Plan Your Orlando Getaway
When you visit Orlando, we’re hoping you plan to stay a while - because there’s so much to see and do here! The perfect getaway for vacationers of any age, Orlando is far more than the theme parks for which it’s known; here, you will find world-class arts and culture, thrilling adventures and easy-going excursions, and some of the most luxurious hotels imaginable. Whether you’re a couple looking for some romantic time together, or a family looking to explore all of Orlando’s offerings, this is how to plan your Orlando getaway!
Take it Easy
One of the best ways to have a laid back day is to take a stroll around downtown Orlando. With little on the agenda, you can be open to stopping at different stores and cafes, or perhaps rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and explore Lake Eola Park. Stop by the Central Florida History Museum to learn more about what made this fabulous destination what it is today.
downtownorlando.com
Spend an afternoon at the Orlando Museum of Art, which annually hosts 10-12 different exhibitions of cultural, local, and national and international significance. See collections that include African artwork, art of the Ancient Americas, contemporary works including art and graphics, and so much more. The museum welcomes art lovers of all ages, and offers youth programs to engage young artists. Are you a Bank of America customer? Then you’ll receive one free general admission as part of their “Museums on Us” program!
omart.org
Another great place to take it easy is also a place that will take you back in time: Old Town, a completely unique attraction that has been a favorite place to spend the day for generations. Old Town was briefly closed to undergo a much-anticipated renovation that practically doubled its size, and revitalized this classic attraction to restore its former glory. The entire town recalls a sense of times past, with classic Americana decor and family-friendly rides and entertainment. There are also weekly events like car shows and musical performances. Enjoy the simple pleasure of checking out a variety of shopping, dining, bars, attractions, and rides.
myoldtownusa.com
Relaxation is not only available on land - it’s on the water, too! The nearest port to Orlando is Port Canaveral, just a short drive away on the Atlantic Coast. This port recently completed upgrades on their cruise terminals and contains more options than all of Florida’s seaports for guests to enjoy before and after cruises. From here, you can opt for a weekend cruise on the ocean, or even a fabulous casino cruise!
portcanaveral.com
Have a Night Out
Get dressed up and enjoy a fabulous evening at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a completely unique performance hall that features performances and events like Broadway favorites, popular musical artists, comedic performances, dance, opera, symphony, and more. In fact, the center hosts over 300 shows per year! The center offers delicious dining options on site, and also works with local restaurants and hotels to offer great deals.
drphillipscenter.org
Performing at the Dr. Phillips Center, as well as many other venues, is the Orlando Ballet. The Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only resident professional ballet company that provides the community with an annual season of full length ballets, original works, and other non-traditional programs. The company has been enriching Orlando’s artistic community for decades, and the Orlando Ballet School impacts the lives of children and trains the next generation of artists.
orlandoballet.org
Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed professional Equity theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout. With ambitious, high caliber productions like The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby or the chilling Macbeth performed “in the round,” the theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests while showcasing William Shakespeare’s legacy as the cornerstone of the company.
orlandoshakes.org
Get Your Adrenaline Rush
Imagine a thrilling outdoor experience that takes place high in the treetops of a lush pine forest! Orlando Tree Trek in nearby Kissimmee is a unique outdoor adventure that really gets your blood pumping. Climb into the trees to experience zooming down a zipline, running across rope bridges, jumping over obstacles, and navigating your way through the course. Even though your adrenaline will be high, you will be completely safe, thanks to state-of-the-art safety equipment used by the park. There are two special courses designed for younger climbers ages seven and eight, with four courses for adults. Whether you want to play for 45 minutes or four hours, the choice is yours!
orlandotreetrek.com
The massive shopping, dining, and entertainment center known as ICON Orlando 360 is home to several scary rides (as well as some tame ones, but that’s not what you’re here for). A revolutionary step forward in thrill rides is the 7D Dark Adventure Ride, which employs seven dimensions including wind, sound, movement, and more to give you a beyond-real feeling as you try your hand at a hair-raising first-person-shooter experience that ranges in subject matter from killer robots to brain-hungry zombies! Then, head outside to the StarFlyer and prepare to scream your head off as you soar 450 feet in the air on a rotating thrill ride that gives you stunning views of the city (if you’re brave enough to open your eyes). StarFlyer rotates in a full circle at up to 45 mph, which feels even faster when you’re that high up!
iconorlando.com
Get ready to fly like an eagle when you take a short trek out to Wallaby Ranch in nearby Davenport, which offers world-class hang gliding! Using the latest tandem aerotowing techniques, they will give you the joy of flight in a safe environment. The ranch offers both instruction sessions and tandem flights, and has been the choice of hang gliding enthusiasts for decades. In addition to flights, the ranch offers RV and camping facilities for guests to enjoy the serene woodlands on the ranch, complete with a beautiful swimming pool and Dr. Seuss tree house for children.
wallaby.com
Sleep in Luxury
One of Orlando’s most memorable hotels is The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, which is just as fabulous as it sounds. Filled with stunning architecture and over 150 rare works of art blended seamlessly with the décor, this landmark luxury hotel provides a unique guest experience with a dazzling blend of art, music, and hospitality. Accommodations offer the “sultry side of relaxation,” with velvet drapes on the windows, soft carpets, big beds, and plenty of amenities. There are standard rooms and specialty suites available; we certainly recommend the Jacuzzi Suite! Take a dip in the rooftop pool, order a cocktail at the Bösendorfer Lounge while enjoying live jazz, or indulge in a massage at the Poseidon Spa.
grandbohemianorlando.com
Near to some of Orlando’s most iconic attractions are The Villas of Grand Cypress, the perfect place for an extended stay or group trip with spacious accommodations like Club Suites and elegant Villas with up to four bedrooms. The 1,500 acre Orlando luxury resort features a variety of unparalleled recreation including 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Golf, a 21-acre Academy of Golf and a relaxing resort pool in the heart of the villas. It’s even been honored by Golf Magazine as one of the finest Golf resorts in the country!
grandcypress.com
A popular place for families to stay in luxury is the Reunion Resort, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort located just south of Orlando in Kissimmee. While being close to all of the Disney and Universal parks, Reunion Resort is a destination in and of itself with larger-than-life accommodations, three championship golf courses, a resort water park complete with a lazy river - in addition to the resort’s 10 swimming pools - a luxurious spa, and so much more!
reunionresort.com
More Ways to Enjoy Orlando
Plan the vacation of a lifetime with special offers and “suite” accommodations available only at AAA 3 Diamond-rated Staybridge Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Located only one mile from the Walt Disney World® Resort parks and fifteen miles from the Orlando International Airport, they are perfectly situated to provide easy access to Orlando’s best attractions. The hotel welcomes you with an array of resort-like amenities that take your vacation to the to the next level.
sborlando.com
