Orlando recommendations

[+ Eric Hassan]

I'm in the back of a cab on my way to LGA for my trip to Orlando! I'm visiting until next Tuesday, Feb 14. I have a place to stay. I also have friends who work at the parks, so I'll get to see my friends and what I want of the parks.

 

What else would anyone recommend as places to see or things to do? I'm looking for restaurant suggestions, fun shows, cool sights - I'm open. Any special nights at bars or clubs? Any good places to ruin this whole "staying out of trouble" thing?

 

I do have a car as well, so a little traveling is ok, but I am hoping to stay in the Orlando area.

[mike carey]

I can't fly to Orlando this week so all I can do is wish you a great week in Florida. Enjoy!

[gallahadesquire]

If you like Stained Glass, the Morse museum of American art. Largest collection of Tiffany stained glass in the world

[Moondance]

I'm in the back of a cab on my way to LGA for my trip to Orlando!

Eric, this won't be helpful to you (sorry)...

 

I have been to Orlando a few times, and never managed to find a good thing to say about it. Although I have not been to the Morse Museum that gallahad suggests, and maybe that's the thing. Other than that, my best guess is that, upon arrival, you will move immediately to the top of the Orlando Visitors Bureau's list of recommended attractions.

[+ Eric Hassan]

Eric, this won't be helpful to you (sorry)...

 

I have been to Orlando a few times, and never managed to find a good thing to say about it. Although I have not been to the Morse Museum that gallahad suggests, and maybe that's the thing. Other than that, my best guess is that, upon arrival, you will move immediately to the top of the Orlando Visitors Bureau's list of recommended attractions.

 

Thank you for the kind words - I'm always happy to be on top! Now I just have to figure out ticketing for this attraction

 

Thanks @gallahadesquire for the recommendation - I may check it out.

[+ WmClarke]

Thank you for the kind words - I'm always happy to be on top! Now I just have to figure out ticketing for this attraction

Definite E-ticket ride!

[+ bashful]

After only experiencing the parks for many visits to Orlando, I had to go there on business a few years ago, and stayed what I guess is downtown (Grand Bohemian). Nice hotel, a lot of original artwork throughout. It's a small-town downtown, not many big buildings, but I was impressed with several of the restaurants nearby. Wish I could remember their names.

[rvwnsd]

Although not in Orlando, I think the Salvador Dali museum in St Petersburg would be worth the trip. I have not seen the current museum, but have heard it is ten times better than the one it replaced and it was fantastic.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I have been to Orlando a few times, and never managed to find a good thing to say about it...

 

Sadly, I agree. Orlando is where culture goes to die in a mash-up of saccharine sweet Disney parks and terribly boring, flat landscapes. The parks can be a lot of fun, but outside of that, Orlando has always been a bit of an odd duck.

[Jbdesc]

Take a trip down i-Drive. There is always trouble to be had somewhere there. While you're there check out Taverna Opa if you want some good Greek food and entertainment.

 

When I was last there my bucket list was rather small. Universal for 3 days (Harry Potter nerd, my bad), Gatorland (tourist trap but fun), Clearwater Beach (somewhat long drive, past Tampa), and many nights drinking in the pool/jacuzzi. Rental properties down there are so cheap. Went with 5 other people - a 6 bedroom 3-1/2 bath house with gamerooms, in ground pool, jacuzzi, etc cost us each like 25 bucks a night haha.

 

I think Universal is doing Harbor nights on the 10th. Wine, food, live music etc - depending on your schedule may be worth checking out.

 

Have a great trip, but don't like it too much - we would miss you too much up North.

[Decatur Guy]

 

Eric, I'm a big fan of some of the fresh-water springs in Florida. I like Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest:

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=32209

 

I also like Juniper Springs a lot, which is in the same general area:

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=34064

 

Plus I like the idea of you and your fine body swimming in there! They are probably about an hour north of you there. Isolated but worth the drive.