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)

Night of Joy

A two-night showcase of contemporary Christian music.
Nike Factory Store

A gigantic collection of all things adorned with the famous “swoosh,” at discount prices.
Ocean 11

The nautical decor is a bit kitsch, but nothing’s wrong with the fish and seafood dished up here. Order it in any number of ways (including blackened). There are plenty of non-fish options, too.
Off 5th

Like Sak’s Fifth Avenue’s regular stores, this outlet is heavy on high fashion brand names and has a rapid turnover.
Old Town

Essentially, this is a tourist-oriented shopping mall filled with around 75 stores covering the usual array of gifts, novelties, and souvenirs – kitsch or otherwise. What sets it apart from other gift shop strips are the numerous entertainment options: a cheerful 18-ride amusement park, Laser Tag, a Haunted House, carousel, live music performances, and a vintage car show every Friday and Saturday night. It’s very much about family fun, and there’s no charge for admission, although the carnival rides are priced separately. On a warm Florida night, the feeling is one of strolling the bustling midway of a state fair.
Old Town

This is a lovely place filled with old style traditional american shops and eateries. You can't miss the place as it has a big ferris wheel outside! There are some great shops with classic american souvenirs and I remember a diner called the cadillac diner which had a hue pink cadillac inside!
Orange County National – Panther Lake

The elevation changes as much as 60 ft (18 m) in places on this 18-hole course, one of Golf Digest’s top “Places to Play”. It also gets high marks for course condition and pace of play. The course is surrounded by woodlands, while adjoining wetlands and lakes yield 13 water holes. (Max yds: 7,295 [6,670 m]. USGA rating: 75.7.)
Orange County Regional History Center

Given the region’s relatively short history, this museum has wisely ignored geographic limitations. Exhibits not only feature local photographs and memorabilia, but a re-created Victorian parlor, a 1926 fire station, and fascinating temporary shows that cover themes relating to other parts of Florida, such as pirates and space travel.
Orange County Regional History Center

From the informative to the kitsch, the History Center highlights the formative periods and industries of Central Florida. Dioramas show scenes of early Native Americans, and a re-created Florida Cracker house can be inspected. There’s also a display called The Day We Changed, which chronicles the impact of the arrival of the Disney theme parks. Some exhibits fall a little flat, but many elements, such as the stuffed alligators and pink flamingos, betray a sense of fun.
Orlando Ballet

This small, but growing, company presents four major productions annually, including a version of The Nutcracker , choreographed by company artistic director, Fernando Bujones. Smaller shows are held on community stages, but the major productions are at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

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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