Oh, Orlando. The city where kids become wizards and retirement funds turn into lakefront condos. In central Florida, Orlando has earned its nickname “Amusement Park Capital of the World” with more alternate realities than you can count on both hands—and we’re not talking about that acid you can score in Pine Hills. Where else on planet earth can you spend the morning chattering with dolphins, followed by an arvo on rollercoasters and an evening watching men perform impressive tricks while painted blue—all before bar-hopping among street vendors and costumed characters? Pack your sunnies and book one of our fabulous Orlando holiday packages, because “The City Beautiful” is waiting.
On holidays to Orlando, you’ve got options. Tour like a Floridian route and get to know the local wildlife at Gatorlandwith ®, one of Orlando’s oldest theme parks, home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles and a filming location for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. If it’s good enough for Indy, it’s good enough for us. Catch a concert at the Beacham Theater, built in 1917, a downtown venue that has aged so well, you’ll swear it’s had work done. Ready to leave the past behind? Get thee to Spaceship Earthwith ®, a rideable disco ball located in Walt Disney Worldwith ®. A forward thinking traveller like you will want to hurry over to Back to the Futurewith ®: The Ride at Universal Studios Floridawith ®. If you’ve seen the film, you know that after Oct. 20, 2015, we can call this ride Back to the Future in the Past, but whatevs. Ready to switch high-flying rides for highways? Rev up one of our sweet Orlando car hire options and cruise down International Drive, a street lined with local shops, restaurants and parks—the ideal way to chill out after spending an Orlando holiday screaming on coasters.
While you’re on International Drive, stop at Orlando-only gift shops and boutiques. But remember, when we say “Orlando holidays”, we mean “outlet holidays” Pack an extra suitcase, because you’ve got a few discount shopping centres to choose from, including Orlando International Premium Outlets in Florida Center and Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue.
If you want to supplement turkey legs the size of a body-builder’s bicep and butter beer from The Wizarding World of Harry Potterwith ® with “normal food”, Orlando has you covered. For fine dining, cool off in Winter Park, a swanky uptown suburb filled with award-devouring eats and silver spoons. Snack closer to the amusement parks along Restaurant Row near the Orange County Convention Center.
For bar-hopping and lounge-slouching, head downtown or to Citywalk, not far from the high concentration of parks. In fact, you might find yourself doing a little Whip Nae Nae with that guy who would not stop screaming on the Pirates of the Caribbeanwith ® ride.
Bundle accommodation and airfares at lastminute.com.au for the best deals on Orlando packages. Wanna lie on the beach in Miami, too? Book more holidays to Florida and you’ll be slurping back neon-coloured slushies, careening upside-down and soaking up the vitamin D—you’re so healthy.
Can't wait to get under the covers (and perhaps acquaint yourself with the mini bar) at your Orlando hotel? No worries. There are more than 105 places to crash featured on lastminute.com.au.
Thankfully, there's a room for you in Orlando. For a place that's easy on the wallet, book in at either the Quality Inn & Suites (5635 Windhover Dr) or the La Quinta Inn Orlando Airport West (7931 Daetwyler Dr). But if you'd rather live a life of luxury while you're here, the Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel or the Universal's Hard Rock Hotel ® may be more to your liking. Just sit back, relax and let the experienced staff do what they do best.
Reviewed on 11 Jan. 2020
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
