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 Peacock Room

The Peacock’s jazzy ambience is a welcome respite from the thump of techno. This is a small, stylish lounge in the heart of Orlando’s gay-friendly ViMi district. The decor is muted Art Deco and a small jazz band often plays. The cool vibe also attracts straights, making for a nice mix.
The Social

Orlando’s best club for live music, bar none. The stage hosts an incredible variety of performers, from jazz to electronica.
The Social

The Social (formerly known as Sapphire) serves up an eclectic mix of live music. Sounds range from alternative rock to funk, jazz, and dance, with local DJs also gracing the club’s legendary stage. For years, the club’s policy of booking top national touring acts meant it was the shining light of Orlando’s live music scene. Competition from much larger clubs is stiffer now, but this tiny spot, with its stylishly raw decor, remains O-Town’s favorite spot to enjoy live music.
The Vietnamese District

This area, also known as the ViMi district (for the crossroads at Virginia and Mills avenues), is a less obvious ethnic enclave than, say, New York’s Chinatown. Nevertheless, it is still clustered with Vietnamese restaurants and shops, as well as delights from other Asian countries. The thickest concentration is south of Virginia, at Colonial Drive.
Theatre Downtown

Recently named Orlando’s Best Local Repertory Company, this volunteer organization has been producing first-rate shows since 1984. In 1989, it moved to a former appliance store, and in this casual setting has presented an array of classics, contemporary works (such as David Mamet’s American Buffalo ), and new plays by local writers.
Thurston House

Built in 1885, and set in woodland, this charming B&B offers a quiet retreat, popular with adults. The four rooms, with queen-size beds, overlook Lake Eulalia. It’s smoke-free and has no pool, but the home-away-from-home atmosphere is a winner.
Titanic – Ship of Dreams

The spirit of Leonardo DiCaprio lingers around this impressive recreation of the doomed Titanic. Guided tours by actors playing crew members and passengers bring the displays to life. Among the 200 or so exhibits are life jackets salvaged from the ship, which add a solemn touch.
Titanic – Ship of Dreams

This exhibit’s 200 artifacts include a real life jacket and an old deck chair, which were both recovered from the wreckage of the fateful liner, as well as the Titanic’s second-class passenger list. The attraction also has full-scale re-creations of some of the ship’s rooms, including its grand staircase, as well as memorabilia from three major Titanic movies – including one of the costumes worn by Leonardo DiCaprio. Actors in period garb play out events that occured on the fateful journey, telling the story of the White Star Line’s supposedly unsinkable ship. Most of the artifacts came out of private collections from both the United Kingdom and the USA.
Tony n' Tina's Wedding

Get yourself invited to TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING, now celebrating its 17th Hilarious Year in New York! At TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING you don’t just watch the show…you are the show. It’s an all-inclusive event where you’re treated like one of the family.

The event begins with the side-splitting ceremony where anything can happen (and usually does!). Then, it’s time for the most hilarious wedding reception you’ll ever attend! You’ll enjoy a full Italian meal, raise a champagne toast, eat the wedding cake and dance the night away at the party you and your friends will be laughing about for years to come. The show stars "Tina," the headstrong 20-something party girl bride with an attitude – and "Tony," the rowdy, handsome, yet charming groom-to-be.

Other hilarious characters emerge from this quirky cast, which includes an entire wedding party of guests ranging from "Connie," the pregnant maid of honor, to "Father Mark," a priest who thinks he's hip. As the evening unfolds, the only guarantee is that there will be plenty of drama all around.
Tosohatchee State Reserve

Swamps dotted with hard-wood hammocks (tree islands) and a 19-mile (30-km) stretch of the St. John’s River combine to make this one of Central Florida’s prettiest and most primitive parks. Photographers will appreciate the scenic locales, some with wild orchids and other flora. Hawks, eagles, fox squirrels, and song-birds can sometimes be seen from the park’s trails.

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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