Orlando, FL

Eating out in Orlando, FL

With more than 3,700 restaurants and world-renowned chefs a-plenty, every culinary craving and budget will be satisfied in Orlando, and there are probably more theme restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Parents can count on children's menus and tabletop distractions like puzzles or coloring books in most mid-priced eateries. Since this is largely a family vacation spot, keep in mind that boisterous tots fill up family eateries, so opt for more upscale restaurants or those further away from the theme parks if you want a quiet meal. In recent years, many fine restaurants have joined the scene, providing expanded dining options.

Gourmet

Café Tu Tu Tango changes everything you about dining out. Rather than ordering individual entrees, or even family-style platters, everyone picks a variety of appetizer-style dishes and shares. The point isn't to have a big helping of anything, but a little bit of lots of different things. The choices are eclectic, delicious, and internationally inspired; the experience is fun and totally unique, and not a good choice for kids. I-Drive.

Highly Recommended

The Luau at Disney's Polynesian Resort regales guests with the music and splendor of the South Seas performed by authentic Islanders, including hula and fire dances. The dinner show takes place in a traditional Polynesian setting and features a delectable luau feast of Pacific Rim cuisine.

Local Flair

The Garden Grill at Epcot's® Land Pavilion is a Character Experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring seasonal menus. It all takes place in a revolving dining room with Mickey and Friends.

Romantic

Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is an elite, intimate retreat that has garnered both Zagat's National Top Ten Restaurants Award and the AAA 4-Diamond Award. With fresh ingredients gathered from the world's markets and displayed in a unique approach to culinary artistry, it provides elegant, world-class dining. Remember to sample the award-winning wine list! Reservations required/dress code enforced.

Going party in Orlando, FL

The theme parks have many family-oriented nighttime activities that are no trick to find. If, however, you are looking for more adult-oriented fun, there is a profusion of that, too. Two entertainment complexes cluster all the fun you could possibly want into downtown. Check the nightlife section of Friday's Orlando Sentinel for current happenings. The Orlando Weekly is a free magazine circulated in red boxes throughout Central Florida that highlights more offbeat performers and performances.

Downtown Disney® Area

Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island is one of the 3 sections of the Downtown Disney area, along with Downtown Disney® West Side and Downtown Disney® Marketplace. Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island has 8 clubs for every party mood from the BET SoundStage Club featuring rhythm and blues, soul, and hip-hop to the Wildhorse Saloon for line-dancing, barbecue, and some of the best country music on the charts. You'll also find 70s disco, 80s club pop, 90s dance, jazz, comedy, live bands, and the slapstick Adventurers Club. New Year's Eve is celebrated every night with a street party and fireworks.

Universal's CityWalk

This is a relative newcomer to Orlando's. Among the many superb establishments it hosts are the world's largest Hard Rock and the state-of-the-future live performance venue, Hard Rock Live Orlando, featuring top-name national and international artists. Pat O'Brien's is a replica of New Orleans' legendary watering hole, the home of dueling pianos, flaming fountain patio, and the world-famous "Hurricane" drink. Universal Cineplex is a 20-screen, 5,000-stadium seat theater with cutting-edge projection and sound.

Common events in Orlando, FL

Florida Citrus Bowl

Kick off the New Year at this nationally-televised college football game, which matches up the second-ranked teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences. Downtown Orlando, New Year's Day.

Magic Kingdom® Park's Easter Parade

Each year the Magic Kingdom® Park hosts its own Easter Parade, complete with floats, live performances, dancing Disney characters and music. Walt Disney World® Resort, Easter Week.

Silver Spurs Rodeo

Since 1944, bull riders and cowboys have been competing in this rodeo - billed as the largest in the Eastern US - featuring bull- and bronco-riding, steer-wrestling, and barrel racing. Kissimmee, February and October.

National Car Rental® Classic at the Walt Disney World® Resort Touting itself as the world's largest golf tournament, the Scramble holds its national championships on 6 Disney Resort courses. This annual, season-long competition involves more than 100,000 amateur golfers. Winners have a chance to play with PGA players! Walt Disney World® Resort, October .

Festival of the Masters

This annual art show is regarded as one of the top juried shows in the Southeast, highlighting more than 200 award-winning artists. Categories include watercolors, graphics, drawings, collage, printmaking, photography, sculpture, clay, jewelry, metalwork, crafts, and woodworking. Downtown Disney Marketplace, November.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade

After the Magic Kingdom® Park closes, Mickey hosts a special holiday party with pixie dust, snowflakes (made from snow machines behind Main Street U.S.A.), cookies, hot chocolate, and stage shows. Guests also enjoy a Christmas parade and fireworks. Reservations are strongly recommended, and a special ticket is required. Magic Kingdom® Park, December.

New Year's Eve at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island This nighttime entertainment complex celebrates New Year's Eve every night, so when the real date comes along it goes all out with top-name bands, street entertainers, party favors, and fireworks. Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, December 31.