There’s more than theme parks in the land of palm trees otherwise known as Orlando, Florida. Founded in the 1830s, Orlando is THE vacation destination for folks from all walks of life. Whether you’re seeking pirates and princesses at Walt Disney World, Broadway-style shows and performances at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, a rockin’ concert at the TD Waterhouse, or some March Madness with the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena, Orlando’s got your ticket.
But don’t think that “The City Beautiful” is only for the adventuresome. Gardeners will enjoy Harry P. Leu Gardens’ outstanding landscape displays. Kids can get “hands-on” at the Orlando Science Center. Artists can either visit the Mennello Museum of American Art, or test their talent with a potter’s wheel at The Pottery Studio. Or pitch your beach umbrella, rent a canoe, and get bronzed at Lake Fairview Park.
Beyond having activities for each and every traveler, visitors will also find a variety of lodging, unique shopping experiences, and award-winning dining that will have you craving your next Orlando vacation before you finish the current one!
With four parks, a shopping district, two water parks, and a wilderness preserve to choose from all within one vacation destination, how can you go wrong?
Visit the Magic Kingdom to revisit your youth. Favorite attractions include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain.
Epcot marries the future with world culture for a truly unique experience. Check out Soarin’, the Maelstrom, and The Seas for fun, and look for complimentary sodas from around the world at Club Cool. Then head over to World Showcase to visit 11 countries from around the world, meet representatives from those nations, and sample authentic international cuisine at the world-renown restaurants.
Disney’s MGM Studios has two of the best thrill rides on property- Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Plus, their nighttime show—Fantasmic!— is sensational.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has some amazing wildlife encounters with tigers, gorillas, giant bats, elephants, cheetahs, and a pride of lions. Get in line early for their newest (and best) roller coaster Expedition Everest, then check out Finding Nemo The Musical and Kali River Rapids.
To cool off, visit the Disney water parks- Typhoon Lagoon, with its huge wave pool and tropical sandy beaches, and Blizzard Beach for death defying water slides, including the tallest water slide in the world.
At night, shop ‘til you drop at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, see a movie at the West Side, or dance the night away at one of the Pleasure Island nightclubs.
Here’s a tip for making the most of your visit to the Disney parks—look for the FastPass machines which will give you a complimentary return ticket for most thrill attractions. Bring your ticket back during the assigned time, and bypass the entire line! This way, you can enjoy other attractions, shows, or have a quick bite while you wait.
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Offering year-round tandem hang gliding flights, lessons and experiences, Wallaby Ranch is one of the best hang gliding schools in the nation. The Ranch is located in a beautiful secluded setting, surrounded by natural Florida woodlands that are home to deer, migrating birds, bald eagles, various reptiles and amphibians, and the occasional Florida Panther. They also offer amenities such as tent and RV camping facilities, cabins, swimming pools, a climbing wall, a children’s playground, biking and hiking trails, and meals.
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This beautiful botanic garden features thousands of blooms in an enclosed tropical rainforest with streams, waterfalls, and squawking parrots. World of Orchids is an acre-wide working greenhouse that ships orchids and other plants nationwide. Over 1,000 orchids are displayed in this exotic jungle. World of Orchids also has a wooden boardwalk that meanders off into the nearby wetlands.
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Located in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando, this house is where writer Jack Kerouac lived during the time his novel On the Road was published and released. He also wrote The Beat Generation, a 51-chorus poem called Orlanda Blues, and the novel The Dharma Bums during his time there. In 1997, the Kerouac Project of Orlando formed, and restored the Kerouac House. It is now an official historical site and haven for aspiring writers who can live in the house (rent free with paid groceries) as they pen their own works. During the summer and fall, these authors hold readings of the work they created during their time in the house. If you’re a fan of open mic nights, avant garde literature, and meeting local artists and authors, plan a visit to The Kerouac House.
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Not all theme parks are about the rides and shows. Blue Springs State Park’s only attractions are the hundreds of manatees that spend their winters in the balmy 73 degree water. Visitors can kayak, canoe, SCUBA, swim, and snorkel in the crystal clear spring-fed waters, or just watch the playful manatees from the shoreline. Bird watchers will go cuckoo searching for the hundreds of species that make the park their home. A mere 35 miles from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park draws a year-round mix of families, nature lovers, picnickers, water enthusiasts, and fishermen. A single day can include a scenic river boat trip, a canoe or kayak trip, fresh water snorkel or dive trips, a picnic under the spreading Live Oaks, and a classic sunset over the beautiful St. Johns River.
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Located only a short drive from Orlando, Cypress Gardens is the nation’s very first theme park. Featuring beautiful botanic gardens, exotic birds, Florida wildlife (including alligators and panthers), Southern belles, and world-famous water ski performances, guests keep returning to Cypress Gardens year after year. The park’s first wooden roller coaster, the Triple Hurricane, still thrills riders, along with newer rides like the Inverter and Yo-Yo. Plus, guests can ride an original double-decker carousel, win prizes at the midway, and, during the summer, take in a concert at the park’s stadium (admission included). Recent artists like Ryan Cabrera, LeAnn Rimes, and Travis Tritt have appeared at Cypress Gardens. So, enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the Orlando parks in the oldest theme park in America. Admission to the adjacent Splash Island Water Park is sold separately.
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No longer is Sea World Orlando just an aquarium. A recent renovation of the park brings guests two exciting new shows and several great rides. Plummet from Kraken’s heights on Orlando’s tallest, floorless coaster that twists you upside down seven times and drops you 140 feet. Get soaked on Journey to Atlantis- a combination flume ride and roller coaster. Or travel to the frozen north on the Wild Arctic simulator that brings you to face-to-face with real life walruses, polar bears, and beluga whales. Check out the new Believe, a show featuring the park’s signature killer whales. And make sure you take in Blue Horizons to be amazed at the human and dolphin acrobatics. Don’t miss out on the many interactive animal opportunities, such as feeding the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and seals and sea lions at Pacific Point Preserve, laugh at the antics you’ll see at the Penguin Encounter, and gets spooked at Shark Encounter. For an extra fee, adjacent Discovery Cove gives guests an unforgettable tropical escape, culminating in a private dolphin swim.
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The King of Thrills, Universal Studios features many of the same popular attractions that its California counterpart does, as well as many unique to Florida. Check out Revenge of the Mummy and Men in Black for a hair-raising adventure. Try Fear Factor Live—if you dare! Ride the movies with Twister, Earthquake, and Shrek 4-D. Just across the promenade is the Islands of Adventure park. Featuring all new attractions, Islands of Adventure will shoot you sky high, drop you at the speed of gravity, spin you ‘til you’re dizzy, and leave you wanting more. Popular attractions include the Dueling Dragons coasters (ride the Fire track THEN the Ice track for the ultimate thrill), The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, and the coaster-to-end-all-coasters, The Incredible Hulk. To cool down, visit the Wet n’ Wild water park featuring The Blast and Disco H20. Then dry off and head over to Universal’s CityWalk, where you can find live music, casual and fine dining, dancing, shopping, movies, and much, much more.
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Located in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, this Hawaiian-fusion restaurant features delicious fire-grilled meats served on skewers, fresh salads, crisp flavorful vegetables, spiced seafood, and sweet deserts. With a sunset view of the Magic Kingdom, Ohana’s is a Don’t Miss.
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Dedicated to preserving the vanishing Florida Everglades, this restaurant offers unique dishes and regional specialties such as fresh Florida seafood, Gater Chowder, Venison Pepper Steak, and Tenderloin of Buffalo.
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Located in the Hilton Resort, this classic hibachi-style restaurant provides diners with both dinner and a show as chefs will flip knives, carve food, and prepare an unforgettable meal in an unbelievable way.
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No trip to Florida would be complete without sampling some authentic Cuban food. Cuban culture has helped shape Floridian cuisine, and Habana Joe’s is one of the most popular Cuban-inspired restaurants.
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Dine on sushi and other Japanese favorites in a casual/classy atmosphere decorated with paper lanterns and framed kimonos. Fused with Florida cuisine, Ichiban favorites include Alligator Sushi and Sea Urchin Rolls. Ichiban also offers Teppanyaki-style dining.
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Step into a world of mystery, comedy and intrigue as you play detective. The action is fast and the laughter contagious as you interact with the performers to solve this exciting whodunit. And with over 20 shows in their repertoire, even repeat guests will get their shot at new clues and crimes. Admission includes the show, soft drinks, and full-course dinner.
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Don’t let the posh exterior full you—Seasons 52 offers delicious, healthy meals at affordable prices. Inspired by the four seasons, the menu changes weekly and features fresh Floridian produce, seafood, grilled meats, and over 140 wines to choose from. Dessert is an experience in itself. Served in shot glasses, these “guilt free” deserts allow diners to enjoy a bit of indulgence.
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Set inside the Sea World Orlando park, you’ll find an unforgettable evening…Polynesian style. Experience the Makahiki Luau celebration— Hawaiian music, Polynesian dance, and sumptuous cuisine including Island Salad, Mahi Mahi in Piña Colada Sauce, Hawaiian Chicken, Polynesian-Style Barbecue Spareribs, Stir-Fried Vegetable Medley, and Polynesian Fried Rice.
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The menu at Fish Bones is as unique as their name. Inspired by Key West cuisine, diners will find fire grilled steaks and seafood, as well as local delicacies such as alligator and rattlesnake. For a true taste of Florida, Fish Bones is the place to go.
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One of the most unique dinner shows in Orlando; enjoy a sumptuous “Southern comforts” meal while experiencing spectacular stunts performed by the most talented cowboys in the area. Dixie Stampede combines magic, amazing horse riding routines, incredible stunt riders, and audience participation all in one exciting evening.
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Like any large city, Orlando has areas of the city travelers should veer away from. Avoid empty alleys and dark streets where it’s obviously not a populated area. Don’t give your camera to anyone to take pictures of you and your friends – it’s likely you’ll never see that camera again. Don’t park in areas marked “No Parking” or don’t have meters where most other spots do. You car can – and will – be towed. Never leave your bag or purse unattended—you’d be surprised at how quickly they “walk off.” And be smart – don’t leave anything of value inside your car, regardless if it’s day or night. Take things like toll money, Travelers Checks, credit cards, your travel papers, passports, CDs, and removable radios with you, or lock them in your hotel safe. Car break-ins and pick pocketing have been problems in the touristy areas of Orlando for years; but if you’re smart, you should be able to enjoy a crime-free vacation.
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Florida’s state nickname is perhaps the most misleading in the country. Florida, and Orlando in particular, sit in the tropical zone, and thus it rains every day throughout most of the year; especially the summer. Think ahead by bringing rain gear and having extra socks and shoes to change into as Orlando drainage leaves something to be desired.
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To put it bluntly, Florida drivers are insane. Whether it’s the laissez faire locals, lost tourists, Brits driving on the wrong side of the road, or kids with their learning permits, driving on busy roads such as Interstate 4 and US Hwy 27 can be a challenge. When driving, be aware of all other cars around you. Expect speeders. Do not expect to see turn signals. The most “popular” driving deal you’ll see is left turns from the far right lane, and vice versa. Prepare for the unexpected and use caution when driving. Also, always buckle up and carry your license, registration, and insurance information with you as Florida Highway Patrolmen frequently do spot checks around Orlando.
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Areas to Avoid
Orlando’s infamous “red light district” can be found on the southern parts of Orange Blossom Trail and Hwy 50. West of Orange Avenue is a neighborhood known for drug busts. In the Pine Hills area, between Hiawasse and Silver Star, it is (unofficially) recommended to not stop at any red lights if you’re there at night.
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The heart of the city comes alive when the lights go out. At Church Street Station, clubbers will find a unique venue with restaurants, bars, and a building where each floor hosts a different nightclub. On the ground floor, you’ll find Chillers, featuring a DJ spinning the latest hits. On the second level, Big Belly Brewery provides a laid-back atmosphere with big barrels of peanuts and jukebox tunes. Latitudes is a rooftop bar that often has live reggae music and offers a great view of the Orlando skyline. Club Paris Orlando offers a coveted VIP section and a hot dance floor. And the famous Improv Comedy Club is Orlando’s premier comedy nightclub and café.
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Located on Orange Avenue, night owls will find a multitude of bars and restaurants, dance discotheques, and trendy clubs. Dance it up in One-Eyed Jacks, featuring an oversized bar and a stage for the brave to step up and dance. Slingapours and Tuk Tuk alternate live music and a DJ spinning the latest in hip hop, house and techno. The Waitiki Retro Tiki Lounge offers island-style beverages and live music. The Social invites guests to enjoy nightly live music by local bands. Room 3 Nine is the place to “see and be seen” when looking for hip, casual fun in a relaxed, lounge-style atmosphere. Or if you prefer a more intimate environment, check out The Lodge, with live music every Monday.
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Located at Universal’s CityWalk, look for this popular comedy club Thursday through Sunday nights. Sit back and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere with a drink in hand and laugh out loud as Orlando’s most popular comics throw out their best stuff. Occasionally, hypnotists will even perform.
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At Disney’s Pleasure Island, chuckle as the “Who, What & Warehouse” Improv Company Players deliver top-notch, family-friendly improv comedy. It’s never the same show twice. The performances are completely interactive, and look out if you happen to be seated near a house phone! Admission to the comedy club is included with Pleasure Island tickets.
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This comedy club has been an Orlando institution since 1991. SAK showcases some of the best and brightest improv comedians in the country. The “Duel of Fools” features teams of top comics who battle for laughs and score points from the audience and judges. These seasoned professionals duke it out in a high-energy improv comedy competition every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. On Tuesdays, enjoy the “Lab Rat” Show, where comics compete in a series of short scenes and games based on audience suggestions. Wednesdays are “Generation S” night, in which SAK’s rising stars strut their stuff.
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Rock out to the indie beat at the annual Florida Music Festival. Each year, the festival brings in more than 200 performers from alternative, heavy, pop, country, urban, hip hop and acoustic fame. The Indie Film Jam is an international film competition that screens music-inspired documentaries, short films, and artist videos. There are even concert rock promotional art and live music photography displays. This is a Don’t Miss for all you music fans out there.
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This shopping mall features a popular Friday night concert series that always has locals lined up. Concerts are free and staged outside the mall’s main entrance from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Food and cocktails are provided by several of the mall’s restaurants and bars, including the popular Blue Martini, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.
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This party-strip houses the Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom club, where live reggae bands perform nightly. During the spring, check out Universal’s Mardi Gras, complete with parade, beads, and musical superstars in concert. Pat O’Brien’s is the original home of dueling pianos, the “flaming fountain” patio, and the world-famous “Hurricane” drink. Jam to high energy funk, R&B, soul, rock and more at CityJazz. Whatever style you want to groove to, CityWalk’s got it!
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By day, International Drive is a bustling street with not-to-be-missed attractions, shopping and restaurants. By night, the bright lights of I-Drive shine for an evening of unforgettable fun. BB King's Blues Club offers fantastic Southern cooking and live music. Destiny Nightclub is the area's newest (and largest) nightclub. Howl at the Moon dueling piano bar promises a howlin’ good time. Backstage at the Rosen Plaza Hotel has been dubbed Orlando’s “original” dance club and features live bands and spinning DJs.
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