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RedWeek Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Orlando — Beyond Disney World

published on May 27, 2021 by

The Magic Kingdom is magical, of course. But it’s just the beginning of an unforgettable Orlando vacation. Get acquainted with the best Orlando attractions, dining, shopping, and more — beyond Disney World— all from a timeshare traveler’s perspective. 

The Other Orlando Theme Parks

  • Universal Orlando – This one is a three-in-one experience. Universal Orlando consists of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. The movie-themed fun is endless, whether you’re exploring Hogwarts with Harry Potter, soaring over the Big Apple with Spider-Man, or escaping fearsome dinosaurs on the new VelociCoaster. Good to know: With three awesome parks, a multi-day ticket will let you see (and save) more.
  • SeaWorld® Orlando – Get up-close-and-personal with all kinds of aquatic life — dolphins, manta rays, sharks and much more. SeaWorld is also home to its own theme park, with roller coasters, water slides and Sesame Street Land™, which brings the famed kids show to life. Good to know: With a Two-Park Pass, you can enjoy two parks for $59.99/park at any combination of these theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island.
  • LEGOLAND® Florida – The building blocks of an awesome Orlando family vacation can be found here — literally. LEGOLAND® Florida features more than 50 interactive Lego-themed rides, slides and attractions await, including six new offerings planned for later in 2021. Good to know: The 2-Day Super Saver pass gives you two full days at LEGOLAND for a reduced price.  

Orlando’s Best Shopping Spots

  • The Mall at Millenia – Loaded with 150 shops and restaurants, this luxury Orlando shopping experience is not to be missed. You’ll find all the big brand names here, from Gucci to Apple to Prada. It’s not your typical indoor mall. Instead, Millenia’s décor offers lovely fountains, huge windows, and an elegantly stylish ambiance at every turn.  
  • The Florida Mall® – In need of a new look? The sprawling Florida Mall in Orlando has you covered with such cutting-edge retailers as Morphe, Zara, and H&M spread amongst a wealth of dining and entertainment options. 
  • Park Avenue – Brush elbows with the area’s most chic locals on Park Avenue. Located on a tree-lined stretch of Winter Park, this walkable neighborhood is populated by 100 unique boutiques and well-known luxury brands. Stick around for dinner — Park Avenue is also home to some truly great restaurants. 

Where To Eat In Orlando

  • Maxine’s On Shine – This downtown Orlando restaurant may have perfected the art of the weekend brunch. The owners call it their “Rejuicinaton Brunch,” and it’s got everything you’re looking for — fried green tomatoes, chicken & waffles, lobster omelets and beyond. 
  • Bad As’s Sandwiches – Orlando’s ultimate sandwich joint! The experts at Bad As’s know how to craft a sandwich you’ll be dreaming about for years to come. The “Ninja” comes highly recommended; it’s an inspired flavor team-up of crispy fried Asian glazed pork belly, Asian slaw, cilantro, spicy miso lime aioli. Yum!
  • Plant Street Market/Crooked Can Brewing Company – One of the Orlando area’s coolest spots, this local community market in historic downtown Winter Garden is home to 20 vendors who sell natural food and handmade products all inside of one building. Beer lovers won’t want to skip Crooked Can Brewing Company, located on-site, offering carefully crafted brews. 

Outdoor Adventure & Ecotourism In Orlando

  • Brevard Zoo – Located in nearby Melbourne, FL, Brevard Zoo is a 75-acre wonderland with more than 900 animals from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The giraffes are among the zoo’s biggest stars because on the Expedition Africa giraffe platform you can get face-to-face with the world’s tallest mammals. 
  • Gatorland – You can’t visit southern Florida without seeing some alligators. And, as its name suggests, Gatorland is one of the best places to encounter these giant reptiles. Want to take it up a notch? Try the Screamin’ Gator Zipline. You’ll zoom over an alligator breeding marsh with 130 giant alligators below! 
  • Blue Springs State Park – Another one of Florida’s most beloved creatures — the gentle manatee — can be found at Blue Springs State Park. This pristine natural spot is also great for birdwatching, with wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers all showing up throughout the year. 

Orlando Timeshare Resorts

  • Marriott’s Grande Vista – Settle into spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom resort villas and enjoy all kinds of on-resort activities for all ages, including the Grande Vista Golf Club, outdoor swimming pools, MAZE indoor playground and a refreshing on-site spa. $79 – $514 / night
  • Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort – It might be located just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, but Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort feels like a relaxing world away from the crowds. Here, you’ll find lush grounds, lazy rivers to float down and private balconies. The resort offers scheduled transportation to the Disney Theme Parks.  $90 – $514 / night
  • Sheraton Vistana Resort – Ultra spacious and luxury accommodations are the name of the game at this tranquil Orlando timeshare resort. Away from your suite, you’ll enjoy several outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a mini-golf course and more. Shuttle bus transportation is provided to the Walt Disney World Transportation Center. $71 – $271 / night

Start planning your Orlando getaway now. 

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