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)

Tradewinds Grand Hotel

The Island Grand is the TradeWinds classic, Florida beach experience. It is tropical yet traditional, casual yet crisp, with a hint of the island tropics; complete in its offerings, yet individual in its attention.
Travelodge Kissimmee

This three-story motel has moderate-sized rooms and is a good base if you’re into sport and nature, with facilities and activities close by. In the restaurant, children under 10 eat free if accompanied by paying adults.
Turkey Lake Park

Unlike many state parks with spartan amenities, this 300-acre (120-ha) city retreat has a swimming pool, picnic pavilions, a lake full of fish, nature and jogging trails, three kid’s playgrounds, and a farm-animal petting zoo. It also has camping areas if the call of the wild is too strong to leave.
Tuscana Resort

A Mediterranean inspired oasis.

Stayed last week family of5. We had a splendid time. the accomodation was incredible and the people there awesome
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This is one of the rides thrill junkies rent (at a price) for their own private parties. You can have just as much fun without the premium, though be warned this ride’s mechanisms sometimes develop minor glitches, causing heads to knock on the ceiling as riders plunge back to sea level. (see Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror) (Disney-MGM Studios).
Typhoon Lagoon

This Disney water park is an enthralling mix of slides, tubes, and the largest wave pool in the US. It’s well-suited to families with pre-teen children who’ll appreciate the gentle nature of the attractions here. One stand-out is Shark Reef, a short snorkel course over a coral reef teeming with tropical fish and live sharks. Wannabe surfers (see Surfing) can pay an extra fee to use the wave pool out of regular hours. (see Water Parks).
Universal Studios Florida

Part studio and part attraction, the movie-themed rides and shows here really let visitors step inside the movies.
Universal Studios Florida

What Disney can do, Universal can equal. The movie and TV themes here can make people’s wildest dreams come true or worst nightmares a (special effects) reality. From Jaws to Terminator, the silver screen comes to life.
Universal’s CityWalk & Portofino Bay Boat Ride

By day, visitors stroll through this area of restaurants and shops on their way to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. In the evening, CityWalk becomes it’s own sparkling destination, a swinging Downtown with outdoor entertainment and pulsating crowds to rival Disney’s BoardWalk. For 15 minutes of quiet romance, take the free boat ride (which runs until 2am) between CityWalk and the Portofino Bay Hotel. In the moonlight, the Portofino’s faux Italian paint job looks even more convincing.
Urban Spa at Eó Inn

This is a funky spa in a downtown boutique hotel (see Eó Inn). Headliners include soothing Swedish, deep tissue, and Shiatsu massages; body waxes; seaweed or mud wraps; European, hydro-intensive, and men’s facials; sea-salt scrubs; and a full-line of salon services. Packages combine your choice of three to five services.

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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