lildaisy

My husband and I are going to Orlando for a business trip but plan to stay a few days longer to relax and have some fun. We will be going at the end of Nov. and staying for 4 nights.

I would appreciate any advice on hotels and fun activities for late 20 somethings in and around Orlando. What are some good restaurants to go to that aren't horribly expensive?

Thanks!

dsquared

What kind of activities do you enjoy, and what is your definition of expensive?

alliegator

are you staying in downtown Orlando or near the theme parks?

I would suggest going to downtown Orlando for some cool clubs/bars. There is one section of downtown called Wall Street that has a ton of bars/clubs. Really fun! Also, Church Street, around the corner from Wall Street, has been revitalized and is a good place for your age group.

lildaisy

We like to do almost anything. I like dancing, people watching and listening to music. My husband really likes to fish, so maybe we could get a guide.
Is the weather this time of year too cool to do watersports?

We're hoping to find some good restaurants that aren't more than $25 per person. We like all kinds of food, but not chinese/thai/indian.

We still haven't found a hotel. The trade show we're going to is at the Orange County convention center (N/S)We are thinking about getting one near there or somewhere on I Drive.

Do most hotels have shuttles? or Would it be best to rent a car? How is the public transportation (i.e. taxis, buses, etc.)?

Thanks.

Tandoori_Girl

You will need to rent a car. Florida does not have mass transit so if you have to pay for a taxi from the airport and back, you may as well rent a car. Most hotels by Disney have free parking. As for a place to stay, you should stay near the Convention Center on I Drive. The hotels are very competitive so you can get a good rate.

Orlando has lots of lakes but if you want to get fishing action you should head to either the Gulf or the Atlantic, which is not a bad trek if you spend a night or two there (couple of hours drive). Otherwise, I'd just stay put and enjoy what Orlando has to offer as you're not there long. Other posters suggestions for things going on in downtown Orlando and Downtown Disney are good. I'd also check out Winter Park, an older neighborhood east of downtown that has a lively commercial core with bars, restaurants, museums, hotels.

alliegator

I agree with renting a car and staying on I-drive near the Convention Center. The weather will be nice. It's beautiful here now. You can head out towards Cocoa Beach and be there in 1hour if you take the Beeline/Beachline (SR 528). There you can go fishing and get some great Sea Food or go on the Sterling Gambling Boat. It's free (to get on) and it's fun to cruise around for half a day. You don't even have to gamble.

My suggestion is to still drive 20minutes to downtown and head to the bars there. I don't really care for the clubs at the tourist spots. I'm not sure how much a cab ride is from I-drive to downtown? There are many parking garages though.

I like Kobes Japanese Steakhouse. It's a chain but still fun. Also, O'Boys BBQ is great. They have a couple locations in Orlando. A really good Italian restaurant is called Timpano's.

Hope that helps!

Tandoori_Girl

lidaisy, if you go to Downtown Disney, try Disney Quest. It's a virtual reality theme park. Very interesting.

lildaisy

Thanks for all the help! We have booked a room at Westgate Lakes Resort. Has anyone heard anything about it?

Where can I go to get discount tickets for Orlando attractions (i.e. Disneyworld, Sea World, etc.)?

ALso, We will need to rent a car. What car companies in Orlando should I consider?

Thanks all!