Discover A Magnificent New World in Orlando, Florida
By Leslie E. Royal
Widely known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World”, Orlando, Florida draws more than 72 million visitors annually. That’s certainly for great reason. Walt Disney World and its exciting attractions, Universal Studios Orlando featuring its entertainment parks, and Sea World Orlando are spectacular scenes to behold. When you’re in the city on your multi-day vacation, there is actually a great deal more to relish and enjoy. Step into an oasis of fun beyond your imagination.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a fabulous find. (https://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/) This stunningly beautiful resort is remarkable in every way. From the kind, exceptional staff to the ultra-luxurious guest rooms and suites, you will find this to be a marvelous vacation to remember. Select one of 68 signature suites and enjoy Plum, a new on-demand system. With just a touch of a button, guests can have a premium wine glass experience.
View the evening fireworks from the rooftop Capa Restaurant. Enjoy Sips and Cigars at Plancha, fun for Kids at Explorer Island, and Treatment for Two at the Four Seasons Spa. Make reservations for the young and young-at-heart to spend time with Disney characters at the brilliant Breakfast with Goofy & Pals Buffet in the Ravello Restaurant. You’ll even get photo keepsakes.
The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, featuring an extraordinary art collection, is a magnificent jewel of a boutique hotel. (https://thealfondinn.com/) A dog friendly property, special events this season include Oktoberfiestia featuring German, Mexican, Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine, a Halloween Concert, a Thanksgiving Fest, Breakfast with Santa, the New Year’s Eve Midnight and Beyond Dance Party, and the Get Your Jazz On Series. Additional luxury hotels to consider are the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the Villas of Grand Cypress, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Some of the properties offer complimentary shuttle service to theme parks in the area. If not, I-Ride Trolley passes are a great option. Purchase Hop On/Hop Off tickets ranging from 1-Day to 14-Days.
Fine Dining and Unique Restaurants
Featuring fine dining at its best, Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster restaurant is worth the visit. (https://christnersprimesteakandlobster.com/) Delight in the best cuts of prime ribeye steak, porterhouse and other meats. The cold-water lobster tail is carved right at your table. Tasty dishes include shrimp remoulade, Carole’s filet, and the filet trio. Other fancy eateries in Orlando are Norman’s restaurant, Victoria & Albert’s, and The Capital Grille.
There are several additional restaurants to visit if you are seeking a really unique experience. Ace Café Orlando is special treat for car and motorcycle aficionados and anyone else wanting delicious Sunday Brunch. (https://www.acecafeusa.com/) Commence with the Bottomless Mimosas. Then savor a la carte dishes like the crème brulee French toast, morning meatloaf, and chicken and waffles. Hamilton’s Kitchen, sited in The Alfond Inn, presents an amazing culinary experience. Delectable menu items include white cheddar bacon scones, Hamilton’s Cobb salad, smoked salmon “pastrami” toast, crab crusted scallops, and the Macallan 12YR Butterscotch pudding. Marlow’s Tavern at Pointe Orlando is a great meetup point for you and your guests. Tantalizing bites include truffle parmesan fries, roast chicken stack, and smoked trout dip. ( https://www.marlowstavern.com/locations/pointe-orlando)
Creative Things to Do and See
Once you’ve secured your theme park tickets, add these cool attractions and entertaining venues to your list. Pinewood Estates at Bok Tower Gardens, open at select times of the year, hosts live concerts, hiking tours, bird watching, and viewing of its stately architecture. A hilarious time of good clean fun for the entire family, get your password to gain entry into 1931 gangland Chicago for singing and dancing at Al Capone’s Dinner Theater. Solve the crime over cuisine at the Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show.
Notable performers like Tony Brent are featured at the Outta Control Magic and Comedy Dinner Show. Rock, comedy, theater, and more dazzle attendees at Blue Man’s Group electrifying multi-sensory experience. Escape Game Orlando is an exciting, puzzling, stimulating, and mind-bending immersion of fun. See if you and your friends can figure out the puzzle in 60 minutes. WonderWorks Orlando, known as the “amusement park of the mind”, has more than 100 educational, yet amusing exhibits. The Holy Land Experience vividly and vibrantly brings the Bible to life in a historical account of the life of Jesus Christ. Visitors from around the globe see exhibits, view live shows, and take tours.
Guest Contributor Leslie E. Royal is an author, international freelance writer, product review expert, social media influencer, and global travel journalist. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including: ESSENCE, Black Enterprise, FORTUNE.com, AAA Southern Traveler, Upscale, Upscale Living, and The Ashro Blog. She is the creator of the Leslie’s Lane consumer information blog and author of two books: Leslie Lane The Book!: Your One Stop Internet Resource Guide to Links for Jobs, Inspiration, Discounts, FREE Stuff, Scholarships, Travel & More ( $14.95) – How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book for FREE with Amazon’s KDP: An Easy Way to Complete Your Manuscript in Seven Stress-Free Steps (Leslie’s Lane Inc.) ($9.95) Follow Leslie! Instagram and Amazon Author page
10 Great Attractions in Orlando
- Pinewood Estates at Bok Tower Gardens – https://boktowergardens.org/
- Al Capone’s Dinner Theatre – https://alcapones.com/
- Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show – https://www.sleuths.com/
- Blue Man Group at Universal – https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/shows/blue-man-group/index.html
- Escape Game Orlando – https://orlandoescapegame.com/
- WonderWorks Orlando – https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/
- The Holy Land Experience – https://holylandexperience.com/
- Walt Disney World – https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/all-parks/
- Universal Orlando – https://www.universalorlando.com
- Outta Control Magic and Comedy Dinner Show – https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/the-experience/the-outta-control-magic-comedy-dinner-show/
Orlando, Florida is on my bucket list this year because of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. I want to surprise my daughter on her birthday by making a trip here. See you soon Florida!