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)

Cowboys Orlando

A gigantic country music hot spot with four huge bars and nightly dance contests.
Cricketers Arms Pub

A little piece of England, with European soccer on the TVs, darts, and nearly 20 ales, lagers, bitters, and stouts on tap. Blues bands sometimes perform.
Cycling

Get away on Disney’s scenic bike trails. You can rent single, multi-speed, and kids’ bikes at the Fort Wilderness Resort’s Bike Barn. Tandems and cycles with baby seats and training wheels are also available.
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort

Unself-conscious couples and families, with either American Association for Nude Recreation or Cypress Cove resort membership, stay in villas, rooms, and RV sites here.
Darst Victorian Manor

This newly built, Victorian-style hotel overlooks Lake Helen. The Queen Victoria suite, with its crimson furnishings and four-poster bed, is the most inviting of the six rooms. Gourmet breakfasts can include spinach strata and potato pancakes.
Days Inn Convention Center North of SeaWorld

This branch of the Days Inn chain makes a good base for convention-goers and vacationers alike. The hotel is surrounded by landscaped grounds and has a pancake restaurant and playground.
Days Inn Orlando Lakeside

Cheap rates and a good location at the northern end of I-Drive are the selling points for this Days Inn. The rooms are small and basic; some have a lake view.
Daytona Beach

During the annual “Spring Break,” this legendary beach (just 90 minutes from Orlando along I-4) is the destination for thousands of vacationing college students, who drink and party until they drop. But sun and fun isn’t all that’s offered. Beach Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and clubs; and of course, there’s the Daytona Speedway, home to the Daytona 500 and other NASCAR races (see Speedweeks).
Deep Sea Fishing & Sightseeing

Land a whopper on fishing trips into the Gulf of Mexico. Commonly caught species include grouper, amberjack, and red snapper. Alternatively, there are sightseeing excursions that offer encounters with dolphins, sea birds, and, on occasion, manatees.
Deli Planet

Nothing beats this weird little sandwich shop, with its outer-space theme and awesome sandwiches, such as the Battlestar Garlica. Eat in or take away.

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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