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)

SkyVenture

If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving but don’t like the thought of stepping out of a plane, this vertical wind tunnel is for you. More than 100,000 visitors each year immerse themselves in the high adventure of skydiving without ever having to pack a parachute. There are certain weight restrictions and you have to be more than three years old, but other than that no experience is necessary. The price includes a class, gear and equipment, and two one-minute jumps, which is usually more than enough to exhaust a novice skydiver.
SkyVenture

Take a close look at this blue and purple building and you might see people floating in front of you – look closer and you will see they are actually flying. (see Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour)
Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theatre

The theater’s cast stages eight different shows over the course of a month, all with a suspicious death and a twist before the mystery is uncovered. Meals include hors d’oeuvres before the show, then your choice of honey-glazed Cornish game hen, prime rib, or lasagna with side dishes, dessert, and unlimited beer, wine, and sodas.
Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Buried deep in the woods near exit 54 off I-4, tiny Cassadaga was founded more than 100 years ago as a community of clairvoyants, mediums, and healers. Resident spiritualists promote the science, philosophy, and religion of Spiritualism; offer contacts with the deceased in the Spirit World; and provide a variety of healing services for the body, mind, and spirit. Staff at the Cassadaga Camp Bookstore can put visitors in touch with on-call mediums in the area and even provide a phone to make appointments.
Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club Villas

Southern Dunes is a gated community with over night security and is located south of Orlando within easy driving distance of all the Disney Parks and attractions. You are also only one hours drive from either coast. It is within walking distance of the local supermarket Walmart where you can buy everything you need.
Southern Nights

Regularly named Orlando’s best gay nightclub, this is a sizeable party hotspot on the weekends (Friday and Sunday for him, Saturday for her). Techno and house rule, except on Mondays, when it’s Latin night. Drag shows and special events are always on the calendar.
Southport Park Campground & Marina

This relaxing park is in 25-acres (10 ha) of lakeside woods. While away time on site by fishing, wandering among the wildlife (such as eagles and deer), or by taking an airboat trip. There are RV and tent sites with full hook-ups.
Spa at Renaissance Orlando Resort

This spa features a full line of traditional services including massages (Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology); body treatments (polishes and wraps); and a full line of facials, one of which is designed to introduce 10- to 14-year-olds to the basics of skin care. In-room massages are available for an extra charge. The fitness center has modern Nautilus equipment.
Spa at the Wyndham Palace Resort

Just around the corner from Disney’s parks, the Wyndham offers an upscale experience that’s from another world. This full-service, European-style spa has various styles of massage; body treatments (mud masks, wraps, and polishes); facials; and hydro-therapy treatments. It has steam rooms, saunas, and a health-and-fitness center.
Speedweeks

Two weeks of motor action at Daytona Beach, ending with the Daytona 500.

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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