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)

SeaWorld

Its laid-back pace, educational angle, and animal actors make this a popular stop for those wanting a break from the lines and stifling crowds at other parks. (see SeaWorld Orlando).
SeaWorld Orlando

Anheuser-Busch’s Orlando outpost offers animal attractions and a refreshing change of pace to the fast rides and cartoon characters overrunning the other parks.
Sheraton Studio City Hotel

A most distinctive 21-story circular hotel with an interior Deco-inspired design and lighting theme.
Sheraton’s Vistana Resort

This resort offers modern one- and two-bedroom villas and town houses, packed with home comforts, that can be rented by the week. The tennis facilities are excellent, with both clay and all-weather courts.
Siam Orchid

Orlando’s No. 1 Thai restaurant, due in part to the owners’ insistence on using fresh herbs and authentic recipes.
Siam Orchid

A crowd of well-heeled regulars and newcomers mix in the intimate rooms and split-level dining room of this upscale Thai eatery. Perennial favorites include pad thai (rice noodles with ground pork, seafood, crushed peanuts, and a sweet sauce) and royal thai , with chicken, potatoes, and onions in a yellow curry sauce.
Sierra Suites Hotel

Some of the 137 suites have wheelchair access, others are tailored to the hearing impaired. There’s a heated pool, barbecues, and a Jacuzzi, and it’s on the I-Ride Trolley circuit and provides a free shuttle to Disney.
Silver Spurs Rodeo

Two days of rodeo events for cowboys and girls in Kissimmee.
Skull Kingdom and a Chamber of Magic

Like a backdrop in an old horror movie, this funhouse takes the form of a spooky castle atop a giant skull. It’s even better lit up at night.
Sky 60

Located above The Social, this rooftop bar is an Orange Avenue hotspot, attracting folks who prefer not to mingle with the masses but rather look down on them. Covered in whitewash, this airy spot is a classier option for folks who usually drink downstairs or at the Bar-B-Q Bar. Entertainment is typically provided via a DJ who leans toward refined, less aggressive grooves.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $90
- $90–180
- $180–250
- over $250
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