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Places to See in America: Orlando!

Videos: What to Do, See and Eat in Orlando

10 COOL THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO (THAT AREN'T DISNEY OR UNIVERSAL)

 Hello and welcome back to my channel. Today I am doing a video all about some cool things to do in Orlando that aren't the main theme parks of Disney and Universal (which we also love).  

Unusual things to do in Orlando, Florida!

Things that you might not have heard about!!!

Orlando's Top Ten Must Do's: Theme Parks

 Our parks don't close for winter! There's so much to see and do year-round in the theme park capitol of the world. Visit Orlando takes you on a thrilling park-by-park tour. 

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Where to Go, What to Do in Orlando & Kissimmee!

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Fun Facts About Orlando...

 With nearly perfect weather, it's little wonder Orlando is nicknamed “The City Beautiful.” It's also perfect for whatever type of vacation you want: active, relaxing, or in between. Get outside and enjoy the city's natural playground—surfing off sandy beaches, birding in state parks, kayaking through winding waterways, or tubing the springs—or go thrill-seeking at an amusement park. Venture to Winter Park and Thornton Park, where locals eat and drink, or treat yourself to shopping and down-time at one of the city's luxurious, family-friendly resorts. 


 WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO ORLANDO...


THEME PARKS

Yes, Orlando really does have a theme park for every day of the week. It also has one for nearly every interest. What’s your (or your little one’s) fancy? If it’s all about the magic, seek out the iconic mouse and his fairytale friends. For hold-your-hands-high, roaring-fast roller coasters, it’s hard to trump Universal Studios Orlando or Islands of Adventure. Want to relive the joys of being a kid? The new LEGOLAND Florida surrounds you with larger-than-life toys. Prefer an adventure that's closer to nature? Gasp at gator feedings at Gatorland, where you can zip-line over hundreds of gators.

 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Orlando's year-round sunshine and its many natural attractions make it an ideal place to get outdoors and get active. Swim in cool freshwater springs. Take a leisurely boat ride on lakes and canals fringed by moss-covered oak trees. Paddle through picturesque, hidden backcountry waterways. Experience miles of natural beaches, lagoons, rivers, and mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. Nature lovers and birders can visit several parks and refuges on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Don’t forget, the subtropical climate calls for a few necessities: sunscreen, a hat, bug repellent, sunglasses, and water. 

 

FOOD AND DRINK TO TRY IN ORLANDO

Orlando's culturally diverse population brings flavors from around the globe to satisfy every craving. You can find dozens of types of cuisine here, from Brazilian to Mexican to Southern. Several restaurant districts stand out, including swanky Restaurant Row near International Drive, the foodie neighborhood of Winter Park, and the hopping entertainment district of Universal CityWalk. Thirsty? Check out the many boutique wine bars and neighborhood pubs downtown, where a craft beer scene features locally brewed and flavored ales, lagers, and porters. The growing number of chef-driven restaurants, breweries, and bars, as well as farmers' markets and food trucks, are putting Orlando on the map as a place to eat and drink. 

 

CULTURE IN ORLANDO

 Maybe it's the weather that makes little in Orlando feel formal. Despite the fact that the city is home to professional ballet companies, film festivals, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, locals tend to be casual. A big part of the city's culture involves outdoor recreation and simple pleasures, such as al fresco dining, picnics in the park, and biking on urban trails. There's a neighborhood feel, with oak-lined streets and lots of lakes and springs, and while the state's Southern roots show here, they're happily tangled with diverse cultural influences. 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Orlando is a popular destination year-round, though peak times are June to August when the kids are off school, as well as March and April. The weather June through September is steamy, with afternoon showers common. October through May is warm and dry, with some cool spells. Note that many of the famous theme parks are outside the city itself. Most people arrive via Orlando International Airport. Rental cars or cabs are best for getting around. Major roads tourists should know are Interstate 4, International Drive, and toll road State Road 528. 

The Best of Orlando

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The Best of Orlando's Theme Parks

 Sure, you've heard of the Magic Kingdom and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but Central Florida is known for its world-class amusement parks for more than a just Disney and Universal: this region's got a wealth of roller coasters, water parks, attractions where you can swim with dolphins, wrestle alligators, and visit landscapes made of LEGOs. For the uninitiated, Walt Disney World is comprised of several parks: the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Blizzard Beach. Visitors can buy endless variations of plans from one-day/one-park tickets to multiday Park Hopper tickets which allow them to move between the parks. At Universal Orlando Resort, you can visit Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios (the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between these two, with Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure), as well as the waterpark, Volcano Bay. Again, there are several ticket packages that can buy you as much or as little access to the Universal world of Marvel superheroes and Hogwarts characters.  

Orlando Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

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 A trip to the original Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is a theme park rite of passage. This is the mouse's original outpost. And if you hit only one theme park among Orlando's vast amusement offerings, you won't go wrong here. Home to such iconic attractions as the original Cinderella's Castle, the Space Mountain roller coaster ride, the nightly parade down Main Street, It's a Small World kids' ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and much, much more, you can easily occupy two days taking it all in. And while many of the rides and character meet and greets (every princess and her cousin is in attendance here) are clearly oriented toward younger visitors, there's enough to keep adults smiling, too. Favorite tamer rides for younger kids include Adventure Land's Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise. And if you've still got some staying power after a whole day of rides and shows, stick around for the park's nightly grand finale—a fireworks display on par with anything you'd see in a big city on the Fourth of July.

By Terry Ward , AFAR Local Expert

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

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 Opened in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is home to animals, animated attractions, and thrilling rides for the entire family. The animal lovers in your entourage will swoon over the fun, informative Kilimanjaro Safari Rides, during which you’ll take an open-air vehicle across the “savanna” to spot herds of giraffes and elephants, while thrill seekers will love the roller coasters, rafting rides, and character meet-and-greets. There are also exhibits on everything from gorillas and okapis to hippos, flamingos, and living coral reef, as well as the new Pandora—The World of Avatar area, which features 3-D rides and other, milder attractions for little ones. Standard admission tickets include enough to keep you busy for two days, plus you can add on experiences like evening safari rides, dining packages, and behind-the-scenes tours with naturalists to learn about the day-to-day care of the African elephant herd. 

Epcot

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Universal Orlando Resort

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 Leave it to Disney to give visitors the chance to travel the world without leaving a theme park. At Epcot’s World Showcase, you’ll find several countries re-created to surprisingly realistic effect, all surrounding a centerpiece lagoon. Experience the landscapes, food, and cultural performances of such diverse lands as China, Italy, Canada, and Morocco, or embark on a “drink around the world” journey by grabbing a Hefeweizen in Germany, a vin rouge in France, a margarita in Mexico, and so on. The staff working in each area are natives of the country, so you can expect an authentic experience wherever you stop. Also worth visiting in Epcot are the 3-D rides, the Frozen-themed attractions, and the underwater coral reef. In addition, the park hosts annual events like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the late fall, and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival each spring, making it more than worth a visit. 

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

Universal Orlando Resort

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 Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, boast more than 25 rides and attractions based on films, television shows, and book characters. Whether guests are fans of Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, the Simpsons, Spider-Man, or dozens of other pop-culture icons, they can become a part of their worlds through thrill rides, 4-D attractions, water rides, and shows. The park is an hour’s drive from Port Canaveral. 

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

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 One of the most popular attractions in Orlando, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a two-part experience. Visit Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and then take the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios for the full adventure. You’ll recognize a lot of things from the books and movies, but the highlight is the Quidditch ride that sends you flying through the air with Harry and his friends. Don’t forget to grab a Butterbeer before you leave. 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park

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 If thrilling roller coasters, mind-blowing 3-D animation experiences, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sound like your trifecta of fun, then Universal’s Islands of Adventure is really the only park you need to visit during your Orlando vacation. The most adult-oriented of Orlando’s theme parks, IOA, as it’s known, is home to one of America’s most exciting roller coasters, the Incredible Hulk, as well as incredible 3-D rides like the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and much, much more. The Hogsmeade portion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is IOA’s major new attraction and includes the extraordinary 3-D ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. If you want to see Diagon Alley and the rest of the Harry Potter attractions, be sure you buy the ticket that also grants access to the Hogwarts Express and Universal Orlando Resort. 

Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida

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 Opened in 2011 in Winter Haven, Legoland Florida has more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, making it the second-largest location of its kind in the world (only the U.K.’s Legoland Windsor is bigger). You’ll even find a Lego-themed hotel here, along with beautiful gardens and tropical flowers, which used to be part of the famed Florida park formerly located on the property. The Fun Town attraction teaches kids how Legos are made, while the Land of Adventure features roller coasters for older children. Also not to be missed is Miniland USA, which re-creates famous American cities with thousands upon thousands of Legos. 

Gatorland

Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida

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 This old-school Florida attraction devoted to the state’s most notorious reptile tends to get lost in the shadow of Orlando’s big-name theme parks. But if you’re looking to see alligators, this is the spot. The self-dubbed alligator capital of the world, the 110-acre park has a zip line that takes you flying across an alligator breeding marsh, nighttime visits to gator-infested swamps where you’ll feed the animals hot dogs, and even a “Gator Wrestlin’ Arena” where you can put your hands around the jaws of the beasts. 

Discovery Cove

Legoland Florida

Discovery Cove

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 An all-inclusive experience, Discovery Cove, which is owned by SeaWorld, treats guests to an in-water interaction with the park’s resident dolphins, generous breakfast and lunch buffets, and free drinks (including beer and wine). The lushly landscaped property also features man-made lagoons, waterfalls, and beaches where visitors can relax in lounge chairs, hammocks, or private cabanas. In the snorkeling lagoon, you can even swim alongside large schools of fish, de-barbed stingrays, and sharks. Whatever you do, don’t miss a stroll through the amazing aviary, which is home to birds from around the world—many are so tame they’ll approach you to be hand-fed. 

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Summer Sizzle: Five Reasons to Visit Orlando Now

You may get a raised eyebrow when you announce you are visiting Orlando at the peak of summer. First things first: Yes, there will be hot days. There are, however, a number of reasons why you shouldn’t be deterred. Even at the peak of summer, the city has a lot to offer and for many locals and visitors alike, it’s their favorite season. Here’s our guide to not simply surviving summer in America’s favorite vacation destination, but having a holiday you’ll never forget. 

 

1. Cooling Off Feels Even Better

When the temperature soars, taking a plunge in a cold pool is even that much more enjoyable. At the Encore Resort, every 4- to 13-bedroom home has its own pool. And, beyond that, there’s a huge waterpark, the centerpiece of the resort. You won’t hear many complaints from the kids about the heat when they know those slides are waiting.

 

2. Visit the Parks

In every season, Disney, Universal, and the other parks in Orlando are the main attraction. If you are staying at the Encore, tell the concierges in advance which parks you plan on visiting so they can let you know of any special offers they can arrange. Otherwise look online for packages and coupons and you may find some limited-time deals with some research. And remember that the parks also have their own waterparks too: Aquatica at Seaworld, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach at Disney, and the new Volcano Bay at Universal.


3. Only at Night Adventures

In the summer a number of parks stay open into the evenings, so you can explore them after the heat of the day has passed. The Rivers of Light show at Animal Kingdom is a favorite nighttime show that runs into the summer while Seaworld launched its own summer spectacle last year, the Electric Ocean. After proving a popular success, it returns this year. It’s a marine-inspired lightshow of electronic whales, dolphins, and other sea life. There’s also a family friendly dance party.


4. Go Shopping

If the heat gets to be too much, there’s always the air conditioning at the shopping centers from the Mall at Millennia, with its designer boutiques, to Disney Springs. The latter is more than just a shopping center, and bills itself as an entertainment complex too with a bowling alley, virtual reality experience, and themed restaurants. All of them are kept cool even on the hottest days.


5. Dine Alfresco

Orlando’s climate allows for alfresco dining most of the year, but it’s especially popular in the summer, when everyone emerges to enjoy the warm evenings. Encore’s concierges can send you to their favorite restaurants with outdoor seating. The end of the summer and transition into fall also brings with it Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, which launches on August 30 (and runs through November 12). Highlights of the popular event include the Global Marketplace, with opportunities to sample flavors from around the world, and the Eat to the Beat concert series, with performances by leading rock, pop, country, and R&B performers. New this year are a Sunday Brunch with the Chef series and a beverage pairing seminars on weekend afternoons.

The Best Shopping in Orlando

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Orlando International Premium Outlets

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 As much as Orlando is known for its theme parks, the city is also popular for its many outlets and shopping malls, which draw tourists with great deals on luxury cosmetics, electronics, and clothing. Home to more than 180 retailers, the Orlando International Premium Outlets are a one-stop shop for big-name brands at discounted prices. Here, you’ll find everything from Adidas, Armani, and Banana Republic to Baccarat, Gap, Guess, Kate Spade, Coach, and more. Also available are food options like Panera Bread and Five Guys, so you don’t even have to leave the area to eat. 

Thornton Park

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Orlando International Premium Outlets

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 A stroll through this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood near Lake Eola in downtown Orlando yields plenty to see and do. Design a T-shirt on the spot at Mother Falcon’s pop-up factory, see what’s happening at the creative collaborative Urban ReThink, or stock up on women’s clothing at Zou Zou. The Falcon ticks off a couple of boxes because it’s not only a bar but also an exhibition space for the works of local artists and there’s frequently live music. 

East End Market

Orlando International Premium Outlets

East End Market

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 Opened in Orlando’s eclectic Audubon Park Garden District in 2013, this wildly popular market features a collection of gourmet purveyors in a refurbished industrial building. Among the merchants are an artisan baker, a small enterprise specializing in barbecue sauces and rubs, a specialty cheese vendor with selections from around the world, and a craft coffee roaster. At the market’s anchor restaurant, Domo, guests can also look forward to specialty cocktails, Pan-Asian ramen, and a lively scene that lasts long after the other vendors have closed up shop. Occasionally, the market even hosts community events, pop-up dinners, yoga classes, and courses on cooking, home brewing, and more. 

East End Market

Mall at Millenia

East End Market

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 Opened in Orlando’s eclectic Audubon Park Garden District in 2013, this wildly popular market features a collection of gourmet purveyors in a refurbished industrial building. Among the merchants are an artisan baker, a small enterprise specializing in barbecue sauces and rubs, a specialty cheese vendor with selections from around the world, and a craft coffee roaster. At the market’s anchor restaurant, Domo, guests can also look forward to specialty cocktails, Pan-Asian ramen, and a lively scene that lasts long after the other vendors have closed up shop. Occasionally, the market even hosts community events, pop-up dinners, yoga classes, and courses on cooking, home brewing, and more. 

Zou Zou

Mall at Millenia

Mall at Millenia

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 Fashion might not be the first thing you think of when Orlando comes to mind. But this eclectic women's boutique in the heart of downtown's hip Thornton Park district is miles from the theme parks and up close and personal with cool. Owner Wendy Ricchi has been setting the city's female fashion standards for years with her boho-chic taste and penchant for flirty dresses, handmade jewelry, and ultra-feminine shoes. Prices aren't cheap, but you're paying for quality here and a unique, on trend, and very-Florida look. 

Mall at Millenia

Mall at Millenia

Mall at Millenia

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 Home to big brands and even bigger discounts, Orlando draws shoppers from all over the world. Many head to the Mall at Millenia, which features Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, and Versace alongside mainstays like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. For something a little less expensive, try Orlando Premium Outlets or the boutiques along Park Avenue in Winter Park. 

Eola Wine Company

Lake Mary Farmer's Market

Eola Wine Company

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 More than 70 wines are available by the glass at this urban-chic wine bar on Lake Eola. The list includes Old and New World bottles, with wines grouped into themed flights (two-ounce samples of four different wines) for those interested in oenological comparison. When you find one you like, you can take it home, since this bar is also a wine shop. 

Sophie and Trey

Lake Mary Farmer's Market

Eola Wine Company

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 Equally summery and sexy, 4th & Ocean has the clothes you want to wear for a Florida weekend...from bikinis, to backpacks, to sunnies. Stocked with brands like Roxy and Billabong as well as up-and-coming designers, this store will fulfill all of your surf-style needs. 

Lake Mary Farmer's Market

Lake Mary Farmer's Market

Lake Mary Farmer's Market

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 Alfajores are the specialty of Camilia Sweets at the Lake Mary Farmer's Market. Two friendly sisters from Peru are happy to share a delicious bite of culture with samples of all-natural, freshly-baked artisan cookies.

The delicate cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, come in flavors like dulche de leche and coconut. Fill a bag or box with a dozen alfajores for later.

Find their aqua-and-pink booth at the Lake Mary Farmer's Market in Central Park, at Lake Mary Boulevard and 4th Street. The market is held every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.(weather permitting). 

The Best Restaurants in Orlando

Amura Japanese Restaurant

Amura Japanese Restaurant

Amura Japanese Restaurant

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 Located in the Plaza Venezia, a swanky area locals fondly refer to as Restaurant Row, trendy yet comfortable Amura is the perfect place for a date or family dinner. Make a meal for two out of the Dragon and Atomic Bomb rolls, a bento box to share, and some Nigori sake infused with coconut and vanilla, or feed a group with tempura and The Boat (a mix of crowd-pleasing sushi rolls and fresh sashimi like tuna, salmon, and sea bass). 

Bem Bom

Amura Japanese Restaurant

Amura Japanese Restaurant

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 Chef Chico Mendonça brings a taste of Portugal to Orlando with his food truck, Bem Bom. For the signature Prego de Frango Piri-Piri, he marinates chicken in his own piri-piri and serves it on fresh, warm prego (a crunchy yet chewy Portuguese bread) with hot mustard, cilantro, and pepper relish. If you’re lucky enough to be at the truck when Mendonça has piri-piri for sale, don’t leave without buying a bottle. 

DoveCote Brasserie

Amura Japanese Restaurant

DoveCote Brasserie

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 The restaurateurs were aiming for an approachable French spot when they opened this brasserie in downtown’s Bank of America building in 2016—and they’ve succeeded, in spades. Here, the perfect start to both lunch and dinner is a bowl of the savory French onion soup, which features just the right amount of bone marrow. Other menu highlights include steak frites, croque monsieur sandwiches, and artisanal cheese plates for dessert. If seafood is your thing, you’ll also love the raw bar, with its spread of oysters, shrimp, and crab legs. On weekday mornings, DoveCote offers a café-style breakfast, complete with authentic French pastries and espresso drinks served in the open lobby. Every other meal occurs in the actual restaurant, which stuns with soaring ceilings, whitewashed brick walls, and a palette of soft blue, gold, and gray that feels trés français indeed. 

East End Market

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

DoveCote Brasserie

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 Opened in Orlando’s eclectic Audubon Park Garden District in 2013, this wildly popular market features a collection of gourmet purveyors in a refurbished industrial building. Among the merchants are an artisan baker, a small enterprise specializing in barbecue sauces and rubs, a specialty cheese vendor with selections from around the world, and a craft coffee roaster. At the market’s anchor restaurant, Domo, guests can also look forward to specialty cocktails, Pan-Asian ramen, and a lively scene that lasts long after the other vendors have closed up shop. Occasionally, the market even hosts community events, pop-up dinners, yoga classes, and courses on cooking, home brewing, and more. 

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

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 Move over cupcakes: Popsicles are the next big dessert craze in Orlando. After my stroll around Lake Eola, I stopped at the popsicle shop Hyppo. You won't find the popsicles of your childhood here. Hyppo's version is inspired by Mexican paletas (ice pops) and comes in two varieties: milk-based and ice-based. When you walk in, you're greeted by a colorful cooler of pops with seasonal flavors that might include pistachio-coconut, the Elvis (peanut butter, banana, and honey), cantaloupe-black pepper, strawberry-basil, key lime, and even some bourbon-based options. 

Luma on Park

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

The Hyppo Artisan Ice Pops

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 At Luma on Park, James Beard Award semifinalist Brandon McGlamery works magic with a modern American menu. While the restaurant follows dining trends with handcrafted cocktails and small plates, it’s really more of a modernized steak house, with dishes like Harris Ranch short ribs, foie gras terrine, cobia ceviche, and classic wedge salad. For a night to remember, request an outdoor table and enjoy the prix-fixe menu alongside some of Orlando’s best people-watching. 

Mamak Asian Street Food

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

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 Located in the heart of Orlando’s Little Vietnam district, this casual eatery does Pan-Asian cuisine perfectly, with a spread of affordable, piping-hot dishes inspired by hawker-style street food. It’s hardly a new concept in a city known for great Asian restaurants, but Mamak does it exceptionally well with small plates like beef bulgogi, golden roti canai bread, Indonesian nasi goreng, and a spectacular version of Malaysian char kway teow noodles. Come with a group so you can order a little bit of everything—it’s the kind of place where sharing just two dishes is nothing short of sin. 

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

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 The surprises at this excellent Italian restaurant in Disney Springs start right when you arrive and gaze upon the airy dining room. Complete with 50-foot-high ceilings, a grand staircase, and sweeping views over Lake Buena Vista, it's themed after an abandoned airline terminal, with lots of fun travel touches that include a vintage-style glove dangling like a giant chandelier overhead. Chef Theo Schoenegger is a native of Italy, and his menu spotlights specialties from Rome and Sicily. Delicious Italian cheeses and cured meats are perfect starters for sharing. And signature dishes include Sicilian arancini di carne (rice balls with meat) and a spiral pasta dish topped with crab called busiate con granchio. Italian red, white, and Prosecco wines star on the well-informed wine list. And don't miss a plate of cannoli to share for a sweet finish. 

Morimoto Asia

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

Morimoto Asia

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 The chance to try Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant is what brings most people to this Disney Springs spot, which opened in 2015. The menu blends flavors from China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia, while the decor impresses with a glass staircase, sparkling chandeliers, and a 270-foot-long bar. This is the kind of restaurant where sharing plates makes for the most satisfying meal, so come with a group and cover your table with Peking duck, sushi and sashimi, shumai dumplings, pad Thai noodles, and more. Just be sure to save room for the revelatory desserts, which range from Oreo tempura to house-made churros. 

Pharmacy

Treehouse Truck

Morimoto Asia

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 Pharmacy is a bit tricky to find on Restaurant Row—you have to take an elevator to the clean modern space. All the dishes are made from organic food sourced from local farms. The season-driven menu changes, but you'll always leave feeling better. The tapas, the elixirs, and even the condiments are handcrafted by the bar and kitchen mixologists. Try the rock shrimp, a Florida delicacy from Cape Canaveral. Pair it with the Fish House Punch, a sweet concoction of dark rum, apple brandy, cognac, and fresh lemon juice. 

Ravenous Pig

Treehouse Truck

Treehouse Truck

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 It’s no surprise that the opening of this beloved gastropub back in 2007 coincided with Orlando’s rise as a culinary hot spot. While its owners James and Julie Petrakis have not stopped opening other ventures around the city (including at Disney Springs), this local favorite—known for its Cask & Larder beers and sophisticated Southern fare—has hardly waned in popularity. Start with the charcuterie platter (a spread of rillettes, dried sausage, and salami), then choose from favorites like shrimp and grits and the enormous Pub Burger, which comes topped with caramelized onions and buttermilk blue cheese. Whether you come for happy hour, dinner, or something in between, expect a lively atmosphere that’s perfectly suited to groups. 

Treehouse Truck

Treehouse Truck

Treehouse Truck

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 Treehouse Truck in Orlando, FL is a local food truck roaming the streets throughout Central Florida. If you're lucky, you might even find them in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami!

Known for some jaw dropping menu items, they have some other must try items. “Rachel’s Goat Cheese Burger” is quickly becoming a favorite amongst many local Orlando folks. This is a burger topped with Goat Cheese, Tomato, Fresh Arugula, and drizzled with a Balsamic Glaze served on a Toasted Bun.

Treehouse Truck should be on your list of “must dos” if you are traveling to Orlando on vacation. If you are lucky enough to live here, you are lucky enough to be able to eat at Treehouse Truck almost any day of the week. 

The Best Bars in Orlando

B.B. King's Blues Club

B.B. King's Blues Club

B.B. King's Blues Club

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 Go to B.B. King's Blues Club at Pointe Orlando for blues and dancing, but stay for the comfort food, such as barbecue. The atmosphere is inviting, with brightly painted wooden picnic tables, an intimate upstairs bar overlooking the stage, and a black-and-white tiled dance floor. 

Cuba Libre

B.B. King's Blues Club

B.B. King's Blues Club

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 Following a Cuban meal—such as malango fritters and churrasco a la Cubano—and a few glasses of the house specialty—flavored mojitos—things heat up and Latin rhythms take hold as couples step onto the dance floor. As inviting for couples out on a date as it is to groups of friends on a night out, Saturday nights at Cuba Libre feature salsa dancers, singers, and DJs spinning bachata, merengue, and Latin house. 

Disney Springs

B.B. King's Blues Club

Eola Wine Company

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 Rebranded in 2016 by Walt Disney World, the former Downtown Disney outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is now known as Disney Springs. Admission is still free, but gone is Pleasure Island, the adult-oriented party zone with separate entry. There’s also a new, stylish feel to the place, with tiled roofs and Mediterranean-inspired plazas modeled after Florida towns like Coral Gables and St. Augustine. Of course, it’s still all about the shopping and dining, especially now that there’s twice the number of stores and restaurants. To entice visitors, many shops even offer hands-on experiences like a make-your-own flip-flops bar at Havaianas, and an interactive play area at the Lego Store. When hunger strikes, head to holdover Bongos Cuban Cafe, or try the new food truck area. There are also several new restaurants, including the highly lauded Morimoto Asia from the Food Network celebrity chef. 

Eola Wine Company

Howl at the Moon Orlando

Eola Wine Company

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 More than 70 wines are available by the glass at this urban-chic wine bar on Lake Eola. The list includes Old and New World bottles, with wines grouped into themed flights (two-ounce samples of four different wines) for those interested in oenological comparison. When you find one you like, you can take it home, since this bar is also a wine shop. 

Ice Bar Orlando

Howl at the Moon Orlando

Howl at the Moon Orlando

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 Check out Florida's coolest bar, the world's largest permanent ice bar, with its own stay-toasty fire lounge. Entry includes thermal jacket and glove rentals so you won't freeze while you're sipping on your frozen cocktails! Book online to get excellent drink deals. And it's not just for adults: From 7–9 p.m., ​ages​ 8​ and above​ are permitted into ICEBAR Orlando and there are non-alcoholic ​drink options​ available​. 

Howl at the Moon Orlando

Howl at the Moon Orlando

Howl at the Moon Orlando

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 This dueling piano bar takes the concept to the next—highly entertaining—level. Musicians take requests from, and interact with, the audience and perform a high-energy show that pits two to four pianists against each other. Throw in choreographed dance routines and 86-ounce cocktail buckets and you have a fun night out for the unselfconscious and the strong of heart. 

The Social

Strong Water Tavern

Strong Water Tavern

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 Orlando's theme parks all have their venues for hosting big concerts. But when indie bands come through town, you'll almost always find them playing downtown at The Social, an intimate little club with exposed brick walls, excellent acoustics, and an all-star cast of past performers. The venue is a full-service bar, too, but many of the shows are 18 and up (with wristbands given to those of drinking age). Because of the cozy space, shows sell out fast here. So keep an eye on the online calendar and book tickets as soon as you're ready to commit. 

Strong Water Tavern

Strong Water Tavern

Strong Water Tavern

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 Theme park restaurants are notoriously hit or miss, but this Caribbean-inspired spot at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is worth visiting even if you’re not spending the day at Universal Studios. There’s an incredible selection of vintage rums from the Caribbean and Latin America as well as craft cocktails like mai tais, Cuba libres, and daiquiris, all mixed with specialty rums. To eat, guests find sophisticated interpretations of ceviche, jerk meats, curry dishes, and escovitch fish, which pay homage to places like Cuba, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Peru, Mexico, and beyond. Strong Water is located right off the hotel lobby, but the best seats are on the small outdoor terrace, where couches surround low tables overlooking the faux lagoon below. 

Universal CityWalk

Strong Water Tavern

Universal CityWalk

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 Similar to Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk offers adult-oriented—but totally family-appropriate—fun for when you’ve wrapped up another theme park day. An entertainment zone with free admission, it connects the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Still, it’s most happening after the parks close, when it turns into a veritable dining and nightlife district that often attracts more revelers than downtown Orlando itself. All the restaurants and bars surround a man-made lagoon, which becomes busy with boats ferrying guests to and from the Universal hotels. To eat, there’s everything from casual cafés and a food court to extravagant theme restaurants like the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Bar options are similarly wide-ranging—you can drink a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s (which looks just like the original in New Orleans), sip a Red Stripe beer to the tune of reggae music at Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, or catch the big game at the NBC Sports Grill & Brew. Parking is free after 6 p.m. so expect crowds starting at sundown. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the calendar, as CityWalk hosts major concerts and festivals throughout the year. 

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The Best Hotels in Orlando

Aloft Orlando Downtown

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

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 There’s more to Orlando than theme parks, especially downtown, where you’ll find top-tier concert acts, upscale taquerias, lakefront markets—and no mouse ears in sight. Housed in a repurposed 1960s office building, Aloft Orlando cleverly kept the 10-foot ceilings, teak wall panelling, and mid-century modern vibe from its original iteration, and added a buzzy lobby bar and lounge (where you can listen to live acoustic performances) as well as an outdoor pool. Spacious guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, mini-fridges, and Bliss spa bath amenities, while suites invite business travelers to spread out between a separate seating and work area. The hotel’s Dog in Residence program brings in shelter dogs to interact with visitors, hoping to foster a forever-home love connection. Traveling with your own pet? Fido lodges for free and gets special treats and toys for the duration of his stay. 

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

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 Bavaria meets Florida at this Marriott Autograph Collection property, midway between downtown Orlando and the theme parks, and close to the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel’s unique decor pairs antlers and fake fur with pastels and palm trees, and adds elaborate chandeliers and original artwork throughout. Accommodations have fairy tale–inspired carved headboards and marble bathrooms; book a corner room for a separate seating area—in a turret overlooking the lush grounds. The Poseidon spa pampers you like royalty with body, skin, and beauty treatments that employ ocean-derived ingredients, and massages can be arranged in room or in the garden. Breakfast and lunch are served at the bright and airy Garden Bistro, with dinner and drinks available in the Antlers Lounge, but you can walk to restaurants and attractions along International Drive, including the Orlando Eye Ferris wheel. Just be back before dark: From the Sky Terraces, guests have views of nightly fireworks and may spot another nearby castle—Hogwarts at Universal Studios. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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 A Disney-fied take on an African safari experience, the Animal Kingdom Lodge feels like a trip around the world. The thatched-roof main building follows the theme in the grand lobby, where a mud fireplace meets soaring wood columns. Guest rooms are outfitted with carved-wood furniture and private balconies; some have bunk beds perfect for families, but the savannah-view rooms are worth the splurge for the chance to see zebras and giraffes up close as you sip your morning coffee. You have your choice of watering holes: the 10,000-square-foot Uzima pool has a waterslide, wading area, and two hot tubs, while the Samawati Springs pool, though half the size, has an even bigger waterslide and adjoining playground. Dining options are appropriately over-the-top. At Boma, the market-style buffet features carving stations and flavors from 50 African nations; Jiko pairs a Mediterranean-inspired menu and sub-Saharan flavors with South African wines. Cultural representatives from countries including Botswana, Namibia, and Kenya lead free tours of the resort, pointing out details of the continent’s art, cuisine, and natural history in its design. But nothing is as far-flung as it seems—the Lodge and villas are connected to the rest of Walt Disney World and the Orlando Airport by complimentary bus transportation. 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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 This distinctive A-frame structure was one of the first hotels on site when Disney World opened in 1971, fulfilling Walt Disney’s vision for a modern and futuristic hotel, complete with a monorail running directly through the lobby. The location is convenient enough to delight theme park superfans—it’s a short walk or ride to the Magic Kingdom gate—but the aesthetic keeps cartoon kitsch at bay. Rooms feature black-and-white decor with colorful accents, as well as marble bathrooms and balconies overlooking the property or park. Garden wing rooms, while farther from restaurants, are slightly more affordable and quieter than main building rooms. Of course, animated friends eventually make an appearance: Chef Mickey’s is a buffet restaurant set beneath the monorail tracks and decorated with a giant mural by Disney legend Mary Blair, who also designed the “It’s a Small World” ride. Though adults have their pick of running trails, spas, and water sports, kids are the real winners thanks to a 17-foot waterslide and water playground and a Pixar Play Zone. After a fun-filled day, head to the hotel’s fourth-floor observation deck to see the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display; the California Grill, on top of the resort, is the perfect place for dining with a view of Cinderella’s Castle. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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 An amalgamation of the classic “parkitecture” that defines the lodges of America’s national parks, Wilderness Lodge remains true to its roots while displaying the full pixie-dust treatment. Inspired by Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the soaring lobby includes a massive 82-foot-high fireplace, 55-foot totem poles carved by master craftsmen, and a hot spring that continues flowing outside and through pine-covered grounds that feature erupting geysers and a waterfall. Fittingly, accommodations feel cabin-like, with western decor and lodge pine furnishings. Guests can rent boats to fish or float on Bay Lake, as well as explore the woodland grounds on jogging trails or rental bike; kids beeline to the pool area with its 67-foot high waterslide built into the rocks, hot and cold whirlpools, and children’s splash zone. A ferry is on hand to take you across the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom, while other parks can be reached via shuttle bus. Circle the wagons for family-style cowboy cuisine at the Old West–themed Whispering Canyons Cafe, or leave the frontier behind for the elegant Pacific Northwest menu at Artist Point, overlooking the resort’s forest. The Wilderness Lodge is a favorite during the winter holiday season, as that tall lobby allows for an awe-inspiring Christmas tree. 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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 More than four decades after Walt Disney World welcomed its first guests, the Four Seasons opened on 26 acres a few miles south of the Magic Kingdom, finally giving parents a true luxury resort option within the park. Well-sized and well-appointed rooms are typical of the brand’s understated elegance, but expect to pay a premium for a room with a balcony overlooking Disney’s nightly fireworks (or just reserve a table at the top-floor Capa steakhouse). Kids get the luxury treatment, too. The resort makes it easy for guests to organize park visits right on site: The Disney Planning Center helps with tickets, handles extended Magic Hours and Fast Pass requests, and books restaurant reservations and transportation to the monorail station and the rest of Disney World. Serious fans can also have a photo op with Goofy and friends at the resort’s character breakfast. A giant pool with a lazy river and two waterslides beckon on days when you’d rather not brave the park crowds, and children get dedicated welcome amenities, toys, and costumes during their stay. The extensive menu of spa services even includes a princess-themed mommy-and-me makeover treatment, including a tiara and wand.
 

The Alfond Inn

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

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 Just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, in village-like Winter Park, the Alfond Inn has a unique legacy: The boutique lodging was created to provide income for scholarship funds at neighboring Rollins College, one of Florida’s oldest liberal arts schools. If helping students isn’t reason enough to book a stay, the hotel offers lots more incentive. A skylit domed atrium in the Spanish colonial–inspired main building draws your eye to a rotating collection of artwork curated by Cornell Fine Arts Museum, and pet-friendly guest rooms are simple and cheerful. While the hotel is not a full-fledged resort, it offers guests plenty of opportunities to linger. Fire pits and rocking chairs are dotted around the property, and shaded areas for loungers enhance the rooftop pool’s already undeniable appeal. Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant serves modern Southern cuisine paired with wines selected by an award-winning sommelier. And shops, wine bars, and independent boutiques like Rifle Paper Co. line the town’s Park Avenue, a few blocks away. You can also take a pontoon boat tour for views of many of the Mediterranean-style mansions along the waterfront. Perhaps best of all, Disney and Universal theme parks are only a half-hour drive away. 

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

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 Part of the Grande Lakes resort complex, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando has enough amenities to keep a family happily occupied without ever having to leave the property. Accommodations feature private balconies with garden or lake views and separate tubs and showers, while club-level suites offer snacks and refreshments throughout the day and exclusive activities such as photography lessons with the hotel’s photo concierge, but the rooms aren’t why you came. Cool off at the clover-shaped pool—the lazy river next-door at the JW Marriott is also available—or with a zero-gravity massage, performed while you sway in a hammock in the spa’s rooftop garden. The Greg Norman–designed golf course has a caddie concierge program; kids play free with an adult. Between the two large hotels on the Grande Lakes property, there are a dozen dining options—try Highball & Harvest, where the farm-to-table cuisine is made with local ingredients and served alongside beer from its own nano-brewery. The $35 daily resort fee covers theme-park shuttles, kids’ club activities, daily bike rentals, driving range privileges, and WiFi and phone calls. 

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

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 The Waldorf Astoria is an elegant option for Orlando visitors looking for alternatives to Disney properties while still maintaining access to all the park attractions (via a free shuttle). Decorated in warm colors and dark wood, guest rooms have marble bathrooms with separate soaking tubs; suites add dining areas and kitchenettes with wine refrigerators. Set within the Bonnet Creek nature preserve, the resort’s Rees Jones–designed golf course balances classic and challenging elements, and lush grounds include a zero-edge lap pool surrounded by cabanas, though families might prefer the lazy river and waterslide at the sister Hilton Resort. After a day of splashing around, the spa offers a tea lounge, eucalyptus steam room, and Jacuzzi in addition to 22 treatment rooms, and you can choose from a dozen dining options that include the Bull & Bear steakhouse and a Sunday royal tea at Peacock Alley. 

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

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 Starwood’s Swan & Dolphin resorts offer all the convenience of a Disney World resort without the over-the-top mouse branding. Designed by iconic architect Michael Graves, the tropical-themed pair is linked by a lagoon and falls within walking distance (or boat or shuttle ride) of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While room rates here are lower than at some of the Disney-managed resorts, there’s an additional $28 daily fee that covers WiFi, phone calls, access to the gym and pool activities, plus fun extras like a s’mores kit for use around the campfire. Guest rooms are bright and contemporary, with cool colors and geometric artwork; families can book L-shaped rooms, which provide additional space and a sleeper sofa. Multiple lap pools and whirlpools are a bonus to the main grotto pool and white-sand beach, and more than a dozen restaurants are on property, including a Todd English seafood restaurant, Shula’s Steak House, and a casual Mediterranean market serving lighter fare. While restaurants here are not covered by the Disney Dining Plan, there is a loyalty dining program. 

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