Orlando, Relish the City Beautiful!

ARTICLEBest Restaurants In Orlando Our favorite travel destinations include renowned restaurants—from simple fare to fine dining. After you’re worn out from exploring incredible travel sites and theme parks all day, renew your energy with fresh and colorful dishes that will leave you craving more.

ARTICLEOne Of The Funnest Places On Earth Walt Disney World® Resort opened in the Orlando area in 1971, setting into motion a Florida tourism boom of grand proportions. With the sister to the West Coast’s Disneyland® Resort in their back yards, devotees of all things Mickey Mouse east of the Mississippi no longer had to trek across country to tap into the magic. As Disney’s East Coast kingdom grew exponentially, so, too, did the competition that eventually transformed Orlando into one big theme park of a destination. Walt Disney World® set the bar for wholesome family fun and then raised it time after time with faster rides, cuter characters and livelier entertainment to captivate every age group.

ARTICLEOrlando In 3 Days Three days is barely enough time to get to know any major travel destination. But AAA travel editors suggest these activities to make the most of your time in Orlando.

ARTICLEOrlando Nightlife Orlando’s evening scene is all over the map, literally, but the greatest concentrations of fun things to do are downtown and along I-Drive. For those who want a theme to go with their nightlife, the entertainment zones at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort® are packed with diverse nightspots. Here, clubbers can hop from one dance floor to another within a short distance.

ARTICLEOrlando Performing Arts The strength of Orlando's appeal lies mainly with its family attractions and entertainment. While this is good news for the folks at Disney and Universal, it has detracted some focus from the city's cultural scene. Arts enthusiasts need not despair, though—local arts groups have begun to expand their presence. Theater offers the most varied slate, with dance and music filling in the gaps. Performing arts lovers around the world think of Orlando as a prime destination for dance, film, music and theater.

ARTICLEOrlando Sightseeing Gray Line of Orlando/Gator Tours

ARTICLEOrlando Travel With Kids Under 13 Disney parks offer loads of fun things to do for all ages! Talk to your AAA travel agent about how to save money with cheap airline flights and travel packages. At the Magic Kingdom® Park (3111 World Dr.) in Lake Buena Vista, kids soar into the sky on Dumbo the Flying Elephant®, spin their teacup in the Mad Tea Party and scream as loud as they want on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

ARTICLEShopping In Orlando Orlando is a shopper’s wonderland. You can buy mouse ears, T-shirts and, ironically enough, snow globes, to your heart’s content in Orlando, but the city has so much more to offer both bargain hunters and lovers of luxury goods than just ordinary souvenirs. You just have to know where to find it all when you travel there.

DESTINATIONOrlandoWalt Disney World® Resort opened in the Orlando area in 1971, setting into motion a Florida tourism boom of grand proportions. With the sister to the West Coast’s Disneyland® Resort in their back yards, devotees of all things Mickey Mouse east of the Mississippi no longer had to trek across country to tap into the magic. As Disney’s East Coast kingdom grew exponentially, so, too, did the competition that eventually transformed Orlando into one big theme park of a destination. Walt Disney World® set the bar for wholesome family fun and then raised it time after time with faster rides, cuter characters and livelier entertainment to captivate every age group.

Points of Interest

POINT OF INTERESTOrlando Museum of ArtLocated near downtown Orlando, the Orlando Museum of Art showcases a wide range of art in its collection of more than 2,400 items, in media such as painting, sculpture, and photography. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum offers a rotating series of temporary exhibits, traveling exhibitions, and educational programs.

POINT OF INTERESTWizarding World of Harry PotterUniversal Orlando's Harry Potter attraction is spread across two parks at the resort: Diagon Alley on the Universal Studios Florida side and Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure. The two are connected by Hogwarts Express train, and each features shops, dining, and attractions inspired by the young wizard.

POINT OF INTERESTDisney Springs®Disney Springs® is one of the entertainment districts at Walt Disney World® Resort, filled with themed shops, restaurants, and other venues inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and historic architecture. The promenade features four distinct neighborhoods, each with its own theme―The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center—and all built around natural springs. Located within the sprawling Walt Disney World Resort, it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, grab a snack, or catch a show.

Things To Do

From $80

Clear Kayak Sunset Tour through The Winter Park Chain ...

2 hours

Be ready for a paddling excursion that will showcase Winter Park’s natural beauty from the water and lead guests up to a...

From $69

Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orla...

10 hours

Take a virtual flight to the moon and back at one of Florida's best attractions! On this full-day Kennedy Space Center t...

From $38

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando

From 2 hours to 4 hours

The 90-minute Outta Control Dinner Show in Orlando is a one-of-a-kind experience which entertains audiences of all ages....

From $155

Exclusive Helicopter Night Tour: Orlando Parks (31 or ...

From 20 minutes to 1 hour

Take a 31 miles (18-20 minutes) or a 48 miles (28-30 minutes) night or sunset helicopter tour over the city of Orlando, ...

From $28

The Wheel at ICON Park

30 minutes

A Ride of Iconic Proportions: Towering on the horizon and visible from miles away, The Wheel at ICON Park offers guests ...

RESTAURANTCafe Tu Tu Tango - OrlandoTapas / Small PlatesLocated near many local attractions, the lively spot features eclectic décor with unique design elements. Much of the wall space is covered with appealing art from local artists, many are for sale. When an artist is in house, you might enjoy watching art creation in action. The menu focuses on small plates such as hummus and chips, pizza, wings, sliders, rolls and wraps. Order multiple dishes so you can share. If the art doesn't wow you, then the food certainly will.

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Kissimmee, FL (3)

Hotels

HotelGaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterStriking architecture greets guests at the eco-friendly hotel that offers top-notch service paired with impressive décor. Thematic rooms offer upscale décor and a balcony, many overlook the atrium. Grounds are accented with colorful and well-manicured landscaping and the impressive atrium lobby houses large rock formations with streams and cascading waterfalls. The streams are stocked with koi fish, alligators and turtles. The vast amount of recreational facilities and amenities is a huge draw for families while the expansive banquet space, which includes a convention center, houses many corporate groups and caters to weddings throughout the year. A virtual, interactive concierge system is placed strategically throughout the property and has digital displays that allow you to access maps, your location, weather conditions, amenities at the resort and more. Smoke free premises. 1718 units. 9 stories, interior corridors. Accessibility (Call).

HotelMargaritaville Resort OrlandoOf course there are obvious nods to the Jimmy Buffet theme, but this resort offers something more with upscale accents, relaxed dining, plush furnishings and well designed rooms and bathrooms. The hotel is at the center of a huge resort complex that includes hundreds of cottages, a full scale water park and a "street" full of fun restaurants and shops. Of course the three hotel pools are a center of activity, while the quiet hotel spa is a natural fit for the theme of relaxation. Young guests can enjoy activities on the pool deck or spend time in the arcade. There is even a "Barkaritaville" dog park so everyone in your group can enjoy. Smoke free premises. 265 units. 5 stories, interior/exterior corridors. Accessibility (Call).

DESTINATIONKissimmeeKissimmee (Kiss-SEM-mee), is near the southern terminus of a scenic portion of Florida's Turnpike, which extends 65 miles southeast from Wildwood. It is more widely known to visitors to the central Florida region as being a near neighbor of Walt Disney World® Resort. (Located farther northeast in Orlando are Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando). With such a prime spot, Kissimmee attractions with interesting architectural details draw plenty of visitors. Downtown businesses also occupy structures dating from the late 1800s; landscaping and renovations preserve the town's old-time aura.

Lake Buena Vista, FL (5)

Hotels

HotelSignia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet CreekJust minutes from Disney Springs, the hotel offers impressive rooms with a contemporary style. Many have gorgeous views of the pool, golf course and Disney surroundings or a view of a nature preserve. Conference facilities are expansive with numerous pre-function areas for gatherings. The beautiful pool area is extensively landscaped and features relaxing lazy river that surrounds it. Smoke free premises. 1009 units. 17 stories, interior corridors. Accessibility (Call).

SponsoredHyatt Regency Grand CypressSet on a small lake, the hotel has great views of a protected preserve and rooms with inviting design elements. Guests enjoy leisure time in pool areas enhanced with bronze statues and waterfalls. All rooms have a balcony which gets you a step closer to the amazing views. Though popular with business travelers, the hotel is geared toward families and features many first-class recreational facilities to enjoy such as paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, water slides, a rock climbing wall and paddle boards. Smoke free premises. 779 units. 18 stories, interior corridors. Accessibility (Call).

DESTINATIONLake Buena VistaAlthough claiming only a handful of fulltime residents, Lake Buena Vista is home to tens of thousands of temporary citizens—also known as tourists—on any day of the year thanks to its status as host community to the Walt Disney World® Resort. With its sprawling, meticulously planned theme parks and family-friendly hotels, Lake Buena Vista definitely lives up to its Spanish name, offering visitors “good views” that have been preserved in countless vacation photos. The name comes from the street in Burbank, Calif., where Walt Disney's animation studios have been since the early 1940s.

RESTAURANTTodd English's bluezooThe trendy restaurant embodies elements of an underwater environment. A variety of seafood options are offered such as mahi mahi, scallops, lobster and swordfish. The chicken and steak offer excellent meal choices as well. The open-view kitchen is a bonus for inquisitive diners and can be viewed from some of the tables and booths available.

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RESTAURANTThe BOATHOUSE Waterfront DiningThe restaurant is located on the waterfront and is decorated with restored boats and motors that are creatively placed around the restaurant. A beautifully restored Chris Craft adorns the main dining room while the dockside bar displays 16 restored boats built from the 1940s to the 1960s. The menu is varied and include options such as Maine Lobster Oscar, grilled mahi tacos and the “Yacht Club” club.

Winter Park, FL (2)

DESTINATIONWinter ParkMoss-draped oaks line the residential streets of Winter Park, a community of beautiful homes and picturesque lakes. The campus of Rollins College features brick streets and Mediterranean-style buildings on the shores of Lake Virginia; maps for self-guiding tours are available. The small, private college is at the foot of Park Avenue, a popular shopping district with a varied selection of upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

RESTAURANTThe BriarpatchPatrons flock to the high-energy spot for a delicious breakfast or a light lunch. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat before or after shopping in the boutique stores in the area. Breakfast specials include lump crab scramble, eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles. Lunch favorites include smoke salmon scramble, rock shrimp po'boy and the Roadside burger. The small dining area extends to a spacious sidewalk patio. Expect a wait at peak dining times. Cakes and homemade ice cream are tempting.

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Sanford, FL (2)

DESTINATIONSanfordOn Lake Monroe at the head of navigation on the St. Johns River, Sanford was established as a trading post in 1837. Gen. Henry R. Sanford bought 12,000 acres, including the townsite, in 1871 and established citrus groves.

RESTAURANTHollerbach's Willow Tree CafeNestled in historic downtown between antique stores and book shops, the lively, family-run spot serves homemade Deutschland favorites such as wursts, schnitzels, sandwiches and strudels. Be sure to try the flavorful eisbein, an oven-roasted pork shank with a crispy, caramelized outer layer and a fall-off-the-bone interior. Patrons enjoy a variety of German beer, wine and schnapps, live entertainment and the neighborhood experience. There can be a wait as this is a popular gathering place.

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Lake Mary, FL (2)

DESTINATIONLake MaryThe “City of Lakes” bustles with weekday commuters employed at thriving businesses representing high-tech, telemarketing and other concerns. This Orlando bedroom community also accommodates travelers who want to make a base within an hour’s drive of east coast beaches and the theme parks. Restaurants and boutiques border Central Park (100 N. Country Club Rd.), where visitors can relish the small-town vibe at the Saturday morning farmers market and at WineART Wednesday evenings (first week of the month).