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)

Restaurant Marrakesh

Mosaic tiles and a painted Moorish ceiling set the Moroccan scene. The food is flavorsome, with delights such as roast lamb au jus with couscous, and marinated beef shish kabobs. A belly dancer shimmies around and kids love to join her. (see Marrakesh).
Restaurantosaurus

Donald Duck and pals host the Breakfastosaurus in the Animal Kingdom every morning.
Richard Petty Driving Experience

Ever wanted to drive one of those souped-up, 600-horsepower NASCAR race cars, or even just be a co-pilot? Well, here’s your chance to try for your dream – and a new land-speed record. The two-page waiver form that riders need to sign may shake your nerve, but there’s nothing virtual about this attraction. There are two options: ride or drive. For the first, take the passenger seat while a professional drives off around the track at 145 mph (233 kmph); minimum age for this option is 16. Alternatively, spend a few hours or (if you have lots of cash to spare) days learning how to drive, and then race others for up to 30 laps (minimum age is 18 years).
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

If you’re a fan of the bizarre, you’ll love Ripley’s. This worldwide chain of attractions displays the unbelievable finds of Robert Ripley’s 40 years of adventures, the reports of which were published in more than 300 newspapers and read by more than 80 million people. The Orlando branch has a full-scale model of a 1907 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce (with moving engine parts) built out of 1,016,711 match sticks and 63 pints (36 I) of glue; a flute made of human bones; a mosaic of the Mona Lisa made out of toast; shrunken heads; a five-legged cow; and a portrait of Van Gogh made from 3,000 postcards. You’ll also encounter a holographic 1,069-Ib- (485-kg) man, plus films of strange feats such as people swallowing coat-hangers.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Cunningly designed, this building looks like it’s about to slip into the ground. Inside, kids might squeal – and adults might cringe – over the replicas of human and animal oddities on display. Two-headed cat, anyone? A movie shows people swallowing coat hangers, light bulbs, and more. There are also plenty of quirky displays, such as a rendition of the Mona Lisa made out of toast.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

This place is built to look as if one of Florida’s sinkholes opened up and nearly swallowed the building.
Rivership Romance

Operating out of historic Sanford, this 1946-built triple-decked boat offers daily “eco-dining” cruises along the scenic St. John’s River. It’s a truly civilized way to catch a glimpse of the Florida that tourists rarely see.
Rock N Roll Beach Club

Located in Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, this club features music from the 1950s to the 1990s. The three-story rock ‘n roll mecca also has performances by live bands as well as DJs, and can squeeze in more than 400 people.
Rock N Roll Beach Club

The three-story Beach Club was once a roller rink. Now it’s where rock fans do their thing, drinking beers amid the video games and pool tables. A DJ and earnest cover band provide the entertainment.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

This ride accelerates like a military jet. If that isn’t enough to make heads spin, each 24-passenger “stretch limo” has 120 speakers that blare Aerosmith hits at a teeth-rattling decibel level. (see Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith) (Disney-MGM Studios).