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)

Belz Designer Outlet Centre

A third of a mile south of Outlet World is this 200,000-sq-ft (18,580-sq-m) strip mall offering nearly 50 decidedly upscale retailers. Fashion-conscious shoppers (both locals and tourists) flock here to cruise the well-stocked outlets of Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Kenneth Cole, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fossil Watches, Donna Karan, Coach, Nine West, Movado, and many others.
Belz Factory Outlet World

This branch of Belz is not only the largest and oldest factory outlet mall in Orlando, it’s also one of the largest in the U.S.A. Located at the north end of I-Drive, the complex features more than 170 outlets in two fully enclosed malls and four annexes. The best stores focus on mid-line brands such as Nike, The Gap, Oshkosh B’Gosh, Puma, Dockers, Reebok, and Calvin Klein.
Belz Factory Outlet World

With more than 170 stores bursting with bargains, there’s something for everyone.
Berber Oasis

Hand-tied Berber rugs, camel-bone boxes, and more are on offer in this square, which has the bustle but not the hustle of the real thing.
Bergamo’s

At this restaurant, the waiters sing Broadway tunes and opera while the chefs prepare the Italian menu. It covers all bases, with pasta, meat, and seafood – try the lobster, shrimp, clams, and mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce, or the veal T-bone with olive and anchovy butter.
Best shopping at Disney

I am a comparison shopper by nature and while at Disney World this past summer I found Disney has many ways of you parting with your money, but I found some of the best shopping at the Animal Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Better than at the other parks and resorts.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista Hotel

All rooms have balconies at this official Disney hotel, some of which overlook beautiful gardens bordering the lake. There’s free transportation to Disney’s major parks, and it’s within walking distance of Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and West Side.
Best Western Mount Vernon Inn

Located some 20 miles (32 km) north of Disney World, this is a cozy, colonial-style motel, with friendly staff. There’s a city park across the street and many of Downtown’s cultural attractions are nearby.
BET Soundstage Club

The Soundstage Club is located in Downtown Disney, rubbing shoulders with other clubs at Pleasure Island. Come here to dance to rhythm and blues, reggae, soul and hip-hop tracks. It’s owned by BET Holdings, Black Entertainment Television, so you can expect that the crowd will be young, trendy, and pretty cool.
Between the Buns

Some describe it as an example of form-follows-function Programmatic architecture from the 1920s. Others just see it as a 25-ft- (8-m) long frankfurter.

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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