As a local, I have come to notice two very different stages of the tourist - the “newbies” and those that have been here for a few days. Whenever I have flown back to Orlando, the plane is always filled with several people about to begin their magical experience. It is not rare to hear children, as they sit in their plane seat filled with giddy joy, asking their parents where Disney World is and looking all around as they try to find the Magic Kingdom. The plane lands, adults and children alike that are bound for vacation exit the plane filled with a myriad of hopes and dreams that their vacation holds in store for them. It is easy to see the anticipation on their faces, like a child about to open a present. Each person has a vision of what is in store for them, what they want to do and see. This stage holds so much excitement and energy. The second phase, that is almost always noticeable, are those vacationers that have been around for a few days.

Usually they are a bit more than sun-kissed as they had forgotten to put sunscreen on. They are seen walking around with a bit less pep in their step and seem a bit tired. They are still enjoying their vacation, but many find out that Orlando can be a bit daunting. So many visitors try to fit it all in on one visit and drain themselves in the process of trying to do so. The honest truth - unless you have 3 or more weeks, and the money required too, it just can't be done in seven days while you still retain your budget, sanity, and physical health. So, if you are out to find a great way to enjoy planet Earth's number tourist destination, read on and hopefully you will find a few helpful vacation planning tips to make the most of your hard earned time and money. These few insider tips can help you, your family and friends all go home with more precious memories and fewer sore muscles.

The planning begins with deciding the type of Orlando area vacation that you are hoping to experience. This typically falls within one of three categories; 1) The Mickey Mouse Vacation, 2) Orlando Overview or 3) A Glimpse of Central Florida. The first option, The Mickey Mouse Vacation, is for those dedicated Disney fans who want to visit the place where it all began. Believe me, there are many people who come to Orlando strictly for the Disney Parks and Resorts. If you love all that is Disney and want the complete Disney experience, then you will need an entire week to simply skim the surface of this entertainment kingdom. The second type of traveller is looking for an Orlando Overview. These are the vacationers that want to experience a little bit of everything, from theme parks to shopping and dining, that has made Orlando into the tourism hot spot that it is today. The final type of vacation is one that includes a glimpse of the Central Florida region including a few parks, the Atlantic beaches, Kennedy Space Center and more. Deciding which of these types of experiences you are wanting to plan is the key to beginning the perfect visit to Orlando and(perhaps) the surrounding areas. So, let the fun begin!

Research

 

Before you finalize the details for your vacation, the first step is deciding what you want to do and when you want to travel. Some valuable resources include the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau, fodors.com, frommers.com, one of the many internet travel web sites, and yes - your local travel agent. Price your vacation in a couple of different ways to see where you will save the most, but also get the best experience. Usually by packaging your airfare, car rental or transfer, lodging, and entertainment into one price you can save money over booking each item individually.

Lodging

Lodging options in Orlando are nearly limitless, but as this article is trying to provide you with a bit more of an economical approach to visiting the area, l will focus more on those options that will help you stretch your vacation dollar. Of course peak travel times, any period that children are out of school or a Holiday is happening, will also bring along with them peak hotel rates. If you can travel during off peak periods, then you can most definitely save some money.

*The Mickey Mouse Vacation: There are a couple of options that work wonderfully for this type of experience. If you must stay on Disney property you have three avenues to choose from. The first is staying at one of Disney's value resorts, such as the All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and the Pop Century resorts. These are a great value that include the benefits of staying on Disney property. The second option, for those of you that like to be a bit closer to nature, is opting for the Fort Wilderness Campground. I have stayed there a few times myself and have found the facilities above par for a campground experience - it's Disney, what else would you expect. They spray for bugs, the bathrooms are spotless, they have marshmallow roasts with Disney Characters, movies under the stars, fishing, canoeing, and much more. This option also provides use of the Disney transportation system and resort benefits. The third option is to stay at one of the many hotels near the Disney Village. These options, such as the Grosvenor Hotel, are located on Disney property but are not owned directly by Disney. What makes these great is that you can use much of the Disney transportation system, but you are also within walking distance of Downtown Disney and many chain restaurants, such as McDonalds and TGIFridays, that can help save money over theme park priced food on a daily basis.

Orlando Overview Vacation

The best area for this option is either International Drive or the hotels near Universal Studios on Sandlake Road. Believe it or not, there are times that I still see rooms advertised for $40/night(plus tax). These hotels have a great centralized location and are close to Interstate 4, providing easy access to all that the area has to offer. Again, there are some other great lodging options in the area, but if you are wanting to stay on a budget, these areas will offer some of the best rates in the area as there is a lot of competition for the business.

*Glimpse of Central Florida: Here I recommend the International Drive/Sandlake area for your stay in Orlando and then choosing a hotel along the beach in either Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach. If you are here for 6 nights and 7 days, I would say that spending 4 in Orlando and 2 at the beach would give you the chance to enjoy what the area has to offer.

Hotels on International Drive, Sandlake Road, and at the Beaches range from Days Inn to Holiday Inn, Best Western, and so on. The tourism industry is extremely vast and the hotels are all doing what they can to attract your business. So, it can be worth the research to find what deals the hotels are offering.

Transportation

If you are staying on Disney property you can obtain a transfer from the airport to the Disney hotel you are staying at. Once on Disney property, they offer an extensive system of buses, trams, and ferries that take you between the parks, dining options, and resorts. So, for those of you strictly coming to visit Disney, a car rental is not really a necessity. If you drive, parking is free and when staying at a Disney resort you also receive a parking pass if you opt to drive yourself between the theme parks.

If you are staying on International Drive or Sandlake, I recommend renting a car. Yes, you can get by without one, but when it comes down to convenience and saving your valuable vacation time, it is well worth the money. International Drive does offer a trolley that runs up and down the road that you can take from your hotel to restaurants and shopping venues. Note that the area does have toll roads, so be sure to have some cash on hand. One of these roads runs from the airport to International Drive and also takes you out to Cocoa Beach, locals call this The Beachline.

Entertainment

One thing Orlando is not short of is entertainment. From theme parks and water parks, to movie theaters, performing arts, museums, and other local attractions the list is lengthy. In other words - if you are bored while you are visiting Orlando, it is your own doing. If you have not visited Orlando before, here is a brief description of each theme/water park. For those of you staying with the Disney option, going with a Park Hopper pass is a must as it saves money over purchasing individual day pass tickets. If you are wanting to enjoy a sampling of the Orlando area parks, then choose a few that look interesting and search their web sites to see if they are offering any new park promotions, such as a second day free.

• The Magic Kingdom - Great for young kids and kids at heart. If you are a fan of this fabled mouse, then this is a must. It really is ideal for younger children with its' carousel and rides like It's a Small World, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. However, it also has a few thrills via Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. Of course you also have the must see parades and character meets as well.
• MGM Studios - This is where the movies come to life. Experience Indiana Jones as they recreate scenes on a movie set using members of the audience, step into a live performance of High School Musical or try the new Journey Into Narnia and Toy Story Mania. Looking for a thrill? Check out the stunt show, The Twilight Tower of Terror, or even The Rockin' Roller Coaster. At night, arrive early to obtain a seat for Fantasmic. This is a great park for the entire family to enjoy as there is something for everyone!
• Epcot Center - This is a park featuring inventions and concepts for the here and now as well as possibilities for the future. The other half of the park is the World Showcase that lets you step into a culture to experience a bit of life, culture, and history from worldwide destinations. In future World check out Test Track, Mission Space, and Soarin'. The World Showcase deserves some time. Kids love to get a “passport”(nominal cost in any gift shop) and get it stamped as they visit each country. At night, stay for a viewing of the Illuminations show to add the perfect end to a great day.
• Animal Kingdom - Some have described this as a glorified zoo. I would have to disagree. It is an amazing experience for adults, children, couples, and families. I highly recommend checking out Kilamanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning. It is at the back of the park, but lines build quickly and the animals like to be out in the cooler weather. Other great attractions include Dinosaur, Finding Nemo - The Musical, the new Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and of course the many animal viewing opportunities. Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade is a great time to enjoy a rest and watch a great parade.
• Blizzard Beach -Imagine racing down “icy” slides, experiencing the thrill of the Slush Gusher, relaxing in the Cross Country Creek, challenging a friend on the Toboggan Racers, screaming as you race down Summit Plummit, or chilling out as the kdis play at Tike's Peak. This is an all around great park for everyone.
• Typhoon Lagoon - This park takes a more tropical approach to the waterpark idea. There is the Shark Reef, Surf Pool, Wave Pool, Snorkeling, and The Gang Plank Falls rafting ride along with Castaway Creek, and Hamunga Cowabunga(for those that are looking for a thrill). While this park offers a few more relaxing options, it is still packed with exciting rides.
• Universal Studios - Looking to step into the movies or one of your favorite TV shows? Then this is the park for you. Featured attractions include The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D, the heart pumping Revenge of the Mummy rollercoaster, Men In Black Alien Attack interactive ride, E.T. Adventure, and Jimmy Neutron's Nickolodean Blast. If you are wanting to let the kids roam free, check out Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone. Need to sit for a bit, try the Animal Actors on Location show, FEAR Factor Live, Beetlejuices, and Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue -- just to name a few. Universal Studios provides the ultimate in behind-the-scenes TV and moview experiences.
• Islands of Adventure - This is the newest theme park in the ever growing and changing Orlando industry. While it offers something for everyone, it really seems to fit a crowd looking for a bit more of a thrill. There is the cutting edge Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, the hold-on-for-your-life Incredible Hulk rollercoaster, Doctor Doom's Fearfall, Dueling Dragons - the world's first inverted dueling rollercoaster, and Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls. Wanting a little more mild thrill? Try Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rate Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure, or Poseidon's Fury. For the young, and young at heart, there is Me Ship, Me Olive, Camp Jurassic, and Seuss Landing. The newest addition to this park, and a highly anticipated one at that, is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A 20 acre park set to open in 2009.
• Wet n Wild - Set on International Drive, this is the waterpark with the thrills, chills, and spills. From the screamin' Brain Wash and Bomb Bay to the funky Disco H2O there is a ride for everyone. Swirl down The Storm or relax as the kids play at the Kids Park. At times this park runs a great promotion that when you buy one day, you get the rest of your stay for FREE(only if purchased online)! You can't beat that!
• SeaWorld - This is a completely different theme park experience. No visit to Orlando would be complete without seeing Shamu! Of course you also have the dolphins, penguins, sharks, flamingos, sea otters, walrus, stingrays, sea lion's and more! Amazing shows include Believe(Shamu), Happy Horizons(dolphins), Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island(a comical event), Pets Ahoy, Odyssea, and their nightly shows. For children, head over to Shamu's Happy Harbor or visit the famed Clydesdale horses and even get up close and personal with one. For thrill seekers, try Kraken or Journey to Atlantis. Yes, SeaWorld is also gearing up for a new roller coaster addition in the near future that is to provide a new ride experience all together.
• Discovery Cove - The price tag for this park can be a bit much. But, if it is a must for you, then it really is a once in a lifetime experience. Imagine being a dolphin trainer for the day or just getting up close to dolphins and other sea life, birds, fish, and rays and all within a tropical setting. Part of your experience at Discovery Cove includes a 30 minute dolphin swim, snorkeling on a coral reef, hand feeding birds, breakfast/lunch/and snacks throughout the day, snorkel gear and swim vest, locker use, sunscreen, beach chairs, parking, and admission o either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens(Tampa) for 14 consecutive days.
• Aquatica - This new waterpark opened in March of 2008. It features 2 wave pools, and amazing children's interactive waterplay area, two lazy rivers(one of which is not so lazy but rather fast flowing), an expansive beach area, and 6 water rides. SeaWorld and a waterpark. What combination could be better!

So, those are the theme parks in a nutshell. But, what else is there to do in and around Orlando? The answer may suprise you.

Other Area Attractions in Orlando and Central Florida

Orlando and Central Florida offer a(nearly) unending list of activity options to fill your days. Alas, I would love to give you a description of each of these and more, but this article would turn into a short novel. So, I will leave you with this listing of other noteworthy attractions and sights to consider as part of your vacation experience. Visit one of Orlando's Official Visitor Centers for discount tickets to some of these entertainment options. Some of these are available at a very minimal cost or are free, outside of the cost of gas. Many discounts and promotions for Orlando can be found on the Convention and Visitors Bureau web site here. From this web site you can buy discount tickets, obtain an Magicard that offers savings at area venues(it's free), obtain a free vacation planning kit, sign up for e-mail offers, and more. It is worth the time to check it out. If there is a destination that is a must during your stay, it is also wise to go to their web site to see if they are offering any promotions or discounts.

*The Boat Tour in Winter Park *HP Leu Gardens

*Gatorland *Orlando Science Center

*Silver Springs *Wekiwa Springs

*Kennedy Space Center *Cocoa Beach

*Daytona Beach *The Daytona Raceway

*Disney's Wide World of Sports *Airboat Rides

*Ron Jon Surfpark *Van's Skatepark

*Deep Sea fishing *Morse Museum of American Art

*Blue Springs State Park *Fun Spot Action Park

*The Everglades *Richard Petty Driving Experience

*Paddlewheel Boat on the Indian River

*Golfing *Ripley's Believe It or Not!

*Mini golfing *Water skiing

*The Holy Land Experience *Dinner Theaters

*Hang gliding *Cirque du Soleil

*Blue Man Group *Astronaut Hall of Fame

*SkyVenture Orlando *Titanic - The Exhibition

*Concerts at House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe

*Wonderworks *NBA City

*Parasailing *Spa services

*Comedy Lab *Tennis

*Kayaking *Daytona USA

*Relaxing on Park Avenue *Cypress Gardens

*And so many more.

Dining and Shopping

What vacation would be complete with out great food and shopping? Orlando has a wealth of both to choose from. I remember reading an article once that stated that the number one activity in Orlando was actually shopping. Countless times I have seen people, especially Europeans, purchasing extra suitcases to carry their purchases back home. Is the shopping really that good? As a shopper at heart, I can tell you that it is. The shopping experiences in Orlando vary. So knowing what you are looking for and where to go will save you time and a little money.

Malls

• The Florida Mall - This is the largest in the area and offers a wide variety of over 180 stores including Macy's, Pottery Barn, Brookstone, Build-A-Bear, Williams and Sonoma, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Apple, Harry and David, Sephora, PacSun, Gap, and more!
• The Mall at Millenia - If you are looking for a more upscale shopping experience this is the place for you. With over 120 stores, including Z Galleria, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Crate and Barrel, Zara, Macy's, Apple, and Tiffany's - this is a unique shopping venue.
• Park Avenue - Located in Winter Park, FL. This is a bit more laid back shopping area. You can walk up and down Park Avenue and it's shops, such as Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Apenberry's, Williams and Sonoma, Bebe's, and Talbot's. After some shopping, enjoy sitting at one of the outdoor cafe areas for ice cream or a great meal.
• Pointe Orlando - This shopping area is located on International Drive and recently underwent a major renovation. It has some great dining options, a movie theater, and stores such as Chicos, Everything But Water, Hollister, Foot Locker, Life Is Good, and Tommy Bahama.
• Festival Bay - Looking for shopping, dining, and activities all under one roof? This is a great option. They have a huge Bass Pro Shop World store, there is the Vans Skatepark, Ron Jon, and Urban Planet. The complex also offers glow in the dark mini golf and a movie theater.
• Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores: One of the area outlet shopping options, this complex offers stores such as Old Navy, Hard Rock, Carters, Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Nike, Oshkosh, Reebok, and more.
• Orlando Premium Outlets is a large outlet shopping center with over 100 stores including Anne Taylor, Diesel, Dior, Armani Xchange, Bebe, Burberry, DKNY, Fendi, Gap, Guess, Izod, Nike, Addidas, Reebok, Disney, and more.
• Prime Outlets. This shopping experience is at the north end of International Drive, across from Festival Bay and underwent a major renovation and upgrade in 2007. It is a great outlet center offering stores like Escada, Aeropostale, Banana Republic, Bejoux, Chicos, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, LOFT Outlet, Oakley, Saks 5th, Carters, Nike, Gymboree, and more.
• Waterford Lakes Town Center. If you are looking for an all around shopping experience, this is a wonderful option. This shopping center is located in East Orlando, near the University of Central Florida on Alafaya Trail. If you are planning on spending a day at Cocoa Beach, this would be a great place to spend a couple of hours at. It is one of the largest outdoor shopping centers in the United States with stores such as Ross, TJMaxx, Super Target, Tillys, Dress Barn, Old Navy, Bath and Body Works, Pier 1, Skechers, Inland Ocean, Barnes and Noble, Kohls, Best Buy, Circuit City, JoAnn Etc, Bose, Carters,and many more! The center also features a movie theater and great dining options.
• Dining: Orlando, of course, has all of the regular chain restaurants from TGFridays and Outback to McDonald's and KFC. So, I will not go into those options. However, Orlando has some amazing dining experiences awaiting you. I will admit, that the theme park food has improved immensely over the past 10 years. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but it is fairly good. Both Disney and Universal offer some unique dining options such as Emerils, Artists Point, and Boma. Outside of the theme parks the dining abounds. Here are a few of the local favorites: Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Drive, Texas De Brazil - worth every cent, Giordanno's Italian food and deep dish pizza, Roy's Hawaiian Fusian - another pricey one but really great food and service, The Orlando Ale House, Bahama Breeze, Bubbalous Bodacious BBQ, Spice in Winter Park, Froggers Grill, Moonfish, HUE in downtown Orlando, Taverna Opa, Rainforest Cafe, Charley's Steakhouse - one of the best, and Tijuana Flats. The dining options are endless and there is food that represents nearly every type of ethnic background. There is something to satisfy every palate.

Orlando. It is indeed, one of the most magical places on Earth. It is one of those few destinations that allows children to experience their dreams and adults can act like children. It is an escape, a world of possibilities, a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Orlando, and the Central Florida area, provides a different vacation filled with excitement and wonder at every turn. The best part is that it can be done in a budget friendly way that will provide the entire family with a wealth of memories, laughter, and good times. Find your magic and let the journey begin.

Lunch is a good place to start. Hit Tijuana Flats for fresh, zingy Tex-Mex. There are a variety of locations, but the one on SR 436 in Casselberry is nice and roomy. Enjoy the funky décor, watch some sports on the screens. Be sure to sample the Hot Sauce Bar! It ranges from mild and tasty to melt-your-face. Good prices on cervesa. The Ultimate Nachos will feed two as a meal, the burritos are awesome any way you like "em.

After lunch, head over to Harry P. Leu Gardens. This place is packed on nice weekends, so hitting it during the week is a must. It costs a couple of bucks but is worth it for a nice stroll. What sort of plants do you fancy? Roses? Got "em. Bamboo garden? Wetlands? Butterfly garden? They even have a vegetable garden and notes on Florida history. You may be able to catch an event on orchids or potted herbs. This place can take an hour or four, depending on your level of interest.

You are close to downtown, so you might as well head there next. Wander around the ViMi, that is, the Vietnamese District. Have a Bubble Tea. Check out the import stores. You will find the streets downtown a little confusing, once you turn down Orange Avenue. Fortunately, this is the only area in the city navigable by foot (aside from International Drive). So after ViMi, drive over a few blocks to Church Street Station.

Shell out for a decent parking garage, I'm keeping you here for a while. First, check out what is going on at the comedy club, Orlando Improv-see when the show is. But don't plan on eating there! If you want to check out the Church Street Station itself, excellent. Otherwise, there are loads of shops and restaurants off the side streets of downtown and you don't have to pay to access them. You have your options for dinner, Manuel's, White Wolf Café-it all depends on your price range! But avoid the chains in this part of town. No reason to go with familiar when there is all this local fare to choose from!

After a late dinner (or a normal dinner and a comedy show), you'll notice the atmosphere changing. Around 9 and 10, the clubs start to open up. And there are a lot of them! All the way up and down Orange Ave and near Church Street. But it's a Thursday, you say? Yes! The locals love a Thursday downtown, especially the young and the hip! Stay away from Paris Hilton's monstrosity. The kids love Bar-B-Q Bar, Independent Bar, and hanging around wherever has the best drink specials. The little dance floor at Independent Bar (formerly Barbarella's) heats up after midnight with the latest hipster music-poppy, fun stuff. Watch them shake and jerk, admire the hairstyles, or enjoy cheap drinks and awesome bartenders! An alternative to any of the clubs I mention throughout is Parliament House, if you are gay or very, very gay friendly. Additionally, Southern Nights is slightly lower key-both near the downtown area.

Day Two: Friday

After last night, might you be wanting a hangover breakfast? First Watch on 17/92 a.k.a Mills Ave, has great options but can involve a wait any day of the week. Back in Casselberry is a hole in the wall place called Bagel King. Eggs, bagels, pastries, and home-style potatoes for cheap. You'll notice the chatty wait-staff really knows their regulars and they'll treat you just the same!

After getting fueled up, take your coffee over to Park Avenue. On one end is Rollins College, the home of education for the rich and spoiled here, and on the other end the street fades into elegant residential areas once past the Morse Museum which is home of the world's largest Tiffany Glass collection. Park Avenue is shopping heaven! Cute locals stores, art, fashion, a few chains and a collection of eclectic restaurants and wine bars all set in a gorgeous landscape of roses and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. You've got your work cut out for you. Someone wants to shop and the other doesn't? Plop yourself down somewhere and sample wine. Don't miss out on the specialty chocolate shops, and try something new like chocolate dipped potato chips or lavender truffles. No doubt you'll have to fight it out about where to eat lunch!

*All right, now, I know I said you wouldn't go near a Theme Park. And you're not, really. It just happens to be on the same I-4 exit. You are going, after you finish shopping, to Downtown Disney. From Park Ave, the drive can take a while. This place is a good way to spend the entire rest of your day. Wander the shops, get sucked in to the Virgin Megastore, enjoy the screaming children in the Disney Stores and then eat dinner. After dinner, you are going to make it ON TIME to a show at the Cirque Du Soleil. This is the most expensive thing you'll do all weekend (on this itinerary) and you must get tickets in advance. But it is worth every penny.

Afterward, have a snack. Walk back across and go to Ghirardelli Chocolate. All the ice cream here is fantastic, of course, but don't bother. What you want is a chocolate milk shake. And you will drink more of it than you think you will. Oh, and some McDonald's fries go great with that. Then, be a kid! Play with the Legos for goodness sake! Because we are going to be very adult and dance the night away at Pleasure Island, where a fee gets you in all the clubs and you mingle with people from all over the world.

Alternatively, you may choose to hit Universal Studio's CityWalk and catch the Blue Man Group. There are dining options and a variety of clubs to choose from here, as well.

Day Three: Saturday

I get it. You are exhausted today. But nowhere near as tired as if you had been schlepping around the Attractions all week. May I suggest a leisurely brunch at the Winter Park farmer's market? A small affair for the produce, but inside is a gourmet delight.

Afterward, another leisurely pursuit-high end shopping at the Mall at Millenia. A large mall, artistically decorated, with everything from an Apple store, to Urban Outfitters, to Tiffany's, to Neiman Marcus. You'll have no difficulty finding either a quick lunch or something more upscale at Blue Martini.

Endure that for as long as you can, and then prepare to enjoy some arts. The Orlando Museum of Art and the Science Center (if you have kids or have a little childlike wonder yourself) are a great way to spend some time. The OMA has unique exhibits, and notable traveling shows make their way there all the time. The Science Center is hands on fun for everyone.

Later you may like to check out what is playing at the Enzian, the art house theater of note, and enjoy some delightful dinner dining and wine. And since it is Saturday night, you could always head back downtown if you are up for more clubbing. Saturday is a good night for the nicer clubs. Young professionals, the pretty money, this is when they shine. Which clubs? Heck if I know, not my scene! But meander up and down Orange Avenue will again find you at the perfect spot for your style.

Day Four: Sunday

Today is a day of relaxation. You could head over to the Atlantic, about an hour away, and do a little body boarding. Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, or for a quieter time, I prefer Canaveral National Seashore where there are fewer people.

Or, stay closer to town and head over to Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. Take your bathing suit, towels, and/or your hiking boots and bug spray! Stop at the Fresh Market or Whole Foods on your way and grab a few things for lunch. A small fee to park gives you access to a range of activities. Sun yourself by the hot springs. Swim in the crystal clear waters. You can rent a canoe (bring cash) for a run down the river-keep an eye out for gators and other wildlife! (Don't worry, the swimming area is protected.) There are also miles of trails. A shorter one is a boardwalk through wetlands and a much longer one leads through pine scrub and saw palmetto forests.

And finally, one last recommendation for dinner. If you like sushi, Fuji Sushi is the place to go for reasonable prices, excellent quality, and truly unique and interesting combinations of flavors. If sushi isn't your thing, Lemoncello is a wonderful Italian place. Or there is Blue Bistro. Reservations are necessary, and the food is to die for with just the right amount of adventurousness.

Further Recommendations for Successful Exploring

Hopefully I have given you a few ideas to get you away from the Theme Parks and into the community. This really is how the locals live! Orlando is filled with opportunities for exploration. Grab a copy of the free paper, the Orlando Weekly, to see what is going on. There are always great music shows, art openings, and new places to eat. Once you get away from Disney, Universal Studios, and International Drive, the real adventure begins! Never hesitate to ask the locals, from your first waitress at Tijuana Flats to the clerk at the boutique shoe store on Park Ave, we all have our favorite places and trust me-we are used to you asking! Enjoy!