Downtown Orlando.

[SanFranciscan]

We are an older couple who has flown to Orlando twice and stayed on Disney property once. We are thinking that we would like to see downtown Orlando, which we have never really done because we slept in a warehouse area during our first trip because our travel agent knew no more about Orlando than we did.

Where would be a safe place to stay downtown? Would we be safe in downtown Orlando while we would be so unfamiliar with the area that we would probably look like we didn't know where we were? Forgive me if I seem a little paranoid as I realize that there is no such thing as complete safety. While Orlando is a relatively small town, we get people here in San Francisco from much larger cities who think that nothing bad can happen to them because they are from a much bigger city and then wander into trouble zones where they do encounter more trouble than they thought possible. I just want to put the odds in our favor if there are any neighborhoods where it is best to not bring attention to the fact that we aren't locals.

What would you recommend that we see downtown? How well does public transit run from downtown to the theme parks, etc?

 

[Orlando Vic]

The three hotels mentioned in this thread are all in "safe" areas.
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/lodging-near-downtown-orlando.cfm

Public transportation is not good. The bus system is called Lynx and their web site is here: http://www.golynx.com
It looks like Link 300 may be the best bet from Downtown Orlando to WDW: http://www.golynx.com/assets/userfiles/routemaps/300.pdf

If you are considering staying in Downtown Orlando, I would really recommend a car.

 

[Art 1]

Really, there is nothing much to see. Not much to do unless your in your early 20's and like bars. If you do go, don't go west of I-4, especially at night.

 

[Metro West]

Really, there is nothing much to see. Not much to do unless your in your early 20's and like bars. If you do go, don't go west of I-4, especially at night.

Yeah...I agree.

 

[Orlando Vic]

. What would you recommend that we see downtown?

Not all are "downtown", but are all non-Disney are in the general area.

Wekiwa Springs State park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wek...gs/default.cfm
http://www.canoewekiva.com

Blue Spring State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

Winter park Scenic Boat Tour
http://www.scenicboattours.com

THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
http://www.morsemuseum.org/home.htm

Leu Gardens in Orlando
http://www.leugardens.org

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
www.bcairboats.com

I addition, a stroll around Lake Eola.