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)

Copper Rocket Pub

With a small stage that hosts jazz jams to psycho rock, Copper Rocket is the only true music bar in the area. Microbrews and import beers fuel the young audience.
Coral Reef

Classical music and aquarium visuals are the setting here. Try the roasted snapper with veggies.
Coral Reef Restaurant

A 600,000-gallon (272,600-liter) floor-to-ceiling aquarium is a calming backdrop to this themed restaurant. Despite the high-brow, mainly fish and seafood menu, it’s very child-friendly. Try the sauteed rock shrimp in a lemon cream sauce. (see Coral Reef).
Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Located on the campus of Rollins College, the small but stylish Cornell is Florida’s oldest art collection. It showcases European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts ranging from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to the 20th century. Among the highlights are Madonna and Child Enthroned (c. 1480) by Cosimo Rosselli, and Reclining Figure by Henry Moore (1982).
Cornell Fine Arts Museum

The art collection at this museum, located on the scenic Rollins College Campus, is one of the oldest in the state. The range of European and American art – from the Renaissance to 20th century – is impeccably presented and of an unusually high quality for a small college art museum.
Coronado Springs Resort

Disney themed resort, recently re-furbished rooms, great location, huge site, excellent transport.
Council Oak

Council Oak is a new restaurant located inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Fl. It is a 4 star restaurant that has their own butcher shop on site. The food is exquisit, and worth the high price tag. It is a great place to eat, because after dinner one can enjoy the Hard Rock casino. The restaurant engraves knives with the names high roller diners and places them in a display case at the front of the restaurant, and when patrons return they are given their personal knife to dine with. Speak to restaurant manager Shane Waters, as he very knowledgable and friendly.
Courtyard at Lake Lucerne

Downtown’s best B&B has four period buildings, from the Victorian Norment-Parry Inn to the Art Deco Wellborn House, which has apartments and a honeymoon suite.
Courtyard by Marriott, Lake Buena Vista Centre

This mid-priced hotel has two outdoor heated swimming pools, a games room, and a Pizza Hut restaurant on site. It is well located for theme parks.
Cowboys Orlando

Kick up your heels at this popular country music dance venue, located near downtown Orlando. This huge club has four bar areas and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. It’s open Thursday to Saturday to guests over 18 years old, and has nightly drink specials and dance contests.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $90
- $90–180
- $180–250
- over $250
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