Area Expert Provides Advice on Vacation Rentals in Orlando, FL
June 16th, 2009 by Colleen SavilleArea: 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.
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June 17th, 2009 at 9:47 am
FlipKey Blog – Expanding the Vacation Rental Market » Blog Archive » Area Expert Provides Advice on Vacation Rentals in Orlando, FL…
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-…
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 am
We were on the look out for good vacation spots in the area of Kissimmee, as we are planning to go there in the middle of July. I came across this blog searching for the same on the net. And what a coincidence, you have provided lots of good options for us. I will definitely tell about the spots have suggested in this article to my friends. I hope they will also find it useful.
Thanks for the post Colleen.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
This is a great blog about vacation rentals and how to make sure that you make the right decision when renting a home in Orlando.
Thanks for taking care of renters.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Hello, I think its Great that you are helping out renters, thats what i do as well, I am a web designer and I make websites for propertys, my website is called openhousenow.net and if you see a vacation rental that does not show the property well, send them my info, I make wonderful websites for propertys, this way the renter can see the rental in it’s entirety, and be able to make a good choice, and if anyone here that reads this blog needs a website, just mention this blog and I will make you one for no cost,*only if you mention this blog, keep up the great work here!
September 16th, 2009 at 9:42 am
The food at Taverna Opa is mediocre at best, the prices are outrageous and the service/management is terrible. These are some inexperienced restaurant owners who thought they would go big. Tourism will keep them open for a bit but the word will get around. The locals are already disappointed.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
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October 19th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Great post. I found it to be very useful. I will have to bookmark your site for future reading.
March 4th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I live outside of Orlando and there are some really great things to do outside the parks so I really enjoyed your article. putting a new spin on orlando is what it needs.