noon).
• World of Orchids — Featuring thousands
of blooms in an enclosed tropical rain forest. World of Orchids is a working
greenhouse shipping orchids and other plants nationwide. A greenhouse
covers nearly an acre (4,000 m²), and in this controlled climate
of warm, humid air some 1,000 orchids are displayed in a natural jungle
setting, with streams, waterfalls, and squawking parrots. World of Orchids
also has a 1,000 foot (300 m) long boardwalk meandering off into nearby
wetlands. Admission is free.
• The Holy Land Experience —
A biblical theme park and museum complex.
• The Orange County Regional History Center —
Features exhibits and artifacts from the earliest days of the region to
the modern day. Includes information on everything from the time of the
Seminole Indians to the founding of the city to the Civil Rights era to
the Disney period to today.
• The Orlando Museum of Art — Ongoing exhibitions
of American portraits and landscapes, American impressionist works, and
art of the ancient Americas.
Attractions
Orlando
is one of the biggest tourist destinations because of the nearby theme
parks and resorts. Close to International Drive is Universal Orlando Resort,
which includes two theme parks, three hotels and a large shopping district.
SeaWorld Orlando is a marine theme park featuring Kraken,
the biggest rollercoaster in the Orlando area, as well as Believe, the
all-new Shamu adventure.
About 40 minutes outside of Orlando is the well-known Walt Disney World. Comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, three shopping and dining districts, eight golf courses and much more, it is the largest privately managed tourist destination on the planet. Not far from Disney World lies the Alligator Capital of the World: Gatorland. Also, don't forget about water park Wet 'N Wild, located right on International Drive.
• Disney World — The world famous attraction
is actually located 35 miles south of Orlando, in a city called Lake Buena
Vista.
• Universal Orlando Resort, International Drive,
+1 407-363-8000. 9AM-(closing times vary from 6PM-10PM). Discounts are
given for purchasing tickets online.
• SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando, SeaWorld Drive,
+1 407-351-3600, 1-800-327-2424. 9AM-(closing times vary from 6PM-10PM).
• Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark — A new
water park by Sea World.
• Holy Land.
• Gatorland, 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail,
+1 407-855-5496, 1-800-393-JAWS. 9AM-5PM.
• Wet 'N Wild, 6200 International Drive, +1 407-351-1800,
1-800-992-WILD. Hours vary, check online or call for hours while you are
planning on visiting.
• Discovery Cove, 6000 Discovery Cove Way (just
off Central Florida Parkway, next door to SeaWorld), +1 407-370-1280.
Everyday 9AM-5:30PM (open until 9PM on selected evenings). Younger sister
park to SeaWorld lets you get even closer to the sea life allowing you
to swim with fish, stingrays and the park's main attraction, Bottlenose
dolphins.
This unique Orlando attraction is sold out most days, despite its high
admission price, partly due to the fact that admission is limited to 1000
guest per day but admission does include all your equipment, food, drink
and 30 minutes interaction with the dolphins in the water. $259-279 ($159-179
for non-dolphin package).
• Cocoa Beach Sportfishing Charters, 800 Scallop
Dr, 1-321-848-2662. Orlando's closest deep sea fishing charters leaving
from Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral and only 45 Minutes East of Orlando.
Catch dolphin, wahoo, sailfish, grouper and many others. Children Welcome.
Accommodation
With
a hotel around virtually every corner (actually 4 or 5 around every corner)
it seems impossible to throw a rock and not hit a hotel. There are hotels
to meet every traveler's need, whether it be a hostel or a 5-star resort,
although many visiting families often prefer to rent their own private
villa as they usually provide much more personal space and have their
own private facilities. There are also a large number of lodgings in the
surrounding cities and towns.
Budget
• AmeriSuites Orlando Airport/Northwest, 5435 Forbes Pl, +1 407-816-7800, Near Orlando International Airport and minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.
• Suburban Extended Stay South, 9435 Delegates Dr, +1 407-251-1110, Perfect for a long business trip or a family vacation, this hotel is located minutes away from Sea World and The Orange County Convention Center.
• Microtel Inn & Suites Orlando, 7531 Canada Ave, +1 407-226-9887, For the fourth consecutive year, Microtel Inns & Suites has been "Ranked Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Economy/Budget Hotel Chains"*.
Mid-range
• Comfort Suites Universal Studios Area, 5617 Major Blvd, +1 407 363-1967 Hotel located less than one mile away from Universal Studios with free ground transportation to theme parks available.
• Blue Heron Beach Resort Family friendly condo resort less than one mile from Disney. High rise towers with Disney fireworks view. Large Pool on private lake with watersports available. 1-888-BLUE 684.
• Courtyard Orlando Downtown Hotel, 730 North Magnolia Ave. Downtown Orlando hotel located minutes from Carr Performing Arts Center and other Orlando attractions.
• Clarion Hotel Universal, 7299 Universal Blvd, +1 407 351-5009. Pet friendly hotel within only one mile of Universal Studios and many other attractions such as Wet 'n Wild and the Orange County Convention Center.
• Embassy Suites Hotel, Lake Buena Vista Resort, 8100 Lake Ave.
• Doubletree Castle Hotel, 8629 International Dr. Designed as a medieval themed palace. The interior is decorated with medieval themed artwork and Renaissance music. 216 guest rooms and suites.
• Doubletree Universal Orlando Hotel, 5780 Major Blvd.
Splurge
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando Hotel, One Grand Cypress Blvd. Ideally located adjacent to Walt Disney World, this Lake Buena Vista hotel combines the most comprehensive selection of activities (including golf, tennis, pools, horseback riding, dining and more) with state of the art meeting facilities, luxurious guestrooms and renowned Hyatt service.
• Ginn Reunion Resort, 1000 Reunion Way, Reunion. Luxury accommodations with world class amenities located just outside of Orlando.
• Marriott Orlando Downtown Hotel, 400 West Livingston St. Downtown Orlando hotel located minutes from TD Waterhouse Center and other Orlando attractions.
• Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S. Orange Ave. Takes center stage as downtown Orlando’s landmark luxury hotel. With 250 guest rooms & suites guests experience a dazzling blend of art, music and memorable hospitality.
• International Plaza Orlando Resort and Spa, 10100 International Dr. Orlando resort located just minutes from Sea World and Orlando Convention Center.
• The Peabody Orlando Hotel, 9801 International Drive. Luxury Orlando hotel, contemporary elegance, home to the famous Peabody Ducks and located across the street from Orlando Orange County Convention Center.
• Venturella Resort & Spa, 8688 Palm Parkway. The property, which opened in 1988 as the Riu Hotel, is currently undergoing a $22 million renovation that will reposition this hotel as a world class luxury product with a Mediterranean/Tuscan theme. The hotel is scheduled to open during the winter of 2008 - 2009. It is located in the center of activity and occupies one of the best locations in the greater Orlando market. Situated on slightly more than six acres near the entrance to Walt Disney World®, the 155-room hotel will have two restaurants, a lounge and a spa, as well as more than 7,000 square feet of meeting space.
• Buena Vista Palace, 1900 Buena Vista Dr.
• Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S Orange, +1 407-313-9000, (Toll Free: 1-866-663-0024). Near Orlando's Church Street Station. Luxury hotel with European styled elegance.
Restaurants
• Stefano's Trattoria, 1425 Tuskawilla Rd (Intersection of Red Bug and Tuskawilla in Winter Springs), (407) 659-0101. Small, family-run, quiet (but still delicious) Italian/Sicilian restaurant five minutes out of Orlando. A local gem! (Best advice on dishes: Ask Stefano to personally make a recommendation, he walks around the restaurant and will tell you exactly what you want to eat!) $$.
• Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ. There are three Bubbalou's locations in the Orlando area. Offers BBQ ribs, sandwiches and other smoked delights. Atmosphere has a home-style feel and plenty of pig companions.
• Calypso Bar and Grill, 6300 Parc Corniche Dr. Great menu with a Key West themed dining experience.
• CityWalk— Located at Universal Orlando, features a variety of restaurants such as Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Pastamore, NASCAR Cafe and much more. Parking is $10 during the day and free after 6PM (except during holidays or special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights).
• Costanzo's Italian Deli, 4034 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park. The best dish is Linguine Piemontese.
• Gabriel's Subs, 2840 Curry Ford Rd. Excellent hot veggie subs.
• Garden Cafe, 810 W Colonial Dr. Fantastic vegetarian (mostly vegan) Chinese food.
• Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, 929 N Semoran Blvd. The best dishes are: Chili Relleno and cheese enchilada.
• Pannullo's Italian, 216 S Park Ave, Winter Park. Recommended dish: ravioli Terricina with Gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms, basil.
• Ponderosa— An American steakhouse with a wide and varied buffet, from sausages to muffins all day. Great for those with a sweet tooth.
• Rolando's Cuban Restaurant, 870 Semoran Blvd, Casselberry. Serves excellent rice, yucca, eggplant, plantains, and guava.
• Rossi's Pizza, 5919 S Orange Blossom Trl, +1 407-855-5755. Located at the corner of Oak Ridge & Orange Blossom Trail. Highly recommend the 12 inch thin-crust pepperoni pizza.
• Thai Villa, 7355 Aloma Ave, Winter Park. Recommended dish: Tom Yum Gai soup, chili Jam with beef and tofu add peanuts.
• The Boheme Restaurant , 325 South Orange Ave, (in the Westin Grand Bohemian), +1 407-313-9000.
• Tijuana Flats, 7608 University Blvd, Winter Park. They serve an excellent ultimate Nachos dish with sweet chili sauce.
• Tony's Deli, 1323 N Mills Ave. Best dishes: fava bean salad, hommous, taboolie, baklava.
• Uncle Jones BBQ, 1370 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Spgs. Serving the best potatoes ever, along with, lima beans, BBQ pork, corn bread, fried okra, and Texas toast.
• Vito's Chop House, 8633 International Dr, +1 407-354-2467. Great cooking, great wine. $15-$30.
Pubs and NightLife
Orlando nightlife away from the theme parks is centered mostly around Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. Here you can walk and find many bars and several dance clubs from the chic urban Rhythm and Flow to the Mulvaney's Irish Pub. A short walk away is the tiny Thornton Park District, located near the intersection of Washington and Summerlin. Among the dozens of cafés and pubs, you might stop in for a drink and a quick bite at Dexter's on Washington. For local flair head across the street to Burton's Frosty Mug, or sample the hip urban environment at the trendy HUE at the corner of Washington and Central.
Although most of the downtown Central avenue crowd is comprised of the "twentysomething" generation, for a more 30's and over entertainment experience, one can enjoy live jazz on many nights in the lounge of the Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel located downtown on Orange Avenue. The jazz is excellent and the ambiance is quite comfortable, although drinks tend to be pretty pricey here.
Also, for a more professional crowd with a Latin twist, there is the Samba Room, located on Sand Lake Road, about 3/4 west of I-4. This is a lively restaurant and happy hour type of place. The look is chic and the locals and tourists alike gather here for a quality food, beverage and people watching experience. You should ditch the shorts and flip-flops for a more casual chic look, but if you do you will be rewarded with a nice experience here. If you are traveling west on Sand Lake Road, after passing I-4, The Samba Room is on the left in a large shopping plaza. Latin food, music and mojitos are just some of the specialties here.
Traveling Tips
Tourists should tend to venture away from the Pine Hills neighborhood. This neighborhood is located around Silver Star Road and Pine Hills Road west of John Young Parkway. This area is notorious for high crime.
Visitors should be vigilant of their surroundings in downtown Orlando west of I-4 (known as the Parramore district). Orange Blossom Trail (north of Sand Lake Road) is also a notoriously dangerous part of town.
Just like anywhere in the world, typical rules of tourism and common sense apply. Hotel room invasions do occur, especially open-air hotel and motel rooms when the victim leaves their hotel room unlocked and not dead-bolted. When you are in a hotel room, lock your doors behind you.
Never leave valuable items in your car unattended, get any purchased items to your hotel room as soon as possible. Also, do not leave small children unattended for any length of time, especially at a pool. Most hotel pools do not have lifeguards.
You are advised to keep pets left with a friend or in a kennel.This is because most theme parks and hotels prohibit pets. Do not lock your pet in your car! In Florida, due to the high temperatures in the area, please do not lock your pet in the car. it is extremely dangerous.