Daily Archives: June 16, 2009

Area: Kissimmee, FL and Orlando, FL
Expert: Sara Moore
Years living in Orlando, FL: 11
Company: ALL STAR Vacation Homes

Sara, what makes Orlando, FL a great destination to visit and stay in a vacation rental?

Besides beautiful, sunny, Florida weather – Orlando is home to more than 95 attractions, endless dining, shopping, spa and golf options and is just 60 miles from the closest beach.

We have more than 20,000 vacation rentals that surround the Orlando-area attractions and convention centers. Visitors can choose a condo or private pool home that meets any budget, group size or unique needs.

What are the top things to do (attractions, activities, events, etc.) in the area?  Are there any hidden gems that people may not be aware of? 

In Central Florida, you can do it all! Besides the well-known theme parks, visitors can choose from a large selection of unique experiences, such as:

• Airboat Rides
• Hot Air Balloons
• Freshwater or Saltwater Fishing
• Retail & Outlet Shopping

For example, Central Florida is home to Gatorland, a 110-acre attraction known as The Alligator Capital of the World. And Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection.

What are the top 5 ‘must-try’ restaurants in the area?

You can find almost any restaurant that is a family favorite in Orlando from McDonald’s to TGI Fridays. Below is a list of my favorites that are a little more unique, in no particular order.

1. Bahama Breeze – this limited Darden chain restaurant features Caribbean fare. Be sure to try the Tortilla Soup and the Bahamarita!

2. Texas de Brazil Steakhouse (also a limited chain restaurant) – If you ever have trouble choosing from a menu, this is a unique dining experience where you get to try it all.

3. Bruno’s Italian – Family friendly, homemade Italian and great pizza in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no better casual Italian in Orlando than Bruno’s.

4. Dixie Crossroads – If you are traveling to the East coast of Central Florida, Dixie Crossroads, located in Titusville, is famous for its Rock Shrimp!

5. Pointe Orlando – There are too many great restaurants to choose from in Orlando, so I’m cheating on #5 – Pointe Orlando, located on International Drive, is host to almost anything that you might be in the mood for. From Capital Grille for steaks to Oceannaire for seafood and Taverna Opa for Greek cuisine and festive entertainment.

What popular entertainment/nightlife options in the area would you recommend?

Pointe Orlando also features great nighttime entertainment, such as B.B.Kings Blues Club and a 20-screen movie theatre.

Downtown Disney has movies, the House of Blues, Bongos Cuban Cafe and Ragland Road Irish Pub.

Universal’s City Walk is also a great option for those looking to take in a little nightlife, with movies, dancing and is now home to the Blue Man Group!

Don’t forget the theme parks put on nightly fireworks shows, which can be seen throughout Central Florida and even from the pool decks of many of our private pool vacation homes.

You rent homes to hundreds of guests each year….so you must have a funny story or two about people that visit Orlando, FL:

We get this request a lot (remember I mentioned above our closest beach is 60 miles). “I want a home on the ocean, within a few miles of Disney.”

Also, in 2004, when Hurricane Charley blew through, we were hosting a famous comedian in a new community that still had construction going on. During the storm, the wind picked up a porta potty and it hit his rental car. Somehow I think that made it into a comedy routine at some point.