gmoney

Fanah, First off let me say that nytraveler is an idiot. Anybody who says that this area is a food wasteland is either stupid or just a food snob. There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the Central Florida Area. If you are at Westgate Lakes just turn left on Turkey lake road and go to Sand lake road. Turn left on Sand Lake road for dozens of eateris (Timpano, Samba room, Ruths Chris, Mortons, Melting Pot, Roys, Seasons 52, Toojays). Turn right on SLR and you will come to international drive with too many restaurants to mention but suggest Fishbones, Bahama Breeze. In Disney parks again, many many eateries, go to wdwig.com and you will find every menu for every restaurant on disney property with prices. Weather will most likely be plenty warm for water especially if coming from snowy north. That time period will be the start of spring break so beaches could be fairly crowded. As mentioned before millenia mall or Florida mall for shopping. Millenia mall is more upscale (Macys, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus). Also a great seafood restaurant at Millenia (McCormick & Shmicks). If your looking for Barbados you will be disappointed but there are many nice beaches. I prefer west coast (Gulf) to east coast beaches. I like Clearwater beach but thats just me. I have lived in Orlando since 1970 and this is a locals viewpoint.

MelG

Perhaps it's time you did some research on this site,and perhaps bought a travel guide.

Tandoori_Girl

fanah, MelG is not a real poster. He/she is just some whiner. Click on his name and check out his/her other posts.

emd

I think fanah just made a fodors boo boo by asking for what places to eat in the 4 parks before she had decided which one she is going to (later when I asked she said she is only going to one, probably MGM). Fodorites don't appreciate that as then they tie themsleves up giving adivce that isn't really needed on the other 3 parks.
Fanah hasn't posted much and has only asked one question in the past, so let's be nice and let her know- it is better to decide first which park instead of asking advice on all 4 and confusing folks who take time to answer.
Regarding my Epcot French dining comment, I was responding more to the previous poster's comment on how barren Orlando is of good food. Sorry if I caused confusion, I did not intend that as a vegetarian option. But this leads me to another comment- it helps to know what kind of vegetarian you are when one is giving recommendaations- do you eat no animal food at all, no dairy, or do you eat fish, etc. So many kinds of vegetarians w/lots of differences, and it affects dining options.

fanah

Wow, thanks so much for letting me know that I made a boo-boo. Anyway! I had not decided at that point, but if you want to hold me to a park, MGM would be it. I am a pretty strict vegetarian, I don't eat seafood or eggs, but dairy I definitely do (I love cheese!) So thanks everyone who's posted helpful comments so far, it's greatly appreciated.

emd

There's just got to be a good guide for vegetarians who don't eat any meat, seafood, or eggs but do eat dairy and who venture to Orlando. Someone just has to lead you to it. I can't even start to help there, but someone will.

fanah

Thanks everyone for the info, it was mostly extremely helpful. I'll be down there soon! So does anyone know of any festivals, or special events that will be happening? Like I said we should be there next weekend and we're staying for 2 weeks.