INTRODUCTION
Located in Central Florida, Orlando is one of the most active tourist cities in the world. Its popularity is due to its proximity to an abundance of family-friendly theme parks, most notably Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando?, and Universal Orlando Resort?. Orlando is also near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center?.
Orlando, however, has a lot more to offer than just family fun. Its diverse population has created areas of town such as Little India and Little Vietnam as well as heaps of Hispanic restaurants and culture.
HISTORY
Orlando slowly emerged in the 1830s during the Seminole Wars. The name Orlando is thought to have come from a soldier that died during those battles. This city first gained prominence during the late 1800s, when it became a major orange producer. But it wasn’t until 1965, when Walt Disney announced his intentions to build his theme park there, that Orlando became widely known.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Orlando and its surrounding area, known locally as “Greater Orlando,” is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. This has led to increasingly bad traffic congestion during the rush-hour periods.
Orlando is home to two professional basketball teams, the Orlando Magic (NBA) and Orlando Miracle (WNBA). Tickets can be bought online before the game or if you wait, you're sure to find people selling tickets outside the gates.
If you're going to the theme parks, they are almost always packed throughout the summer despite the fact that temperatures in July often reach the high 90s (Fahrenheit) with humidity levels in the upper 90%. The winter months have much smaller crowds and usually maintain temperatures between 60ºF and 70ºF.
Theme parks can get expensive. Be prepared to spend about $75 per person just to enter the parks for a day. The trip can become even more costly once meals and obligatory souvenirs are purchased.
ATTRACTIONS
Walt Disney World
SeaWorld Orlando?
Universal Orlando Resort?
Kennedy Space Center?
Blue Spring State Park?
Gatorland?
Ripley's Believe It or Not!?
Wekiwa Springs State Park?
Wet n' Wild?
RESTAURANTS
Yellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 34786
(407)296-0609
A popular lunchtime destination, Yellow Dog Eats has a menu that centers on soups and sandwiches. This charming eatery is housed in a former general store and maintains an old-fashioned ambiance.
http://www.yellowdogeats.com
Le Coq Au Vin
4800 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
(407)851-6980
Run by a husband and wife team, this unpretentious restaurant offers a fresh twist on legendary French cuisine and is rumored to be the place where off-duty chefs choose to dine.
http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
Boston’s Fish House
6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
(407)678-2107
This relaxed eating place has a seafaring New England theme and a large patio area for al fresco dining. Almost everything comes fried, and food at Boston’s Fish House is famed for its quantity as well as its quality.
http://www.bostonsfishhouse.com/
House of Blues Orlando
1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407)934-2583)
Offering top-level live entertainment and a Mississippi Delta-inspired menu, the House of Blues serves the best Southern and Cajun dishes in Orlando. Sunday’s Gospel Brunch is not to be missed!
http://www.hob.com
Jiko – The Cooking Place
2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407)939-3463
Abstract birds hang from the ceiling and servers don native attire at this African-themed restaurant, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The cuisine incorporates flavors from around the globe and includes tender meats cooked on a wood-burning oven.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/jiko-the-cooking-place/
Victoria & Albert’s
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407)939-7707
Fine dining meets theme park at this acclaimed restaurant. Located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, tables enjoy butler and maid service, and each of the seven sumptuous courses is available with a wine pairing. Reservations are essential and jackets are required for gentlemen.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/victoria-and-alberts/
LODGINGS
La Quinta Inn Orlando International Drive
5621 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
(407)313-3100\\
Set amid Orlando’s greatest attractions, this budget hotel offers pleasant accommodations and amenities that include free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor swimming pool, to name a few.
http://www.lquniversalstudio.com/
Oak Plantation Resort
4090 Enchanted Oaks Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34741
(800)881-1155
Nestled in a forest of massive oaks, guests at this laid-back resort will find it hard to believe that they are just seven miles from the hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World. A lake and attractive picnic areas invite guests to enjoy the scenic outdoors.
http://www.oakplantationresort.com/
The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne
21 North Lucerne Circle East Orlando, FL 32801
(407)246-1368
This B&B hideaway consists of an eclectic and beautiful quartet of historic buildings surrounding a garden and a brick courtyard. Parlors have been painstakingly decorated with fine antiques and period artwork.
http://www.orlandohistoricinn.com/
Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa
1900 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407)827-2727
An ultra-modern luxury hotel, located just steps from Downtown Disney, the Buena Vista Palace is popular with upscale leisure and business travelers alike. Kids of all ages will enjoy the on-site Recreation Island which features several courts, pools, and more.
http://www.buenavistapalace.com/
The Peabody Orlando
9801 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
(407)352-4000
Famous for the flock of ducks that parades through the lobby twice daily, this posh skyscraper oozes refinement. It houses the intimate Four-Diamond Dux restaurant – which, incidentally, does not serve duck.
http://www.peabodyorlando.com/
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
(407)313-9000
Billing itself as an experience in art and music, the Grand Bohemian boasts an eclectic blend of Old World fixtures and rich interior detailing of black marble, stone, glass, gold, and silver.
http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/
