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)

Denny's Diner

Denny's (aka Denny's Diner as appeared on some of the locations' signage) is the largest full-service diner/family restaurant chain in the United States. It operates over 2,500 restaurants in the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, Curaçao, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand. Denny's is known for its 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year operations, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert around the clock. Many of their restaurants are located in proximity to freeway exits and in service areas of small towns and remote areas.
Dexter’s of Thornton Park

A white-collar after-work crowd frequents this hugely popular bar/ restaurant in a spacious, loft-like room. On fine nights, drinkers often head for the small outdoor space or spill out onto the sidewalk, jostling and juxtaposing with the folk from the fundamentalist church and a working-class beer joint that are located on the same street. Dexter’s is also known for its great New American menu, and for serving dozens of wines by the glass. There’s another branch in Winter Park (see Fiddler’s Green).
Dexter’s of Thornton Park

A favorite after-work spot, Dexter’s offers exotic sandwiches, hearty salads, and entrees such as seared tuna and steak.
Dexter’s of Winter Park

Home to a serious collection of wines, this branch of Dexter’s is more upscale than Downtown’s, except on Thursdays when there’s a band playing classic rock.
Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is like an inland Caribbean island, a haven of peace and luxury only 15 minutes’ drive from Disneyworld. Here you can relax by the lagoons on beautiful landscaped beaches, swim with dolphins, rays, snorkel around the coral reef, or take a leisurely swim in the warm tropical river through to the aviary where the exotic birds are so tame they will sit on your shoulder. The full day package includes a continental breakfast and a delicious buffet lunch to cater for all tastes. Everything you need is included; wetsuit, snorkeling gear and unlimited supply of towels. A fantastic family day out you will all remember forever.
Discovery Cove

Need to unwind on a tropical beach, swim with dolphins, or snorkel over coral reefs? Well, if you check into Discovery Cove, you can. This exclusive (daily entry is limited to 1,000 people) and inspired Orlando attraction offers the features and personalized services of an upscale island resort. Admission is not cheap, but includes everything from lunch to wet suits and sun block. Reservations two months in advance are suggested.
Discovery Cove

You might be in land-locked Orlando, but you can still fulfil those tropical island fantasies of swimming with dolphins and snorkeling over coral reefs if you check in to Discovery Cove. The dolphin swim is the biggest draw (each session lasts about one hour), but the white-sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities in fresh and salt-water lagoons, and soothing beach-resort vibe elicits just as much praise. Admission is not cheap (largely because there are never more than 1,000 visitors daily), but you get almost everything you need for the day thrown in, including sun block, lunch, and snorkel gear, as well as a seven-day pass to SeaWorld. This secluded oasis is not for everyone – kids might miss the lack of thrill rides – but for a unique beach escape that doesn’t require leaving Orlando, this is the place.
Disney Vacation Club

The same upscale Disney units that are sold as timeshares are also available for rental. Properties are located at the Old Key West Resort (white clapboard houses), Boardwalk Villas (see Disney’s Board-Walk Inn & Villas), and Wilderness Lodge (see Disney’s Wilderness Lodge).
Disney World Festival of the Masters

Daytime art exhibits and nighttime big-name jazz shows.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Karibuni (Welcome) to a Disney safari adventure as extraordinary as nature itself! Escape to this secluded African lodge-style resort set amidst 33 acres of tropical savannah. Stroll its many meandering pathways to encounter the more than 30 species of wildlife up close in open, natural habitats. Bask in the dramatic detail of artwork, artefacts, cuisine and music that bring Africa to life. Travel to the heart of the continent and enjoy the finest traditions of quality service and hospitality.

Come home to Africa, wonderfully recreated in every detail of your inviting room, from the rich colours of the imported tapestries to the burnished glow of the hand-carved furnishings. Then, step through the sliding glass doors onto your private balcony where you just might be able to take in breathtaking views of the zebras, giraffes, ostriches and wildebeests strolling by.

Guest room views include:

Savanna View

Take in views of exotic animals on the 33-acre wildlife reserve.

Water/Pool View

Look out onto the Hotel pools.

Standard View

Enjoy expansive views of Hotel grounds from your Guest room.Standard Guest Rooms: maximum 4 Guests

Make yourself at home in a spacious Guest room decorated with vibrant colours and handcrafted African embellishments.

Room Features:

Most rooms are available with your choice of king-size bed (available with daybed), two queen-size beds or one queen-size bed and bunk beds (available with daybed). Bedding requests not guaranteed.

Disabled accessible rooms available

6:00am to midnight room service

Nonsmoking rooms available

Irons, ironing boards, hairdryers and make-up mirrors in each room

In-room coffee makers and refrigerators available at no charge

Pak-N-Play cribs available upon request

In-room safes

High-speed Internet access (additional fee applies)

Disney Channel and ESPN

Newspaper delivery

Laundry facilities/services

Pools:

Dive into Uzima, our feature zero-depth entry pool. Uzima means "clear water," and there's plenty of it to enjoy, along with a 67-foot-long water slide. Younger Guests will have fun in the wading pool, and our two spas offer aqua-therapy for all ages.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Programmes:

Join us for viewings and activities honouring the creatures of the savannah. Go on a cultural safari, watch animals at play at dusk with night vision, try your hand as a junior researcher, or watch animal handlers feed the pelicans and flamingos.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Safari Experiences:

Reserve your spot on an extraordinary African Safari experience. From specially designed, open air vehicles, take in majestic scenes of the savanna and its noble wildlife at dusk with the Wanyama Safari, or at dawn with the concierge-level exclusive Sunrise Safari. Contact concierge services for booking information.

Zahanati Massage & Fitness Centre:

Pamper yourself with facials, body treatments and various massages. Work out on state-of-the-art exercise equipment, make an appointment for a personal training session and take advantage of amenities including dry saunas and steam rooms.

Simba's Cubhouse:

Enjoy a parents' night out and treat children ages 4-12 to an evening of supervised activities, computer games, Disney movies, dinner and snacks in an environment created just for them.

Pumbaa's Fun & Games Arcade:

Play both classic arcade favourites and the latest in video game entertainment at this high-tech game room, located next to The Mara restaurant and across from the wading pool.

Hakuna Matata Playground:

Climb, slide and have fun with "no worries" on this 24-hour playground located next to the pool, overlooking the flamingo area and savannah.

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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