Things to do in Orlando, FL

Where to Stay

Orlando could be described as “sprawling” to some degree, so depending on your visit's prime directive (are you here to hit the theme parks or dedicated to downtown diversions?), choices abound. In areas like Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista, you’ll find a plethora of properties catering to families and other park-centric travelers. Most offer free shuttle service to and from, though a vehicle will give you added flexibility if you’re interested in park-hopping or heading somewhere special for a post-coaster dinner. 

Hot Tips: Monorail-access properties (DisneyÂ's Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian) make hitting the Magic Kingdom a breeze. Change lines at the Transport and Ticket Center and you can add EPCOT to your drive-free repertoire, as well.

What to Eat

Not surprisingly, O-Town is rife with recognizable franchises, whether upscale steakhouse or child-friendly theme restaurant. Disney Springs offers much in the way of the latter with places like the T-Rex Café, where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and regular meteor showers make dining an immersive experience. Those looking for smaller, more unique dining venues might check out neighborhoods like Winter Park, Colonialtown (also known as “Mills 50”) and College Park, for eateries that are ethnic, eclectic and decidedly more “local.”

Hot Tips: DonÂ't let the oft-tight parking on Winter ParkÂ's Park Avenue turn you off. Just half a block off Park Avenue North youÂ'll find a couple of free lots and one multilevel garage where (shh!) thereÂ's free all-day parking on the fourth and fifth levels.

Places to Party

From concerts to piano bars, local theater to touring Broadway shows, pulsating nightclubs to trendy hookah bars, the City Beautiful covers all the bases. And downtown’s shining Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic, offers the one-two punch of a game or concert followed by drinking, dining, dancing or a scintillating combination thereof just steps away. Closer to the parks on I-Drive, Pointe Orlando’s options include several venues that turn from restaurant to dinner theater or nightclub as the moon begins to rise. 

Caution: Dress codes are no joke in some of the more expensive downtown-area nightclubs, especially for men. Save the sneakers and t-shirts for the gym or try a more casual bar instead.

Hot Tips: Dig drag? Pointe OrlandoÂ's Funky Monkey Wine Company is home to Danielle Hunter & CompanyÂ's dazzling show every Friday at 9 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended.

Where to Shop

What can we say? From the Neiman-Marcus-and-Bloomingdales’s-anchored Mall at Millenia to the charming, antiques-driven economies of Mount Dora and Sanford to the north, Orlando does not lack for shopping opportunities. In its many bustling outlet shopping centers, it’s not at all uncommon to see international visitors stocking up on brands that are harder to come by back home.

Best Local Souvenir: CÂ'mon. Do you even have to ask? Hit up one of Downtown DisneyÂ's varied shops for your choice of iconic Mouse treasure, whether you prefer it emblazoned on a ball cap or t-shirt, or pressed into a collectible. Fresh citrus also ranks high, but tastes best if you pick it yourself.