Orlando's theme parks and attractions form a constellation of options that could keep even the
most energetic busy for days on end.
Take the theme parks, you'll find hair-raising rides, animals from every corner of the globe, favourite characters from your childhood and live shows to compete with the best that London's stages can offer. This is Orlando so even the nightlife is "themed".
Walt Disney World Resort boasts its own nightclubs and night-time entertainment district in the guise of Pleasure Island. This waterfront shrine to sheer enjoyment features a 70's disco, 80's beach club and a 90's dance club. Downtown Disney features a host of restaurants, shops and attractions. The hottest restaurants include a Wolfgang Puck® restaurant and singer Gloria Estefan's Bongos Cuban Cafe™.
Disney's Marketplace stocks the widest selection of Disney merchandise in the world. Not to be outdone Universal created their own night-time district where you can join the world's biggest party at the soul-stirring CityWalk®. Covering over 12 acres the complex features live entertainment at CityJazzSM, casual dining at the likes of Jimmey Buffett's Margaritaville® and the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe®.
Orlando to most now translates as "the world capital of theme parks" which signifies non-stop entertainment for all the family. It is no longer just for children in love with Mickey Mouse, but for anyone with an ounce of fun in their hearts. Make the most of this unique destination and remember that taking life easy is not an option here. You may just need a week relaxing on a sun-drenched Florida beach to recover!
When to go
Florida isn't called the "Sunshine State" for nothing and you will rarely have to worry about the weather in Orlando. The fabulous theme parks attract families from all over the world and when school's out the parks get busier so plan for some serious queuing and make sure you take full advantage of the queue jumping features that are available with your tickets. If you don't have to travel in the school holidays the prices are lower and you'll maximize your elbow room around the pool.
Special Events
The Floridians have adopted any excuse to party and if you are in town on St. Patrick's Day, over Easter or Christmas and even during Mardi Gras you'll certainly know it.
July 4
Independence Day (the fireworks are usually the highlight and if you do happen to have tickets for Walt Disney World Resort, don't miss their display).
November 25
Thanksgiving Day (an unusual calm comes to town as families spend the day together eating turkey dinners).
Shopping
Belz Factory Outlet Mall, features among other discount stores a Gap outlet and Liz Claiborne. Vinelands Premium Outlet is a cut above the average outlet - you'll find Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Timberland to name but a few! Beyond the outlet malls, Orlando has two of Florida's biggest shopping malls. The Millennium Mall and Florida Mall are home to many of America's regular high street stores and although things are not discounted as they are at the outlet malls, prices are still cheaper compared to the UK. Look out for Macys, Williams-Sonoma, Lord & Taylor and by no means least, Nordstrom.
Eating out
The Orlando area has one of the state's highest densities of family-friendly dining establishments.
Eating out in Orlando usually involves a degree of queuing and you should plan for a wait of up to an hour before you are seated for dinner. Our favourite chains are Bahama Breeze for Caribbean cuisine, Macaroni Grill for Italian and Outback Steakhouses whose name is self-explanatory.
Helping you choose
Where to stay: The northern end of International Drive has long been a favourite with visitors. If you don't want to be reliant on a car throughout your holiday, it is the best location for you to put your best foot forward and do what the Americans don't and walk! You'll find shops, restaurants and bars in every direction.
The southern end of International Drive is home to SeaWorld® Orlando but otherwise remains much less commercial - things are spread out and the only way to get around is by car whether hired or hailed. Lake Buena Vista is the more sedate (if we can take the liberty of calling any area in Orlando sedate) and leafy area. It is also closest to Walt Disney World Resort. Choose your hotel carefully and you can avoid the need for a car.
