DK Travel : Orlando

One word describes Orlando’s transformation in the last three decades: stunning. The city and its suburbs have gone through a Cinderella-like metamorphosis, where plain Jane has become a worldly beauty. Millions of tourists are seduced every year by sophisticated resorts, a wide range of theme parks, must-see attractions, happening nightclubs, and winning restaurants. Here are Orlando’s best of the best.

More on the Top 10 sights in Orlando (see Thrill Rides)

Central Florida Fair

This massive 11-day shindig takes place close to Downtown Orlando, but its cowpoke attitude is a world away. The country-style attractions include carnival rides, livestock shows, country music, farming exhibits, and more fried food than you’ll ever care to eat.
Central Florida Guide Service

A professional guide service that takes clients fishing in some of the best big bass waters in Florida.
Central Florida Zoological Park

Beneath this zoo’s dense canopy of foliage, visitors can observe the residents (from howler monkeys to bald eagles, llamas, and zebu) at close quarters. Some areas fall short – the pacing big cats obviously need bigger cages – but on the whole, this makes for a rewarding trip.
Champions Gate

Greg Norman created two 18-hole courses (the National and the International) located in this resort community southwest of Disney, featuring a terrain of woods, wetlands, and open land. Between them they have 13 water holes, and share double greens at the 4th and 16th holes. (Max yds: 7,048 [6,445 m] and 7,407 [6,773 m], respectively. USGA rating: 75.1 & 76.3.)
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Here rests the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, best known for his Art Nouveau stained-glass pieces. The museum’s highlight is a spectacular chapel Tiffany made for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. There are also interesting collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and jewelry.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The imposing, windowless walls of this museum rather ironically contain an outstanding collection of beautiful glass windows and objects by the American artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Other highlights include American ceramics and representative collections of late-19th- and early-20th-century paintings, graphics, and decorative arts.
Charley’s Steak House

Charley’s uses an Indian cooking method, yielding steaks that are charred outside, juicy inside.
Chef Mickey’s

Mickey hosts American buffet breakfasts and dinners in the Contemporary Resort.
Chefs de France

Three French chefs created this brasserie-style restaurant full of Gallic flare and flavor.
Chili’s Grill & Bar

One of the better chains offering Tex-Mex food including fajitas, sandwiches, and grills, with low-fat options.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- over $60