Orlando, Florida welcomes 50 million visitors each year, so it's no surprise that most of these thrill-seeking vacationers head to the area's most popular theme parks - Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Typhoon Lagoon and many others. But what other adventures go undiscovered in this popular tourist area? There's so much more beyond the Magic Kingdom to explore, and our local experts share their knowledge of the region, with new things to see and do on your next trip to Orlando, Florida.
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I could spend seven entire days in Orlando, Florida just lying in the sun, reading, and sipping fruity beverages. Then I realize I could do that at the county park seven miles from my home. So, how do you make the most of a week's vacation in Orlando, Florida? The biggest problem you'll have is too many options. Just don't overdo it. You'll need a vacation to recover from your vacation...
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As a native from South Florida, my trips to Disney World were always weekend getaways, mostly because it took less than three hours to drive there. From the time my daughter turned six, we would visit Orlando at least two or three times a year. She and I would drive to Orlando on Friday night after work, check into our hotel by nine o'clock, and still have time to visit one of the restaurants or...
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In order to stay on a modest budget in Orlando you must first make a plan. Decide what attractions you're most interested in and then search for discounts online for those attractions. Beware of the "cheap ticket" booths in Orlando, often times you get exactly what you pay for (or don't pay for). These are often "timeshare opportunity" presentations, often lasting for several...
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The road to Disney World is paved with golden attractions. Orlando, in itself, will be a great haven for vacationing fun. But why wait on the excitement? On your venture to the land of the Mouse, there are several stops that shouldn't be skipped. One of the many interesting spots when traveling south to Florida (via I-95) is Olde Town Petersburg, Virginia . A fantastic place to take a break, Petersburg...
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With so many great choices of entertainment and adventure in the Orlando area, paring the list down to a manageable one-week schedule can be intimidating. With all of the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Sea World, and a plethora of dinner shows and other attractions, where do you begin? The key to a successful week is advanced planning. Not the hour-by-hour scheduling that creates stress, but the...
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Orlando's International Airport (MCO) is the main travel hub of the Central Florida area. Located in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, MCO is buzzing with activity from the early morning on. It is a massive complex, but it is easy to navigate. The airport even has a hotel within the main building with each room's balcony overlooking the busy terminal. Most of the major...
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Ask any Floridian, "What's your favorite season?" You may not get the response you were expecting. There are two seasons in Florida, wet and not wet. When it comes to the Disney World experience, there are advantages and disadvantages to visiting during both. May to October is considered the rainy season. Although it may be hot and wet, it's not a bad time to visit Disneyworld. The...
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What is the best time of year to visit Orlando, Florida? Due to the state's moderate climate and endless attractions, Florida's destinations are never "off season". There are always sunny beaches, theme parks, great food, and shopping. Let's run through the year to see what time is right for you. January is the coldest, generally. To me, a Wisconsinite, an average high of 72 degrees...
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Mostly known for its mega-attractions, perhaps the forgotten land, the city of Orlando is certainly a happening spot, too. The downtown district has many options for shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, a hoppin' nightlife and much more. Until the 1950's, Orlando was not much more than a sleepy provincial town; however, its proximity to Cape Canaveral and the world famous theme parks changed...
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Orlando, Florida. Home of the family vacation. With so much choice it is essential that you plan ahead, even if you never plan leaving the Walt Disney World area. If hunkering down for a week at the theme parks is your thing then you should purchase the all singing-all dancing Disney Hopper Pass. It has the advantage of allowing you to visit more than one park each day. Transportation between the different...
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Most references to Orlando, Florida, conjures images of Walt Disney World and its theme park counterparts. Little do our throngs of tourists know that tucked away in the downtown corridor of Orlando are restaurant, shopping, and entertainment gems, waiting to be unearthed. The Thornton Park neighborhood is brimming with quaint shops and one of a kind cuisine. Zou Zou boutique on Summerlin Ave. is a...
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It's simple right? You've finally set a date for that week's paid vacation and the first thing the word 'vacation' triggers into your mind is the sight of you lounging on the beach, holding some drink that you can't pronounce the name of while spinning the tiny umbrella that adorns the top of it. Excitedly you hurry home to tell the family that it's time to get ready for...
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Think that Disney is just for kids? Think again--Boomers and seniors can enjoy Walt Disney World as much as anyone. Most of the enjoyment for adults is outside of Fantasy Land and Toon Town, and Disney offers many significant activities for the mature vacationer. Single seniors can take pleasure in activities just like the couples. Pleasure Island's clubs and Downtown Disney West Side House of...
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Are you thinking that Disney and Orlando are just for the little ones? If so, then you have some nice surprises in store. Don't scratch this sunny Central Florida haven off your list just yet. There's a wealth of entertainment to be found here for Baby Boomers. Theme parks, restaurants and other Orlando attractions almost always offer discounts for the mature traveler. You won't always...
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There was a time that Kissimmee was often overlooked as viable destination, because honestly, everyone’s eyes were on the holy grail of Central Florida’s destination – Orlando or more aptly –Walt Disney World. Kissimmee had the reputation of being the place that you stayed if you couldn’t find a room near the parks, and where you could get inexpensive Disney tchotckes. For confused readers - that is...