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)

The Bar at California Grill

This bar is a fabulous place to kick back, enjoy a bottle of wine and watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. The secret is out, though, so come early for a table. Finding a spot at other times isn’t too hard as long as you avoid the dinner rush. (see California Grill).
The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm

This ton-of-fun kid-size roller coaster is a breath-stopping, 60-second ride. (see The Magic Kingdom® Park).
The Boheme

Seafood and game are the stars at this stylish downtown restaurant, in the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Fans of pan-seared fish can try the Chilean sea bass or the Dover sole. Atlantic salmon is painted with an apricot-horseradish glaze and grilled. Gamier tastes are met with pheasant breast and sausage with pistachio-roast garlic stuffing, and grilled venison sirloin with boar sausage. There’s a kids’ menu as well.
The Boheme

This outstanding old-world restaurant, with its sensual paintings and dark woods, serves game, steaks, and seafood to an upscale clientele.
The Bösendorfer Lounge

Luxury is a tough sell Downtown, partly because the club crowd tends to be well under 30 and lacking serious funds. However, this swanky hotel bar is thriving, confirming that an older, upscale, and urbane crowd is more than willing to pay the price for a suave evening of fancy cocktails.
The Bösendorfer Lounge

The lounge music craze that swept the nation a few years ago has almost vanished, leaving only serious practitioners. This elegant hotel bar is a swell place to sip cocktails and dig the duet in evening dress who sing near the $250,000 Bösendorfer Grand piano. Maybe it’s the heavy drapes, the dark wood, or the well-tuned ennui of some patrons, but you feel wealthy just being here.
The Bösendorfer Lounge

With upscale elegance, this lounge is perfect for sipping cocktails in stylish surroundings. Lounge singers and pianists play around the $250,000 Bösendorfer piano (Tue–Sat).
The Cat in the Hat

This ride’s dizzying, 24-ft (7-m) tunnel can leave your head and tummy in a spin.
The Club at Firestone

This club offers lively techno, rave, and house dance beats. The best time to go is on the weekends, especially Saturday nights when there is a big crowd and occasional live acts.
The Club at Firestone

Once named top club in the US by Rolling Stone magazine, The Club occupies the sprawling interior of one of Orlando’s oldest buildings. The magic ingredients (vast size, an awe-inspiring light and sound system, and an international DJ lineup) still make this the best night out in Orlando. The Club attracts a mixed crowd that is very gay-friendly. The sounds runs from trance to hip-hop to Latin, depending on the night of the week.

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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