Here we will be bringing you an outrageously long and fun list of things to do, places to eat, sights to see, and anything else we think would be a great part of your visit to Orlando! Please feel free to shoot Lara an email at lldicker@mail.usf.edu if you have any ideas or need tips, she has some ways to help out and hook you up with what you want to do. :)
THEME PARKS
When most people think of Orlando, the theme parks are the first thing that come to mind. If you want to incorporate the tradition into your trip to our wedding, especially Disney, let Lara know -- she can at least help you get free parking!
Walt Disney World -- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and too many water parks, golf courses, and restaurants to list!
Universal Orlando -- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
SeaWorld -- SeaWorld has both rides and lots of animals, so it's a great mix for families!
LEGOLAND Florida -- This is a brand new park, and I (Lara) have never been, but it's great for the kids!
Wet 'n Wild Orlando -- In July, this is a pretty good way to cool down for a day. (For other water parks, check out Water Mania, SeaWorld's Aquatica, and the Disney water parks such as my pick, Blizzard Beach!)
Kennedy Space Center -- This is a bit out of Orlando, but if you're really interested in space, this is a 45 minute drive to the launch site of the shuttles with museums and other things to look at. A launch is currently scheduled for July 15th, but weather and other factors change this all the time, so keep checking the NASA site!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
There are some spots to see authentic Floridian natural beauty that aren't too far from Orlando, if you want to brave the heat! (After all, that's the most authentic way to enjoy anything in Florida, haha.)
Blue Spring Park -- About an hour away from Orlando, this is a manatee sanctuary and natural spring, the perfect national park to explore and picnic in.
Wekiwa Springs -- Another national park, this is a super canoeing & kayaking destination to see some wildlife, even gators! (Don't worry, as long as you don't feed them or try to ride them, they really don't bother people.)
Cocoa Beach -- If you really want to squeeze in a beach trip while you're on the peninsula, this is probably the closest and nicest beach from Orlando.
FAMILY (OR ANYBODY) FUN
There are tons of things to do that are fun for just about anyone, and can be done cheap with special discounts and deals.
Lake Eola Park -- This park is in the heart of Downtown Orlando, with the iconic fountain. There's a playground, plenty of greenery and walking space, and tons of restaurants and shops around the perimeter. I grew up going to this park and Darin's been a couple of times, it's my favorite!
SAK Comedy Lab -- DARIN & LARA-APPROVED FAVORITE. This is an improv comedy club in Downtown Orlando that not only is super funny and a good deal, but also clean enough for younger ears as well. Email me (lldicker@mail.usf.edu) for tips about parking and when the cheapest tickets are available! Students, seniors, and military all get a discount, and some weeknights are significantly cheaper.
Orange County Regional History Center -- This is a really interactive, fun museum to check out and learn more about Florida's history, from orange groves to outer space. Seniors, military, and children are all discounted, as well as AAA members.
Orlando Science Center -- I've been on quite a few field trips to this one! A great place to spend a few hours playing around with different science experiments, and sometimes other events are going on.
Orlando Museum of Art -- Maybe not the most world-renown art museum in the world, but there is a Warhol and O'Keefe, as well as traveling exhibits periodically. Student, senior, children discounts. (Another choice is the Mennello Museum.)
Pirate's Cove Mini Golf -- Among the millions of things to do on International Drive, this is probably one of the better known ones. If you like mini golf!
GREAT EATS
There are plenty of Olive Gardens and Chipotles in Orlando, but if you wanted to try something unique to the city, there are a lot of great options that have been painstakingly tested and approved for you. :)
The Enzian -- An independent movie theater with dining seating and great food. They tend to show more offbeat movies, but sometimes have either free shows for the family or classics nights that are definite worth checking out.
Dandelion Communitea Cafe -- I am not even vegan or anything, but this restaurant, using only locally grown food with many vegetarian/vegan options, has amazing food. Their iced tea of the day is a great deal, too.
Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar -- If you're not big on Starbucks, try out something from Drunken Monkey. They have tons of ways to make a great cup of coffee, as well as soup, pastries, sandwiches, and lots of other stuff. They have lots of books and board games, too!
Pom Pom's Teahouse -- This has the best sandwiches in the history of Orlando. Super recommended. Plus, they also have great cupcakes.
Chai Thai -- Great prices for lunch and dinner, and really great Thai food.
Little Saigon -- BUT, Orlando is best known for its Little Saigon district on Mills50, with tons of Vietnamese shops and places to eat. This is probably my favorite one.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango -- If you like Spanish-style tapas, the hors-d'oeuvres here are really good. Definitely a fun place to have dinner.
Tijuana Flats -- This is a Florida Mexican chain that was started by a guy from UCF. It is amazing, has a few locations, and is pretty cheap!
Tacos El Rancho -- I like how great of a deal this place is. They have a pretty good margarita for only $2.75. Everything is authentic.
La Bella Luna -- The best pizza, and only a couple minutes from our wedding church! The family who owns it has been great friends with people at my church, and all in all, I just love this place.
Of course, if you want something in particular and recommendations, shoot me an email (lldicker@mail.usf.edu) and I'd love to hook you up!
