First Time in Orlando

Our Local Expert Says:

Best close encounters with dolphins and marine life

Description:

In July of 2000, Discovery Cove opened its gates and began providing a unique theme park experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. With a maximum of 1,000 guests per day, the park has managed to create an intimate feel – more like you're visiting a swanky resort in the Caribbean than visiting a theme park in the middle of Orlando. The admission price, though hefty, includes all of your needs…
towels, wet suits, lockers, snorkels, masks, sun tan lotion, souvenir photos and parking.

Meals and snacks are included as well (and not just hot dogs and hamburgers either). You'll start the day with a continental breakfast (pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, juices and coffee). You can have a hamburger for lunch if you'd like, but Discovery Cove also offers such items as grilled salmon and pasta primavera. Unlimited snacks such as chips, pretzels, nachos, ice cream and smoothies are available all day. You can also enjoy as much bottled water, soda, beer, and cappuccinos as you like.

If you've booked yourselves into the Dolphin Encounter, the friendly concierge will schedule your time in the Dolphin Lagoon when you arrive. During the 30-minute encounter, you and 5-7 other guests will wade into shallow water and get up close and personal with a very sociable and playful Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Your trainer will guide the dolphin through a series of activities, allowing you to touch and instruct the dolphin. You'll also be able to experience a dorsal tow ride. For dolphin lovers, the extra admission price to include this encounter is definitely worth it.

When you arrive, you'll also want to check on the feeding times at Ray Lagoon so you can make sure to schedule that into your day. You can interact with dozens of rays of all sizes, some up to four feet in diameter. It's an amazing experience to be amongst these gentle and graceful creatures. The Coral Reef is where you'll really get to test your snorkeling skills as you float along amongst the hundreds of brilliantly colored tropical fish and rays. Make sure you find the shark encounter. Don't worry… they're behind thick glass.

You'll want to make several trips down the warm Tropical River, drifting in the slight current, under waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. The river also takes you through the Aviary, where you can hop out of the water and interact with over 250 exotic birds, none of which are caged. Having a toucan land on your arm is an interesting experience. Discovery Cove's beach is a great feature as well. Along
the huge expanse of white, sugary sand, you'll find hammocks, umbrellas, and cabanas for your use. When all the swimming and snorkeling leaves you exhausted, grab a beach lounger and have a nap.
To avoid disappointment, reservations are a must!

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous seasonal events like Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the Holiday Concert Series

Description:

The world's favorite films and film stars come to life here, and 40 amazing and amusing rides, shows and attractions await. A virtual interactive Terminator 2:3-D adventure has its own set of thrills, as does an encounter with Jaws, a trip Back to the Future, and a voyage beyond the stars in an E.T. Adventure. Special VIP tours are available by pre-arrangement.

Description:

It's hard to describe what the Blue Man Group is. Part live music, part comedy, part stunts, Blue Man sets the zany theatrics of three colorful characters against a fabulous live soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seats. It's difficult to peel your eyes off the stage glowing color and splashed with neon paint. Tucked inside Universal's CityWalk, Blue Man Group is an ideal evening activity before or after dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants and clubs nearby.

Description:

This is the closest you can get to skydiving while still on the ground. Inside a huge simulator that looks more like a spacecraft than a building, visitors of all ages can experience skydiving in a wind tunnel or opt for the free-fall simulator. Either way, there's an experienced staff on hand to help calm your nerves, and there's plenty of padding in case you take a fall during your free-fall!

Description:

Founded in 1949 with only a handful of alligators living in huts and pens, Gatorland now houses thousands of alligators (including a rare blue one) and crocodiles on its 70-acre spread. Breeding pens, nurseries, and rearing ponds are situated throughout the park, which also displays snakes, toads, insects, turtles, and a Galápagos tortoise. Its 2,000-foot boardwalk winds through a cypress swamp and breeding marsh.

The Screamin' Gator Zipline is the park's latest addition. It will open June 16.

Headliners include Gator Wrestlin', using the old "put-them-to-sleep" trick, but it's more of an environmental awareness program; Gator Jumparoo, a crowd-pleaser in which the parks largest reptiles lunge 4 or 5 feet out of the water to snatch a hunk of meat from a trainer's hand; Up Close Encounters, showcasing the park's toothy carnivores, slithery snakes, and other wildlife; and Critters on the Go, a mobile show that allows younger kids a chance to interact with the parks cuddlier critters. A train ride, a treat for younger kids and tots, runs through the park ($2 per person); the Gully Gator Splash Park, a new wet-and-dry play area; and Allie's Barnyard, a small petting zoo. While you're here, try the smoked gator ribs or nuggets in the open-air restaurant, or grab a gator-skin souvenir in the gift shop. Allow 4 to 5 hours. Tip: Look for additional parking, a refreshed facade with an open-air admission pavilion, and additional landscaping renovations coming soon.

Note: Gatorland's Trainer for a Day program lets up to five guests get up close and personal with the gators for a day (or 2 hr., in this case). The $125, 2-hour experience puts you side by side with trainers and includes a chance to wrangle some alligators (minimum age 12). Advance reservations are required, and admission to the park is included (and a 20% discount off a regular admission ticket is extended to up to six members of your party). A 1 1/2-hour Night Shine tour is also available ($19.99, regardless of age) and takes you along the wooden walkways with only a flashlight and a guide (insect repellent and gator food is included). Advanced reservations are required.

Tip: Printable discount coupons and special Internet ticket prices are available at the park's website. Be sure to check it out before you leave home.

Description:

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant is situated in the heart of downtown Orlando in Church Street Station. It is one of the jewels of the city and a beauty to behold. The magnificent surroundings set the tone for a very special occasion. The craftsmanship and artistic touches throughout Ceviche includes stunning wood floors, wrought iron fixtures, sparkling chandeliers, dramatic tile mosaics, a luminous bar, cathedral ceilings and flawlessly set tables. The food includes over a hundred various tapas selections to pick from. The other dishes created here are true Spanish delights as well. The bar is completely stocked, there is an outside seating area, and Spanish guitarists and flamenco dancers entertain you too. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Description:

In tune with its name, the grill offers a seasonally changing menu with dishes prepared with utmost care and concern. All the ingredients used are fresh and devoid of fat; but that doesn't make them any less delicious. The main attraction is at the wine bar, where you are offered free tastings of 3 wines out of the elaborate collection of one hundred and forty. The gorgeous cuisine plus the sophisticated yet warm ambience ensure a memorable dining experience. For those in the mood for romance, patio seating, overlooking the Little Sand Lake, seals the deal!

Description:

Voted 'Best Place to Sip Martinis' by the Orlando Business Journal and 'Best Hotel Bar 2002' by Orlando Weekly, this lounge, located in the Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel, is one of the city's trendiests spots. Its original works of art, more than anything else, make it worth a visit. It also houses a Grand Bösendorfer piano - one of only two in the world. Check out the nightly specials - classics on Tuesdays, blues on Thursdays and contemporary Jazz on Friday and Saturdays. And once you've had your share of art and music, feast on hand-crafted appetizers and specialty cocktails.

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!

Description:

The trendy decor with warm hues and shimmering lights adds to the unique dining experience at this upscale restaurant. The menu features an innovative mix of American cuisine with higlights, such as Seared Tuna, Wood-grilled meats and fish dishes. The happy hour definitely brings a smile to every diner's face as the rates are highly discounted. Participate in the 'Disco brunch' that's held every third Sunday of the month, where you can groove to the music and have an enormous platter to dine on.

Description:

Florida's fresh water comes from underground springs that rush through the state's underlying limestone base, known as an aquifer. Often, those springs bubble to the surface. You can see how that works at this 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal - clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year. At this scenic spot, the headwaters of the Wekiwa (pronounced Wahk-EYE-vah) River, you can hike, camp, fish, go canoeing and, if you're lucky, spot some wildlife.

Description:

This 50-acre botanical garden is Orlando's equivalent to The Secret Garden: a maze bursting with color and unusual greenery. At Leu Gardens take a guided tour of the southern-styled grounds, chill at a concert or just run amok through the giant bamboo stalks, hyper-manicured lawns and Camellias (they have the world's largest collection). Better yet, its location on the shores of Lake Rowena affords a fitting view of the sunset.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best downtown outdoor space!

Description:

A couple of hours can easily and peacefully drift away while strolling around Lake Eola Park, taking in the floating fountain and watching the white and black swans peacefully paddling across the lake. Established in 1888, the park's 43 acres of land are continuously enhanced with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured grounds, and charming gazebos. The walking path circling the lake is 0.9 miles in length, perfect for enjoying a healthy stroll or vigorous jog. Shop at the Sunday Eola Market featuring fresh produce, artisan items, and a beer garden with live music. Swan rides are available for rent most days, and there is a restaurant tucked right inside the park called Eric's on Eola. There are about a dozen more restaurants within a short walking distance.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best lakeside restaurants in the area!

Description:

More than 25 years ago, this enchanting Italian villa on the shores of Lake Fairy was converted into an outstanding family run restaurant. The old house was divided into several dining rooms, creating an ambiance of time-honored elegance and homespun grace.

Come early to grab a glass of wine and enjoy it in their sculpture garden overlooking Lake Fairy. If you've timed it right, you might even be able to find a seat on the deck and watch the sun go down. This quiet and pretty area has been the site for many weddings and private parties. The food is simple, traditional, flavorful and homemade with only the freshest of ingredients. Start your meal with their famous Antipasti platter, a variety of house specialties.Then choose from pastas, seafood, meats, and poultry.Some dishes of note are The Dover Sole, the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara and the Penne Alla Vodka. Chances are, you won't be disappointed by anything you order here.

If you've saved room for dessert, you can enjoy conventional favorites such as tiramisu or Crème Brule, which is almost as smooth as the professional, polished service you'll be given by your server. The dining pace is slow and easy, leaving you lots of time to enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Valet parking is mandatory on busy nights and reservations are strongly recommended.

Description:

This theater/restaurant gives Central Florida perhaps its only opportunity to dine and watch a film at the same time. While watching a movie, usually a small art film or foreign film, you can feast on such Continental fare as chicken-topped pasta or whole snapper. You'll also find a variety of snack foods on the menu, with chicken wings a favorite. The café only serves food during show times, which vary, and it also hosts an annual film festival.