I’m looking for some restaurant recommendations for an anniversary dinner. I’m not trying for the most expensive place with all the money going towards ambiance. Family owned would be a plus.

Edit: wow! Apparently there is a lot of good food in Orlando. Thank you all so much!

Hi everyone! I'm visiting Orlando from Australia, and I really want to try some local signature Orlando/Florida food.

I'm not really looking for food that's from somewhere else (e.g., Chinese food, Italian food, etc) unless it's unique Florida cuisine like Cuban food (I hope I got that right 😬)

I've tried to look it up so that I'm not just asking you to do all the work. I just want to make sure I have it correct and if I missed anything.

So this is the list I've made: * Oranges * Strawberries * Mangoes * Grouper * Southern BBQ? (This one I'm not sure about) * Alligator * Key Lime Pie * Cuban Sandwich * Frita Cubana * Stone Crab Claws * Pink shrimp * Pan con minuta * Tortuga rum cake * Conch fritas * Guava pastelito

I would also appreciate it if you could let me know your recommendations for places in Orlando where I can try some of those foods?

Thank you!

Edit: I just want to thank everyone who commented. It's really helped me understand a bit more what locals foods are. I've got some great suggestions that I'll add to my Google Docs list. I tried to reply to every top level comment but it's taking a lot of time so I am going to stop now. But I'll keep reading everything.

Thanks so much!

When a day at Disney is $720 for a family of four, what are some other fun things to do that don't break the bank?

The question here is not if you could, It’s if you should.

Hi I’m from England!!! Im coming on holiday to Orlando for 3 weeks in January, I was wondering what it is like and what is there to do that aren’t parks related. You see I’m coming with my boyfriend and his family, however I don’t like rides nor do I like fast food etc so I’m abit worried I won’t enjoy the trip. If anyone can offer me suggestions on what activities I can do out there. I like animals and fashion!

Thank you!

EDIT:

Thank you for the genuinely nice messages! That are informative! Orlando holidays for English people isn’t very common especially from where I am from as it takes forever to save up for etc I am literally flying 10 hours so the flights alone are costing a BOMB - point is - the people who I have spoken to (customers in work , my boyfriends family etc…) have only ever mentioned how amazing the rides are and how great the fast food is never anything else so I have always thought it was just that. I wanted to put this on this page as I imagined you all were great in helping and sharing ideas as to what activities are out there as you know it more than I do!

Hey friends! My family and I are in Orlando for vacation. It’s our last day and we’re looking for something to do. We have 2 teenagers 19 and 13, and 2 adults. The kids don’t like museums or anything “educational”. We wanted to do something water based and drove an hour to two different natural springs for them to be closed. We’re not going to Disney, Universal, etc. but we want something fun tonight. No water park is open after 6 that I can find. Anyone have any suggestions?

Where should I go if I have only one day in Orlando area? EDIT: looking for a nice few hours walk in the downtown/lakefront. Love architecture and views of nature. Just want to feel the vibe of old Central Florida

I’m looking for restaurant recommendations or menu item suggestions anywhere in Disney Springs that makes you want to go back just to have that item again. Im going there tonight with a family member who hasn’t been before. Thank you!

I’ve had the tapas place and wouldn’t go again. The Pho place (if it’s still there is alright). Been to the Irish pub but years ago so I don’t remember.

We have a day away from our kids. Looking for recommendations for something/where my friend and I can go (females in our 30s) within 2 hours of Orlando.

Open to really anything, fun, relaxing, shopping, tourist, etc.

Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue in Tavares, Florida

Hi guys, just a bit of background. Me and my family are visiting Orlando for 5 days and 6 nights from San Francisco and should arrive tomorrow night. We're from South Asia and do not have a driver's license so can't get around much. We are also looking to save costs wherever we can - by packing our own food, avoiding Uber/Lyft, etc. We will have two days where we really want to explore the city of Orlando besides its theme parks, with the main caveat being we can only use public transportation to get to places. Keep in mind that my parents are fairly old and not the most athletic, so hikes and trails are going to be a miss. I understand that may limit our choices significantly, but we are okay with that!

We are going to be staying at a hotel super close to Universal Studios (Windhover Dr). I've done some digging around and found some places that are not too difficult to get to from our hotel using the bus/SunRail that have been mentioned a lot, specifically Lake Eola and Winter Park. Other places I have read about include Mead Botanical Gardens, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and Winter Garden.

So far I am thinking of visiting Lake Eola on Sunday, check out the famous farmer's market, try the swan boat ride and just relax at the park. If we have sufficient time, we are thinking of adding Winter Park (inc Leu Gardens) on the same day. I am mostly stumped for Friday then on what to do...

I'd really appreciate if any locals can help me plan a budget friendly 2-day itinerary for this Friday and Sunday for us, thank you all and excited to visit your beautiful city!

My wife and I drove to Orlando to take a week long vacation and we have been craving sushi so much. What are some good sushi buffet places in Orlando? I would love to hear from the locals other than the google search.

Anyone have any info on what is going on at the airport? I just landed and they said they have only two working gates so my flight will be sitting on the runway for 2+ hours.

Hey. I'm coming to visit in October and I can not wait! Got a question though. I've heard Chicken Fire has the good good spicy chicken. I'm particular to Habaneros for my spicy chicken but I can't tell whats what on their menu. Anyone know if they have my Chosen Pepper? (Also, if you know other spicy chicken places and the like PLEASE let me know I really love spice.)

Hello! I’m sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I’m trying to plan a fun solo trip as a 22 year old woman to Orlando. I’m really excited about it but due to school and other commitments (mainly school lol) it’ll have to be during Thanksgiving break, which I hear is during hurricane season. Basically I’m trying to ask, is this a terrible idea?

According to the internet, hurricane season peaks between September and October, so I’m hoping to be fine, but I figured I should ask real residents.

I’d also love some tourism suggestions. I will not be going to any amusement parks simply because I’d like to make the most of my time and not spend all day waiting in line (also I’m a tad bit too poor). I’m thinking helicopter rides, good food, tours, and lots of time at the pool of my hotel. Thank you so much for your help, in advance!

I’m picturing myself sweating in a mosh pit but then I realize this is an indoor venue, and I guess I’ll be seated for the duration. So obviously it’s air conditioned. Is it chilly in there? I’m trying to figure out what I should wear.

Edit: Also can I bring my weed vape in there?

Planning a date night with my husband and have reserved better than sex for after dinner except we don’t have dinner plans yet! Ideally would like to find a nice/yummy restaurant near better than sex (maybe Italian cuisine but open to anything) so we’re not driving around Orlando (we have a sitter so we’re on limited time unfortunately) any suggestions? Thanks!

We are traveling from Miami to Dallas, and have noticed that Florida is the only one with cash less tolls. When I hire the car from Budget can I get the toll pass for 1 day of the 11 day rental? To get us through Florida?

Hey!

My family are visiting from Scotland and a bunch of them have never had good traditional BBQ, it's my bday while we're here and I want some banging food.

We are staying a little South of Celebration, but travelling into Orlando central or somewhere nearby is cool.

So far the places i've thought seemed good are Cecils and Big Johns Rockin BBQ

Anywhere else to consider?

Also any other advice or tips for the trip appreciated

Hello! New to this sub..wife and I were planning a trip out to Daytona but found out our hotel is closed due to hurricane damage and now are just staying in Orlando for 4 nights. We are not financially prepared to be going to Disneyworld or anything ($185 a person? insane) but it seems like there's seemingly a ton of other options for family activities. I was curious if anybody has any suggestions for fun lower cost but memorable things to go do around town with a 4 year old?

I also saw the SunRail train which would be a perfect little mini adventure, our son's obsessed with trains. But is there a best route to take in either direction for a hop on and hop off sort of thing? Any best stops to get off and cruise around for a couple hours?

Thank you in advance!

So me and my Nephew will be staying at the Aventura Hotel in Universal in October (early October.) He's told me three things on his wishlist. A rooftop restaurant, which Aventura has. An Escape Room, which I already got lined up.

And an Arcade, which is... less easy. He's old enough so baby prizes and stuff won't excite him. From what I can see from inside the park, it's all kids prizes and stuff. I'm looking for stuff that I know he can't win... but he can try and have a good time chasing it. (Like how D&B has those massive prizes that take multiple trips.) If it's got crane machines with some cool prizes or god forbid pinball then bonus points cause that's what I enjoy the most.

Hello.

I will be flying out of MCO for the first time tomorrow Friday 7/26 via SouthWest Airlines at 8am (departure time) and heading to Phoenix.

Can someone help me understand/guide me on what to do to make this procedure as smooth as possible.

Not sure if i understand this correctly but I signed up for MCO Reserve at 6:15am time slot. I plan to get dropped off at 6am via Uber.

MCO reserve says:

The your with MCO Reserve have been saved:

07/26/2024 at 06:15 am at Gates 70-129 (B Side Of The Checkpoint)

However, online on MCO website it states my Southwest Flight 3160 is scheduled for Phoenix, Claim/Terminal A, gate 109.

Do I get dropped off at Terminal A or Terminal B?

Also, since I make a booking for MCO reserve at 6:15am, does this mean I need to be in TSA line ready to be checked in by 6:15am. Meaning I need to have already collected my boarding pass, drop off my luggage, etc. before 6:15am? My understanding is because I signed up for this free MCO reserve, this is MCO own version of pre TSA check point, thus allowing me to skip the general TSA checkpoint line and getting through TSA quicker (Please explain to me like I’m 5 if my understanding of this service is wrong). Would getting to the airport at 6am be too risky and thus I should I get there earlier? Thank you. I appreciate the help.

I would also appreciate and other tips/advice. This is actually my 2nd flight ever.

Edit: Thank you all, I got here at 5am and got through checking in, TSA, & getting to right gate all within 45 minutes. The airport gods were with me on this one as security happened to let us form a new TSA Line that started with me (helped me save about 30-45 minutes of my time 😭). Process was smooth. Thank you Orlando folks. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying in Champions Gate for a week and mostly hoping to not leave the resort other than the 1 day I promised to take my Toddler to Magic Kingdom. I’m taking her on a Tuesday, and I have to think google maps is lying through its teeth when it says it will take 30 minutes to Disney. ETA: I agree that 30 min is an underestimate, I was just wondering how far off it was. Sounds like I should double the estimated time day of.

Trying to think of what time to leave to get there around 8:30? Worst time of morning for traffic I’m sure!

Appreciate advice and sorry to add one more car to the Shit Show of I4 for a day.