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 OrlandoWith its gleeful bombast, over-the-top showmanship, and extravagant deployment of dreams as quotidien entertainment, Orlando may be the most "American" city in the nation. It's also the most popular family destination on earth; some 50 million visitors a year flood its theme parks and hotels in ceaseless pursuit of childhood fantasy (or regression). While the vast majority of the crowds orbit the big-ticket amusements furnished by Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld, more determined travelers will uncover a surprisingly sophisticated, albeit lesser-known city rooted in Old Florida values if they take the time to seek it out. |
| Four New Ways to Run Wild in OrlandoNew Mouse-less playland diversions include a slide that plunges riders through a dolphin lagoon, stepping into the world of The Simpsons, a "Chardonnay" for all ages, and whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed suites.
Inspired by:
WhatÂ’s New in Orlando | T+L Family
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| Orlando Do's and Don'tsThere are four Disney theme parks to tackle: Magic Kingdom (kiddie rides and the iconic castle), Epcot (World’s Fair fare), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Tinseltown celebrated), and Animal Kingdom (lions and tigers and mice, oh my!). How to take on the town—and avoid the mousetraps?
Inspired by:
Orlando Do's and Don'ts | T+L Family
— by Jason Cochran, Published Dec. 2007
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| Top Florida Resorts for Parents and KidsOkay parents, weÂ’ve got the best places to stay in Florida thanks to the thousands of Travel + Leisure readers who took our annual poll. And because these spreads are fully loaded everyone can find their fun. |
| Florida's Planned CommunitiesCan you visit Florida's New Urbanist towns, with their squeaky-clean cultivated charm, and have as authentic an experience as you can in organically grown communities?
Inspired by:
Driving: FloridaÂ’s New Urbanist Experiments
— by Karrie Jacobs, Published Jan. 2007
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 SeaWorld Orlando 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida +1 407 351 3600, (800) 4-ADVENTU |
 Gatorland 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837-6632 +1 405 855 5496, +1 800 393 5297 |
 Pirate's Cove Adventure GolfRestrooms, Hands-On Interaction, Concessions-Food Available 8501 International Drive, Orlando, Florida +1 407 239 8300, +1 407 827 1242 |
 Wet 'n WildGift Shop, Concessions-Food Available, Rides/Attractions with height requirements 6200 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 351 9226, +1 800 992 WILD |
 Ripley's Believe It Or Not 8201 International Drive, Orlando, Florida +1 407 345 0501, +1 800 998 4418 |
 Discovery CoveEducational Field Trips, Rides/Attractions with age requirements, Wheelchair Accessible, Rides/Attractions with height requirements 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Florida 32821 +1 877 557 7404 / +1 407 370 128 |
 Orlando Science Center Restrooms, Hands-On Interaction, Wheelchair Accessible, Guided Tours, Gift Shop 777 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL +1 407 514 2000, +1 407 896 4231 |
 Disney's Wide World Of Sports ComplexOrlando, Fl +1 407 939 4263, +1 407 939 7529 |
 International DriveInternational Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 239 6909, +1 407 825 2001 |
 Kennedy Space CenterState Road 405, Orlando, FL 32815 +1 321 449 4444, +1 800 537 0917 |
| Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Restrooms, Hands-On Interaction, Concessions-Food Available 8501 International Drive, Orlando, Florida +1 407 239 8300, +1 407 827 1242 |
| International Drive International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 239 6909, +1 407 825 2001 |
 Orange Tree Golf ClubRestaurant, Full Bar, Practice Facilities, Snack Bar, Food & Beverage7540 Woodgreen Dr, Orlando, Florida 32819-4684, United States +1 407 351 4034, +1 407 351 2521 |
 Ventura Country ClubRestaurant, Full Bar, Practice Facilities, Beverage Cart, Snack Bar, Food & Beverage 3201 Woodgate Blvd, Orlando, Florida +1 407 380 9023 |
 Rio Pinar Country ClubRestaurant, Full Bar, Practice Facilities, Snack Bar, Food & Beverage8600 El Prado Drive, Orlando, Florida +1 407 277 4571, +1 407 277 5520 |
| Faldo Golf Institute by MarriottRestaurant, Full Bar, Practice Facilities, Food & Beverage 12001 Avenida VerdeOrlando, FL 32821 +1 407 238 6380, +1 888 463 2536 |
 Edwin Watts Golf Shop7501 Turkey Lake Road,Orlando, FL 32819-5223 |
 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes4048 Central Florida ParkwayOrlando, FL 32837-7662+1 407 393 4901 |
 Theatre DowntownFull Bar, Practice Facilities, Food & Beverage, Snack Bar1590 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL +1 407 934 7773, +1 407 281 9441 |
| Hunters Creek Golf CourseRestaurant, Practice Facilities, Beverage Cart, Snack Bar, Food & Beverage, Beer, Wine 14401 Sport Club WayOrlando, FL 32837 +1 866 319 9796, +1 407 240 6003 |
 Sushi House of OrlandoWine, Chef's Table, Wheelchair Access, Beer, Counter Seating, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Takeout 1311 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando, Florida +1 866 622 5960 |
 Emeril's Restaurant OrlandoBar/Lounge, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Beer, Bar Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Cigar Room, Non-Smoking Area, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida 407 / 224-2424, +1 407 224 2525, |
 Texas de BrazilBar/Lounge, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Banquet/Private Rooms, Full Bar, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Beer, Wine, Wheelchair Access 5259 International Dr. Suite F-1, Orlando, Florida +1 407 355 0355 |
 Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida +1 407 224 2155 |
 Bahama Breeze8849 International Dr, Orlando, Florida +1 407 248 2499 |
 Del Frisco's Steak HouseEntertainment, Banquet/Private Rooms, Takeout, Wine, Wheelchair Access, Bar Dining, Beer, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Bar/Lounge 729 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810 +1 407 645 4443 |
 Cafe Tu Tu Tango8625 International Dr, Orlando, Florida +1 407 248 2222 |
 Hard Rock CafeUniversal Studios City Walk, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 351 LIVE (5483), +1 407 3 |
 Dexter's of Thornton Park808 E Washington St, Orlando, Florida +1 407 629 1150 |
 Royal Thai1202 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, Florida +1 407 275 0776 |
| Wet 'n Wild Gift Shop, Concessions-Food Available, Rides/Attractions with height requirements 6200 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 351 9226, +1 800 992 WILD |
| Discovery Cove Educational Field Trips, Rides/Attractions with age requirements, Wheelchair Accessible, Rides/Attractions with height requirements 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Florida 32821 +1 877 557 7404 / +1 407 370 128 |
| World of Denim 7623 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819-8124 +1 407 351 5704 |
| Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores15657 South Apopka Vineland Rd.Orlando, FL 32821 +1 407 238 9302, +1 407 238 9301 |
 Pointe OrlandoInternational Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 +1 407 354 4920, +1 407 370 3700 |
 Orlando Premium Outlets8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, Florida +1 407 238 7787 |
 Bargain World6454 International Drive,Orlando, FL 32819-8216 +1 407 351 0900, +1 407 345 8772 |
 Mall at Millenia4200 Conroy Rd.Orlando, FL 32839 +1 239 598 1605, +1 407 363 3555 |
| Nordstrom8001 South Orange Blossom Trail Orlando FL 32809 +1 407 888 7889 |
| Siegel's Clothing Co130 S Orange Ave Ste B, Orlando, FL 32801 +1 407 481 2155 |
 Sanctuary Salon and Day SpaSlippers Provided, Pedicures, Vichy Shower, Aromatherapy Massage, Teen, Retail Store, Back, Hot Stone Massage, Signature Facial, Sugar Scrub, Algae/Seaweed Wrap, Swedish Massage, Manicures, Food and Beverage, Hair Care, Mud or Fango Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Hablamos Espanol, Exfoliating, Salt Scrub, Sensitive, Waxing, Fruit Acid, Scalp, Custom, Hair Extensions, Herbal Wrap, Robes Provided, Anti-aging/Rejuvenating, Eyebrow and Lash Tinting8911 Conroy Windmere Rd, Orlando, Florida, United States, 32835 +1(407) 909-1011, +1 407 909 101 |
 Inaara MedspaDeep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Gentlemen's Facial, Prenatal/Postnatal, Glycolic Acid Facial, Myofascial Release, Aromatherapy Massage, Acne Facial or Therapy, Collagen Facial4104 Millenia Boulevard, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida, United States, 32839 +1(407)352-8960 |
 Shala Salon & Day Spa7726 W. Sand Lake Rd., Plaza Venizia, Orlando, Florida, United States, 32811+1(407) 248-8828, +1 407 248 882 |
 Pierre Day Spa3541 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, Florida+1(407) 294-5464, +1 407 649 955 |
 Serendipity Day Spa1631 East Hillcrest Street, Orlando, FL, US+1 407 898 0042, +1(407) 898-004 |
 Palazzo Novissimo Day Spa6809 South Kirkman Road,Orlando,Florida,32819+1 407 351 2425, +1(407) 351-242 |
| Eõ Inn & Urban SpaLaundry/Valet service, safe, High speed internet access, Non-smoking rooms, Wireless internet access, Spa 227 N. Eola Dr.Orlando, FL 32801 +1 407 481 8485, +1 888 481 8488 |
 Beautiful Skin by Carmen @ SMS722 West Smith Street, Orlando, Florida, United States, 32804+1 407 999 8988 |
| Totally Me Salon & Spa7633 Conroy-Windermere Rd., Orlando, Florida, United States, 32835 +1 407 445 1199, +1(407) 445-119 |
 J. Bauman Salon1043 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida, United States, 32803+1(407) 898-9044 |
 Discovery CoveIn July of 2000, Discovery Cove opened its gates and began providing a unique theme park experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. With a maximum of 1,000 guests per day, the park has managed to create an intimate feel – more like you're visiting a swanky resort in the Caribbean than visiting a theme park in the middle of Orlando. The admission price, though hefty, includes all of your needs…
towels, wet suits, lockers, snorkels, masks, sun tan lotion, souvenir photos and parking.
Meals and snacks are included as well (and not just hot dogs and hamburgers either). You'll start the day with a continental breakfast (pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, juices and coffee). You can have a hamburger for lunch if you'd like, but Discovery Cove also offers such items as grilled salmon and pasta primavera. Unlimited snacks such as chips, pretzels, nachos, ice cream and smoothies are available all day. You can also enjoy as much bottled water, soda, beer, and cappuccinos as you like.
If you've booked yourselves into the Dolphin Encounter, the friendly concierge will schedule your time in the Dolphin Lagoon when you arrive. During the 30-minute encounter, you and 5-7 other guests will wade into shallow water and get up close and personal with a very sociable and playful Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Your trainer will guide the dolphin through a series of activities, allowing you to touch and instruct the dolphin. You'll also be able to experience a dorsal tow ride. For dolphin lovers, the extra admission price to include this encounter is definitely worth it.
When you arrive, you'll also want to check on the feeding times at Ray Lagoon so you can make sure to schedule that into your day. You can interact with dozens of rays of all sizes, some up to four feet in diameter. It's an amazing experience to be amongst these gentle and graceful creatures. The Coral Reef is where you'll really get to test your snorkeling skills as you float along amongst the hundreds of brilliantly colored tropical fish and rays. Make sure you find the shark encounter. Don't worryÂ… they're behind thick glass.
You'll want to make several trips down the warm Tropical River, drifting in the slight current, under waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. The river also takes you through the Aviary, where you can hop out of the water and interact with over 250 exotic birds, none of which are caged. Having a toucan land on your arm is an interesting experience. Discovery Cove's beach is a great feature as well. Along
the huge expanse of white, sugary sand, you'll find hammocks, umbrellas, and cabanas for your use. When all the swimming and snorkeling leaves you exhausted, grab a beach lounger and have a nap.
To avoid disappointment, reservations are a must!
read more about Discovery Cove |
 SeaWorld Orlando |
 Universal Studios Florida |
 Islands of Adventure |
 Citywalk at Universal Studios OrlandoPerfect for an evening after a day spent at Universal or Islands of Adventure OR all on its own... there is no admission fee to enter this mecca of dining and nightlife. CityWalk is a 30-acre entertainment complex featuring a mega-movie theater, nine themed restaurants (such as Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville) and four nightclubs (Pat O'Brien's, Red Coconut Club, CityWalk's Rising Star, the groove). You'll also find more than a dozen cool boutiques, a Starbucks, plus live shows and concerts at Blue Man Group and Hard Rock Live. CityWalk is also host to a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year such as their giant New Year's bash.
read more about Citywalk at Universal Studios Orlando |
 Lake Eola Park |
 Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando |
 Mall at Millenia |
 Adventures In FloridaFrom short jaunts in local lakes to week-long expeditions through the Everglades, Adventures in Florida has the staff, the gear, and the know-how to provide the exact kayak adventure you seek. Local day trips include places such as Wekiwa Springs and the Econlockatchee River. Equipment and instruction are provided.
read more about Adventures In Florida |
 Farris & Foster's Fine ChocolatesBesides being a great place to buy gourmet chocolate, this working chocolate factory in Baldwin Park offers nightly chocolate parties that give visitors the opportunity to to take over the factory to create and sample decadent chocolate treats. Upon your arrival, guests are outfitted with an apron and
chef's hat and then a friendly and gregarious guide gives an overview of supplies, ideas for types of chocolates to make, and a quick lesson in chocolate making. Guests are then set loose in the factory to create the pound of chocolate they'll be taking away with them.
Make such treats as truffles, peanut butter cups, and chocolate dipped strawberries, while dipping anything in chocolate: pretzels, biscotti,marshmallows, cookies, and rice crispy squares. Each station
is given its own sampling plate for you to nibble at as you go.
Farris and Foster's also does a couple's date night at 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings - which makes for a superb after-dinner dessert experience. Try Baldwin Parks Colibri Mexican Cuisine.
read more about Farris & Foster's Fine Chocolates |
 Lake Eola ParkA couple of hours can easily and peacefully drift away while strolling around Lake Eola Park, taking in the floating fountain and watching the white and black swans peacefully paddling across the lake. Established in 1888, the park's 43 acres of land are continuously enhanced with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured grounds, and charming gazebos. The walking path circling the lake is 0.9 miles in length, perfect for enjoying a healthy stroll or vigorous jog. Shop at the Sunday Eola Market featuring fresh produce, artisan items, and a beer garden with live music. Swan rides are available for rent most days, and there is a restaurant tucked right inside the park called Eric's on Eola. There are about a dozen more restaurants within a short walking distance.
read more about Lake Eola Park |
 Aquatica |
 Rawhide Roundup at Forever FloridaHead out on the range like a real cowboy for an authentic cattle corral in the deep Florida wilderness. If you're thinking City Slickers you'd be right on the money; Forever Florida's Rawhide Round-Up takes urbanites on a three-hour horseback adventure through their 1,700 acre eco-ranch with a bona fide cow hunter skilled in teaching amateurs the art of rounding up cattle. The $99 per person price tag includes lunch and all necessary gear; finding your old pair of Lee jeans is your problem.
read more about Rawhide Roundup at Forever Florida |
 Sharks Deep DiveAt SeaWorld's Shark Deep Dive, thrill-sekkers can experience underwater shark encounters while safely stowed inside a metal and plexi-glass cage. Participants need not be scuba-certified; the dive uses a Sea Trek helmet instead of standard scuba equipment. Donning a wet suit and plunged into a ten-foot cage inside the 700,000 gallon salt water aquarium, you'll find yourself inches from more than 24 curious sharks which include sand tigers, Atlantic black tipped sharks, and nurse sharks. Don't forget to wave at the diners inside Sharks Underwater Grill; you're pretty good dinner entertainment for them who'll be watching you from inside the restaurant. Final tip: keep your fingers inside the cage!
read more about Sharks Deep Dive |
 Monkey TrunksMonkey Trunks is a vertical adventure park featuring two high-flying courses filled with aerial walkways, bridges, ladders, zip lines and more. Described as an "up-and-down-and-all-around environment", this outdoor aerial park consists of three levels that tower fifty feet above the ground. Admission includes two hours of heart-stopping fun with features like 600-foot zip lines and a forty-foot mega swing that's not for the faint of heart.
read more about Monkey Trunks |
 Date Night at Leu GardensOn the first Friday of most months of the year, Leu Gardens becomes a couple's most favorite date night spot. A giant inflatable screen is installed just beyond the picturesque rose gardens and on it a romantic 'date night' film' is shown. Couples bring blankets and baskets filled with goodies (even chilled wine) and then sprawl out across the lawn facing the screen to enjoy the show. Gardens open at 6:30pm and the show starts when the sun goes down. Admission is around $10.
read more about Date Night at Leu Gardens |
 Amway CenterAmway Center is Orlando's newest sports and entertainment venue, opening September 2010. While the new facility will host the Magic and visiting concerts just like the Amway Arena did previously, Amway Center offers a lot of swanky perks the Amway Arena never had.
For starters, Amway Center welcomes 18,500 Magic fans to each home game -- that's an increase of over 1,200 seats over Amway Arena. There's also twice the number of suites, four times the number of concourses, plus 66 luxurious private boxes for watching the big game in five-star style.
The Center also features a bevy of bars and dining venues such as Sky Bar, an open-air party spot with the best view of the Orlando's skyline.
read more about Amway Center |
 Truffles & TriflesHere's a chance to boost your culinary cred at Orlando's popular cooking school. Truffles and Trifles offers dozens of exciting classes every month including their coveted date night class which almost always sells out. There are classes for kids, couples, and even guys looking to spruce up their BBQ skills. T&T is located in College Park, a dining district just north/west of downtown. Harmoni Market and K Restaurant and Wine Bar are excellent restaurants nearby to check out after your class.
read more about Truffles & Trifles |
 Wekiva IslandWekiva River is an outdoor oasis with tons of perks. Rent kayaks or canoes to head out on the pristine Wekiva River, play volleyball or horseshoes, join in on a guided excursion, or simply kick back and sip a beer while you take in the picturesque scene. Riverside cabanas, decked out with cozy couches and Adirondack chairs, are available for rent. Live music is scheduled most weekend evening.
read more about Wekiva Island |
 Misty Blue Acres Carriage Company |
 Wall Street PlazaDown the short, brick road known as Wall Street Plaza, a fantastic collection of eight themed bars and restaurants sit ready to satisfy your hunger or thirst, day or night. The Globe, Wall Street Cantina, Waitiki, Slingapours, Tuk Tuk Room, Loaded Hog, One Eyed Jack's and The Monkey Bar are all open seven days/nights a week but weekends are when things really heat up. Don't be surprised if Wall Street is hosting one of its signature events such as their annual Beer Olympics or Rum Fest. On Friday and Saturday nights, bar-hoppers can pay one cover price and gain access to all eight venues featuring everything from club music to live bands.
read more about Wall Street Plaza |
 Orlando ImprovOnce a resident of Church Street Station, Improv Orlando recently moved to its new home at Pointe Orlando on I-Drive. This live comedy club and dinner theater brings in renowned comics from across the world, many of which with claims to fame on Comedy Central and Saturday Night Live. This 21-and-up club schedules comic acts seven nights a week with two shows/night typically scheduled Thursday through Sunday. Besides great comics, the club also features a full menu of snacks, entrees, and desserts along with an extensive bar menu of cocktails, beer and wine.
read more about Orlando Improv |
 Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando ResortIt's hard to describe what the Blue Man Group is. Part live music, part comedy, part stunts, Blue Man sets the zany theatrics of three colorful characters against a fabulous live soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seats. It's difficult to peel your eyes off the stage glowing color and splashed with neon paint. Tucked inside Universal's CityWalk, Blue Man Group is an ideal evening activity before or after dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants and clubs nearby.
read more about Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando Resort |
 NASCAR: Kings Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway Orlando |
 Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando |
