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)

Florida International Museum

The museum’s Kennedy Collection includes the rocking chair JFK used to soothe his ailing back, as well as full-scale re-creations of the White House’s Oval Office and Rose Garden. Other draws are traveling exhibitions from major international collections.
Florida Mall

Sure, it’s a big enclosed suburban mall, but it’s also one of the best in Central Florida and hugely popular with visitors and locals. Stores include Dillard’s, JC Penney, Sears, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and more than 200 others.
Florida Southern College

In the late 1930s, renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed 12 campus buildings at this college – the world’s largest collection. Highlights include the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Roux Library, the Danforth Chapel, and the Esplanades. Pick up a walking-tour map from the visitor center.
Floridian RV Resort

This woodsy retreat near Lake Tohopekaliga offers full hook-ups for RVs, two clubhouses, a playground, tennis courts, and a volleyball court. There are plenty of leisure activities in the area, such as airboat rides and parasailing
Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum

Of the tens of thousands of war-planes built between World War II and the Vietnam War, few are still around, let alone in flying condition. This museum is working to change that by painstakingly restoring a vast collection of historically important aircraft. Visitors can tour the restoration hangar, sign up for history and restoration classes, and even take the controls of a World War II flight trainer. Those who wish to stay earthbound can just take in the sight of the planes as they fly off.
Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum

If aircraft history is your passion, this is a must-see. Much more than a static museum, the War-bird is a restoration hangar where historic military aircraft are painstakingly restored to pristine flying condition (those puddles of oil on the floor are real). Visitors can see a P-51 Mustang, a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a B-17 Flying Fortress, and many others. History and restoration classes are available – as are real flights!
Flying Unicorn

Like the Barnstormer and Woody’s Nuthouse, this one’s corkscrew action is a blast.
Fort Summit Orlando KOA Kampground

This resort offers full hook-ups for RVs, as well as small timber cabins and pitches for tents. There’s a store, laundromats, and internet access.
Fort Wilderness Petting Farm

For kids who want to ride a pony (for a small charge) or get to pet miniature donkeys, goats, and other farmyard creatures, this splendid little park can’t be beaten.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Vast tracts of cypress and pine trees, fish-filled lakes, and fresh air envelop this Disney resort. It has 783 tent sites plus 409 cabins, which sleep up to six and have kitchens (the newer ones also have sun decks). Canoeing and horseback riding are two of the many outdoor activities on offer.

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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