Hawaii is out. Orlando is in...

11 years ago

There were no timeshare accommodations in Hawaii, so we decided to go to Orlando. She wanted somewhere warm. I am interested in seeing Epcot Center, etc. we are leaving the evening of the 14th, spending the night in San Francisco and departing to Orlando the 15th. Coming home the night of the 23rd.

We are staying at The Reunion Resort in Orlando. We will have a three bedroom suite as that is what is available. I checked it out on the Internet and it looks like it is a nice place. And it is free for me! Woo.

So, now I am looking for advice on things to do around the area that aren't theme park oriented. . I understand the Space Museum is there. Also want to know about good places to eat.

Thanks!!!!

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Comments (15)

jterrilynn
11 years ago
Lots of good places to eat in Orlando (see link below)!
To be honest with you the theme parks can suck the life out of you by the end of the day (although lots of fun). When we go my requirements are a great pool area for swimming, relaxing and reading and it must have a bar. The only time I drink liquor (I'm a wino) is on vacation. Nothing like taking a few days here and there after the long lines and heat to do nothing except rest up for a nice dinner out! All this while sipping some sissy fufu drink. Other than that you have the big water parks and other smaller tourist attractions.
If you want to do a day trip I would suggest shooting across to the coast starting with Daytona and working your way up to my fav, the beautiful St. Augustine. St Augustine was founded in 1565... History -

http://www.augustine.com/history/histimeline.php.

It will take around 2 1/2 hours or so to get to St. Augustine from Orlando.
Have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: Feed me!
jterrilynn
11 years ago
Correction, depending on your route it could take slightly less than 2 hours to get to St. Augustine.
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Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
Gatorland is pretty fun, I would try and embrace the Orlando culture as a fun place instead of looking for anything much else- which would mean driving.
jterrilynn
11 years ago
Well I guess I probably have a different view because I live here. Orlando is lots of fun but it is crowded and hot with long lines for everything. I'm good for three days and then I need a break. Everyone is different on how they travel so you're the best judge. You might not want to slip out of the tourist maze for some Florida culture that's a slower pace and with history. You may want to revisit some of the same parks because it is hard to see everything in a day. I'm a sucker for the Spiderman ride at Universals Islands of Adventure lol.
golddust
Original Author
11 years ago
Sandy doesn't like driving. Poor thing beats a path from our house to San Francisco sometimes twice a week so I doubt I could convince her to drive but I would love to see the history. If we have a down day, I will seriously try.

I need some great authentic Cajun food. There appears to be a great place at Pointe Orlando. Wonder how far away that is from he resort.
golddust
Original Author
11 years ago
Cuban, not Cajun. I'm waiting for David Sadaris to entertain me and entertaining myself in the mean time.

I'm going to New Orleans one day for some Cajun food but I need Cuban food in Orlando.
maddielee
11 years ago
Columbia Restaurant in Celebration...if you can't get to Tampa's Ybor City.

ML

Here is a link that might be useful: Columbia Restaurant
graywings123
11 years ago
You might want to check the average high temps in Orlando in mid-February. It will be pleasant, but depending on your definition of warm, you may be disappointed.
golddust
Original Author
11 years ago
Graywings, we checked and the average temp in January is 70 degrees. That is warm compared to our area in January. Sandy wants a break from down jackets and lined boots. She has been there in January before.

Thanks Maddie! I love to go to local favorites verses the tourist joints.

How is public transportation in Orlano? We would rather not rent a car for the week. Can one get to Pointe Orlando via public transportation?
maddielee
11 years ago
I would not count on public transportation. Your resort may have shuttles to other resort areas, check with them.

I would rent a car.

Driving in Orlando is not horrible, after rush hour. Especially to people who are use to driving in California.

ML
peytonroad
11 years ago
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/springs/orl-travel-rock-springs-state-reserve-story,0,5473339.story

i was looking at this place with my visit to orlando. maybe a drive but looks worth it....
golddust
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Peyton. Will check it out.
dboese
11 years ago
Park Avenue in Winter Park is a fun street to walk along and shop. It reminds me of a European street with the hanging baskets and boutique shops. While you're there you can check out the Morse Museum which features works by Louis Tiffany. There is also a wonderful boat tour (Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour) along the chain of lakes and the tour operator will point out some beautiful homes. The Ravenous Pig is a great restaurant in Winter Park and another museum that's fun to check out is the Albin Polasek which is on another lake. February should be nice and all these things allow you to walk around, take in the sites and enjoy the beautiful weather! Check out these places online and see if they're something you're interested in. Definitely not theme park related!

If you haven't seen alligators in their natural habitat, the Black Hammock Boat Tour is great.
golddust
Original Author
11 years ago
Sboxx, thank you soo much! This is why I love this group. Sounds right up our alley. I would love to see the gators in their own habitat verses a zoo.
Annie Deighnaugh
11 years ago
I was going to mention the Morse museum, but sboxx already did. Another thing to see and do outside of Orlando is Bok Tower Gardens, about 30 min away, designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead...just beautiful. And I believe they play the carillon every day....quite an instrument.

And I think the best lasagne I ever had was at Mama Della's. It was years ago, but I still remember how luscious that tomato sauce was...not your average pizza parlor food by any stretch of the imagination.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bok Tower

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