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)

Islands of Adventure

Universal’s top-of-the-pile theme park is a magnet for thrill jockeys, with some of the fastest, highest, and best rides in town. Be warned that 9 of its 13 rides have height or health restrictions, so it’s not for the young, weak of stomach, or squeamish.
Islands of Adventure

Few visitors would contest the claim of this Universal park to being king of the Orlando thrill-ride circuit.
Ivanhoe Row

This stretch of antique shops has thinned in recent years due to rising rents, but there are still more than a dozen stores offering vintage linens, clothing, jewelry, and various collectables. The period furniture available can range from Art Deco to Victorian.
Jetski Sports

Here’s the place to race around on one- to three-seat motorcycles for the water.
Jiko – The Cooking Place

This restaurant features a show kitchen and an inventive menu: banana-leaf steamed sea bass is a typical dish.
Karen’s 2nd Precinct Café

A favorite with cops from the station across the street, this cheerful café is perfect for a sandwich or salad.
Kennedy Space Center

This well-conceived monument to America’s space program impresses visitors with exhibits both mammoth, such as the Saturn V Rocket, and minuscule, such as antiquated space suits. Bus tours are a good way to take in the installations.
Kennedy Space Center

The appeal of man in space has turned America’s No. 1 space center into a stellar attraction complete with live shuttle and rocket launches.
Kenneth Cole

Choose from recent lines of urbane Cole shoes; bags and clothes also vie for attention with about 25 per cent discount.
Key Restaurant and Wine Bar

Downtown’s best dining experience mixes bistro warmth with an adventurous menu of Asian, French, and Italian influences.

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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