Visiting Orlando This Summer? 5 Things to Know
Orlando, Florida, is a great city to visit, especially during the summer months as things are opening back up again. Orlando is a city of resorts with a fun local culture, theme parks, boutiques, activities, lively atmosphere, and other activities. Here are things to consider when visiting Orlando.
Hotels, Motels, AirBNBs
You may not be in town for long, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. You can be a big spender, on a tight budget, or anything in between and still find something to your liking. Orlando has excellent short-term stay options to fit all budgets. To get the best room for your situation, you should:
- Book in advance. It allows you to sift through more choices with time to spare. You can ask for rooms like corner rooms, a higher floor, or close to elevators and ice machines with advanced planning.
- Carefully read room descriptions. Even inquire with the front desk about specific rooms or needs, like if the room is pet-friendly.
- Be happy with your accommodations. If you arrive at the hotel and the room is not to your liking, leave without using it and request a new one.
Fine and Fun Dining
Orlando has excellent restaurants for adults, kids, varying price levels, and dietary restrictions. One option is Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. This restaurant is a favorite among tourists and locals for its wine selection, which includes over 140 wines from around the world. You can order a taste, glass, or bottle, whatever suits you. The restaurant offers accompanying light meals, such as artisanal cheese and meats. You can also opt for family-sized meals or platters that include steak or sea bass.
If you like Japanese food, consider visiting Kabooki Sushi. The restaurant serves traditional sushi rolls and sashimi. If you are feeling adventurous, you can order the chef-selected multi-course omakase experience. Also on offer are house-made desserts such as a goat cheese panna cotta beet cake served with Thai basil, beet powder, black pepper almonds, olive oil, and beet vinegar.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando has a new restaurant called the Knife & Spoon by award-winning chef John Tesar. At the Knife & Spoon, you can enjoy dry-aged steaks, which come in a wide variety of cuts and aging times. You can choose from a selection of 45-day bone-in New York Strip to the 240-day bone-in ribeye. As a side order, enjoy kimchi-creamed spinach for a bit of a kick.
Considering Renting in Orlando
Orlando is a great place to spend not just a few months but the whole summer. Because Orlando is a frequent vacation spot, there are lots of rental options available for longer-term stays. You can even consider a vacation home in the area. If you have a vacation home, you can rent it out when it isn’t in use. Orlando is a renowned tourism destination, so the vacation home has a good chance of finding customers.
If you do get a home in Orlando, whether as a tenant or homeowner, be sure to have a plan to take care of it. You will need to be aware of local taxes (homeowners), insurance costs (as a homeowner or tenant), and familiarize yourself with Orlando pest control options.
Budget-Friendly Everyday Fun
If you’re staying long-term, you’ll need some everyday activities that won’t break the bank. Orlando has a diverse range of experiences to offer. You can experience the city by yourself, as a couple, with friends, or with the entire family.
There are fantastic shopping malls and spas for any kind of treatment you need. The city also has cultural and art venues to pique your interest. If you are an outdoor person, enjoy some kayaking, ecotourism, or sports. For fun, you can try bowling or mini-golf. If the nightlife is more of your thing, there is no shortage of nightclubs and entertainment.
Top Attractions
These attractions are great whether you’re visiting for a brief time or staying long-term:
- Theme Parks – Orlando is the home of Walt Disney World theme park, where you can enjoy the company of Mickey and friends while you explore the expanse of its various parks. Other theme parks you can enjoy include Fun Spot America and Universal Orlando.
- Outdoor and Ecotourism – Orlando, much like the state of Florida, is home to natural sites that will keep you engaged. You can have a go at the scenic 22-mile West Orange Trail, which is a paved pathway from Winter Garden to Apopka in the north. Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Kelly Park, and Wekiwa Springs State Park offer freshwater springs where you can swim. Hike or enjoy the company of flora and fauna. Alternatively, you can walk through the scenic Harry P. Leu Gardens, which houses a butterfly garden and museum.
- Sports – The city has a lot of sports activities you can participate in or watch. It is the home of the NBA team Orlando Magic and the MLS team Orlando City SC. You can also choose to watch baseball, football, and ice hockey teams represent their city.
Visit Orlando
If you are looking for a summer destination, you should consider Orlando. The city has a lot to offer whether you are in for a short or long stay. You can come on your own, with friends, or with family. No matter your taste, Orlando has something for you.