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Travel Guide Orlando

Thanks to the wealth of theme parks and attractions in the local area, Orlando is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the US. Among the huge variety of things to do in Orlando you’ll find Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Gatorland. Each of these action-packed theme parks will take a few days to explore, providing you and your family with plenty to keep you busy during your stay.

Away from the theme parks for which Orlando is famous, the city has a lot to offer. Several major sports teams are based in Orlando, giving you the chance to catch a home game during your stay in the city. There is also a huge choice of golf courses in the area around Orlando, perfect if you want to play a round or two in the Floridian sun.

If you want to experience an authentic slice of Orlando, you need to head to the downtown area of the city. In recent years the number of bars, restaurants and shops has increased dramatically, bringing fresh life to the centre of the city and making Orlando a destination in its own right.

Where to stay in Orlando

Where you choose to stay in Orlando will depend on the main focus of your trip. If you want to experience everyday life in the city and get a feel for Orlando’s contemporary culture, a downtown Orlando hotel will be the perfect choice. Most of the nightlife in the city is based around Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, so if you look for hotels in Orlando near these areas, you’ll be within walking distance of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

However, if you’re visiting Orlando to explore its many theme parks, a hotel away from the centre of the city may be more convenient. A popular choice for visitors to the Disney World Theme Parks is Maingate East. The area offers a wide choice of restaurants and you’ll be able to access the nearby theme parks quickly and easily using the I-Ride trolley on International Drive. Hotels in Lake Buena Vista are another popular choice for visitors to Disney World.

One of the most popular areas to stay for visitors to Universal Studios is International Drive North. Located within easy reach of the resort and offering a good range of amenities, you’ll find the area has everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Alternatively, as Universal Studios is close to the centre of the city, downtown Orlando hotels are also convenient for the attraction. Kissimee hotels are another popular choice for visitors to Orlando’s theme parks.

Hotels in Orlando

The vast majority of visitors to Orlando are drawn to the city by its theme parks and attractions, so it’s no surprise that most of the hotels Orlando has to offer cater to families and theme park enthusiasts. Family-friendly and offering a range of amenities and entertainment options, these purpose built developments are ideal for visitors planning to explore the city’s attractions. Many of the hotels close to the various parks offer free shuttle services, making it easy for you to see everything Orlando has to offer.

As well as family-friendly hotels and resorts, Orlando also has a number of hotels that are geared towards business travellers. Most of these are located to the southwest of the city and in downtown Orlando, although you’ll find a number of business hotels across the city.

If you want to enjoy a little slice of luxury during your Florida escape, book one of the many Orlando hotels with a 5 star rating. Many of these high-end establishments are located close to International Drive in the southwest of the city, offering you easy access to many of Orlando’s most famous parks.

What to do during your stay in Orlando

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you probably already have a good idea of the theme parks and attractions you want to visit during your stay. The major attractions in Orlando are dotted around the outskirts of the city so you’ll need to hire a car or ask your hotel in Orlando if they offer a shuttle service if you want to see it all. Most of the major parks will need at least a day or two to explore, so make sure you don’t pack your itinerary too tightly.

Once you’ve had your fill of rollercoasters, interactive experiences and over-sized cartoon characters, there’s plenty more to explore in Orlando. If you want to pick up a souvenir, head to one of the city’s large malls which you’ll find all over the city. Alternatively, if you want to get out and enjoy some fresh air, visit one of Orlando’s many golf courses or travel to the downtown area of the city to sample its contemporary culture and nightlife.

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