Orlando Travel Guide

"Everything is fresh and well-done" at this "modern" trio boasting a "vast", "creative menu" filled with "beautifully presented" raw fin fare, "wonderful" rolls and "awesome lunch specials" ("love the bento box!"); although it's "as pricey as any Japanese restaurant" and the "service can be hit-or miss, the sushi is always right on", leading surveyors to conclude "it's still one of the best in town"; P.S. diners "like the teppanyaki show" at the Dr. Phillips and Lake Mary locations.

"Everything is fresh and well-done" at this "modern" trio boasting a "vast", "creative menu" filled with "beautifully presented" raw fin fare, "wonderful" rolls and "awesome lunch specials" ("love the bento box!"); although it's "as pricey as any Japanese restaurant" and the "service can be hit-or miss, the sushi is always right on", leading surveyors to conclude "it's still one of the best in town"; P.S. diners "like the teppanyaki show" at the Dr. Phillips and Lake Mary locations.

An "incredible setting" featuring "luscious colors" is the main attraction at this "beautiful" hotel restaurant in Downtown Orlando, where the "imaginative" New American fare is accompanied by "attentive but not pushy" service; it's "great for a romantic dinner or a power lunch" (especially "if someone else is treating"), and the "excellent Sunday jazz brunch" includes a "variety of exquisite foods" plus music played live on the lounge's Bösendorfer piano.

A "businessman's atmosphere – big steaks, big desserts, big impressions" – helps make this Orlando-area trio "a must" for local carnivores who consider it a "winning" choice; while some are "unimpressed" with the "time warp" decor, most factor in the "attentive service", "large portions" and "consistent quality", declaring it a "good value for your money."

A "businessman's atmosphere – big steaks, big desserts, big impressions" – helps make this Orlando-area trio "a must" for local carnivores who consider it a "winning" choice; while some are "unimpressed" with the "time warp" decor, most factor in the "attentive service", "large portions" and "consistent quality", declaring it a "good value for your money."

In a "hard-to-find" spot just "steps from Restaurant Row", this "cozy, comfortable" Dr. Phillips "charmer" is "where the locals eat", in part because they "always feel welcome" while indulging in "divine" Continental cuisine (the "flavors are bold yet well-balanced") accompanied by a "wonderful wine selection"; it's "pricey", but the "impeccable service" and nightly guitar "serenading" will have you feeling like you're eating at "your personal restaurant."

Be "blown away" by a meal at this "elegant" Dr. Phillips Italian where the "exceptional experience" includes "fabulous" old-world cuisine made with "the finest and freshest ingredients", a "gracious", "attentive" staff and a selection of "hard-to-find wines" (let the "knowledgeable sommelier" help you choose); female patrons "get a rose" as they're seated, but given the "high prices", some suggest "it turns out to be a very expensive rose."

"A welcome respite", this Creole "classic" from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse "whisks you away" from the "Universal Studios hustle and bustle" with "imaginative" fare that's "beautifully prepared" and complemented by "premier presentation" and "friendly service"; it's "worth the price for a true foodie", although the "loud", "busy" ambiance has mellow types murmuring "the food is terrific, the tourists are annoying"; P.S. "if you can't get a seat, eat at the bar."

"Emeril does Roy Yamaguchi" at this Hawaiian–Asian fusion "favorite" in the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where guests feast on a "fabulous" array of "innovative" dishes in a "gorgeously exotic" "Pacific island–meets–theme park" setting that's perhaps even "more delicious than the food"; whether you sit at a table or "watch the kitchen ballet" at the chef's bar, "superb service on every visit" ensures it's among "the best at Universal" and "well worth the wait on weekends."

The "cool factor" looms large at Thornton Park's "oasis of sophistication", a "see-and-be-seen" magnet for Downtown Orlando's "beautiful people", who congregrate over "consistently creative" New American cuisine served by a "helpful, friendly" staff; those who find it "noisy inside" can opt for a seat on the "A+ patio", but regulars recommend "putting your stuffed shirt away" to enjoy the monthly disco brunch, "a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."

"A must for any serious golfer", "Arnie's 'home' club" is replete with "great history" on a "classic", "relatively flat" layout featuring "plush fairways" and "demanding" hazards, especially on the "outstanding last three holes"; you'll need to stay to play, but the "intimate", "country-club" experience includes "invaluable caddies", "excellent facilities", a "helpful staff" and – if you're lucky – "a cheery wave from the man himself to make the trip worthwhile"; N.B. it hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Just a few miles northeast of Walt Disney World, a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" awaits at this water park where swimmers can realize the "fantasy" of frolicking with "playful" "kissing" dolphins (the "main attraction"), while landlubbers can "interact with stingrays" and "other creatures of the sea", not to mention "beautiful birds in the aviary"; yes, it's "expensive", but it's a "day-long treat" and "everything is included", from "awesome eats" to a keepsake photograph; N.B. rates vary by season.

An "interesting but tricky" Jack Nicklaus design, this 27-holer in Orlando serves up "lots of water", "punitive rough", "difficult greens" and a "good pace of play", with the "North/South being the marquee" combination; the "amazing" conditions, "superb facilities" and "fantastic service" lead many to conclude that a trip "here will empty your wallet, but will also leave you with a memory that money can't buy."

"Gators, gators and more gators" await at this "kitschy but fun" "low-tech" attraction in South Orlando, a "grimy but authentic" "Old Florida park" that bills itself as the 'Alligator Capital of the World'; spend an afternoon enjoying "beautiful walks" along planked trails and then watch shows that get the creatures "jumping", but although most find it "well worth the money", a few "can't help thinking what a great pocketbook one of these would make."

For a "taste of Orlando before urban sprawl", stroll through nearly 50 acres of "tranquil, stress-reducing" gardens at this "largely undiscovered treasure" in College Park, where you'll "ooh and aah" over one of the biggest American camellia collections in the country, the state's largest rose garden, a butterfly garden and more than "a few brides on the lawn" of the historical Leu House ("do not miss the tour"); N.B. free on Mondays from 9 AM–noon.

A "Tom Watson gem", this "truly fulfilling experience" encompasses a "fantastic design" set atop "unusual terrain for Florida", with "varied elevations" and "simply beautiful landscaping"; "you won't believe how much dirt they moved" to build this "linkslike" layout – "those hills weren't there before" – which comes complete with the "excellent facilities and service" and "wonderful lodging" you'd expect from an "amazing resort with three big-name courses."

"Not for the faint of heart", this Universal theme park is a piece of "vibrantly colored" "eye candy" for those "daredevils" who love the "stupendous", "technologically advanced" thrills that make this a "roller-coaster heaven"; a handful of critics claims it "doesn't compare" to Disney's parks – there "aren't enough attractions to fill a whole day" – but guests at the three affiliated resorts appreciate the express passes that let them "cut every line."

An "interesting but tricky" Jack Nicklaus design, this 27-holer in Orlando serves up "lots of water", "punitive rough", "difficult greens" and a "good pace of play", with the "North/South being the marquee" combination; the "amazing" conditions, "superb facilities" and "fantastic service" lead many to conclude that a trip "here will empty your wallet, but will also leave you with a memory that money can't buy."

Culture vultures head Downtown to this "small", "quiet" art museum that's "getting better all the time" courtesy of permanent exhibits of Pan-American and African art and artifacts, plus a "wonderful variety of shows" that change regularly; nevertheless some cognoscenti counsel "check the event calendar" in advance "to make it worth your time and money."

For a "rainy-day getaway", consider this Downtown Orlando exploratorium that's packed with "hands-on exhibits" demonstrating the workings of the human body, energy, Florida's ecosystem, film special effects and laser beams, among other topics; amateur astronomers find the observatory the star attraction (especially the monthly SunWatch), while everyone digs the planetarium laser shows and the ever-changing IMAX movies.

Groove-shakers find this "trendy" Downtown club "more laid-back and upscale than the touristy places nearby", making it all the better for dancing to "'80s music on Saturday night" or enjoying "interesting happy-hour drinks" (including Friday three-for-one specials); the big, multilevel space aims for an island look, and if some cite "too many young and desperate guys" in the crowd, others say "watching the hook-up scene" is part of the "fun."

A "good sound system" has the "young crowd" hopping at this Universal CityWalk club, a "pretty happening place" that fans deem "about as fun as you can get in the tourist area"; a spiral staircase winding down to the "nice-size dance floor", three themed VIP areas and a multitude of special effects help make it "a good place to dance the night away."

While DJs spin Top 40 and house music, drag queens and boy toys cut a rug under glittering disco balls at this gay club in South Orlando's Parliament House; off the dance floor, chiseled bartenders wearing form-fitting outfits serve bargain booze and shake their groove thangs.

South Orlando goes South Beach at this "beautifully designed" three-pronged gay club with a "good sound system and good music"; partyers can choose from the white, futuristic Ultra Lounge, the Jewel Box (featuring variety acts and a dance floor fringed by ornate crosses) or Adonis, a dark bar frequented by "cute dancing boyz."

Look, up in the sky, there's "lots of people-watching and cool drinks" at this South Beach–style rooftopper where couples laze about in "cozy canopied nooks" as DJs spin hip-hop, soul and techno; the all-white decor, "romantic" vibe and lofty altitude make it "different from other Downtown bars", though one grumbler says the "hipsters ruin the fantasy."

Club-goers under the spell of the all-you-can-drink deals boogie down on the "large dance floor" at this restored 1920s Downtown theater; but detractors say it somehow manages to be both "played out" and "a bit snobby", and warn about "sleaze on the sidelines."

Tikiphiles carrying a torch for island cocktails, coconut shrimp and $2.50 Red Stripes converge at this "down-to-earth" Downtown watering hole, whose massive wooden bar complements the bamboo-heavy Polynesian decor; those who want a break from the crowds can palapa themselves down outside under the thatched umbrellas and soak in the "great patio vibe."