Please recommend Orlando area attractions

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

We will be in Orlando 3 days outside of our Disney trip. So far I think we are going to have dinner one night at Margaritaville. One day we'll be going to the beach. I'm trying to plan some surprises for my husband. We'll be celebrating our 5th anniversary.

What else do you recommend?

I haven't been to Universal since 94, never to Island of Adventure, grew up near Sea World in Aurora (when it was there) so I've been many times.

Are there any hotels in the area you recommend?

Also any restaurants?

for any suggestions!

 

[MattM]

There are tons of restaurants and hotels in the area. What kind of price range are you looking for?

Islands of Adventure is a lot of fun. The theming of the park cant compare to Disney of course, but the actual rides are great (think more thrill rides).

Let me know on price ranges and I'll give you some hotels and restaurants.

 

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

There are tons of restaurants and hotels in the area. What kind of price range are you looking for?

Islands of Adventure is a lot of fun. The theming of the park cant compare to Disney of course, but the actual rides are great (think more thrill rides).

Let me know on price ranges and I'll give you some hotels and restaurants.

We are looking for hotels under 100. I'm thinking about trying out priceline but not sure since I've never bid on a hotel before.

For restaurants, any place that has entrees 30 or less.

Thanks for your help Matt!

 

[MattM]

OK. First, Im a BIG fan of Priceline. Just do your research first, and it is a great tool. www.biddingfortravel.com is a good resource.

If you want a basic hotel, the Fairfield Inn by Marriott on Canada Ave (just off Int'l Drive) is a good, clean hotel that serves breakfast. It is VERY close to Universal and I-4, which makes it easy to get around Orlando.

We really like Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Drive. The idea of it is for everyone to order a dish or two, and then share it amongst the table. All dishes are served in appetizer portions.

Take a look at that Fairfield Inn, and if it looks ok, great. If not, let me know and I'll recommend more hotels.

 

[Cindi0511]

Back to the part of OP's question that I am most interested in, what else is there to do besides Disney and SeaWorld/Universal? I know there's some putt putt golf places -- any recommendations? What about go-karts, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

There's a great dueling piano bar on I-Drive called Howl at the Moon. I have mentioned it on this board before but usually people have just scoffed at me. I promise it's a lot of fun and composed of all ages (that are 21+ at least).

Winter Park is nice - it's about 35-45 minutes away. Lots of great restaurants, shops, etc.

Not sure of your beliefs, but we usually stop at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine to light candles.

Mall at Millenia if you like shopping

 

[crazelion]

If you want a basic hotel, the Fairfield Inn by Marriott on Canada Ave (just off Int'l Drive) is a good, clean hotel that serves breakfast. It is VERY close to Universal and I-4, which makes it easy to get around Orlando.

Take a look at that Fairfield Inn, and if it looks ok, great. If not, let me know and I'll recommend more hotels.

I agree Fairfield Inn on Canada Ave can be had for 80.00 dollars a night witht he Orlando magic card rate. I like the fact it had plenty of resturants in walking distance. Don't to TGI Friday's on the same road they have somethe worst food. I am not picky at all. It's really close to US. Hard Rock Cafe has some best food.

 

[jeff968]

We hit the outlet malls, there are 4 of them. We find the best prices at the lake buena vista mall on 535. There are numerous dinner shows. We've done wonderworks which is fun. 192 in Kissimmiee has lots of things. We like old town for the cruise night on Saturday's. It is touristy though but we don't mind.