Orlando Travel Guide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide

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.  « hide