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)

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal is transformed into a ghoulish home for the undead.
Hampton Inn Maingate East

This hotel is well located for Walt Disney World Resort and offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Disney theme parks. Rooms have been recently renovated and guest services will help get you tickets and reservations.
Hampton Inn Maingate West

The Hampton Maingate has a newer and nicer feel than most hotels in this price bracket. Rooms are smallish but sleep up to four. There’s a free Disney shuttle, and rates include breakfast and free local phone calls.
Hard Rock Hotel

Universal’s second resort boasts Mission-style architecture and a rock ‘n’ roll theme. Rooms are attractive and comfortable; the best views are from those facing the lake. Guests get to skip the lines for rides and shows at Universal’s parks.
Hard Rock Live

One of the best spots in town to see live music (national/local rock and R&B acts), with a top-notch sound system.
Hard Rock Live

The ying to HOB’s yang, Hard Rock has a more comfortable room, with balcony seating and good stage views. The grand ballroom decor is more apropos for acts that want to perform in an elegant setting, so it’s not surprising that top R&B artists such as Maxwell and Erykah Badu play here. The Hard Rock schedule is more erratic, with fewer top name bookings.
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Well-tended pathways weave through this elegant 50-acre (20-ha) park. Earthy scents waft from an herb garden, while another contains plants that attract butterflies. Depending on the season, visitors might catch roses in bloom (in Florida’s largest rose garden) or the grace of camellias. Guides conduct tours of the early 20th-century Leu House.
Hayrides

For something a little more unusual in the way of outdoor fun, try a 45-minute hay wagon ride around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Expect some singing and dancing, and a good-time atmosphere that makes for a relaxing end to the day. One of Disney’s most popular campground experiences.
Historic Waterhouse Residence & Carpentry Museum

William H. Waterhouse was a carpenter who came to Central Florida in the early 1880s and built this lovely home overlooking Lake Lily. Pristinely restored and maintained by the Maitland Historical Society, the home, Waterhouse’s carpentry shop, and the property’s remarkable collection of hand-crafted furniture offer a glimpse into the DIY days of Maitland’s past. Woodworking buffs will be wowed by Waterhouse’s extensive use of heart of pine, a wood rarely seen today. Tours lasting about 40 minutes are offered. The Waterhouse facilities nicely complement the Maitland Historical & Telephone Museums, both located just a few blocks away and also run by the Maitland Historical Society.
historical bok tower

bell tower and house in lovely quiet parkland and gardens

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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