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)

MGM-Studios Star Wars Weekends

Four consecutive weekends of Star Wars-inspired frolics.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Evening seasonal fun complete with snow and enchanting parades.
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Disney characters keep you entertained at this hoedown and all-you-can-eat American buffet dinner in Fort Wilderness.
Mitsukoshi Department Store

An amazing selection of kimonos, samurai swords, bonsais, Japanese Disneyana, and kites is sold here.
Moss Park

a complete change to disney a really relaxing place where Americans hang out
Mount Dora

Just 25 miles (40 km) from Orlando, charming Mount Dora seems plucked from the 1950s. The cozy downtown is unmarred by strip malls or chain stores. Instead, the local industry is antiques, with dozens of small shops on and around Donnelly Street as well as Renninger’s Antique & Flea Markets on the edge of town. Train buffs can enjoy a ride on the restored Cannonball, a 1913 steam engine, and Lake Dora offers plenty of boating opportunities.
MurderWatch Mystery Theatre

In a twist on the normal murder mystery, the cast here acts out four possible endings to the story; the audience has to figure out which one is the correct plot. The crimes take place in a 19th-century-style restaurant, while guests partake of a buffet of prime rib, pasta, and more.
NBA City

This is the place where you can cheer for your favorite team on tv while you eat. Enjoy the NBA memorabilia on the walls during the ad breaks.
New Smyrna Beach

Just south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna is a smaller, calmer town that lacks Daytona’s party scene. The white sand beach is picture perfect – but as at Daytona, cars share the space with sunworshipers. For food, the place to go is JB’s Fish Camp, a raucous and friendly shack beside Mosquito Lagoon, which serves some of the state’s tastiest fish, seafood, and key lime pie.
NFL Experience

No matter if you’re unfit or have never caught a forward pass. At Disney’s Wide World of Sports, you can be a gridiron star for the day and take part in a program designed to make you an American football hero – minus the bruises and bleeding.

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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