Orlando shopping is a popular activity for tourists. The city and surrounding area is home to several malls, outlet centers and open air markets. If you want shopping, this is the place to go. There are a large variety of shops, both big and small in these shopping malls and outlet centers. In addition to brand name merchandise, you will find a variety of items that are unique to Florida.

Orlando Shopping Malls

The Florida Mall is the largest shopping area in Orlando. The mall has 245 stores, including eight department stores. Whatever you are looking for, you are likely to find it here. The mall is located near International Drive, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. The prices are much better than you will find in the resort shops or theme parks. Stop by the mall to buy souvenirs and gifts for the whole family.

Alamonte Mall is located not too far from the downtown area. This mall has over 150 stores for convenient shopping. The atmosphere in this mall is very Floridian. There are indoor palm trees and native vegetation in the mall.

Orlando Shopping at Outlet Malls

Outlet malls are known for great deals. The Orlando area is home to several outlet centers. Two are located right on International Drive: The Belz Factory Outlet and Belz Designer Outlet Center. These are very convenient, if you are staying near the theme parks or at one of the resorts. Belz Factory Outlet is the largest outlet center in the United States. The designer outlet has Ralph Lauren, DKNY and many other famous designer names.

There are two other outlet centers in this area. The Orlando Premium Outlet is known for discount merchandise. You will find many good deals here at just about every store. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is convenient to Walt Disney World. There are a wide variety of stores in this outlet. You will find something for the whole family here. There is a playground for the kids when they need a break from shopping.

Open Air Shopping

International Drive is home to two large, open air markets. The Mercado has a variety of designer clothing stores. There are several stores selling art work created by local artists. This is also a great place to find distinctive Floridian merchandise, including many offerings reminiscent of the Florida Keys. The cobblestone walk ways give this market a unique feeling.

The Pointe Orlando is a large open air market. There are many choices here not only for shopping, but for dining and evening entertainment. Visit the sixty stores and shop till you drop. When you have finished shopping, enjoy a meal in one of the seven restaurants located in the market. If you are looking for night life, there are two night clubs here as well.

There are two other open air markets in the area: the Church Street and Central Florida Farmer’s Market. You will enjoy browsing in these markets while enjoying the beautiful weather. The Farmer’s Market has fresh produce, locally made crafts and a variety of other merchandise.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in the state. More passengers fly into this airport than any other in Florida. Thirty four million people visit this popular tourist destination each year. The airport is located close to Kennedy Space Center and is designated at an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle.

Prior to the construction of the airport, the land was an Air Force Base. The Orlando Jet Port was later added as a small airport on the base. In 1975, the airport was constructed on the site. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority was formed to manage the airport.

Orlando International Airport consists of one main terminal building. People movers are used to bring passengers to the four terminals within the main building. When you arrive at the airport, you will need to go to the north side of the building. Check in and baggage claim areas are both located here.

Tips for Orlando International Airport

Security is a big concern in the post 9/11 world. Security is tight at this airport. You will need to arrive early to allow time for security procedures. Be sure to have two forms of identification with you. Pay for your tickets with a credit card and bring it with you to help avoid hassles on your trip and to ensure you have the proper identification.

Plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight departs. This allows you plenty of time to check your baggage, get through security and find your gate. Since this airport is very busy, lines can get long. This is especially true during busy travel times. Confirm the status of your flight before you leave home. This can be done on the Internet or by calling the airline prior to leaving home.

Airport officials offer tips for keeping your baggage safe at the airport. Keep your bags with you at all times. Never set your bag down and walk away from it when waiting in line or at the gate. Don’t accept any packages or items from anyone you don’t know. This will prevent anyone from tampering with your luggage. Unfortunately, in today’s world, these measures are necessary for your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers.

Renting a Car at Orlando International Airport

Once you arrive at the airport, you may want to rent a vehicle. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to the airport and to certain parks and attractions. If you plan to spend all of your time at the resort and parks, this may be sufficient. However, if you want to spend time outside the parks, you may want your own transportation.

There are six rental companies located at the airport for convenience in renting a car. In addition, there are seventeen companies located off the airport, but nearby. Courtesy shuttles are available to these airports. To get the best deal, compare prices from each company on the internet. Prices vary depending on the type of car you are renting and the time of year you will be visiting Orlando. Once you find the best deal, reserve your car online.

Popularity: 18% [?]

An Orlando guide will help you plan your vacation. The city is best known for its theme parks. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom and Sea World draw millions of visitors to the city every year. These are all heavily advertised to prospective visitors. Although the parks are a great place to visit, the city has a lot more to offer. Become familiar with other attractions and annual events to get the most of your trip to Orlando.

Orlando Guide to Museums

The Orlando Museum of Art is home to works by American and African American artists. There are works from ancient to modern time periods on display. The museum displays paintings, pottery and sketches from various artists.

The Mennello Museum of American Art showcases traditional and contemporary art. The museum has a collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. In addition to the permanent collection, there are many special exhibits that change throughout the year.

The Orlando Science Center is a fun place to take the kids. The center is the largest science center in the southeastern United States. There are a variety of interactive exhibits for fun and learning. The large display of the human anatomy is a popular exhibit. There is a special area for young kids to explore scientific concepts.

Orlando Guide to Annual Events

There are many annual events in Orlando that will add to the fun on your vacation. Some take place in the various theme parks, while others are in the city. There are events in every season. In the winter months, there are holiday displays, parties and parades in most of the parks. January brings the Disney World marathon, which attracts runners from all over the world.

The beautiful winter weather in Florida allows for many outdoor events. The Central Florida Fair is held every February in the city. There are rides, games, music and food. Romance at Disney is held each year around Valentine’s Day. The Silver Springs Rodeo is a fun way to spend the day in Orlando. Universal Studios has Mardi Gras events throughout the month.

The spring months offer many festivals and events. The Florida Film Festival is held in March of each year. Pleasure Island has a large St. Patrick’s Day party every year. In April, Epcot Center hosts the International Flower and Garden Festival.

The summer offers Fourth of July displays, parades and fire works at Disney and many other parks. The Orlando Carnival is held in the summer months. There is a large Seafood Festival in the city in June of each year.

The Miracle Mile 15 K run is held in September. Rock Universe is held in September at Universal Studios. In October, a food and wine festival is held at Epcot Center. This month also brings Halloween parties and displays at the parks. Disney World hosts fun Halloween activities that are great for kids during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween. For a more scary experience, consider visiting Universal studios for Halloween Horror Nights.

Walt Disney World hosts a PGA golf tournament every autumn. The Walt Disney World Golf Tournament attracts big name players to the Orlando area. In November, the Jack Hanna Adventure Weekend at Sea World is a popular event. Whenever you visit this city, you will find something exciting happening.

Popularity: 18% [?]

The Orlando Climate is sub tropical. The weather tends to be warm and humid. The climate is influenced by several factors. The Gulf Stream and the city’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer affect the climate. The low elevation of the city adds to the humidity level. There are two basic seasons in Florida: a hot summer season and cooler winter season.

Orlando Climate in the Summer Season

During the summer season, the weather is hot and humid. The average temperature during the day is in the nineties. At night, the temperatures range from the seventies to the eighties. The heat index during the day can get quite high. A heat index of over one hundred degrees is not uncommon.

The summer is also the rainy season in Florida. Storms are quite common, especially in the late afternoon. Most of these storms are caused by air from the Atlantic and air from the Gulf colliding over central Florida. At times, these storms can be quite violent. The storms often bring wind, thunder, lightening and hail. Orlando is known for more lightening strikes each year than any other city in the United States.

The rainfall during these storms can be very heavy. The months from June through September bring the most rain to Orlando. The average rain fall during these months is about fifty inches. In some years, this number is even higher. Often, the storms are strong, but short lived. You will usually be able to enjoy the evening outdoors after a storm. Unlike some areas of the country, the rain does not cool the temperature. Often the humidity is even higher just after a thunderstorm.

Hurricane season also occurs in the summer. The official hurricane season runs from June through November. Since Orlando is not on the coast, the city often escapes the brunt of the storm’s landfall. By the time most storms reach the city, they have weakened considerably. However, this doesn’t mean the city is safe from these strong and unpredictable storms. The city has sustained damage from several storms over the years.

Orlando Climate in the Winter Season

In the winter, you will know why Florida is called The Sunshine State. There is very little rainfall during this season. Most days are dry and sunny. The weather in the winter really is beautiful. This is a fabulous time to plan a trip to Florida. Many tourists flock to the area during this season to escape the freezing temperatures in the northern part of the country.

The months of December through May are the driest months of the year. In some years, the weather is way too dry during the winter months. This increases the risk of wild fires in central Florida. In the past, these have gotten quite severe.

The temperatures in the winter season are very mild. The average daily temperature ranges from the mid sixties to the seventies. The night time temperatures are generally in the fifties. There is virtually no snow in the Orlando area. The few times there have been flurries, they don’t accumulate. If you want to escape the winter, this is the place to come.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Orlando is a very popular tourist destination. The Orlando airport is the busiest in Florida. There are ways to find a good deal on flights to Orlando, but you will need to start planning early to find the best rate. Consider the time of year, time of day and day of the week when looking for a good deal. Search the internet to compare prices and find the best deal. Saving on your flight will leave you with more money to enjoy all this city has to offer.

Finding a Good Price for Flights to Orlando

Good rates can sometimes be found with major airlines. Major carriers offer discount airfares and seasonal deals. When they get into ticketing wars, this can be good for you. Only a certain number of seats on each flight are discounted. Once these are sold, the price goes up for the remaining seats on the flight. Book your flight early to get a good price. Sometimes travel is restricted to certain dates or days of the week. Take this into consideration when making your reservation.

Compare prices with different airlines. This information can be found on travel websites. Not all sites offer the same fares for each flight. Check fares with a few different sites to find the best deal. This will take more time, but you will save more money by taking the time to research the best rates with each airline.

Sometimes you can save money with special package deals. If you book your hotel, flight and even your car rental, you can save even more. Travel agents often have information on package vacations to Orlando. Contact your travel agent for information on package deals available at the time of year you plan to fly.

The time of year will affect the price you will pay for your ticket. School holidays, especially around Christmas and Spring Break are very popular travel times. Flights tend to fill up fast. You may pay more for your ticket during these seasons. Deals can often be found after the Christmas holidays, in January and February.

Consider flying during off peak hours to save more money. Flights that depart early in the morning or at night tend to be less expensive than mid day flights. You will have to get up early to catch the flight, but you will save. The day of the week will also affect the fare you pay. Flying mid week is cheaper than flying on a weekend. Consider this when planning your vacation. It can save you quite a bit of money.

Flights to Orlando with Discount Airlines

Several discount airlines are giving the larger carriers a run for their money. These smaller carriers offer cheaper fares to Orlando. You can often find information on the internet for many of these flights. Discount carriers are not always listed on larger travel sites. You may have to contact the airline directly to find a flight from your point of departure to Orlando. This will take more time in researching fares, as you will have to call each airline directly. Again, the time you put into your search will pay off in a cheaper flight.

Discount airlines often offer less in the way of service on the flight. Some offer only snacks and drinks but no food. Others don’t offer any snacks at all and you may have to pay for drinks on the flight. This is a small price to pay for the savings you will get on your ticket. Scaling back on extras allows the airline to offer a better deal on airfares.

Popularity: 15% [?]

There are a wide variety of restaurants in Orlando. Whether you want to eat in the parks or outside the parks, there are many choices for dining.

There are many choices for dining in Disney. The Walt Disney World resorts have a total of 150 restaurants. In the Magic Kingdom, you have the choice of counter service, buffet or sit down meals. A few of the restaurants offer character dining. This is very popular with the kids. Reservations are recommended since they fill up fast.

The World Showcase in Epcot Center is a good place to sample international cuisine. Each are of the showcase is dedicated to a different country. Some of the pavilions offer cuisine from that country. More international cuisine is planned in the future in Epcot Center.

The Rainforest Café in Disney’s Animal Kingdom recreates the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. Effects such as animated wildlife, a waterfall and large volcano outside the restaurant add to the feeling. There is a large aquarium in the wall with a variety of tropical fish on display.

At MGM Studios, The Sci Fi dine in theater is a popular place to eat. The theme of the restaurant is an old drive in from the 1950s. The tables are made to look like you are sitting in the back of a parked car. While you eat, movie trailers are shown on the screen.

There are some interesting choices for dining at Sea World. The park offers character dining; only the characters are killer whales. You can dine with Shamu. Guests sit alongside the pool in Shamu Stadium. During dinner, you get the chance to meet the trainers. You will get to see a training session. The meal is served buffet style by the pool. The menu includes pasta, meat, seafood and salads. There is a children’s buffet as well.

The Sharks Underwater Grill is another popular dining choice at Sea World. There is glass from floor to ceiling with over 50 sharks behind the glass. Guests can enjoy watching the sharks while eating their meals. The menu includes salads, pizza, seafood, chicken and pasta. There is a children’s menu as well.

There are many choices for dining outside the parks too. Millions visit the city each year and there are Orlando restaurants to suit every taste. Many are located along International Drive. Here you will find Spanish, Italian, Seafood, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Thai and Vegetarian cuisine. Nearly all the restaurants are very family friendly and welcome small children.

A few famous chefs have restaurants in Orlando. Emeril’s restaurant is located at City Walk on the property of Universal Studios. This restaurant serves a variety of creative, New Orleans style cuisine. Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant in Downtown Disney. There is a sushi bar in his restaurant.

Orlando is home to restaurants that offer a show with the meal. A very popular one is Medieval Times. During the meal, six knights on horseback compete in tournament games. There is pre show entertainment outside the restaurant. Once inside, you will find the décor to be in the European style of the Middle Ages. The knights participate in games, sword fighting and jousting. There are six sections, which are divided by color. The knights wear corresponding colors and you root for your knight during the games.

The meal consists of a medieval menu. The feeling is very authentic with no utensils used. Guests eat with their hands, as in the middle ages. A typical menu consists of vegetable soup, chicken, ribs, potatoes, bread, dessert and drinks. Dinner and the show last about two hours.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Orlando is known for large theme parks, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. However, there are a lot of options for enjoying Orlando nightlife as well. Some are located on the grounds of the various parks and resorts, while others are located within the city.

Universal City Walk is on the property of Universal Studios. Here you can sample a variety of cuisine at the restaurants in the area. Some of the more popular restaurants include Emeril’s, Motown Café, NASCAR café and NBA City. There are several clubs here too, such as City Jazz and Hard rock Live. Here you will hear rock and roll classics, while enjoying delicious food and memorabilia.

Downtown Disney offers a variety of night time entertainment options. There are night clubs and live stage shows. The House of Blues on the west side of Downtown Disney has live music and performances. Cirque de Soleil is another popular attraction here. Pleasure Island is located here, with seven night clubs featuring every type of music from rock and roll to hip hop. There is a fireworks display every night here. If you are staying at a Disney resort, this is a great place to go for night life.

Dinner Theater Shows

Pirates Dinner Adventure is a live action adventure and interactive dinner show. The show takes place in a replica of a Spanish Galleon from the 18^th century. The show starts out at a King’s festival in a sea port village. The village contains fire breathers, vendors and fortune tellers. Pirates plunder the village and kidnap the guests. The captain of the pirate ship offers guests a last meal. The special effects during the show are amazing.

The meal includes an appetizer, salad, beef or chicken, seasoned rice, bread and vegetables. Apple cobbler a la mode is served for dessert. Beverages offered include beer, soda or coffee. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. If you want a vegetarian meal, be sure to mention this when you make your reservations.

Arabian Nights is a show with 70 horses and 30 performers. The performers are talented stage and circus performers. There are 17 breeds of horses in the show. The show lasts about an hour and forty five minutes and features elaborate costumes, lighting and special effects. The show takes place in the largest indoor equestrian arena in the country.

Prior to the show, you can take the VIP stable tour for an additional cost. This features a behind the scenes tour. You will learn about the breeds and care of the horses. You will have the opportunity to meet the horses and some of the performers in the show. The menu features salad, prime rib, chicken tenders, vegetarian lasagna, desert and drinks. There is a cash bar for beer and wine. After the show, you can stop by the gift shop for a variety of horse related memorabilia.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is another horse related dinner show. There are horses with professional riders that perform a variety of stunts. The show also features singing, dancing and a fireworks display. The menu includes barbecue pork loin, rotisserie chicken, corn on the cob, vegetable soup, potatoes and biscuits. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Order your vegetarian meal when you make your dinner reservation.

Popularity: 16% [?]

When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World. There is a good reason for this: Walt Disney started it all with the Magic Kingdom. With four theme parks, Disney is still the biggest draw, but there are many other Orlando attractions for your family to enjoy. Consider spending some of your trip enjoying the smaller attractions.

Water Parks

The Florida sun is hot, especially in the summer. Standing in line for rides at the parks is exhausting in the heat. Plan one day of your vacation at a water park to give everyone a chance to cool off. The sun is strong in Florida, so be sure to pack a good sunscreen. Look for a water proof one since you will be spending your day getting wet. There are three large water parks in the Orlando area.

Two of the three main water parks in Orlando are Disney owned: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is a 66 acre park with a wide variety of rides and slides. There is something for the thrill seeking and more laid back members of the family. Tikes Peak is a smaller area with things for the younger kids in the family to enjoy.

Typhoon Lagoon has a large number of attractions including a water coaster. There are slides and tube rides for every comfort level. The white water rafting ride is great for older kids and adults. There is an area with small slides and fountains for younger children. Try out the snorkel adventure at shark reef. Here you will see a variety of colorful water creatures.

Wet n Wild is the one park not owned by Disney. This park is great for all ages. The Beast and Disco rides are great for older kids and adults. The Wake Zone has tubing and boarding on a half mile long lake. Other popular attractions include the lazy river and wave pool. There are kiddie pools for the smallest members of the family.

Smaller Orlando Attractions

Gatorland is the alligator capital of the world. This place has grown to be one of the more popular small Orlando attractions over the years. It is a wild life preserve and park. At Gatorland, you will see a variety of animals including alligators, crocodiles and birds in the aviary. There is a petting zoo here as well. Other attractions include a gator wrestling exhibition, jungle crocs of the world, up close encounters and shows.

Fantasy of Flight has an aviation theme. There are a variety of displays from World War I and World War II. While you are here, you can tour the restoration shop. Each day there is a presentation and air show around the aircraft of the day. A different air craft is chosen each day. There are also hot air balloon rides and biplane rides available at the park.

If you are traveling with young children, visit Green Meadows Petting Farm. You don’t need much time to do this one, about two hours is plenty of time. Your kids will love meeting the chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks and horses that live on the farm. Each guest gets a chance to milk a cow. There are also pony rides, a train and hay ride. This is a great place for the little ones to relax and recuperate after a few days running around the big parks.

Popularity: 13% [?]