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)-
Despite being part of a chain, Romano’s has a neighborhood feel. The modestly priced Italian menu includes thin-crust pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, sauteed salmon scaloppini, and chicken marsala. Paper tablecloths and crayons will keep kids happy for hours.
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The pizzas and pasta comes in huge portions at this fine Italian eatery. Opera singers sometimes entertain.
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A pub-grub joint offering British staples such as bangers and mash, rib with Yorkshire pudding, and Cornish pasties.
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Tucked into an after-dark desert area of town, Roxy is a big multi-floor dance club, with impressive hiphop, Latin, and house DJs playing nightly. The loyal following tends to be less self-consciously trendy and more hetero than the usual downtown club mix. Monday Night Fights see amateur boxers from the crowd knock back a few beers then jump in a ring to fight each other. Well, the crowd is different to that found in Downtown.
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On the menu here are Hawaiian fusion dishes such as sesame-oil-seared mahi-mahi with red Thai curry sauce.
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A downtown favorite, SAK is Orlando’s home of improvisation comedy. Shows are always funny and inventive, and there are two per night. The 8pm shows are usually family-friendly, while the later ones get a bit edgier, although obscene material is strictly avoided. Of particular interest are the series shows, such as Foolish Hearts , an ongoing, improvised soap opera.
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This South Orlando club is upscale and hip. It’s a restaurant during the week, but on Friday and Saturday nights it also has live Latin and Reggae music, and dancing until 2am. The menu features Latin fusion cuisine and there’s also a cigar lounge.
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These Disney World-based centers were founded by four-time world champion water-skier Sammy Duvall. The Contemporary Resort branch offers parasailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding, knee-boarding, and tubing. Guests can either rent a boat and driver or take lessons. The slalom course is geared to more hardcore water-skiers. Guests can bring their own gear or rent it.
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Try mole poblano (chicken with spices and chocolate) or beef with black beans and fried plantain at this south-of-the-border eatery.
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1980's style villas, with lots of flowery and laura ashley style influence. Quiet and peaceful. There's a golf course running through the centre of the complex.
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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.
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