What to do and see

 

   

   

Golf at Bella Collina

Orlando, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. thanks to its status as one of the world's premier leisure destinations. Orlando's cleanliness, friendliness, temperate climate and diverse offerings make it a popular getaway for families, honeymooners, seniors, gays and corporate travellers, many of whom immerse themselves in area theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resorts, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios Florida.

Disney and friends aside, Orlando has become magical in its own right, with a rapidly expanding economy, vast cultural offerings, a melting pot of dining establishments, high-end golf courses and some of Florida's most popular freshwater fishing locales. It feels young, both in terms of its energy level and its many new or restored neighborhoods.

Downtown Orlando continues to be a favorite for condo and loft development, nightlife, fresh markets, art festivals and street parties, providing urban amenities amid historic neighborhoods and eclectic local parks.

New - Harry Potter Land

At the Islands of Adventure theme park, part of the Universal Orlando resort in Florida. Universal is marketing the new 20-acre "island" as a "theme park within a theme park.  It will feature two main areas: the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle.

Harry Potter fans will be able to visit J.K. Rowling's fanciful lands and characters when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Universal Orlando. Universal says that the land won't be based on any one book or film, but rather be an amalgam of the Potter world. Sitting high above the Wizarding World will be the iconic Hogwarts castle, where guests will be able to venture inside and around its hallowed grounds.

Other features of the land will include Hogsmeade village (which, according to preview images released by Universal, will apparently be covered in snow--an interesting challenge for the sun-dappled Florida resort) and the Forbidden Forest. In addition to the attractions, there will be shops and restaurants.

Islands of Adventure's existing dual-track, inverted, racing coaster, Dueling Dragons, will be retrofitted into the J.K. Rowling oeuvre with the addition of new themeing and elements such as Potter's Triwizard Tournament. It's a great coaster (actually two coasters) that features what appear to be a number of near misses as the two trains come barreling at one another.

Flight of the Hippogriff
Another holdover from the park's Lost Continent island, the Flying Unicorn family coaster will get a Potter makeover as it soars above the grounds of Hogwarts castle.
Dining

Three Broomsticks
Looking suspiciously like the Enchanted Oak Tavern that occupied the spot before Potter-mania ensued at Islands of Adventure, the restaurant will feature British fare.

Hog's Head
Adjoining Three Broomsticks will be this British pub that will offer Butterbeer and pumpkin juice (to wash down a Green Eggs and Ham sandwich--available in the park's Seuss Landing--perhaps?).

Honeydukes
And for dessert, you could head to Honeydukes for gastronomical curiosities such as Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs.
Shopping

Ollivanders
A wand shop that was featured in the Potter books and films. Billed as an interactive experience where "the wand chooses the wizard," I'm not sure whether this will be an attraction, a shop, or some hybrid. My guess is that it will be the latter.

Zonko's
A joke shop with Potter oddities like Sneakoscopes.

The Owl Post
An actual, working U.S. post office from which guests will be able to send letters and cards postmarked from Hogsmeade

For more information go to: http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

Must See or Do

Shopping for bargains in Orlando

Sights ? The fabulous theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort; Shamu the killer whale and Aquatica water park at SeaWorld Orlando; Universal Studios Florida and thrill rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure; breathtaking shows at Cirque du Soleil; a primeval wilderness at The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve.

Museums ? Orlando Museum of Art; The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art; the Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square; and The Mennello Museum of American Folk Art.

Memorable Meals ? Tamari-roasted duck breast at Hue-A Restaurant downtown; miso-marinated Chilean sea bass at Manuel's on the 28th; a low-calorie roasted vegetable platter at Seasons 52 on Sand Lake Road's touristy Restaurant Row; an aged filet mignon at Capriccio Grill in the Peabody Orlando.

Late Night?Universal's CityWalk; the Pointe Orlando entertainment and shopping complex near International Drive; martini, rooftop and piano bars in Downtown Orlando; lively shopping, dining and entertainment complexes found in Winter Park and Winter Park Village; Old Town in Kissimmee.

Walks ? Taking a leisurely walk (about 1 m/1.6 km) around Lake Eola Park; strolling the upscale shops along Park Avenue Shopping Area in Winter Park; meandering amid the camellias at Harry P. Leu Gardens; the little-known nature trail at Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve at Poinciana.

Incredible man made mountain at Animal Kingdom

Especially for Kids ? SeaWorld Orlando; Universal Orlando Resort; Disney's Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort; Wet 'n Wild; Gatorland; the Orlando Science Center.

Disney's 14 Day Ultimate Ticket
Created exclusively for UK guests. Go from Park to Park and enjoy fun options like Disney's Water Parks, Oak Trail Golf Course and more

14 days of unlimited admission to all Theme Parks with the freedom to visit more than one Park or attraction on the same day:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Epcot
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park

Plus use of the Walt Disney World transportation system - monorails, water launches, and motor coaches.
Disney's 14 Day Ultimate Ticket (Ages 10 and Up): £221.00 per person
Disney's 14 Day Ultimate Ticket (Ages 3-9): £201.00 per person

Geography

There's a difference between Orlando the city and Greater Orlando, which encompasses Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard and Lake counties. Many attractions and facilities associated with Orlando are actually outside or on the edge of the city proper but still within the area popularly thought of as Orlando.

Walt Disney World Resort is some 30 minutes southwest of downtown Orlando, in Lake Buena Vista. SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and the Orange County Convention Center are also southwest of downtown. These areas, along with Kissimmee, east of Disney, are chockablock with hotels and fast-food restaurants.

The sophisticated downtown area's offerings include art, culture, history, fine dining and nightlife, while the Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach area offers beautiful beaches, a chance to glimpse a NASA space shuttle launch or take a cruise to Caribbean destinations.

Seminole County to the north is composed of bedroom communities such as Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Lake Mary, Winter Springs, historic Eatonville and Winter Park, where you'll find lots of shopping and sightseeing. Hotels, motels and an array of dining opportunities are offered throughout suburban Seminole County.

To the west of downtown, Lake County boasts more than 1,000 lakes (including part of the Butler chain) and more of the wall-to-wall residential and commercial development that is consuming central Florida. To the north is the 450,000-acre/180,000-hectare Ocala National Forest.

Orlando's location in the middle of the state places it within easy driving distance of the Tampa/St. Petersburg area along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral and St. Augustine to the east.

History

The Sunshine State's theme-park city had humble beginnings. In 1838, U.S. Army volunteers built Fort Gatlin, south of what is now downtown, to protect area settlers from attack during the Second Seminole War. By the time the war ended in 1842, the small community had become known as Jernigan, after the pioneering Aaron Jernigan family from Georgia.

In 1857, the city's name was changed to Orlando. The most widely accepted of at least four stories behind the name credits soldier Orlando Reeves, who was killed by Seminole Indians while serving sentinel duty at what is now his place of burial and a downtown centerpiece: Lake Eola Park.

Many Orlando pioneers earned a living in cattle ranching and supplied beef to soldiers during the Civil War. Travel to the swampy wilds of central Florida was difficult until the early 1880s, when Henry Plant's Atlantic Coastline Railroad provided access to the region. It also gave rise to the area's citrus industry, as the fruit could be exported north via refrigerated railroad cars.

One of the area's earliest settlers was Elias Disney, a Canadian who tried his luck as a hotelier and a farmer. He failed at both pursuits and moved to Chicago in 1889. In 1936, Dick Pope opened a central Florida theme park known as Cypress Gardens and became known as the state's "Father of Tourism." But Cypress Gardens would never approach the magnitude of a park Elias's son, Walt, eventually brought to the area. Some three decades after Cypress Gardens opened, Walt Disney purchased more than 43 sq mi/111 sq km of Orlando's pristine land for his Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney died of lung cancer five years before Walt Disney World's 1971 opening. His brother Roy saw to the park's completion and named it in honor of him. The grand plan included more than the Magic Kingdom amusement park, which opened as phase one of the project with its hotels, campgrounds, golf courses and restaurants. Walt Disney had also envisioned building an air-conditioned futuristic community named Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow). It finally premiered in 1982 but was more of a theme park than Disney may have originally intended.

Large-scale attractions, amusement parks, and film and television production complexes continue to dominate Orlando, but the region is also gaining recognition as a high-tech center, as well as a world-class meeting destination. Convention centers abound and include the Orange County Convention Center, which offers more than 2 million sq ft/185,000 sq m of space, making it the third-largest facility of its type in the nation.

Port Information

Location

The Beach Line Expressway (FL-528) is a toll road that connects Orlando directly with Port Canaveral, just 50 mi/80 km to the east of Orlando. The world's second-busiest port terminal on the Atlantic Ocean boasts something for everyone, boat ramps, bike paths, campsites and picnic areas, eateries, beaches, shops and public parks. Locally, charter boats lure fishermen to the catch-of-the-day.
Several cruise lines take passengers to assorted Caribbean destinations. The cruise lines can arrange transfers between the pier and airports and accommodations near the port for departing cruise guests. Disney offers these services in package form that includes a cruise on one of the two Disney ships, admission into its theme parks and a stay at a Walt Disney World hotel. Taxi, limo and shuttle services at the port, airport and hotels are readily available and easy to arrange.

Potpourri

Looking for hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World Resort can add to your fun throughout your stay. You'll find Mickey ears on your breakfast waffles, on the water tower, and in countless unexpected places throughout the parks and hotels.

Hungry guests at Walt Disney World Resort consume more than 9.7 million burgers, 7.7 million hot dogs and almost 9.3 million lbs/4 million kg of French fries every year. That's enough fries to circle the world more than three times, equivalent to more than 8.5 million lbs/3.8 million kg of spuds.

An entire chapel, designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, was transported from New York City, restored, and installed in The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, just north of Orlando.

Ships with drafts as deep as 8 ft/2.5 m can navigate the St. Johns River from the Atlantic Ocean deep into Florida's belly at Sanford. Because the river flows south to north, old-time river travelers in the Orlando area say they are sailing "down" to Jacksonville.
Orlando has 176 golf courses offering more than 668 m/1,075 km of walking (or carting) from hole to hole.

The gestation period of a killer whale is approximately 17 months, the longest known of all cetaceans. SeaWorld Orlando's Shamu was the first killer whale successfully born and raised in a zoological environment. Since then, SeaWorld Orlando has been blessed with the birth of 13 killer whales. The most recent, named Trua (Icelandic for "believe"), was born on Thanksgiving in 2005.

The oldest, largest bald cypress tree in the world is found in Seminole County north of Orlando. Called The Senator, it stands more than 138 ft/42 m high and has a girth of 17.5 ft/5.3 m.

Famous residents of Orlando include TV star Delta Burke, movie star Wesley Snipes, basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and golf great Tiger Woods.

See & Do

Sightseeing
The theme parks that draw most visitors to Orlando are getting larger all the time: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando seem to be in a mad dash to out-build one another, regularly adding multimillion-dollar rides and attractions to lure more guests.

There are countless other hot spots in and around Orlando, too. The epicenter of downtown is Lake Eola Park, a scenic oasis surrounded by upscale condo developments, shops, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife. The lake's fountain is lit at night with a rainbow of lights, and just a few blocks to the east is the revitalized Thornton Park neighborhood, marked by Craftsman-style houses, brick roads, shady oaks, trendy shops and smart eateries. The Orange County Public library, just three blocks from Lake Eola, boasts a popular deli and coffee house on its main floor as well as a bookstore selling gently used books at bargain basement prices.

A few miles/kilometers north of downtown, a cultural district surrounds Loch Haven Park. Its focal point is the striking aluminum-domed observatory of the Orlando Science Center, housing interactive exhibits that appeal to children of all ages. Also in Loch Haven are the world-class Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art. Nearby, enjoy peace and quiet as you admire roses and camellias at the Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Some of Orlando's best shops, restaurants and attractions are in Winter Park, an affluent town where oak and cypress trees laden with Spanish moss line cobblestoned streets. Winter Park also is known for its upscale boutique-style shopping and outdoor dining along picturesque Park Avenue. You can take a boat tour past opulent estates and landmarks through the canals that connect Winter Park's chain of lakes and experience what vacationing northerners found so wonderful about old Florida. In line with its affluence and artistic nature, Winter Park is home to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum on the beautiful campus of Rollins College. With its tree-lined walking paths and Spanish-style buildings, it's a serene way to enjoy an evening stroll after a day spent enjoying the sights and activities offered along the Park Avenue strand.

Adding to Park Avenue's popularity in recent years is nearby Winter Park Village, a 500,000-sq-ft/46,500-sq-m urban lifestyle project where visitors can view films, dine at a variety of restaurants or shop at several well-known high-end stores.

Museums

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
The former home and studio of the late Czech-born sculptor, this impressive museum sits among a row of historic estates on a heavily trafficked Winter Park thoroughfare and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Polasek was a leading sculptor in the 1920s-40s, and his lifelike busts and grand sculptures adorn several rooms and the broad gardens that slope down to Lake Osceola. The quiet lakeside clearing is perfect for a picnic. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm. Closed July and August. US$5 adults, US$4 seniors, US$3 students, free for children younger than 12. 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-647-6294. http://www.polasek.org/

Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College
This surprisingly well-endowed museum in Winter Park is located on the Rollins College campus and is known for its collection of Renaissance and contemporary art. Among the top college art museums in the U.S., located on the shores of Lake Virginia, it has six galleries that display a fraction of the museum's more than 5,000 pieces. Tuesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-5 pm. Closed Monday and major holidays. US$5 adults, free for Cornell museum members, faculty and students. 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-646-2526. http://www.rollins.edu/cfam

Mennello Museum of American Folk Art
This small, well-focused museum features changing exhibits by national and Florida folk artists. The vivid, often whimsical paintings of late seaman and artist Earl Cunningham are part of the permanent collection, though the highly popular exhibit is often on loan to other museums. The museum hosts storytelling events for children younger than age 12, free gallery discussions and instructional art workshops?there's a small fee to cover the cost of materials. The sculpture garden adjacent to the museum is perfect for an afternoon rest beside a verdant lakeshore. Monday-Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm, Sunday noon-4:30 pm. US$8 adults, US$7 seniors 60 and older, US$5 students, free for children younger than 12. 900 E. Princeton St., Loch Haven (near the Orlando Science Center), Orlando. Phone 407-246-4278.  http://www.mennellomuseum.org/

Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square
Discover 12,000 years of central Florida's past. Five floors of interactive exhibits include a Seminole settlement, an orange "grove" kids love, a Florida Cracker home and tin-can tourist camps (a title given to tourists who arrived in makeshift metal trailers in the 1920s). The history center also explores the region's past through a delightful collection of artifacts such as a Native American canoe and a citrus-industry tractor. Be sure to see the display called "The Day We Changed"; it chronicles the impact of the arrival of the Disney theme parks in central Florida. The Center also hosts special displays. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm. US$7 adults, US$6.50 students and seniors 65 and older, US$3.50 children ages 3-12. 65 E. Central Blvd. (in Heritage Square), Orlando. Phone 407-836-8500.  http://www.thehistorycenter.org/

Orlando Museum of Art
Considered one of the best art museums in the South, this Loch Haven Park facility boasts an impressive permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American, African and pre-Columbian art. It also hosts national traveling exhibits. Among the featured artists are William Joyce, a display of African textiles from the Norma Cenelas and William D. Roth collection and an Aztec artifact exhibit. The museum offers live music, a cash bar and special exhibits the first Thursday evening of each month. Tuesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon-4 pm. US$8 adults; US$7 seniors, students and active-duty military personnel; US$5 children ages 6-18; free for children age 5 and younger. Prices may vary throughout the year. Admission price includes an audio-guide tour. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Loch Haven, Orlando. Phone 407-896-4231. http://www.omart.org/

Orlando Science Center
Hands-on exhibits are the main attractions at this museum. Dr. Dare's Laboratory is great for children of all ages. In addition to a huge exhibit on Florida's ecosystems, there are daily demonstrations of the museum's scanning electron microscope and what it claims is the world's largest Iwerks domed theater and Digistar II planetarium, with 28,000 watts of digital sound that screens familiar IMAX films and a nighttime star show. Current exhibits include Titanic: The Experience, with more than 200 priceless artifacts from the doomed vessel. Open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-9 pm. The observatory is open Friday and Saturday 6-9 pm. US$9.95 adults, US$8.95 students and seniors, US$4.95 children ages 3-11 (includes IMAX film). 777 E. Princeton St., Loch Haven, Orlando. Phone 407-514-2000. Toll-free 888-672-4386. http://www.osc.org/

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
This Winter Park museum is recognized for housing one of the world's largest collections of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his chapel for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Its permanent collection also contains American decorative art from the 19th and 20th centuries, important American Arts and Crafts-style pottery and paintings, and a wealth of Tiffany-era furniture. The works of Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Frank Lloyd Wright, Carl Faberge, Maxfield Parrish, Rene Lalique, Gustav Stickley, Paul Cezanne and Daniel Chester French are among the exhibits. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm (Friday till 8 pm), Sunday 1-4 pm. US$3 adults, US$1 students, free for children younger than 12. No charge on Friday after 4 pm November-April. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-645-5311. http://www.morsemuseum.org/

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
About 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando in historic Eatonville (the first incorporated African-American town in the U.S.) is a museum devoted to Zora Neale Hurston, a writer, anthropologist and folklorist known for such works as Their Eyes Were Watching God. Her books and stories about growing up in Eatonville and her travels through the rural South are the basis for the annual spring festival in her honor. The museum provides information about Eatonville and pays tribute to Hurston by showcasing the work of artists of African descent. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday 2-5 pm. Admission is free, though a donation is requested. 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. Phone 407-647-3307.  http://www.zoranealehurstonfestival.com/

Neighborhoods & Districts

College Park
College Park, north of downtown, is the type of residential neighborhood favored by residents who enjoy living close to downtown but in a 1950s-era setting. Old oaks and small lakes enhance Edgewater Drive, the main thoroughfare, which features boutiques, music stores, independent restaurants, antiques shops and several local pubs. Beat generation icon Jack Kerouac lived in one of the bungalows from 1957-1958 while penning the novel On the Road. Today the house is home to a writers in residency program that provides grant money for emerging writers who live in the home and work uninterpreted on their writing projects. To arrange a tour, visit  http://kerouacproject.org/see-the-kerouac-house

International Drive
The area around the convention center known as "I-Drive" is touristy, but it has a number of restaurants, attractions and places to party concentrated within a short distance of each other. Points of interest are accessible by the I-Ride hop-on, hop-off trolley. Sand Lake Road, which intersects I-Drive, is part of this popular tourist corridor, and is a haven for anyone seeking a variety of restaurants. In recent years, Sand Lake Road has become so popular for some of the area's best-known gourmet restaurants that it has attracted the attention of locals. Don't overlook the hotels for additional dining opportunities such as the Peabody's Dux, the trendy Capriccio Grille, the 24-hour B-Line Diner and Jack's Place at the Rosen Hotel.

Little Saigon
Surrounding the busy intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive (Highway 50), you'll find a district that's become known as Orlando's Little Saigon. A dense concentration of reasonably priced, authentic Asian restaurants (mostly Vietnamese) and markets are situated there. Some of these eateries have become particularly known for their huge servings of nurturing pho, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. There's also a large number of jewelry stores concentrated among the restaurants that offer discounted prices for gold, diamond and jade pieces if you don't mind negotiating a little. A lively price banter between buyer and owner is the norm there.

Loch Haven Park
Known as Orlando's cultural center, the 45-acre/18-hectare Loch Haven Park is situated a few miles/kilometers north of downtown. The area is home to the Orlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art and the Orlando Science Center.

The UCF Campus/East Orlando
The busy area around the University of Central Florida is the place to hang out when you seek restaurants priced and portioned for starving students. It's hip and culturally diverse, but not much of a tourist area. Check out what campus activities (plays, lectures, concerts, exhibits, and a 45,000-seat stadium for sports events and concerts) are on the schedule when you're in town.

Thornton Park
Attracting young professionals, this district just a few blocks east of Lake Eola offers a blend of hip cafes, independent shops, bed-and-breakfasts, and trendy restaurants such as Hue-A Restaurant, Dexter's, The Beacon and Midnight Blue.

Winter Park
Just 10-20 minutes northeast of downtown, Winter Park is known for its upscale shops and alfresco dining along Park Avenue, as well as its art and culture and a lovely park that's perfect for a picnic. A few miles/kilometers from Park Avenue is Hannibal Square, affectionately called Winter Park West End. It is popular in its own right for cafe-style sidewalk dining. Continue a couple more miles/kilometers west and you're in the retro-themed Winter Park Village, which offers still more sidewalk cafes, bookstores, boutiques and a first-run movie theater.

Parks & Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens
This preserved 50-acre/20-hectare site is a welcome island of unspoiled nature in a city that's largely paved. The tranquil spot has trails that wind through profuse blooms, including a large camellia collection, a formal rose garden and a tropical stream garden. Attractions include a tall floral clock, a butterfly garden, native plants and an orchid conservatory. You can take a guided tour of the Leu House Museum, a restored late-19th-century house that was once a farm home and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out special events and courses that change with the seasons. Daily 9 am-5 pm (last admission 4 pm). US$5 adults, US$1 children ages 6-18, free for children 5 and younger. Free Monday 9 am-noon, except groups. 1920 N. Forest Ave. (between Orlando and Winter Park), Orlando. Phone 407-246-2620. http://www.leugardens.org/

Lake Eola Park
Since 1888, this downtown location has been Orlando's focal point and a popular picnic spot. The park is frequented by walkers and joggers who enjoy circling the lake and its colorful dancing fountain. Be sure to look for the park's resident swans. Cultural events, such as plays, movies and concerts, take place at the lakefront Walt Disney Amphitheater. Every Sunday, there's a food court and market. You can grab a bite to eat from the concession stands, which are open year-round 10 am till dark. Swan-shaped paddleboat rides, including photographs, cost US$12 per half-hour. Open Monday-Friday noon-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-8 pm. Rosalind and Central streets, downtown, Orlando. Phone 407-246-2827.

Amusement Parks

Aquatica
SeaWorld Orlando's shiny new water park offers a family centered place to relax and spend a day, Florida style, complete with white sand beaches and pounding surf, palm trees and private cabana rentals. Three on-site restaurants provide snacks, drinks and meals. Water fun includes two side-by-side wave pools; Big Surf Shores, where you can ride the "ocean" surf; the Dolphin Plunge, where enclosed tubular slides send you racing through an underwater pool that's home to some playful dolphins; the Taumata water ride, where thrill seekers can mat-race seven other riders; a lazy river ride; and Kata's Kookaburra Cove, where small ones in the family can enjoy quieter activities. Daily 8 am-10 pm. US$41.95 adults, US$35.95 children ages 3-9. All-day cabana rentals for four US$150-$175 (US$30 each for up to three extra people) include a ceiling fan, locker, sunscreen, towels and a refrigerator stocked with 16 drinks (water, juice, sodas, milk). 5800 Water Play Way (across the street from SeaWorld), Orlando. Toll-free 888-800-5447.  http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com/

Discovery Cove
This park?with admission limited to 1,000 visitors each day?offers a chance to interact with dolphins and to snorkel along a re-created coral reef that's home to colorful fish, stingrays, manatees and even sharks. You can also float in a blue lagoon, play in waterfalls and relax on a sandy beach. Like any visit to the tropics, the experience is on the pricey side, but all packages include snorkeling equipment, unlimited use of the pools and beaches, meals, soft drinks, lockers, towels, access to the park's aviary and a generous seven-day pass to the SeaWorld park (in other words, visit Discovery Cove before you pay for park admission). Daily 9 am-5:30 pm. Because only 1,000 visitors are allowed into the park each day, reservations are required. US$179 (without dolphin swim) or US$249-$279 (depending on time of year) with the dolphin interaction. Central Florida Parkway (adjacent to SeaWorld), Orlando. Toll-free 877-557-7404. http://www.discoverycove.com/.

DisneyQuest
Located in Downtown Disney, this video arcade offers you an opportunity to ride a virtual magic carpet, interact with the pirates of the Caribbean, record your own CD, raft through a prehistoric world or hunt for treasure. You can even design and ride your own virtual roller coaster. There's a small Internet cafe and wonderful food at nearby restaurants. Daily 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday till midnight. US$36 visitors age 10 and older, US$30 children ages 3-9. Children age 9 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. West Side, Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-828-4600.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
This zoo, disguised as a theme park, is perhaps the most low-key of Disney's four parks. In addition to quiet walkways and peaceful animal exhibits, there are roller coasters, thrill rides, production spectaculars and a daily parade. Expedition Everest is the park's No. 1 attraction. Disney Imagineers have built a somewhat scaled-down Mount Everest (now the tallest mountain in Florida) upon which they have re-created a small Himalayan village. Guests board a simulated steam train through the "forbidden mountain" guarded by a truly heart-pounding audio-animatronic abominable snowman. The next most popular attraction is the Kilimanjaro Safari ride that takes you onto an African plain where lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos and antelopes roam. (Arrive early or late in the day to see active animals, because most sleep during the high heat of the afternoon.) On the Maharaja Jungle Trek, you can walk through the re-created ruins of an Indian palace and observe tigers, gorillas and Komodo dragons. Take an old-fashioned steam train to Conservation Station and watch Disney veterinarians treat and study endangered animals.

At Dinoland USA, youngsters can take a thrill ride into the past, dig for bones in the Boneyard or follow the Cretaceous Trail to view prehistoric plants that survived to the present. Primeval Whirl is a small-scale, free-spinning roller coaster that manages to elicit some big thrills.

The Tree of Life, the giant centerpiece of the park, is where you'll find the entertaining 3-D film It's Tough to Be a Bug. Presented inside the tree, it's an enjoyable must-see show that features fun sensory surprises, including the smell of a stinkbug and the spray of a termite. Flights of Wonder is a delightful, sit-down show that features the antics of birds in free flight, and Nemo the Musical, produced by the creative team from Broadway's Avenue Q, uses live singers and puppetry ranging in size from a Volkswagen Bug-sized turtle to a school of silver hand puppets. Animal Kingdom hours vary by season, but the park is generally open 9 am-8 pm. Hours are usually longer in the summer and on holidays. One-day admission is US$71 adults, US$60 children ages 3-9. Other ticket options are available. Phone 407-939-6244 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Disney's Blizzard Beach
As with all of Disney's attractions, there is a theme at this one?winter. This water park has a ski resort in the midst of a tropical lagoon surrounding Mount Gushmore. There isn't any snow, but visitors can "ski" down the slope on one of the fastest and tallest waterslides in the country. There's a sandy beach at the base of Mount Gushmore as well as a wave pool and a smaller version of the mountain for younger children. There are four snack bars at the park, each with a slightly different menu. You can rent towels if you forget yours. Lockers are available for valuables. Daily 10 am-8 pm. US$39 adults, US$33 children ages 3-9. 1801 W. Buena Vista Drive (north of the All-Star Movie Resort), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-7812 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Disney's Hollywood Studios
This park features thrill attractions, shows, rides and a 1930s-style studio with an entertaining overview of how movies are made. Walk down Hollywood Boulevard, where sharp Hollywood agents, would-be starlets, demanding directors and cops on the beat will greet (or accost) you. Major attractions include the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, Jim Henson's Muppet-Vision 3-D and the exciting Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which hoists you through the ruins of a haunted hotel before your elevator plummets several stories?several times. Equally exciting is the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, an indoor roller coaster propelled by the blasting tunes of Aerosmith. The new, interactive 4-D adventure ride Toy Story Mania! is now open. Assisted by Woody, Buzz, Rex and Hamm, you are the player inside midway-style games, shooting targets that come at you from all directions. The entire family should reserve a few hours for the park's Fantasmic! grand finale, a true Disney spectacular that features singing, dancing, fireworks, lasers and ornate costumes. Line up early?the 2,000-plus-seat amphitheater is nearly always filled. It's also hard to beat the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show for heart-stopping action involving real cars and boats.
For insider moviemaking information, take in the Great Movie Ride, the Backlot Tour and the Magic of Disney Animation. You can enjoy a richly detailed and loving tribute to the man who envisioned Disney World through the film and museum collection at Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. Be sure to keep a sharp eye for celebrity sightings. Hours vary by season. One-day admission is US$71 for those age 10 and older, US$60 children ages 3-9. Other ticket options are available. Phone 407-939-6244. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
The theme at this water park is a tropical island that's been transformed by a massive storm. You can't miss the shrimp boat stranded atop Mount Mayday. Thrill rides include a 30-mph/48-kph descent in an enclosed waterslide that dumps you into the wave pool, and Crush 'n' Gusher, a raft-driven water-coaster thrill ride. When you get your courage up, you can also swim with live sharks at the shark reef. (Snorkel equipment provided at no additional cost.) Two snack bars are on-site. Daily 9 am-5 pm, with extended hours in the summer and on holidays. US$39 adults, US$33 children ages 3-9. Buena Vista Drive (between the Downtown Disney Village Marketplace and MGM Studios), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-6244 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Epcot
Disney's attempt at educating guests through science and world scenery is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase. Future World usually opens a few hours earlier. With its steel and glass buildings and oddly shaped walkways, Future World is dedicated to what lies ahead. One attraction, Mission: SPACE, puts you on a spacecraft embarking on a mission to Mars. Created in conjunction with NASA astronauts, this centrifugal machine creates an authentic space-flight experience. Some riders love it though others hate it, as it can cause dizziness and nausea. Other major attractions include Spaceship Earth (a history of communication), Universe of Energy (a history of fossil fuel), Test Track (a neat zip around an automobile test track followed by a sales pitch for GM) and Soarin' (a gentle motion simulator with a breathtaking film of California's most beautiful scenery; this 10-seat hang-glider ride has become an instant classic).
World Showcase circles a mammoth lagoon and features 11 international pavilions, including Canada, the U.K., France, Japan, Morocco, Italy and Germany. There are few rides, though the Mexico and Norway pavilions offer tame boat excursions. Several pavilions have larger-than-life movies, including two (Canada and China) that surround the audience with 360-degree entertainment. One of the best performances may well be the Voices of Liberty singers at the American pavilion: They provide an a cappella rendition of patriotic songs for guests waiting to enter the pavilion's show. Be sure to be in the park at 9 pm, when Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, a great laser show, lights up the sky. Future World is generally open daily 9 am-7 pm; World Showcase is open daily 11 am-9 pm. One-day admission is US$71 age 10 and older, US$60 children ages 3-9. Other ticket options are available. Phone 407-939-6244 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Magic Kingdom
The first theme park to open in Walt Disney World, this is what most guests envision when they think of Disney World. When planning your visit to the Magic Kingdom, you'll be pleased to find that it's easy to navigate. The park is designed like a wheel, with Cinderella's Castle at the hub and the seven "lands" (Frontierland, Tomorrowland and so forth) radiating out like spokes.
If you arrive early (and to avoid crowds, you should), walk down Main Street USA and get into the nostalgic, magical feeling of the park before taking a right into Tomorrowland. Your first stop there should be the indoor roller coaster Space Mountain, which takes you on a wild ride through the darkness of space. Before you leave Tomorrowland, drop by Stitch's Great Escape. From there, you can circle the park counterclockwise, working your way to Adventureland.

Keep in mind that Fantasyland rides are tame, appealing mostly to young children. With the exception of the popular 3-D movie Mickey's PhilharMagic, adults and children older than 9 may want to skip this section entirely. Be advised that families with children tend to make the lines there slightly longer than elsewhere in the park. Mickey's Toontown Fair is geared for toddlers. There you'll find Mickey and Minnie's homes, Goofy's roller coaster and pint-sized petting zoos, as well as countless full-sized characters who pose for your camera.

Be sure to see the Haunted Mansion and Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. In Frontierland, roller-coaster lovers won't want to miss Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the flume ride Splash Mountain is another must-do?if you can stomach the final hill. Following Frontierland is Adventureland, where the highlights are the Pirates of the Caribbean (a boat ride past robotic pirates, which now includes Johnny Depp's character Captain Jack Sparrow) and the Jungle Cruise, a voyage down the mystic rivers of the world led by a wisecracking skipper. Stick around at dusk and you may be able to catch the evening parade and the nightly fireworks display. Open daily at 9 am, but closing hours vary by season. One-day admission is US$71 for those age 10 and older, US$60 for children ages 3-9. Other ticket options are available. Phone 407-939-6244 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Richard Petty Driving Experience
Motor-sports fans won't want to miss this opportunity to experience the same high-speed thrills retired NASCAR-king Richard Petty once had by driving a 600-horsepower Winston Cup car. Several options are available, including riding shotgun for a couple of laps at 145 mph/230 kph or spending a minimum of three hours or as much as two days learning how to drive a race car yourself and then racing fellow daredevils. Note: You must sign a waiver and be at least 18 years old. Hours and seasons vary. Reservations required. US$134-$2,099. 3450 N. World Drive (near Disney's Magic Kingdom), Lake Buena Vista. Toll-free 800-237-3889 for information. http://www.1800bepetty.com/

SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is a more laid-back theme park, where you can get an education in marine life, see great shows, ride heart-stopping roller coasters, eat, shop and cool off at the new Aquatica water park. Clever shows star creatures galore, including dolphins, seals, otters and manatees. The curved walkways, cool venues, quiet paths and areas such as the Waterfront (a collection of shops and restaurants) make the attraction seem more like a real park than a theme park.

Your day at SeaWorld will likely revolve around showtimes. Walk clockwise around the park to reach the Dolphin Nursery, where mother dolphins and their young swim around and look for smelt (which you can feed them). In the Tropical Reef, there are beautiful fish, worms, eels and other aquatic creatures on display, and at the SeaWorld Theatre, the show Pets Ahoy is a must-see with its cute stunts performed by (mostly rescued) cats, dogs, pigs and monkeys.

The inhabitants of Stingray Lagoon aren't as cuddly, but you can still reach out and touch them (they've had their barbs removed). When you've had your fill, visit Manatees: The Last Generation, which combines a show and a wide viewing window to give you a glimpse of the intriguing sea cows that are native to Central Florida. Next door, the Dolphin Stadium features Blue Horizons, a dolphin-centered show.

The park's two super coasters, Kraken and Journey to Atlantis, attract adrenaline addicts. On Wild Arctic, passengers board "jet helicopters" for a motion-based flight to a remote research station to see real walruses, beluga whales and polar bears. For tamer trips, Shamu's Happy Harbor houses the park's first family-oriented roller coaster. Whale-themed cars offer gentle thrills at slow speeds of less than 30 mph/48 kph. Nearby, the Penguin Encounter is a walk-through venue where the tuxedo-clad birds waddle around a chilly re-creation of the Antarctic. One of the most popular shows is at the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, where Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island is a slapstick melodrama featuring sea lions, walruses, an otter and lots of audience participation.

Odyssea is an ethereal show in the style of Cirque du Soleil, and you'll pass the Clydesdale Hamlet (a stable of the Busch Brewery's horses) before you reach Shamu's Happy Harbor?an immense playground. Shamu Stadium is a great place to wrap up the day as you watch the park's newest show, Believe, billed as the most ambitious project in the park's 41-year history. It was nearly four years in the making, replacing the previous Shamu show. Daily 9 am-7 pm, though closing hours vary by season. Tickets are US$69.95 adults, US$59.95 children ages 3-9. Combination and two-park tickets are available for Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens?mix or match. 1000 SeaWorld Parkway, Orlando. Phone 407-351-3600. http://www.seaworld.com/

Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort complex includes Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?adjoining theme parks charging separate admission. There's CityWalk as well, a dining and entertainment complex accessed at no additional cost, and three sumptuous hotels. A two-park, one-day ticket to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure is currently US$77 online for adults (US$82.95 at the gate), and US$67 online for children ages 3-9 (US$72.95 at the gate). Parking costs US$10 but is free after 6 pm. The two-park unlimited admission ticket is currently US$85 for all ages, offered only online. It entitles visitors to admission for up to seven consecutive days to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure, including all-club access to Universal CityWalk. Multiday, multipark passes and packages include lodging, parking and transportation, and priority access to some rides.

Universal's Islands of Adventure
This park offers high-action thrill rides that rival anything found on the Disney properties, and the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in late 2009?complete with Hogwarts Castle?plans to rival the Magic Kingdom itself. Currently, near the park's entrance at Marvel Super Hero Island is the Incredible Hulk Coaster, a scream-a-second rocket-sled ride through loops and drops. The most incredible improvement on roller coasters?the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man?is an interactive 3-D roller-coaster ride that puts you in the middle of a weird and wild showdown between the action hero and his foes. Hard to describe, impossible to forget. Toon Lagoon is designed for children and has the requisite log flume rides (Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges). The island of Jurassic Park features the Jurassic Park River Adventure that sends you cruising past dinosaurs and the clutches of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The main attraction of the Lost Continent Island is Dueling Dragons, a white-knuckle roller coaster with two tracks that nearly collide. Don't miss the live stunt show, the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad.

In Seuss Landing, you'll ride on a sofa through the pages of The Cat in the Hat, spin around on the imaginative Seussian animals of the Caro-Seuss-el and challenge the spitting fish that encircle One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride offers a bird's-eye view of the park. Open daily at 9 am; closing times vary throughout the year (later in summer). A one-day pass good for Islands of Adventure costs US$71 adults, US$60 children. Multiday, multipark passes covering several of the Universal Orlando parks are also available. Parking costs US$10 but is free after 6 pm. Express passes that allow quicker access to certain rides are available with some ticket packages and for resort guests. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando. Phone 407-363-8000. http://www.universalorlando.com/

Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios is all about Hollywood and the film industry, with more big-ticket rides and more activities than Disney's Hollywood Studios but less moviemaking lore. The park's key attractions are the thrill rides?try the new The Simpsons Ride, Terminator 2: 3-D (a 3-D movie with live action stunts) and The Revenge of the Mummy, a roller coaster that hurdles you through darkness both backward and forward. Also popular is Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, based on the Nickelodeon cartoon, where you board a rocking and rolling spaceship and follow Jimmy into space. There you meet a variety of Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants and the Rugrats. Capitalizing on the success of Shrek is Shrek 4-D, a 3-D movie that adds sensory touches to a continuation of the film as Lord Farquaad attempts to do away with the ogre, his bride and donkey. Don't miss the creepy comedy at Fear Factor Live.
Rides based on Jaws, Twister and Earthquake are essentially variations on the same theme: Take your seat and watch as chaos overtakes an otherwise normal situation. Tamer attractions for small children include a ride with E.T., Fievel's Playland, a splash-park with Curious George, and the live sing-along, clap-along show featuring Barney and Baby Bop. Open daily at 9 am; closing times vary throughout the year (later in summer). A one-day pass good for Universal Studios costs US$71 adults, US$60 children, with a US$4 discount for online advance purchases. Multiday, multipark passes covering several of the Universal Orlando parks are also available. Parking costs US$10 but is free after 6 pm. Express passes that allow quicker access to certain rides are available with some ticket packages and for resort guests: The passes get you into an attraction within 15 minutes. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando. Phone 407-363-8000. http://www.universalorlando.com/

Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is truly a world of its own, the primary reason that millions of people visit Orlando each year. Spend the day in a Hollywood studio, visit Cinderella at her castle, dine in a Parisian cafe and dance to techno-pop tunes on the streets of Downtown Disney. When it's time for bed, rest easy in places such as an African-style lodge, a sports center or a tropical Caribbean village.
The main attractions at Walt Disney World Resort are the four big parks: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. But there is plenty more to see and do. The Wide World of Sports offers big-name competition and Atlanta Braves spring training. Two water parks make getting wet a thrill. Kid-friendly shopping is available at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. The ultimate video arcade, DisneyQuest, is also located in Downtown Disney and is chock-full of virtual-reality games and other high-tech pursuits. Downtown Disney is so popular with families that the west end is being revamped from its former party-hearty nightclub scene into even more family-oriented options. Completion is targeted for spring of 2009.
Plan a winning strategy for your vacation battle. If you're going during peak season?the two weeks around Christmas, Easter week, or mid-June to August?the best days to go to the theme parks are Saturday and Sunday or on December evenings during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Off-season, weekends tend to be busier, as Floridians flock back to the parks. The best, least-crowded times to visit are the first six weeks of the New Year, May, September, early October and weekdays from late November to mid-December.
During holiday seasons, the parades become longer and more elaborate, the stage shows more exciting and the lines much longer, but this is usually offset by earlier openings and later closings, allowing guests more time in the parks. On the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, fireworks are immense and dazzling. There are fireworks on nonholidays, too, during those periods when the park is open until 10 pm.
It all comes at a cost, of course. Disney has a complex pricing system, so look for a package that will give you the most flexibility for the time you plan to spend at each theme park. Packages can include lodging, meals, water-park admissions and a long list of other perks. One-day admission to one of the four main parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc.) costs US$71 for those age 10 and older, US$60 children ages 3-9, and free for children younger than 3. Rates diminish with the number of days you purchase. Multiday and other packages are available. You can save time and money by buying tickets online and having them mailed to you, so you can head right through the turnstiles when you arrive. Parking is US$10, but most packages and passes cover the fee; it's also free if you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel. Phone 407-939-6244 for information. http://www.disneyworld.com/

Wet 'n Wild
Wet 'n Wild is among the largest water parks in the world, featuring dozens of rides for both thrill seekers and the timid. Water flumes, high-speed slides, a lazy-river float and The Blast (a raft ride featuring bursting water pipes) are among them. Ride the Disco H2O, a 1970s-themed attraction in which four-person rafts descend through a time tunnel into a disco-era nightclub. Or climb to the top of the Black Hole and experience an eerie darkened ride down a completely enclosed slide.
Because the park can be crowded during the summer, it may be better to visit after 4 pm or during cooler months, when pools are heated. Opening and closing times vary throughout the year. US$41.95 adults, US$35.95 children ages 3-9. Internet discounts are also available, as well as limited weekend passes. Tube, towel and locker rentals are priced separately, but life vests are free. You're welcome to take an ice chest, but no alcohol is allowed in the park. Parking costs US$8 for cars and US$9 for vans and RVs. 6200 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-351-3200. http://www.wetnwildorlando.com/

Zoos & Wildlife

Central Florida Zoological Park
You can get up close and personal with cheetahs or interact with elephants in this tropical habitat for animals and birds from around the world?some of which are endangered. Plan on spending two pleasant hours at the park, which is a 45-minute drive northeast of downtown Orlando. You can stroll through a forest of native palms, cypress and oaks on elevated boardwalks and enjoy the children's train and carousel rides, cougar and siamang habitats, a king-vulture exhibit, and a butterfly sensory garden that offers opportunities to look at, listen to and feel the elusive winged beauties. Daily 9 am-5 pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas. US$10.95 adults, US$8.95 seniors 60 and older, US$6.95 children ages 3-12. Group rates available. Special animal-encounter programs cost extra. 3755 N. Highway 17-92, Sanford. Phone 407-323-4450. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/

Gatorland
One of Orlando's original attractions, this 110-acre/45-hectare theme park and wildlife preserve opened in 1949 and remains popular with visitors and locals. It's the Alligator Capital of the World, utterly covered with alligators, crocodiles and the wading birds that seem to live symbiotically with them. It's a cheap day, so splurge on the Adventure Tour, where you get to go behind the fence and toss huge meat chunks into the mouths of a crowd of gators?nothing between you and them except a park employee with a stick. There are also regularly scheduled shows such as Gator Wrestlin' and the Gator Jumparoo. A train ride chugs past a breeding marsh and the Jungle Crocs of the World exhibit. A water play area, Gator Gully Splash, is now open for cooling down?but don't worry; there are no gators in this section of the park. For those interested in sampling native Florida cuisine, gator ribs and nuggets are served up at Pearl's Smokehouse within the park. Daily 9 am-5 pm. US$22.99 adults, US$14.99 children ages 3-12. Ask about nighttime animal viewings and the US$100 Trainer for a Day program. Discounts for prepaid tickets ordered online. 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail (about 25 minutes south of downtown), Orlando. Phone 407-855-5496. Toll-free 800-393-5297. http://www.gatorland.com/

Green Meadows Petting Farm
This farm experience comes complete with pony rides, 300 farm animals to pet, hayrides and even a chance to try milking a cow. Visit for at least half a day, take the two-hour farm tour and take along a picnic lunch to enjoy in the free picnic area or buy food at the snack bar. In October, pick your own pumpkin from the farm's pumpkin patch. Tours daily 9 am-4 pm. US$19 adults and children older than age 2, US$16 seniors. 1368 S. Poinciana Blvd., Kissimmee. Phone 407-846-0770. http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com/

Other Options

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
The building housing this Odditorium slants wildly, as though it were falling into a Florida sinkhole. It's a preview of the campy, macabre and bizarre exhibits inside. The matchstick replica of a Rolls-Royce is amazing, as are the shrunken heads, a Mona Lisa made from toast, a 26-ft-/8-m-high portrait of Vincent Van Gogh and the collection of fertility statues. Daily 9:30 am-midnight. US$18.95 adults, US$11.95 children ages 4-12. 8201 International Drive (near SeaWorld and Universal Orlando), Orlando. Phone 407-363-4418. Toll-free 800-998-4418. http://www.ripleysorlando.com/

SkyVenture Orlando
Inside a high-energy, vertical wind tunnel, participants get a crash course in sky diving. Professional instructors teach free-fall techniques in a wind tunnel that imitates a real sky dive. Five 200-horsepower electric motors create wind speeds of 150 mph/241 kph. The flying begins at 11 am and goes on until 9 pm. Reservations are essential. US$44.95 adults and US$39.95 children ages 3-12. Price includes training, gear, two flights in the tunnel and a flight certificate. Parents must sign waivers for adventurers younger than 18. 6805 Visitors Circle (off International Drive), Orlando. Phone 407-903-1150. http://www.skyventureorlando.com/

The Holy Land Experience
Touted as Orlando's only Christian amusement park, it's really more museum than rides, navigable in a single day, with an 18,000-sq-ft/1,672-sq-m Scriptorium that houses a vast collection of biblical artifacts, a replica of the Garden Tomb where Jesus was purportedly buried, a replica of the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and a model of Jerusalem. Kids may be more enthused about the laser show set to a chanted prayer soundtrack or the musical theater shows of stories from the Old Testament and the ministry of Jesus. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm. US$35 adults, US$30 seniors, US$20 children ages 6-12, free for children age 5 and younger. For discounted tickets, use advance purchase online. US$5 for parking. 4655 Vineland Road (just north of the end of International Drive), Orlando. Phone 407-872-2272. Toll-free 800-447-7235. http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

WonderWorks
One of Orlando's best hands-on museums, WonderWorks has an upside-down exterior and offers more than 100 activities and interactive exhibits that entertain and teach lessons in physics, meteorology and other sciences. Feel the force of a hurricane and the trembling of an earthquake, design your own roller coaster and watch your phosphorescent shadow linger behind you. A laser-tag shoot-out with visual effects is offered at an added cost, and a video arcade and a gift shop are also on the premises. Daily 9 am-midnight. Magic dinner shows with pizza and beverages are presented at 6 and 9 pm; participation is encouraged. US$19.95 adults, US$14.95 children ages 4-12 and seniors 55 and older. Various combination tickets are available. Laser tag and magic dinner show cost extra. 9067 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-352-0411. http://www.wonderworksonline.com/

Recreation
Orlando's warm climate encourages the year-round pursuit of outdoor activities, especially those involving water or green grass. More than 300 lakes beckon visitors for swimming, boating and fishing?in addition to the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico beaches that are within a 30-minute to two-hour drive. Golf courses in the area number more than 170, and many were created by the world's most prominent designers. Players such as legend Arnold Palmer and local resident Tiger Woods often enjoy the private high-end golf clubs. (If you can stand the heat, the courses are less crowded in the summer.)
In addition to the golf courses and the abundant waterways teeming with bass and bluegill, there are numerous places to indulge passions for tennis, hiking and canoeing.

Boating & Sailing

Juniper Springs Recreation Area
At this spring in the Ocala National Forest you can rent canoes to float 7 mi/11 km through the heart of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. It's as far from whitewater canoeing as you can get, but it's a memorable experience that combines cold, clear water with an up-close view of nature. Reservations are advised. In summer daily 8 am-8 pm; 8 am-6 pm during the off-season. Entry is US$3 plus the cost of canoe rental (US$25 for a two- or three-seater). 10863 E. Highway 40 (from Ocala, take State Road 40 East about 29 mi/47 km to the campground sign), Silver Springs. Phone 352-625-3147, 352-625-7470 or 352-625-2808.

Wekiwa Springs State Park
One of America's designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, this beautiful waterway flows through a pristine wilderness only minutes from the blare and crush of crowded Orlando-land. Options range from self-guided canoe and kayak trips in rental boats to tubing to horseback riding trails. If you take along your own canoe or kayak, transportation is available. US$35 for a guided, two-and-a-half-hour tour. 1800 Wekiwa Circle (take the Route 434 exit off Interstate 4, and then head west), Apopka. Phone 407-880-4110.

Hiking & Walking

The Orlando area is dotted with parks that offer at least some walking, hiking or jogging opportunities. Begin by asking your hotel where you might connect with the nearest path. Walt Disney World Resort and the Grand Cypress Hyatt Regency are both large spreads with good hiking options.
Two of the area's best-known state parks, Blue Springs and Wekiva Springs, are within an hour's drive of downtown Orlando.
For those who like to take a long stroll, the 3-mi/5-km Cady Way Trail links the cities of Winter Park and Orlando, and there are plans to connect it to a network of trails in other counties. The 12-ft-/4-m-wide trail is accessible for wheelchairs as well as bicyclists, in-line skaters and pedestrians. The well-maintained trail is a favorite with locals, and it passes by residential areas, a golf course and a memorial garden. Open from dawn to dusk. There are shelters and rest stops with benches, trash receptacles and water fountains along the trail. Contact Orange County Parks and Recreation (phone 407-836-6200; http://www.parks.onetgov.net/)

Blue Springs State Park
This is the winter home for the large numbers of Florida manatees that swim upstream from the St. Johns River to bask in the warm 72 F/22 C of the springs. It's well worth the 45-minute drive north to see the huge Florida native giants basking in the clear, shallow waters where visitors stroll wooden boardwalks for up-close photo ops of the sea cows. Canoeing, swimming and fishing are also popular. Take along a picnic lunch. The original homestead is still there, harkening back to the days when steamboats docked there to load crates of oranges. Canoe rentals are available. Generally open 8 am-sunset. US$4 per car. 210 W. French Ave., Orange City. Phone 904-775-3663.

Florida National Scenic Trail
This massive trail project has blazed a route that begins in northwest Florida, cuts across the northern part of the state and then heads south through Ocala National Forest. As it approaches the Orlando megalopolis, it splits into two routes and ends in the heart of the Everglades. The trail traverses countless state parks, state and national forests, preserves and reserves. Serious hikers will need careful planning to target and traverse all or part of this trail. Contact the Florida Trail Association for more information. Toll-free 877-445-3352. http://www.floridatrail.org/

The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve
This preserve is a piney wilderness that seems flat and featureless until you stop and listen for the feast of nature around you. Songbirds serenade you from the trees while great raptors float overhead. The wetlands teem with life and are ever-changing with the seasons and water levels. The 3-mi/5-km trail is available any time the preserve is open. From Orlando, head south on State Road 535 about 15 mi/24 km to Pleasant Hill Road and then take another right on Old Pleasant Hill Road. The Nature Conservancy sign will be on your right. Open October-May daily 9 am-5 pm; June-September Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Buggy tours offered October-May noon-4 pm. US$3 adults, US$2 for Nature Conservancy members and youths ages 6-17. Tours are US$10 adults, US$5 youths ages 6-17. Phone 407-935-0002.

Wekiva Springs State Park
This huge park comprises 700 acres/283 hectares of wild Florida. The springs pump out 42 million gallons/160 million liters of crystal clear water a day. Popular activities are canoeing, swimming, picnicking and fishing. Canoe rentals are available. Generally open 8 am-sunset. US$4 per carload. Wekiva Springs Road, Apopka. Phone 407-884-2008.

Nightlife
Orlando's choices for evening entertainment are plentiful, but neither the nightclubs nor the comedy clubs are confined to any particular neighborhood, nor do they tend to stay in favor for more than a year or two. Universal's CityWalk is a lively place to go for music, drinks and dancing. Downtown Orlando is a must-see for the twenty- and thirtysomething crowd. Winter Park and nearby Winter Park Village are home to pubs, bars and restaurant lounges popular among all age groups.
Generally, nightclubs open around 7-9 pm, but comedy clubs and other places that serve food often open earlier (around 11 am). Closing time is 2-3 am.

Bars, Taverns & Pubs

Brio Tuscan Grille
The chic place for a cocktail and a great place to people-watch from the outdoor cafe-style seating. Brio boasts sophisticated decor, and its Tuscan dishes draw diners well into the night. The house drink is the Brio Bellini, a frozen mix of champagne and peach nectar. Open Monday-Thursday 11 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-midnight, Sunday 11 am-10 pm. 4200 Conroy Road (in the Mall at Millenia), Winter Park. Phone 407-622-5611. http://www.brioitalian.com/

Eola Wine Company
This fashionable wine bar offers a selection of merlots, chiantis and more from vineyards around the world, with an emphasis on California's Napa region. Wine is served by the glass, split or flight. Bottled beers are also available. There is a second location in Winter Park. 500 E. Central Blvd., downtown, Orlando. Phone 407-481-9100. http://www.eolawinecompany.com/

Fiddler's Green
A lively Irish tavern, Fiddler's features traditional Irish bands occasionally followed by live pop and rock music Thursday-Sunday. Full bar and dance area. Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 am-2 am, Sunday 11 am-midnight. 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-645-2050. http://www.fiddlersgreenorlando.com/

Raglan Road
A wee bit of the old sod has been transplanted to this establishment, complete with 130-year-old bars, Guinness on tap and Wexford cheddar. Even the furniture was brought from Ireland. The music will set your Irish eyes to smiling, and the food will warm the cockles of your heart. 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive (in Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463. http://www.raglanroadirishpub.com/

Dance & Nightclubs

Downtown Orlando
Downtown is making a comeback with locals, and savvy tourists are following their lead. Music for every taste can be found in the area around the reborn Church Street Station, with blues on tap at Tanqueray's (100 S. Orange Ave.; phone 407-649-8540); jazz at the Westin Grand Bohemian (325 S. Orange Ave.; phone 407-313-9000); pop and rock at Crooked Bayou (50 E. Central Blvd.; phone 407-839-5852) and The Social (54 N. Orange Ave.; phone 407-246-1419); and techno and hip-hop at Club Firestone, one of Orlando's first dance clubs (578 N. Orange Ave; phone 407-872-0066). Sky 60, for private parties (54 N. Orange Ave.; phone 407-246-1599) has a lovely tree-lined rooftop deck and cabana seating?very South Beach?and its sister nightspot, in the same location, Eye Spy (54 N. Orange Ave.; phone 407-246-1599) is a chill hangout, marked cryptically by a British telephone booth. 23 is upscale and its upstairs pulls out the stops for chic with ornate finery and a high-end martini crowd (23 W. Church St.; phone407-420-1111).
Neighborhoods spreading to the north and east present a surprising variety of eateries, live music and dance hot spots, all within short walking distance of one another. If you do decide to check out downtown, you'll find that cover charges vary. The real action starts nightly around 11.

GLO Lounge Orlando
Two blocks north of the convention center, GLO is where people go to shake it. Music genres vary by theme night ('80s on Tuesday "hospitality night," techno on Thursday "European night," Top 40 on Saturday, etc.). The club features billiard tables, four huge plasma TVs and VIP lounges with bottle service. Wednesday-Saturday 9 pm-2 am. Men must be at least 21, but women 18 and older are admitted. 8967 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-351-0361.

Pointe Orlando
This stand-alone entertainment option offers dozens of retail shops and a 21-theater movie complex. It also offers one-stop shopping and nighttime entertainment. LuLu's Bait Shack is famous for its tasty fishbowl drinks, or take in Adobe Gila's Margarita Cantina, with outdoor seating, top-shelf margaritas and live music. 9101 International Drive (adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center), Orlando. Phone 407-248-2838. http://www.pointeorlando.com/

Universal's CityWalk
This 30-acre/12-hectare entertainment complex has restaurants, nightclubs, live music, shops, outdoor stages and a 20-screen cineplex. There's a lot to choose from. Pat O'Brien's is a replica of the famous New Orleans watering hole. The Groove is a multilevel techno dance club for hardcore partiers. You'll also find jazz and reggae music, as well as Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, which is awash with the musician's famous tropical tunes. Latin Quarter spices it up with salsa and other international styles, sometimes performed by live bands, sometimes spun by DJs. The Red Coconut Club has a lovely all-ages vibe, live music or DJ, two stories and a long bar, capacious martinis and good appetizer specials during happy hour 6-8 pm. CityWalk doesn't really get hopping until about 10 pm, but doors open at 11 am for shopping and lunch. Individual venues charge a nightly cover, but visitors can get a CityWalk Party Pass free with the purchase of a multiday ticket to Universal Studios Orlando. Free parking is available after 6 pm. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando. Phone 407-363-8000. http://www.universalorlando.com/

Live Music

House of Blues
This concert hall in Downtown Disney's West Side has quickly become a magnet for live music performers of a variety of genres, including big names such as Brian Setzer, Joe Walsh and Aretha Franklin. Next door is the equally pleasing restaurant with southern-inspired cuisine, such as voodoo shrimp and New York strip steak with bourbon sauce. There's live blues music in the restaurant each Thursday-Saturday at 11 pm. A gospel brunch is held in the music hall each Sunday at 10:30 am and 1 pm: US$31?reserve well in advance. No cover for meals or performers in the restaurant, but tickets are required for concerts in the music hall (prices vary). Restaurant opens daily at 11 am, box office opens at 10 am. 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive (adjacent to Pleasure Island, near Interstate 4), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-934-2583. http://www.hob.com/

The Peacock Room
Slightly north of downtown, this sophisticated, artsy speakeasy has low-slung chairs, a cozy room with sofas, a lengthy bar, monthly exhibits by local and national artists, and live music (rock, electronica, indie, jazz and more). Daily 4:30 pm-2 am. It livens up around 10 pm. Cover varies. 1321 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. Phone 407-228-0048. http://www.thepeacockroom.com/

Other Options

Cirque du Soleil
A high-tech circus, this mesmerizing theatrical spectacle combines Broadway-quality costumes, lighting, staging, sounds and incredible acrobats. Created especially for Walt Disney World, the 90-minute show features 70 performers. The custom-built theater seats about 1,700. Although first-timers often gripe about the relatively high price, few complain after witnessing this sensational show. Two shows at 6 and 9 pm Tuesday-Saturday. US$61-$112 guests 10 and older, US$49-$90 children ages 3-9. 1478 E. Buena Vista Drive (in Downtown Disney), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-7600 for information or reservations (up to six months in advance). http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/

Howl at the Moon
Two comedic pianists on Yamaha baby grands are at the center of all the festivities. The staff is quick to break into song, which doesn't diminish the sense of barely contained conviviality at this watering hole. The cuisine is largely pleasant and forgettable, but the drinks are stiff and the crowd is anything but. The mostly twenty- and thirtysomething revelers are locals and out-of-towners with a song in their heart. Nightly 6 pm-2 am. Cover charge is US$5 Monday-Thursday, US$10 Friday and Saturday. 8815 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-354-5999. http://www.howlatthemoon.com/

Shopping

Orlando's theme parks make sure that no one goes home empty-handed. There's a gift shop every few feet/meters (or so it seems), selling everything from Mickey Mouse key chains to high-priced animation cels, as well as a surprising array of fine (and expensive) art and handicrafts. Shops in Downtown Disney and at Epcot carry high-quality international merchandise, and the Animation Gallery at Disney's Hollywood Studios offers original and limited-edition reproductions of animation cels and pen-and-ink drawings from classic features. At the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Zawadi Marketplace, you can buy musical instruments, pottery and baskets made in African countries. At Universal Orlando you can add to your library of children's books at Dr. Seuss' All the Books You Can Read.

There's no end to the souvenir shops outside the parks, either. If you missed picking up a cartoon character T-shirt at Disney, chances are you can find one somewhere else. Most shops also are well-stocked with the buys of summer?swimwear, beach bags, sandals, umbrellas, beach games and equipment. Shops in Winter Park provide classier options. Prime Outlets Orlando, at the north end of International Drive, is the area's largest collection of outlets and discount stores. Orlando's downtown Sunday Eola Market is a gathering place for browsers looking for fresh produce, arts and crafts.
Shopping Hours: Usually Monday-Saturday 9 or 10 am-9 or 10 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Hours vary by season at some stores, especially those inside theme parks.

Factory Outlets

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
This complex is chock-full of such name-brand outlets as Gap, Liz Claiborne, Reebok, Sunglass Hut and KB Toys. It is conveniently located 1 mi/1.5 km from Disney World. Shuttles from some area resorts are available. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. 15591 Highway 535, Orlando. Phone 407-238-9301. http://www.lbvfs.com/

Orlando Premium Outlets
The closest outlet mall to Disney, this massive complex features some 150 upscale shops, including Barneys New York Outlet, DKNY, Coach, Burberry, Fendi, BCBG Max Azria, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss and Kenneth Cole. There's a nice food court, and the entire complex has a pleasant outdoor feel. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm. 8200 Vineland Road (reached via an access road off Highway 535), Orlando. Phone 407-238-7787. http://www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando

Prime Outlets Orlando
This is the grandfather of Orlando's outlet malls. Fresh off a US$150 million renovation, the center now has 190 stores, making this complex at the end of International Drive in southwest Orlando your best bet for discounts on pricey brands. Stores include the two Disney-owned shops Character Warehouse and Character Premier. In addition to Disney merchandise (typically overstocks, discontinued items and seconds), you'll find reduced prices on many popular designer brands such as Coach, Ralph Lauren and Ann Taylor. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. 5401 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando. Phone 407-354-0126. http://www.primeoutlets.com/

Galleries

Grand Bohemian Gallery
This fine-art gallery is filled with pleasant surprises, including jewelry, photography and glass, as well as wall art. Valet parking is available. Sunday 10 am-3 pm, Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-10 pm. 325 S. Orange Ave., downtown, Orlando. Phone 407-581-4801.

Millenia Fine Art
Fine art is abundant there in a Bauhaus architectural setting. Exhibits include works by world-class artists such as Chihuly, Howard, Keneko, Paley Libsneky and Slonem. The gallery features recent acquisitions from the secondary market and provides worldwide shipping services. Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm. 555 S. Lake Destiny Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-304-8100. http://www.milleniafineart.com/

Timothy's Gallery
This all-American craft gallery carries everything from paintings and glass to jewelry. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. 236 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-629-0707. http://timothysgallery.com/

Markets

Flea World
Drawing 50,000 visitors each weekend, this is often advertised as America's largest flea market. If it's not, it has to be close. There are 1,700 booths housed in three air-conditioned tentlike buildings, hawking everything from used books to designer clothing to often tacky souvenirs. For the kids, there are go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, midway rides and a 250-game arcade. Dining is hardly gourmet, but choices range from cotton candy to hamburgers. Saturday and Sunday 9 am-6 pm. Parking and admission are free. 4311 Orlando Ave., Sanford. Phone 407-330-1792. http://www.fleaworld.com/

Sunday Eola Market
One of the last remnants of the days when Orlando was just another agricultural town and markets were the city's source for fresh produce and flowers. Alongside the garden offerings are vendors selling pies, cakes, fresh breads, sauces and pates. (The mango chutney is extraordinary.) You can get hot coffee to go with breakfast goodies?and then eat at one of the outdoor tables. Open Sunday 9 am-2 pm except in summer. In Eola Park, downtown, Orlando. Phone 407-246-2555.

Winter Park Farmers Market
For more local flavor, look to Winter Park's restored downtown train depot. You can take your pick of fresh produce, pasta, fish, sausage and spices, or select from a colorful array of fresh flowers and tropical plants. Early risers can nibble on tangerines, oranges, avocados and strawberries or enjoy a breakfast of pastries, bagels, rolls or crepes served with a cup of hot chocolate, espresso or spiced tea. Open Saturday 7 am-1 pm. Corner of New England and New York (one block west of Park Avenue), Orlando. Phone 407-599-3399.

Shopping Areas

Orlando has plenty of shopping complexes, primarily in the southwest part of the city where tourists congregate.Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Marketplace provides a variety of unusual shops with merchandise not found in shops at the theme parks. With more than 20 shopping and dining venues, including the Rainforest Cafe, Goofy's Candy Company, Disney's Pin Trader, Team Mickey Athletic Club for sports memorabilia, The Map Room, a family clothing shop and live entertainment at Dock State, it's a great place to enjoy more of Disney for less money. Shop hours vary. Interstate 4, Epcot exit (follow the signs), Orlando. Phone 407-934-7639.

Festival Bay Mall at International Drive
Right in the thick of things on International Drive, it has a hipster, young-person bent and lots to do. There are 60 specialty stores in an unusual lineup that includes Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Sheplers Western Wear, Steve and Barry's University Sportswear, United World Soccer, PacSun, Journey's, Nine West Outlet, Kasper Outlet, Jones New York Outlet and a 15,000-sq-ft/1,400-sq-m Ron Jon Surf Shop. Beyond the shopping, Festival Bay features 11 restaurants, a Cinemark 20 movie theater, Putting Edge minigolf and Vans Skatepark. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm. 5250 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-351-7718. http://www.shopfestivalbaymall.com/

Florida Mall
More than 2 million sq ft/620,000 sq m of shopping action and more than 260 stores make this the largest mall in central Florida. Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue complement the dozens of small, popular chains such as Brookstone, Waldenbooks, Crabtree & Evelyn and a Thomas Kinkade gallery. It's got a few interesting tenants, such as the red-hot Club Libby Lu "princess" store for girls. Seven theaters, a 17-restaurant food court, a day spa, sit-down restaurants and a 510-room Adam's Mark Hotel complete the complex. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. Phone 407-851-6255.

Mall at Millenia
One of the most upscale malls in the Southeast, the two-level Mall at Millenia has impressive architecture, a prestigious tenant list and its own exit off Interstate 4. You'll find more than 150 stores, including dozens of boutiques, as well as department and specialty stores such as Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. Restaurants abound: A visit just to eat is worth considering. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-7 pm. Some store hours differ; restaurants generally open around 11 am. 4200 Conroy Road (Interstate 4 at Exit 78), Orlando. Phone 407-363-3555. http://www.mallatmillenia.com/

Old Town
Shopping in Old Town, in the Kissimmee-St. Cloud area, is perhaps unlike anywhere else in the central Florida area. The area generates lots of crowds, and all ages will find much to their liking. Children can ride the Ferris wheel or merry-go-round, and parents can browse through the attraction's 75 eclectic shops. Strolling down the brick-lined street, which is closed off to traffic, you'll see a day spa, a wax museum, a laser-tag center and a haunted house. There's a variety of places to eat and drink. The thrill rides, which attract young and old alike, include roller coasters, go-karts and even bungee-cord jumping. Target your visit for a Saturday when the area is swarming with classic cars for the weekly impromptu car cruise (Friday sees newer models coming to cruise, and Thursday evening brings motorcycles). Admission and parking are free. Rides and attractions are individually priced. 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (near the Disney entrance), Kissimmee.

Park Avenue Shopping Area
Fashionable Winter Park has some of the area's best boutique shopping and dining. Terrific window-shopping and wonderful choices in pottery, antiques, clothing and books are to be had, albeit at generally stiff prices. Beautiful, well-kept parks and houses border the shopping district of this classy older suburb. Park Avenue, Winter Park. Phone 407-628-0400.
Specialty Stores
The focus of most specialty shopping in Orlando is on logos and character merchandise based on Universal and Disney themes, Orlando Magic basketball, NASCAR and Harley-Davidson. Unique gift items, prints, originals and books are also found at museum gift shops, especially at The Charles Hosmer Morse in Winter Park with its Louis Comfort Tiffany merchandise.Bijou's
Full of unique jewelry and gift items, the front room of this College Park tradition gives way to a wonderland of flowy garments, long beaded necklaces and an array of scarves and belts. Bijou herself is usually at this location, and the salespeople will help you pick out the perfect outfit. Additional locations in The Villages, Longwood and an outlet in Audobon Park. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm. 2501 Edgewater Dr., Orlando. Phone 407-841-9728. http://www.bijousboutique.com/

Corona Cigar Co.
It's said to be the world's largest cigar store and cigar bar. And that's not blowing smoke. The Corona Cigar Company World Headquarters and Cigar Bar has 1.5 million cigars. There's also an extensive port and wine list, as well as imported beers from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and South America. You can even have coffee. 7792 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Phone 407-248-1212. http://www.coronacigar.com/

Cottage Industry Co-op
Local designers created this consignment boutique by sharing the space with College Park's Infusion Tea's cafe. Everything is handmade, and the store is manned by the artists in shifts. You can find creative jewelry, clothing, ceramics, bath soaps and framed artwork. Open daily. 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-488-6614. http://www.cottageindustryco-op.com/

IKEA
The Orlando store is one of the Swedish furniture superstore's few locations in the southeastern U.S. Grab a shrimp sandwich or Swedish meatballs at the cafe while the kids play in a staffed playroom, then shop for inexpensive chairs, sofas and desks. Don't forget you'll have to put the furniture together yourself. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm. 4092 Eastgate Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-355-3155. http://www.ikea-usa.com/

Orlando Vintage Clothing Co.
Authentic vintage clothing from the 1920s through the eras of white buck shoes, poodle skirts and bell bottoms is sold at this store. Although some items can be rented, this isn't a costume shop?it's more for serious collectors and theater buyers. Monday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm. 2117 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-599-7225.

Ron Jon's Surf Shop
You don't have to be near the water to enjoy this 15,000-sq-ft/1,395-sq-m beach shop with some of the most unique surf-themed clothing you'll find in central Florida. At the indoor Ron Jon Surf Park, visitors can enjoy island decor, with authentic bamboo and sisal-rope structures as well as thatched roofs and sand-textured walkways. A beach scene features a 1934-replica Ford Woody. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-8 pm. 5156 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-481-2555. http://www.ronjons.com/


Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind Antiques
This unique shop sits just inside the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's a 1920s-style California bungalow that's been transformed into a museum of Hollywood memorabilia, ranging from some inexpensive items to others priced in the thousands. Pieces include rare autographs, props and authenticated costumes actually worn by famous stars in the movies. The choice of movie posters is outstanding.

World of Denim
If your wardrobe revolves around denim, you'll find it in every shape, size, style and brand name in this enormous memorial to jeans, jeans and more jeans. Best of all are the prices, discounted to as much as 50% off what you'd pay at the mall and other specialty shops. Daily 10 am-11 pm. 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (Route 192 between markers 10 and 11), Kissimmee. Phone 407-390-4561.

Zou Zous
Thornton Park's reputation for trendy fashionistas starts at Zou Zous. Relax on the hot pink settee while trying on an array of the hippest new clothes. Monday 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am-7 pm, Thursday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. 2 N. Summerlin Ave., Orlando. Phone 407-843-3373.

Local Tours
Several companies offer tours of downtown Orlando and nearby attractions; a few also offer balloon rides over the area.
At each of its parks, Disney offers a few backstage tours not always available to the general public. Prices range US$75-$199. Check with guest relations at your resort hotel or at a theme park to learn which tours might be available.Blue Water Balloons
Blue Water Balloons has flights that leave at sunrise or around 6 am daily. Passengers help with the liftoff and then enjoy an hour's flight several thousand feet/meters above central Florida. Once the balloon lands and is stored away, a picnic is offered with a choice of champagne or fresh Florida orange juice. Prices start at US$175 adults, US$95 children 10 and younger. Phone 407-894-5040. http://www.bluewaterballoons.com/

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Whisking across the water at 45 mph/70 kph, you may encounter ospreys, alligators, herons and even bald eagles. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides offers an adventure into central Florida's wetlands. Take sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. Boggy Creek supplies hearing protection (yes, airboats are noisy) and life jackets. Tours leave daily every half-hour 9 am to 5:30 pm. Night tours are also available. Reservations advised. US$20.95 adults, US$15.95 children ages 3-12 for a half-hour airboat ride. Swamp buggy rides US$21.95 adults, US$15.95 children. Private 45-minute tours are US$45 per person. 3701 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, Orlando. Phone 407-344-9550. http://www.bcairboats.com/

Scenic Boat Tour
Boat tours have sailed from this location in Winter Park since 1938. Board an 18-passenger pontoon boat for a scenic 45-minute narrated cruise through the town's lakes and canals. You'll see historic lakefront mansions and estates built by wealthy northerners at the turn of the 20th century. Be sure to take along sun protection. Daily 10 am-4 pm. US$10 adults, US$5 children ages 2-11. 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. Phone 407-644-4056. http://www.scenicboattours.com/

Scenic Lake Tours
This charter outfit offers fishing charters but also provides a chance to get out on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (or other waters, depending on your interests) on a 24-ft/7-m pontoon boat. Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-3 pm. Reservations required. Hourly scenic tours US$25 adults, US$15 children ages 6-12. Phone 407-908-5688. Toll-free 800-244-9105. http://www.fishingchartersinc.com/

Day By Day
If you don't plan your days in advance, you're likely to miss out on all that Orlando has to offer besides theme parks. Schedule at least five days if you want a complete look at Walt Disney World and two or more for the other Orlando-area attractions. (A four-day minimum stay at Walt Disney World is strongly suggested?one day for each park.)

First, if you're staying at a Disney hotel, take advantage of their early-admission program that allows all hotel guests to enter one theme park (which one varies by day) one hour early. Even if you stay off Disney property, plan to arrive well before opening time (9 am) and head straight for the most popular attractions first: The lines won't be any shorter for the rest of the day. (In general, it's not a bad strategy to head first to rides, then see the shows, then take the tours: Lines for the rides and shows tend to get longer as the day goes on, although the length of the tour lines is more consistent.) Remember, you can leave any Disney Park and return in the same day with your ticket stub. If the heat becomes too strong or the kids too stressed (this happens), go back to your hotel for a swim and rest, then return to the park for the evening events.

Day 1
Start with Epcot, no matter what the kids say (it'll seem a bit anticlimactic to them if you go after you've been to the Magic Kingdom). Don't worry, they'll soon be absorbed by the exhibits. Get there early and plan to stay (or return) for the Illuminations show at 9 pm. Make your dinner reservations as soon as you arrive at the park for any one of the many ethnic restaurants within the World Showcase. We recommend Restaurant Akershus in the Norway pavilion, the Biergarten in Germany or the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room in the United Kingdom. (Disney's reservation system, called priority seating, doesn't guarantee you a seat at the time you request. Instead, you get the first available seat after you arrive at the appointed time.)

Day 2
Start early. Spend the day at the Magic Kingdom (you'll need the whole day to see the major attractions alone). Those without kids along may want to go to a Disney Resort dinner-theater show and/or end the night at Downtown Disney. Many of the attractions there are ride-throughs with animatronic figures. Favorites include The Hall of Presidents, Peter Pan's Flight, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Day 3
If you have to choose between the movie studios and are not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, pick Universal Orlando Resort. This will be a nice break from Disney. Action-ride lovers should visit Islands of Adventure. Dine at Universal's City Walk, where Emeril Lagasse and Jimmy Buffett have restaurants. In the late afternoon or early evening, you can cool off at Wet 'n Wild.

Day 4
Slow down with a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom, a Disney water park or SeaWorld Orlando (though more walking is involved at SeaWorld). Finish the day in downtown Orlando. If you're not too tired, stroll around Lake Eola and enjoy the sunset, a leisurely gondola or swan-boat ride, and a meal at the on-site restaurant. That evening, your newfound energy should find you in fine shape to hit the clubs of Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. Disney resorts offer babysitting services,book in advance.

Day 5
Use this day to explore Orlando and the surrounding area (or, if you have a five-day Walt Disney World pass, to pick up anything you left out because of crowds, lack of time, etc.). You might also consider traveling to some of the other Disney resorts just to look around and have a meal. Wilderness Lodge has its own geyser, for example, and with a lunch reservation at The Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jiko, you may catch a glimpse of life on the savannah while you enjoy your meal. North of Orlando is peaceful Winter Park, home of the Tiffany exhibits at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum. Boat tours on the Winter Park chain of lakes date from the pre-Disney era and have a simple charm about them that is hard to resist. In the evening, you can choose from a number of chic Winter Park eateries, try one of the dinner shows or listen to live music at a downtown Orlando club.

Dining

Dining Overview
The diversity and sophistication of Orlando's restaurants have grown. Catfish, alligator, grits, barbecue, seafood and longtime Florida specialties remain menu staples at a few Orlando restaurants. But these days, you'll find that international cuisines are more the norm, from Mexican and Cuban to French.

Restaurants can come and go rather quickly in Orlando, but those that reach the top tend to remain there. Restaurant Row, one of the more popular dining scenes located along Sand Lake Road just off International Drive, is a culinary theme park of sorts. The area is lined with upscale eateries that satisfy a world of palates.

If you're too tired to leave the theme parks, there are plenty of outstanding options close at hand. Gone are the days when a hot dog and cotton candy were considered a decent meal at an amusement park. Today, several restaurants in Disney World and at Universal rank among the best in Orlando and the state. Reserve at least a couple of evenings to dine at the authentically appointed restaurants located in the World Showcase section of Epcot, featuring food and personnel native to such countries as France, Italy, Germany and Morocco. (To dine at Epcot, you'll have to pay admission to the park.) Truly superb restaurants are also found in resort hotels, such as the Rosen hotels, The Peabody, the better Walt Disney World Resort hotels and the SeaWorld Orlando Renaissance.

Most Disney World restaurants?with exceptions at Downtown Disney and at Victoria & Albert's have priority seating, meaning you don't get a confirmed reservation when you call in advance but, once you arrive, you are immediately seated or seated in line behind others with priority seating ahead of you. Expect a delay of five to 10 minutes. Your best bet is to make priority-seating reservations as soon as you have confirmed your travel plans. Also ask about the restaurants' hours, which may change seasonally.

You might want to call for specific requirements, but dress at virtually all restaurants is casual or business casual. Victoria & Albert's is the only restaurant in town that requires a jacket for men.

Meal times are similar to those in the rest of the U.S.:

Breakfast is generally 7-10 am, lunch 11 am-2:30 pm, dinner 6-10 pm.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$25; $$$ = US$26-$60; $$$$ = more than US$60.

Local & Regional

Atlantis
For years, Atlantis has set standards that keep locals going back to celebrate special milestones. A crystal chandelier, gleaming place settings, harp music and starchy linens provide a worthy setting for the executive chef's long list of offerings for the day. Expect an impressive choice of appetizers and main dishes, a comprehensive wine list and a dazzling array of dessert choices. Dinner nightly. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Renaissance Orlando Resort, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-351-5555.

Chef Justin's Park Plaza Gardens
Award-winning cuisine by chef Justin Plank in a brick, Mediterranean-style courtyard in chic Winter Park. Plank serves up what he calls Euro-Florida cuisine with Mediterranean and Pan-Asian flavors. Favorites include the oven-roasted black grouper in a white Tuscan bean and roasted-pepper stew with potato puree, truffle oil and crispy leeks, and domestic grilled lamb chops served with root vegetable and roasted beet ratatouille. For a lighter meal, order an appetizer. An excellent wine list. Soft piano music Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning. Daily for lunch and dinner, brunch on Sunday. Reservations suggested three to four days in advance, one week in advance for Friday and Saturday nights. Business casual. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 319 S. Park Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-645-2475. http://www.parkplazagardens.com/

Cuisines

American

Dexter's
This classy yet casual neighborhood place serves up inventive food prepared in the open-view kitchen. The U-shaped bar offers an extensive selection of wines and a decent choice of microbrews. Try the freshly cooked sweet-potato chips with warm chili sauce. The chicken tortilla pie is also a local favorite. Friendly crowds, live music (call for days and times), changing art on the walls and patio dining make this one of Winter Park's most inviting hangouts. There's a second location in Thornton Park. Daily for lunch and dinner, plus Saturday and Sunday brunch. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 558 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-629-1150. http://www.dexwine.com/

Hue-A Restaurant
Hue came onto the Thornton Park scene in 2002 and has been all the buzz ever since. The cuisine, dubbed American progressive by its owners, includes Asian- and South American-infused highlights, such as wood-grilled filet mignon, tamari-roasted duck breast and oven-roasted Chilean sea bass. Daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Music on Thursday nights. Reservations recommended. Business casual. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 629 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Phone 407-849-1800. http://www.huerestaurant.com/

Asian

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
Located in the heart of downtown, this sushi bar serves up sashimi along with grilled and teriyaki dishes. Despite the fact that it's one of the city's oldest restaurants, its hip atmosphere and quality service set it apart from other downtown Japanese eateries. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 19 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Phone 407-423-2688.

Little Saigon
In Orlando's thriving Vietnamese area, this restaurant stands out for its huge bowls of pho, a fragrant soup brimming with meat, seafood, noodles, and fresh basil and mint. Large portions and lots of parking. A testament to the restaurant's authenticity are the many tables filled with members of the local Vietnamese community. Wine and beer choices are limited. Takeout is available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-423-8539. http://www.littlesaigonrestaurant.com/

Ming Court
In the heart of the tourist corridor of International Drive, this popular spot serves an intriguing combination of Asian favorites, Florida seafood and grilled items?including influences from India and the South Pacific. The interior is vast and lavish, with koi ponds and original art that make it equally suitable for a business dinner or a family meal. We like the homemade dim sum (served for lunch, but you may have to ask specifically for the dim-sum menu) as well as the Peking duck and the sushi. Grab a quick meal at the sushi bar if you like. Takeout is available. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 9188 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-351-9988. http://www.ming-court.com/

French

Le Coq au Vin
Just 2 mi/3 km south of downtown, you'll find generously portioned, fine French cuisine in this comfortable, refurbished house. A local food critic describes Le Coq au Vin as the place chefs go on their nights off. To keep things interesting, the menu changes every two to three months. Try the namesake chicken braised in red wine. The beef tenderloin, Black Angus steak and almond-crusted salmon are popular. Vegetarian dishes are always offered. Open nightly for dinner. Reservations suggested, particularly on weekends. Business casual. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Phone 407-851-6980. http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com/

Italian

Bergamo's
Bergamo's combines excellent cuisine with singing waiters. Piano music starts at 7 nightly, and the waiters belt out songs from operas and operettas. Try the escargot, osso buco or the variety of house salads. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. Business casual. $$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. Festival Bay Mall, 5250 International Drive (in Mercado Mediterranean Village), Orlando. Phone 407-351-7718. http://www.bergamos.com/

Cafes & Tearooms

Infusion Tea
Sure there's coffee, but tea is the focus there, with expansive choices ranging from black to herbal to red, white and green. They are brewed at your table in glass mugs. The vegetarian menu features soups and salads that change with the season, though the Milton Special salad, garnished with roasted beets and hummus, remains a favorite standard. Infusion's simplicity entices locals for both casual lunches with friends and client meetings. Where else can you sip Monkey-Picked Oolong and Winter-Mint Rooibos while local artists roam by, selling their wares from the Cottage Industry Co-op? Open daily. $$. 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-999-5255. http://www.infusionorlando.com/

Coffeehouses

Austins Coffee and Film
Among the most prominent coffeehouses in the city, it serves organic and fair-trade coffees roasted on-site. There are regular music programs and open-mike poetry readings. The 6 Degrees Improv Comedy Troupe performs on weekends. Open daily from the early morning until late at night. $. No cover charge. 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-975-3364. http://www.austinscoffee.com/

Palmano's Coffee Roastery
This Italian piazza is cloistered behind Park Avenue's trendy boutiques, complete with a cherub fountain. Palmano's only has one table inside, where Mr. Palmano can be found sipping espresso or an Italian Chianti. Patrons sit under awnings outside, drinking specially brewed iced coffee called "frosts" in summer and Theresa's Blend custom-roasted coffee year-round. A cigar shop and hair salon buttress the patio, so don't be surprised to see guests enjoying a smoke or foiled heads grabbing a Panini or salad. Open daily. $. 331 S. Park Ave., Winter Park. Phone 407-647-7520.

Continental

Citricos
The Grand Floridian's other notable eatery is a lovely riff on warm Mediterranean colors, with an open kitchen that follows suit with the cuisine. Part Provence, part Tuscany and a dash of Spanish Riviera, the seasonally changing menu may feature classic, warm goat-cheese salad with arugula, frisee and crispy lardoons of bacon, warm onion tart with walnut vinaigrette or hearty braised veal shank. The house martinis are excellent, especially the Citropolitan with lemon and lime liqueur. It's fairly quiet and rarefied, so kids may prefer it elsewhere (except the view to Magic Kingdom's evening fireworks is fab). $$$. Most major credit cards. 4401 Floridian Way (in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-824-2383.

Dux
This lavish Peabody Hotel restaurant specializes in luxurious Continental cuisine and has won numerous awards. A popular spot for special occasions and power-broker dinners, Dux features a fresh souffle each evening, and its menu changes monthly. Jumbo lump crab cakes with shrimp mousse is the signature appetizer. Arrive at the hotel by 5 pm, before the restaurant opens, and watch the resident mallards emerge from the lobby fountain and march down a red carpet to the elevator, making their way to their penthouse suite. Monday-Saturday for dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 9801 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-352-4000. http://www.peabodyorlando.com/

Seasons 52
A major reason for its immediate popularity has been part of the name itself: The menu changes every week to take advantage of the freshest ingredients. In an area better known for its family-friendly buffets and gargantuan portion sizes, Seasons 52 is like a breath of fresh air. No item on the menu has more than 450 calories. But taste is regarded as far more important than portion size. The menu features everything from seafood to steaks. There's a choice of seven grilled flatbreads. Individual-sized desserts are served in shot glasses, including classic key lime pie. The restaurant also has a healthy and robust wine list, with 70 wines offered by the glass. Daily for dinner only. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 7700 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Phone 407-354-5212. http://www.seasons52.com/

The Boheme
This upscale restaurant in the Westin Grand Bohemian hotel has an opulent setting and a luxurious art collection. Try the jumbo lump crab salad with fresh hearts of palm or house-smoked chicken with pearl onion, cherry tomato and saffron casserole and choose from a huge selection of a la carte vegetables and wines. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 325 S. Orange Ave. (across from Orlando City Hall), Orlando. Phone 407-313-9000. http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/theboheme

Steak Houses

Capriccio Grill
This warm, informal room in the Peabody Orlando has always had the charm of a European bistro, and now, repositioned as a steak house, it's more inviting than ever. Steaks from Ruprecht's of Chicago are cut to sizes ranging from dainty to humongous and are cooked to perfection in an open kitchen. Everything is a la carte, but go easy on the side dishes, because portions are generous. The wine list is worthy, as well. Monday-Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. Business casual. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 9801 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-352-4000. http://www.peabodyorlando.com/

Del Frisco's Prime Steak and Lobster
Del Frisco's has won numerous awards and remains a top choice for the best steaks in the area. The a la carte menu is pricey, but the beef is USDA prime corn-fed. Three wine cellars boast more than 1,000 labels. The friendly atmosphere, personal attention and piano bar make for a memorable time. Among the menu items are porterhouse, rib-eye and strip steaks, filet mignon, lobster tails and osso buco. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner only. Business casual. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 729 Lee Road, Orlando. Phone 407-645-4443. http://www.delfriscosorlando.com/

Old Hickory Steakhouse
This eatery looks like a weatherworn, tin-roofed respite in the Everglades, but the food is first-class with superb service. The star is the aged prime steak, of course, ranging from petite filets to a huge porterhouse. For dessert, try Florida's greatest artisanal cheese course, overseen by Terrance Brennan of Artisanal in New York City. It's admittedly costly, but even locals venture out to the tourist corridor for leisurely dining there. Daily for dinner only. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway (at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center), Kissimmee. Phone 407-586-0000. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms

Vito's Chop House
Vito's serves fine cuts of meat in a classic steak-house atmosphere. Appetizers include calamari and mussels. The prime rib and lamb chops are notable. With more than 950 wines, Vito's has one of the largest selections in central Florida, as well as a nice selection of premium cigars. Daily for dinner only. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 8630 International Drive, Orlando. Phone 407-354-2467. http://www.vitoschophouse.com/

Theme Park Restaurants

Bice Ristorante
Overlooking Universal Studios' version of the Portofino Bay, the swank Bice Ristorante is one of Orlando's most romantic Italian restaurants. The cuisine is Ligurian and features high-quality olive oil, butter or white-wine sauces. Popular entrees include the filet mignon with Gorgonzola cheese and a lobster lasagna. A guitarist strolls around the dining room. Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. Business casual. $$$. Most major credit cards. At the Portofino Bay Hotel, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Phone 407-503-1415. http://www.bice.ws/

California Grill
A longtime favorite seated atop the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World, the California Grill offers a panoramic view of the Magic Kingdom (including the nightly fireworks display). The food equals the view. Menus are updated seasonally but always feature an array of steaks, chicken and seafood (there's a full sushi bar). Vegetarians won't go hungry, either. The by-the-glass wine program is laudable. Nightly for dinner. Reservations required?try to book at least two weeks in advance for a good table. $$$. Most major credit cards. 4600 N. World Drive (in the Contemporary Resort), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463.

Cinderella's Royal Table
If you've ever wanted to eat in a castle, this is your chance. Your family can share breakfast with Disney characters at this Magic Kingdom restaurant?but be prepared for lots of interruptions and applause. Better known for its fairy-tale setting than for its somewhat mundane food?American fare with a focus on beef and poultry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Admission and priority seating are required. $$$. Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463.

Disney's Spirit of Aloha
The most authentic luau this side of the Pacific: Hula performers and fire dancers delight you as you dine on tropical dishes made by Disney's culinary experts. The all-you-can-eat menu includes island pork and lanai-roasted chicken served in a beachside cabana setting. Seats book fast in peak season. Reservations required. $$$. 1600 Seven Seas Drive (in the Polynesian Resort, accessible by boat or monorail), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463.

Flying Fish Cafe
Along with its sister restaurant, the California Grill, the Flying Fish soars above many other eateries in and around Disney. House specialties include peekytoe crab cakes, the truly delectable potato-wrapped snapper and oak-grilled steaks for the landlubber. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463.

Jiko-The Cooking Place
The skilled use of African spices and the melding of Africa's European- and Asian-influenced cuisines distinguish this upscale dining place, the signature restaurant of the magnificent Animal Kingdom Lodge. The fish, steamed in a banana leaf, melts in your mouth. Breads are baked fresh in the open ovens in the center of the room. The wine selection is highly touted. Daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463.

Makahiki Luau
SeaWorld Orlando's take on a South Seas feast is this popular Polynesian dinner-show celebration that shows off the ancient customs, rhythmic music and dance, and authentic costumes of the Pacific Islands. And, of course, there's Polynesian cuisine served family-style: mahimahi in pina-colada sauce, Hawaiian chicken, stir-fried vegetables and seasonal desserts. The luau is performed nightly at the Seafire Inn at SeaWorld. Daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. Toll-free 800-327-2420. http://www.seaworld.com/

Rainforest Cafe
A popular and appropriate choice for families, this restaurant is accessible from inside or outside the Animal Kingdom. Placing you in the middle of a simulated Amazon rain forest, audio-animatronic wildlife comes to life, and timed rain showers and waterfalls add even more ambience. The cuisine, with a little island flair, is varied and adventurous enough to please most everyone. Sandwiches and burgers are a sure bet. A second, easier-to-reach location is at Disney Marketplace. Daily for lunch and dinner (avoid peak dining times for best service). $$. 505 N. Rainforest Drive, Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-939-3463. http://www.rainforestcafe.com/

Victoria & Albert's
Consistently rated one of the top restaurants in the state, this is the place to go for special occasions. The menu of a six-course gourmet meal changes daily to accommodate the freshest market items. The intimate dining room seats only 60 guests, and children younger than 10 are not permitted. Seating at the chef's table is available. The service is meticulous. Daily for dinner. Reservations required as much as 90 days in advance. Jackets required for men. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 4401 Floridian Way (in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-824-2383.

Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Three distinct venues: A quick-service express restaurant serves guests on the go; a cafe with an upbeat, interactive atmosphere offers pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, a sushi bar and delicious chicken pad thai; and a dining room on the second floor is modeled after the celebrity chef's Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills. The menu in the dining room is elaborate, with California cuisine, including Puck's famous version of Wiener schnitzel. A special chef's table is available and well worth the extra expense. Express restaurant and cafe are open daily for lunch and dinner, dining room is open daily for dinner only. Reservations suggested for the dining room. $-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1482 Lake Buena Vista Drive (Downtown Disney), Lake Buena Vista. Phone 407-938-9653. http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/casual-dining/Wolfgang-Puck-In-Orlando/9036

Other Options

B-Line Diner
It's the ultimate presentation of the roadside diner, a study in gleaming stainless steel, with white tile trimmed in black, leatherette-covered booths, a jukebox and a long counter where you can watch the short-order cooks at work. Good choices are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from burgers and fries or meat loaf and mashed potatoes to very good steaks and chops served with fresh vegetables. Daily 24 hours. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. In the Peabody Orlando, 1901 International Drive (opposite the convention center), Orlando. Phone 407-352-4000. http://www.peabodyorlando.com/

Goblin Market
Trips to Mount Dora are often prompted by the desire for Goblin Market's tempura-dipped artichoke stuffed with pesto cream cheese. The cozy library with modern art and a hidden garden terrace only enhance the great food, including some of the best burgers around. This tiny warehouse-turned-eatery fills up quickly, so call for dinner reservations or be prepared to wait. Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch only. $$-$$$. 330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora. Phone 352-735-0059.

Julie's Waterfront
Chances are you will be greeted by one of the friendly geese that hang out at this waterfront restaurant near downtown, overlooking Lake Jennie Jewell. Friendly, attentive service with well-prepared traditional food such as cheeseburgers, lobster nuggets and spicy buffalo wings. Enjoy a cold beer and a basket of beer-battered fries under a covered deck overlooking the water. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Phone 407-240-2557.

Lacomka Bakery & Deli
You can dine inside, but it's crowded because there are only three tall, round tables with stools. Takeout is a better option. Bread and sandwich rolls are made fresh each morning. Call ahead to ask for a baked-to-order hachapuri, a traditional Russian bread stuffed with cheese and topped with an egg. For a low-cholesterol side dish, there's a vinaigrette salad made of beet cubes, kidney beans and potatoes in olive oil dressing. Also offered is a Russian milk shake made with perfumed fruit syrup. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 2050 N. Semoran Blvd., No. 140, Winter Park. Phone 407-677-1101. http://www.lacomka-orlando.com/

Norman's
This award-winning restaurant is known for its fusion of Caribbean recipes with traditional European techniques. Try the unusual, creamy cracked-conch-chowder saffron. The restaurant is named after celebrity chef Norman Van Aken, who created many of its noted dishes, such as caramel-poached foie gras or Mongolian-marinated veal chop. The interior features elegant marble floors and views of a golf course. Open daily for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 4012 Central Florida Parkway (in the Ritz-Carlton), Orlando. Phone 407-353-4333. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/orlando_grande_lakes/dining/venues/normans_sig/default.html

Dos & Don'ts
Do use sun protection even on mild days. The sun at this latitude catches many visitors unaware. Savvy Floridians apply sunblock right after their morning showers. Be aware that it's possible to get a bad sunburn twice as fast while in the water. Use waterproof sunblock and reapply often, even on cloudy days. There have been serious illnesses and even deaths reported at the water parks in the past couple years. Being in and out of water all day may mask the symptoms of heat prostration and hyperthermia. Make sure you and your children stay hydrated and take time to get out of the sun.

Do allow extra time when going anywhere on Interstate 4, where congestion, road work or accidents can cause delays that last for hours. Keep a good supply of change on hand for toll roads, which abound in central Florida. International Drive is another extremely congested road, especially during morning and afternoon commute times. Take Universal Boulevard or other alternate routes when possible.

Don't pick up pretty snakes (the lovely, red-and-yellow-banded coral snake is deadly) or allow children to put botanicals in their mouths. Some of the most beautiful and common landscaping plants, including oleander and lantana, can be harmful. Also, do not kick small mounds of dirt: the Florida fire ant has a nasty bite that leaves welts for days.
Don't let the pixie dust fool you. Orlando is such a happy, carefree, family destination that criminals hope you'll let your guard down. Take the same precautions you would anywhere.