Orlando, Florida: Beyond the Theme Parks

When most people think of Orlando, images of castle spires, fireworks, and parades at theme parks immediately come to mind. But beyond the turnstiles, Orlando is a city full of surprises. From kayaking in crystal-clear springs to exploring vibrant neighborhoods filled with street art and global cuisine, Orlando has a lot more magic to offer.

In this episode of the Travel in 10 Podcast, David and Tim explore Orlando beyond Disney and Universal, sharing insider tips on where to eat, where to stay, and what experiences you can’t miss.

Where to Stay

• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Disney Springs Area – family-friendly, close to the fireworks, with multiple pools and complimentary happy hour.
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando – luxury suites, pools, and a lazy river.
• The Alfond Inn at Rollins, Winter Park – boutique charm with a stunning contemporary art collection.

Where to Eat

• Soseki Omakase – Michelin-starred, 10-seat omakase experience using local Florida ingredients.
• The Ravenous Pig – elevated Southern pub fare with a Bib Gourmand Michelin nod.
• Prato – wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes.
• Brother Jimmy’s Barbecue – low-and-slow BBQ with brisket, pork, cornbread, and fried pickles.

What to Do

• Icon Park – rides, dining, and entertainment, including the giant Orlando Eye.
• Museum of Illusions – quirky, mind-bending photo ops.
• Winter Park Boat Tour – glide through canals and historic estates in a glass-bottom kayak or boat.
• Brightline Train – seamless connection between Orlando, Miami, and South Florida.
• Kennedy Space Centre – an inspiring day trip for space lovers.

Planning Your Trip

Orlando is well-connected, with over 1,000 daily flights into MCO from more than 170 destinations worldwide. Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or a full vacation, it’s easy to plan the perfect itinerary.

For personalized help, check out the Visit Orlando Trip Planner for free one-on-one planning with a local expert.

Affiliate Note

Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, it helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

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