Orlando city guide

Orlando is located in Orange County in central Florida. One of the most colourful cities in the United States of America Orlando is a heaven of leisure and entertainment attracting millions of visitors of every age each year. There are lots of reasons that make Orlando a popular tourist attraction. It is mostly known for the world famous theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, SeeWorld and many other venues which offer the visitors the greatest entertainment. The city is also an ideal place for city-breaks and holidays with beautiful surroundings featuring Lake Buena Vista and Kissimee areas. City’s temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters is another factor which makes it one of the best destinations for blue sky holidays. Orlando is one of the leading cities in American business scene hosting a great number of conferences and conventions each year which makes the city one of the busiest cities in the world. With a vibrant cosmopolitan life, excellent choice entertainment and leisure facilities and with a colourful calendar full of cultural and social activities, Orlando is the best choice for a fabulous vacation offering a unique travel experience. Attractions Walt Disney World Resort. Built in 1971, Walt Disney World is the largest and the most visited resort in the USA. Located southwest of Orlando this recreation resort includes theme parks, two water parks, themed hotels, a sports complex along with various shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure venues. http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/ Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando is another popular entertainment venue in Orlando featuring two theme parks, three resort hotels, a nightlife & shopping district. For entrance fees you can check the website: http://www.universalorlando.co.uk/tickets.html SeaWorld SeaWorld is a world-famous attraction in which the visitors invited to enjoy dolphin and whale shows, aquariums, rides and many other live entertainment facilities. For information about entrance fees see: http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/default.aspx Kennedy Space Centre Located east of Orlando, Kennedy Space Centre will take you to an exciting journey into the world of NASA through exhibits, astronaut encounters and film shows. WonderWorks With more than 120 interactive exhibits this upside down entertainment venue offers the whole family a memorable experience full of joy. (Entrance fees: $46.95/adult, $21.95/child) Wet ‘n Wild Wet ‘n Wild is the biggest and the most popular water park in the world including numerous attractions and facilities guaranteeing wonderful moments. (Entrance fees: $41.95/adult, $35.95/child) Orlando Odditorium Orlando Odditorium has an interesting collection of weird objects from all over the world. The Exhibition is held in an odd-looking building actually sinking into the ground. The place is a must-see attraction while in Orlando with it world famous “Believe it or Not” collection. (Entrance fee: $18.95 plus tax) Orlando’s Museum of Art Orlando Museum of Art with its extensive collection including local, regional, national and international pieces of art is a must-visit place while in Orlando. (Entrance fee: $8.00) Travelling to and around Orlando Orlando International Airport is located 14 kilometres southeast of Orlando city centre and 35 kilometres east of Walt Disney Resort. Transportation from the airport to the city is provided by local and private bus services as well as taxis. For those who are heading to Walt Disney Resort, Disney's Magical Express is located on the B-side of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), at Commercial Lane spaces B42-B47. If you are heading to the city centre then local buses (Lynx) number 11 and 51 run into the city. Both rides take around 20-25 minutes and cost $1.75. For further information about the time tables you can visit the website: http://www.golynx.com/ Located 29 kilometres north of Orlando, Orland Sanford Airport offers shuttle bus services to downtown Orlando. American Coach (http://www.americancoachlines.com/) and Orlando Carriers (http://www.orlandocarriers.com/) have frequent rides from/to the airport every day. Transportation within Orlando is provided by Lynx local bus system. The bus routes cover almost all the major attractions in the city offering convenient transportation. Standard one-way journey within Orlando costs $1.75 and the ticket is valid for all transfers for 90 minutes. There are several travel passes offering cheaper transportation. A single day-pass costs $4.00, while a 7-day-pass costs $14.00. Car hire is also a popular alternative means of transportation. During peak holiday seasons buses tend to be quite crowded so car hire is advisable if you are planning to see the all the city and the surrounding area a comfortable way. There are rental offices all over the city especially in the main tourist areas. Dollar Rent A Car (http://www.dollar.com/) is one of the biggest car hire companies in Orlando. Dining out in Orlando Orlando does not have a distinctive traditional cuisine. Yet, house to a cosmopolitan culture the city has numerable restaurants serving tantalising samples from international cuisine offering a wide choice of food which guarantees a perfect dining experience. Sweet Tomatoes This is the Orlando branch of the famous restaurant chain in the United States. In Sweet Tomatoes you can enjoy a two-sided salad bar along with fruit, pasta and dessert bars. Not to be missed especially for vegetarians. Address: 6877 S Kirkman Rd. (Average price: $9.00 pp) Dan Marino's Town Tavern If you are looking for a nice restaurant where you can have a family dining at affordable prices there is no need to look further. Dan Marino’s Town Tavern serves good value food at unbeatable prices in cheerful atmosphere. (Average price: $8.00- $27.00 pp) Too Jay's If you are up for a quick bite to fill your stomach before starting exploring the city Too Jay is the right place for you. With its gastronomic specialties this restaurant is a sandwich heaven in Orlando. (Average price: $15.00 pp) Bill Wong's Bill Wong’s is a Chinese buffet style restaurant which serves delicious food at reasonable prices. Located near Universal Studios, Bill Wong's is the ideal place to go if you love Chinese cuisine. Address: 5660 International Drive. (Average price: $16.00 pp) Bahama Breeze Bahama Breeze is one of the best places where you can have the finest examples of Caribbean food. Be prepared to wait a long queue especially at weekends. Address: 8849 International Drive (Average price: $20.00 pp) Pebbles Restaurant Pebbles Restaurant belongs to a local chain offering the best sea food in the town. Address: 12551 State Road. 535 (Average price: $22.00 pp) Carrabba's Italian Grill Popular among tourists as well as locals Carrabba's Italian Grill serves tantalising Italian specialties in a cosy atmosphere. Address: 1001 Sand Lake Road. (Average price: $20.00 pp) Bars and Nightlife Known as a city of entertainment, Orlando has a vibrant nightlife including a great number of bars and night clubs appealing every one of every age. ICEBAR Orlando Icebar is the biggest permanent ice bar in the world. In this club you will be fascinated by the bar’s interior design. Designed by world famous ice carvers in this place from the chairs to the glasses, from walls to decorations simply everything is made of ice. One of the best clubs in Orlando, Icebar is definitely a “cool” place to check out. Address: 8967 International Drive CityWalk’s Rising Star Located in CityWalk which is Orlondo’s hottest spot for entertainment, CityWalk’s Rising Star is open seven nights a week offering a great night out in a refined atmosphere. (Admission: $ 7.00, dress code: casual-chic, age limit: 21) Blue Martini Blue Martini is located in 200 Conroy Road, just a stroll from the Convention Centre. It is a stylish bar where you can enjoy delicious spirits accompanied by the best live music in the town. Pat O'Brien's Located in CityWalk, Pat O'Brien's is the counterpart of the original Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orland. With two bars serving various local and international drinks in a laid-back atmosphere Pat O'Brien's is the right place to relax and unwind accompanied by the enchanting tunes coming from the piano room. The Social This is a cosy bar for those who enjoy spending the night enjoying a refreshing drink while listening to the soothing melodies of Jazz &Blues. Address: North Orange Avenue. Festivals and Events Walt Disney World Marathon (Every year, second week in January) Organised annually, Walt Disney World Marathon is a spectacular event taking place in & around the Walt Disney Parks attracting a great number of people each year. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (Every year in March) Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the largest art festivals in the United States. Florida Film Festival (Every year in June) Organised by Universal Studios Orlando, the festival houses the best films from American and international independent movie scene. Mexican Fiesta (Every year in September) Mexican Fiesta is held in Orlando Festival Park and celebrates Mexican, culture, traditions, cuisine, arts and music. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Every year, late November – December) Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive event including various celebrations, firework displays, live performance and shows from the famous Disney characters.