TOP TEN REASONS TO VISIT ORLANDO:
#10
Excellent golf courses. Orlando is a golfer’s paradise. Not only do you get great weather all year round, there is a wide selection of terrific courses. Two public golf courses worth mentioning:
Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club – Huge, fast, undulating greens and expansive fairways. Rated among “America’s 100 Best Modern Courses”. Number 6 in Florida “Best in State” by Golf Digest. Learn more about Southern Dunes - click here!
Champions Gate – 2 championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman. First class facilities. Lush fairways. Creative greens. Site of the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academies. Book Your Tee Time Here!
#9
The beach is just an hour away. A Florida vacation would not be complete without a trip to the beach. Go fishing, surfing and diving, and it’s just 45 to 90 minutes away from Orlando. To the east are Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach. Go west for the Tampa Bay beaches like St. Pete's and Clearwater.
#8
Shopping. Every trip requires a little shopping. Orlando is home to major shopping malls. From boutiques to outlet malls. Two shop-til-you-drop ideas:
The Mall at Millenia – Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel are just some of the chic shops at this upscale mall. You deserve a treat.
Orlando Premium Outlets – Big savings on designer brands. 110 stores like Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Coach. Enjoy!
#7
Dining. Whether looking to grab a quick bite with the kids or indulging in a more sophisticated menu, Orlando offers its guests a gastronomic adventure with its almost 4,500 restaurants. Some ideas:
Get a taste of Hawaiian fusion at Roy's Restaurant.
Dine Disney-style at the various Disney-themed restaurants. The kids will love the Character Breakfasts.
#6
Shows. Orlando can give Las Vegas a run for its money when it comes to nighttime entertainment. It offers something for everyone. A few to check out:
Blue Man Group at the Universal Orlando Resort
Arabian Nights was named Florida Living Magazine’s Best Dinner Show
Witness the theatrical delights of La Nouba - Cirque Du Soleil
#5
The adults can go on a Casino Cruise. Port Canaveral is just an hour away and from there the adults can hop on either Sterling Casino Lines or SunCruz Casinos for a few hours of Las Vegas style gaming and excitement.
#4
Clubs/nightlife. Long after the parks have closed for the evening, the nightlife is still going strong. There are various options for everyone looking to extend their daytime fun. Here are some ideas - cheers!
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island – 7 clubs for the price of one.
Universal CityWalk – showcasing Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Live Orlando, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, CityJazz, and Pat O’Brien’s.
#3
Spas. Everybody needs a little pampering now and then. Schedule some me-time to unwind from the parks. The good news is that Orlando has emerged as a top-notch spa destination. Some recommendations:
The Spa at Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate – “Luxury with European sensibility”. Three outdoor cabanas for relaxing alfresco treatments.
The Mandara Spa at the Portofino Bay Hotel features 14 exotic treatment rooms, and was voted “Best Day Spa” by Orlando Magazine.
#2
Hot air balloon rides. Look at the Orlando skies at sunrise and chances are you’ll get a glimpse of these balloons soaring over the horizon. Well, it’s even better when you’re on it! Checking out the Orlando sights from above could be the highlight of your vacation!
Blue Water Balloons
Painted Horizons
Bob's Balloons
And the number one reason to visit Orlando?
#1
More Theme and Water Parks – Need we say more?