Family Weekend in Orlando

Description:

Hoist your jib and set your sails for this pitch and putt course, where playing putt-putt is a little like walking the plank. You'll find plenty or pirate references to amuse you, including shipwrecks and skulls with eye patches, but don't worry, this place is strictly family fare. From its two separate courses to its complimentary leis, it's a tropical tee-off, as you escape cascading waterfalls and rubber swords. Don't forget to check out the snack bar on your way out, and you can't leave without a handful of free Pirate's Cove stickers, plastic doubloon rings and pirate flags.

Our Local Expert Says:

The combination of delicious food with the artistic atmosphere makes Cafe Tu Tu Tango a favorite amongst tourist and locals alike.

Description:

Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a definite must if you are looking for delicious cuisine and a lively atmosphere. From the moment you pull up you will notice that this is no ordinary restaurant. The restaurant is set in a Mediterranean artist' loft and features artist stations scattered throughout the dinning room. So do not be surprised when you see an artist working with clay or painting while you enjoy your tapas. The menu offers an assorted variety of plates intended to be shared including oriental steak skewers, stir-fried shrimp and roasted pears on pecan crisps. The staff is knowledge about the food and are happy to make suggestions based on your taste buds. Only downfall comes in the form of a wait to get a table, so make a reservation if you can through OpenTable.com or call 407-248-2222. If you do get stuck with a wait head over to the bar for one of their signature drinks.

Description:

After creating waves in Cincinatti, this nightclub has been doing the same in Orlando. A regular haunt for locals since its inception, it's the tunes played on the two centerstage pianos that keep guests highly entertained. A 'Showtime' special is announced every hour, in which employees and guests alike dance to the tunes of popular television shows and commercial jingles. Take your pick from the very innovative drinks menu - while the Sour Apple Martini will make you "pucker up and howl", the Electric Lemonade is "the most ELECTRIFYING cocktail in nightlife entertainment". So come on down and get ready to howl!

Our Local Expert Says:

Hard Rock Hotel is designed for the rock n' roll fans out there – and deep down, isn't everyone?

Description:

The Hard Rock Hotel in the Universal Resort has more amenities than one could possibly desire. The 650 rooms and suites feature high speed web access, 32-inch flat screen TV, large safe deposit boxes to accommodate laptops, a pantry, video-checkout, hair-dryer, iron with ironing board, coffee maker and complimentary daily newspaper. Guests who opt for the Hard Rock Club Lounge get in-room music and book libraries, and a personal concierge. There are also two hospitality suites, an ATM, a business center, several restaurants, a bar, a pool with a 260-foot slide, children's activity center, game rooms and plenty of rock-and-roll memorabilia here.

Description:

This trill-a-minute innovative theme park is every adventure lover's fantasy come alive. Fasten your seat belts and be ready to plunge from heights, experience a shark attack or set your adrenaline pumping with action-packed earthquakes and tornadoes. To savor the once-in-a-lifetime experience, try their pulse pounding roller coasters, psychological thrill rides or nerve-wrecking challenges where you get to attempt stunts. Greet your favorite comic characters, legends and super heroes in the motion based 3-D action rides or try your luck in the fun-filled video arcade. Watch dinosaurs in their natural habitat and Spider man in action, when he takes on his enemies in the ultimate battle. This far from average theme park is certainly not for the weak-hearted!

Description:

This famous chain bistro is a major hot spot in Orlando and the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe. It's packed at all times and wild on the weekends. Rock 'n' roll lovers can feast on specialties that range from a fried chicken sandwich to Blackened Chicken Penne Pasta and pork tenderloin Caribbean style. You'll dine in a two-storeyed dining area dominated by a pink Cadillac with more than 1,000 pieces of music memorabilia to satisfying the visual senses, including bricks from the Cavern Club, the Beatles' first haunt. After filling up, check out a concert by a top-name national, international or local artist at Hard Rock Live, a state-of-the-art concert venue adjacent to the Cafe.

Description:

The Velvet Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel is a music lounge where upcoming artists play looking for a break. The bar specializes in martinis, try the signature pop rocks martini. The last Thursday of the month is a cocktail party known as The Velvet Sessions that features live music by famous rock bands, interesting cocktails and tasty snacks. The bar is famous with couples and with singles looking to hook up as well. The bar has a very bohemian feel to it but is plush and cozy at the same time.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hard Rock Hotel is designed for the rock n' roll fans out there – and deep down, isn't everyone?

Description:

The Hard Rock Hotel in the Universal Resort has more amenities than one could possibly desire. The 650 rooms and suites feature high speed web access, 32-inch flat screen TV, large safe deposit boxes to accommodate laptops, a pantry, video-checkout, hair-dryer, iron with ironing board, coffee maker and complimentary daily newspaper. Guests who opt for the Hard Rock Club Lounge get in-room music and book libraries, and a personal concierge. There are also two hospitality suites, an ATM, a business center, several restaurants, a bar, a pool with a 260-foot slide, children's activity center, game rooms and plenty of rock-and-roll memorabilia here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Awesome animal shows and roller coasters

Description:

One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, SeaWorld has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides.

Description:

Part of what is now an impressive array of nightlife opportunities at Universal Studios, this bar gets groovin' with five themed rooms designed to appeal to the widest possible variety of partygoers. Dance areas represent various historic musical eras ranging from a vaudeville stage to a roaring 20s dancehall, a 1960s rock 'n roll haven, a disco and a high-tech futuristic scene. Specialty drinks are offered in each area, and live bands are often on the bill. With these and several quiet areas tucked away in this big complex, this spot can appeal to everyone, from those who want to party to those who just want to kick back for a quiet drink and keep their options open.

Description:

The Melting Pot is just perfect for a first date, or an alternative to the stuffy after-business dinner. Roll up your sleeves, order a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and prepare to work for your dinner. Start off with a pot of cheese fondue mixed to perfection right at your table. Next opt for one of their delicious salads or move onto the main course. The protein offerings are vast including salmon, filet, chicken, shrimp, pork tenderloin and so much more. Each entree is presented with a slew of dipping sauces allowing each guest to create their own combinations to amp up the flavor. Sizzling oil cooks proteins to perfection, and for the health conscious, the restaurant offers a just-as-tasty boiling broth. If you can find room after an extravagant meal, make sure to try the chocolate fondue. There's nothing like hot melted chocolate on fresh fruits to cap off a wonderful meal!