Holiday Guide for Orlando
Orlando is one of the most visited cities in Florida. Centred round Walt Disney World, the city is a haven for tourism.
Type of holidays in Orlando
Generally, tourists opt for week-long bed and breakfast stays in Orlando. All inclusive options are available for the budget minded, especially for those staying in the Disney Parks. Away from the theme parks, self-catering hotels are popular options.
Main holiday season in Orlando
Not surprisingly, the busiest times of year in Orlando coincide with school holidays. There are a great many family resorts and activities in the city and surrounding areas, so visitors in May, June, July and August will likely face some crowds.
Thanksgiving through to the New Year also sees a very high rate of tourism.
The Easter holidays also mean more tourists come to the area in March and April.
Popular excursions in Orlando
Orlando is known for its fantastic theme parks. Disney World obviously tops most tourists' itineraries for popular stops. The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT centre, Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios make up the rest of the resort.
There are also two water parks and five golf courses on the Disney property.
Some visitors find that they have all they can want within the Disney parks, while others want to explore what the rest of the city has to offer.
The largest Legoland in the world recently opened in Orlando. These are always popular with families.
Also Universal Resort Orlando can provide fun for tourists of all ages, with two parks to choose from in addition to its own water park.
Everyone has heard of Sea World's famous killer whale exhibit, but there is much more to be seen and done at this park. The presence of two roller coasters often surprises visitors. Other attractions include chances to get up close and personal with various types of sea life.
The nearby Salvador Dali Museum is another must see attraction for culture vultures.
The Kennedy Space Centre is worth a visit for the science-minded tourist, and Disappearing Island is a fun place to play in the Ponce de Leon Inlet just south of Daytona Beach.
Popular sports and activities in Orlando
There are plenty of activities and sports to do in Orlando. Golf and tennis are ever popular, as is fishing, sailing and kayaking.
Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney puts on an excellent show all year long.
While Orlando is not known for its vast art collections, it does have some galleries that are worth a visit. The Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Centre, and the Shakespeare Theatre are all located in Lochaven Park. These are excellent opportunities to get off the beaten path and have a lot of fun with the family.
Nightlife in Orlando
When it comes to nightlife, Orlando has a thriving scene. Wall Street Plaza has several restaurants and bars geared toward a slightly older party crowd. Activities every night of the week, including Friday and Saturday block parties, keep the 30-something crowd happy.
Younger partiers will find Firestone more their style. Remodelled from an old tire dealership, this club is now completely modern complete with DJ, lounges, and late, late nights.
For a mellow nightlife experience in Orlando, there is the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. Also Bosendorfer Lounge is a piano bar in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando.
Most popular hotels/resorts in Orlando
Hotels that have the added benefits of a great location and plenty of facilities, try the Celebration Hotel near Disney world and the Gaylord Palms, with its one-of-a-kind glass-top atrium.
The Hard Rock Hotel operates under the same rock-and-roll theme as the restaurants, while the Hilton Grand Vacation Suites and Homestead Studio Suites are both close to Sea World and Disney World as well.
Families are welcome all over Orlando, especially at Floridays Resort, The Point Orlando, Marriott's Harbour Lake and the Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World.
Couples without children might enjoy the romantic Polynesian Resort, another Disney resort.
For an excellent value, guests should look to the Extended Stay Deluxe Westwood Blvd, perfect for families or for business travel, or the Rosen Inn, which is close to practically everything in the city.