Full disclosure: I had a lot of preconceptions about Orlando before I
boarded my flight to MCO. How did the city live up to those
expectations? Here’s what I learned.
First impression? Fabulous! When your hotel
room has a view of a lazy river like this, you know it’s going to be
a terrific trip.
And it was: From the very first meal at on-property restaurant The
Vineyard Grill (I had a butternut squash and seafood risotto that I
still dream about!) to a margarita-fuelled bash at Bongo’s
followed by Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, Orlando surprised me in all the
right ways.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Florida is not all strip malls.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to Winter Park, probably the
loveliest and most charming town in the Orlando area. With a picturesque
central park, walkable strip of cute boutiques and restaurants and
stunning waterfront (which must be explored by Scenic
Boat Tour – so gorgeous!), it’s hard to believe you’re just a few
miles away from theme park central. Bonus: It is home to the Morse
Museum, the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by Louis
Comfort Tiffany (yes, that Tiffany).
2. The food is fabulous.
Forget the burgers and fries and opt for something a little more
interesting. From the low-key (Hello, 4Rivers
Smokehouse and your Texas-style BBQ fare!) to the innovative (Winter
Park’s Luma has
a menu that changes every single day, depending on market availability
and chef’s whimsy) to the trendy (Don’t miss the all-new–and
ultra-popular!–Cask
& Larder) and the eclectic (Dragonfly
Sushi does it all, and, most importantly, does it all well), Orlando
can please even the most discerning palette.
3. The thrills aren’t just at the theme parks.
Have you ever woken up at 5 a.m. to be driven into a remote field and
hoisted in a 16-storey high hot air balloon, only to land wherever the
wind may take you? That’s the Orlando
Balloon Rides experience: it’s as exciting as any roller coaster…
and then some!
The one Florida stereotype that proved to be true? There are a few of
these guys hanging around. Eek!
Mythbusting operation complete. Now when can I go back?!
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