Discovering the Best of Orlando: A Guide to Resorts and Dining

Apr 6
06:24

2024

Cara Goldsbury

Cara Goldsbury

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Orlando, Florida, is a treasure trove of excitement with its world-class theme parks, luxurious resorts, and diverse dining experiences. Planning a trip to this vibrant city can be as thrilling as it is daunting, given the plethora of options available. To ensure your visit is filled with the crème de la crème of what Orlando has to offer, we've curated a guide to the top resorts and restaurants that promise to elevate your vacation experience. From deluxe accommodations to the finest culinary delights, here's your ultimate guide to Orlando's best.

Unrivaled Luxury: Orlando's Premier Resorts

Best Deluxe Resort

Orlando's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa stands out with its Victorian elegance and prime location facing the Magic Kingdom. For those seeking luxury beyond Disney,Discovering the Best of Orlando: A Guide to Resorts and Dining Articles the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a sanctuary where you might find no reason to venture out. Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel captures the essence of an Italian seaside village, making it a top pick for Universal visitors.

Best Resort Pool

Orlando's resorts boast some of the most impressive pools in the world:

  • Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort: Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre water wonderland.
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin: A grotto-style lagoon pool.
  • Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: The Volcano Pool with its waterfall and views of Cinderella's Castle.
  • Disney's Wilderness Lodge: A pool area complete with an erupting geyser.
  • Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress: A pool cooled by twelve waterfalls.

Best Home-Away-From-Home Property

For a cozy stay, consider the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Disney's Beach Club Villas, both offering unique themes and convenient park access.

Best Resort Atmosphere

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge immerses guests in an African savanna setting, while Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel transports visitors to a romantic Italian village.

Best Resort Lobby

Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge lobbies are awe-inspiring with their grand designs.

Best Access To The Parks

Disney's Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts offer monorail access to the parks, while Universal's Hard Rock Hotel is a short walk or boat ride from Universal Studios and CityWalk.

Best Resort For Romance

Disney's Polynesian Resort and Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel offer enchanting environments perfect for couples.

Best Resort For Nature-Lovers

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a haven for those who appreciate the great outdoors.

Best Resort Lounges

Orlando's resorts feature a variety of lounges, each with its own unique ambiance:

  • California Grill Lounge: Breathtaking views and sushi at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
  • Mizner’s Lounge: Cocktails and live music at Disney's Grand Floridian.
  • Tambu Lounge: Tropical drinks at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
  • Territory Lounge: A rustic retreat at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
  • bluezoo’s bar: A trendy spot at the Walt Disney World Dolphin.
  • Velvet Bar: The ultra-hip lounge at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel.
  • Bar American: Overlooking the piazza at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel.
  • Top of the Palace Lounge: Sophisticated vibes at the Wyndham Palace Resort.

Culinary Delights: Orlando's Best Dining Experiences

Best Italian Cuisine

Palio at the Walt Disney World Swan and Portobello Yacht Club at Disney Springs offer exceptional Italian dishes, from lobster-topped tortellini to thin-crust pizzas.

Best Seafood

Flying Fish on Disney's Boardwalk and Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin elevate seafood to new heights, while Roy's near Universal serves Hawaiian Fusion cuisine.

Best Steaks

Shula's at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Vito’s Chop House on International Drive are renowned for their perfectly cooked steaks.

Best Restaurant For Romance

Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian, Delfino Riviera at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel, and Norman’s at the Ritz Carlton offer romantic settings and exquisite dining.

Best Restaurant For Kids

The Rainforest Café at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs, and Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge provide fun, themed experiences for children.

Best Character Meal

Cinderella's Royal Table and the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom offer memorable dining with Disney characters.

Best Hip Atmosphere

Todd English’s bluezoo at the Dolphin and Tchoup Chop at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort boast trendy and stylish environments.

Best Disney View

Arthur’s 27 at the Wyndham Palace and California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort offer stunning views of Disney's fireworks and landscapes.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant

California Grill, Victoria and Albert’s, and Todd English’s bluezoo are top choices for their exceptional menus and ambiance.

Best Universal Resort Restaurant

Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort stands out for its Asian and Polynesian-inspired cuisine in a breathtaking setting.

Best Downtown Disney Restaurant

Wolfgang Puck’s Upstairs Dining Room serves innovative dishes with a unique twist.

Best Epcot Illuminations View

Rose and Crown in the United Kingdom pavilion provides a picturesque setting for the nightly show.

Best Milkshake

Beaches and Cream at Disney's Beach Club Resort is famous for its indulgent shakes and malts.

Best Pizza

Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Portobello Yacht Club, and Mama Melrose’s at Disney's Hollywood Studios offer top-notch pizzas with a variety of toppings.

Best Breakfast

Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk is known for its delicious breakfast offerings, including the Egg Rotollo.

Orlando's resorts and restaurants offer a world of choices for every taste and preference. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family-friendly adventure, or a culinary journey, Orlando has it all. With this guide, you're well-equipped to make the most of your stay in this dynamic city.

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