Why should adults have to go to meetings in Orlando?
 

I just returned from five excruciating days in Orlando at The Dolphin/Swan for a professional meeting. This is my fourth "adventure" there and I would just like to suggest that professional meeting planners stop sending grownups to this destination.

Of course, I understand that some people like or even need to bring there children on an occasional business trip. But the vast majority of business travelers do not go to meetings as an excuse to be with our children. We go to work, to network, to eat, and perhaps sneak in a little fun. At Disneyworld, these modest goals are impossible.

First, you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and it will cost you $37 flat rate every single time you step into a "cab." In fact, there are no cabs at Disneyworld. They have a contract with Mears Transportation, as does nearly every good hotel in Orlando. If you want a cab, you have to call one and wait, because I'm sure Disney gets a benefit of some kind from Mears for keeping their cars always on the property, and no metered cabs anywhere in sight. If you try to rent a car to avoid the extortion, you will discover that there are no cars available or that the price to rent a car spontaneously is 2-3 times the Internet rate.

Second, the food is just terrible: Corporate, homogenized, pre-prepared, dumbed down and outrageously expensive. We started with sushi at Kimono, which has a reputation as a "good" restaurant in Orlando. The choices were extremely limited, and we paid $100 for two for a meal that would have been $40 (and much better) back home. The Italian restaurant served us bad pizza, a limp salad, and gnocchi with a sauce straight out of Chef Boyardee. Again, it was hard not to sputter when we got the check. Breakfast buffets with fixed prices were like a scavenger hunt for fresh, ripe fruit among the overly sweet pastries and greasy meats, to say nothing of the joy of having some guy costumed as Goofy take my newspaper (which was not the Times, since the hotel never, ever ordered enough for the demand.) Even the fudge at the ice cream shop was bad. If Disney can't find good candy, then what IS their culinary strong suit??

My biggest complaint is the fatal overdose of Disneyness. Here we were, trapped, but we couldn't even go shopping for anything but wildly overpriced Disney clothes and kitsch. Even the elevator music included nothing but songs from its movies!

Please, planners, spare professionals the expense and agony of being stuck in this plastic homogenized surreality and send us to Miami, or Naples, or even Tampa!

Good grief, I meant "their children" not "there children." It must be the after-effects of ingesting all that plastic.

A huge +1 to this post, though the OP's alternatives of Naples, Tampa and Miami aren't high on my list either.

If I'm cooped up all day in the conference hotel, do I really care that I'm in Florida and it's 80 and sunny outside? And if I do get a break from my meetings, I'd rather the hotel be "in the middle of it all" so there's someplace-- cute stores, galleries or a museum, good restaurants, a coffee or wine bar-- within walking distance, not cab ride away.

Your post title is a little unfair to Orlando!

It sounds like your complaint is not with meetings in Orlando per se but with meetings at Walt Disney World. Those are two completely different things.

I think it's a general complaint about Orlando. Even off-Disney property, it's a pretty miserable place for a professional conference. Cars are almost mandatory, hotels are swarming with families, most of the hotels are a distance from downtown Orlando. Dreadful

Agreed. Our company did our annual conference in Vegas for years...then moved to Orlando. Your post summarizes the feelings from those in our group.

Nice place for kids, not so appropriate for business conferences.

Hubby recently attended a conference in Orlando (not at WDW) and came back with similar complaints to those above. His conference had been in Miami for years but moved to Orlando because it's cheaper.

Couldn't agree more. Have been stuck at numerous meetings in Orlando over the years - since it's inexpensive for a convention venue - and there are generally reasonable airfares from around the US. It's not so bad if you do one of the non-Disney resorts - I've done 2 smaller meeting at the Hyatt Grand Cypress - and it has way fewer kids. but you still end up taking the client for at least an evening at Disney - and sometimes a whole day.

I finally worked a compromise - I would take a group to Epcot and let some of the junior staff escort clients to the kids places.

But - I do agree Vegas is almost as bad. (I much prefer the meetings in London, Paris etc - and luckily now have to go to many fewer congresses.)

Buff, perhaps you're just venting, but if you want things changed, you should try telling this to whomever planned your meeting.

Orlando, along with Vegas and Branford, is suitable only as a nuclear test site. This will help our country. Really.

"Why should adults have to attend meetings in Orlando?"

I think that question is best answered by your employers and/or professional meeting planners, not by fellow travelers like us.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

I'm accompanying my husband to Orlando this Friday for his business conference, so this is a timely discussion! While he's in meetings, I'll probably just do a tiny bit of shopping, work out at the hotel fitness center, maybe visit Winter Park and generally relax. When he has time off, we'll try to get in a round of golf. We won't drive ourselves crazy looking for great meals and will avoid the theme parks altogether. I agree with the OP, though, it's a pain to have meetings in a place where transportation is such an expense and a bother. We're just glad to get away from the snow drifts.

It sounds like you a had a bad experience in Orlando. That is a shame, but I have to say not to judge a book by it's cover. I am from the area and would never go to the Swan/Dolphin as a way to experience Orlando. If you had your conference in Winter Park (cobblestone streets, cafes lined down a very upscale street that reminds me of Europe, Gaylord Palms, Ritz Carlton, Champions Gate (fabulous golfing), you would have had a whole different experience. All of these places are in Orlando, but unfortunately your employer picked a tacky place. You can't really stereotype all of Orlando based upon one hotel/area. Yes, you are right about the car thing. Everywhere in Orlando requires a car, unless you can self contain it in a fabulous hotel. It is not really a city (we do have a downtown area of course), but a mecca of different suburbs.

Interesting comment that Orlando "is not really a city (we do have a downtown area of course), but a mecca of different suburbs." This is, for me, the problem. Who wants to be stuck in the suburbs???

(By the way, my last conference in Orlando was at the enormous Marriott with the convention center space attached. In addition to atrocious food options in the hotel and a pricey cab ride to get anywhere else, even if I wanted to enjoy the lovely weather of Orlando during a break from my meetings, I couldn't because there's no wifi on the patios or by the pool. Also, the outdoor bar closed at some ridiculous hour like 8 pm because the noise bothers families staying at the hotel. And, yes, I have complained to the corporate event planners, but I also think Marriott and the tourism board have sold a bill of goods that this space, or any large hotel in Orlando, is appropriate for a professional gathering.)

The problem with the Gaylord and the large resorts off Disney property is that you are so isolated. You are completely stuck, with no mass transit. And Winter Park is nice, for about an hour.

I'll have to say that the food & transportation issues would irritate me as well, but why in the world would you want wifi at the pool?

Because if you are there for work, you need wifi for your phone/computer. So if there is a break and you want to sit by the pool just for a break, you can't get any work done.

flsd, you said,<b>"We won't drive ourselves crazy looking for great meals...."</b> Whatever do you mean? Are you saying there is <u>no</u> good food anywhere in the greater Orlando area? Don't believe it. If you are looking for a good restaurant recommendation <b>ask us!</b> That also includes WDW!

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

ML Times - yep, the Marriott that you went to in my opinion is not very nice either, so I don't blame you for being irritated. Orlando does not really have mass transit (we have a bus system but no one really uses it), so I think if people want to experience a conference for a city feel, they should go to Chicago, New York, etc. I just feel bad for the people at this forum in which their employers sent them to horrible hotels. (Swan, convention Marriott) We have so many beautiful places that are not tacky but so luxurious and you would have just loved your time in Orlando. You could have gotten your golf clubs out, laid out at an upscale pool with WiFi, and ate at all the best restaurants.

Or you could have gotten a glimpse of Tiger Woods getting his coffee at the Starbucks in my town. HAHA. However, no one has spotted him yet. Just a bunch of paparazzi. Let's just say the Bay Hill Golf Invitational didn't set up shop in Orlando for nothing. We have so many celebrities that live in Orlando and have second homes here. So, again I think you went to all the wrong places. Think of it this way - if a tourist went to New York and all they got to see was Staten Island then I think that would be an awful impression of New York!

So where is the Manhattan of Orlando? Where is the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The Central Park? The great resturants? I've been there at least 6-7 time, stayed at the Gaylord and the Ritz, and still consider having to go to Orlando for work to be a hsrdship. I think you have to consider what it's like to be a business person, often traveling by yourself, to be visiting Orlando for three-four days. It takes forever to get to interesting shopping, find interesting restaurants, get a little culture.

Yep, you are right. It is not a metropolitan. No one is denying that. You might want to tell your employer to set up your conferences in big cities like New York, Chicago, Philly, etc. You can't compare Florida or California. You need a car in places like this. We do have an amazing art museum though in Winter Park. I am surprised at your comments though. We have amazing shopping - the Mall of Millenia has Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier. They often have fashion shows there. This part of town is in the center of town and about a 15 minute drive. I would assume that it can take 15 minutes to get down to the subway, hop on and then get to your destination. In Orlando, you have to hop in your car. I can really tell you don't like driving, so perhaps you really need to change your conferences. However, my husband has had many conferences in Orlando and his clients really enjoyed it. They went golfing, gone to some of the best hotspots in Orlando (Ocean Prime) and really ate well. I am surprised at the fact that you said you didn't eat well. The Ritz Carlton steakhouse was rated one of the best in the state of Florida. AS far as park go, we have SO many parks in Orlando! In fact, they are beautiful. Winter Park, Leu Gardens, Lake Eola.

Okay, I'll answer your original questions. Why do they hold conferences in Orlando? Well, because

1. The weather is generally good and so no excuses for being late for the conference (unlikely to have travel delays getting into Orlando vs. Atlantic Seaboard cities that may have blizzards, etc...).

2. The price of having a convention in Orlando is cheaper than most other convention cities.

3. There are plenty of family attractions for those that do bring their family along (and there are always some that do).

4. There are plenty of golf courses and the weather is agreeable for golf, and for most business people, golf is the sport of choice for cutting business deals.

5. There are good restaurants. Fulton's Crab House in Downtown Disney is one of the best seafood restaurants I've eaten at (have their crab claws, some of the best I've ever tasted), and Emeril's two restaurants there never disappoint.

That being said, I don't think Orlando is the best destination for conventions. I think New Orleans is, because in addition to all of the above, you don't need a car, so rental car costs are zero for the company. Also, there are more adult entertainment options, but still kiddie attractions (zoo, aquarium, IMAX, insectarium, children's museum, etc...). Also, never heard someone complain about going to New Orleans for a conference, but have heard many complaints about Vegas or Orlando.

OrlandoVic, I'm sure there are quite a few good dining experiences to be had in Orlando, didn't mean to imply otherwise. We just don't want to spend a fortune (business trip does not mean unlimited expense account for him, and we're paying for my expenses) and want to keep it fairly casual. I've been reading this board and other sites for recommendations and do have a few restaurants in mind.

I'm a little confused by the car comment. Rental cars in Orlando generally have some of the lowest rates in the country. And many hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. actually have free parking. Did you somehow reserve a car and THEN the price doubled or tripled after you did so? Kind of hard to swallow. Perhaps you need help in learning how to book a rental car?

Compare renting a car in Orlando to somewhere like Phoenix where the local "taxes and fees" double the cost, for example.

Msny employers won't reimburse car rentals. And renting a car means you then have to drive in the awful Orlando traffic to do anything.

Its beginning to sound like Orlando isn't the problem, it is that you have decided you hate Orlando and aren't willing to take some action to make yourself happier. Get yourself a cheap rental car, turn on the radio and ignore the traffic on your way to a nice restaurant thats open past 8pm. Put your headphones on so you don't have to whistle along with teh disney tunes in the elevator. Get a smartphone or wifi card so you can use your computer anywhere. Instead of working at the pool, use your half hour break to swim a few laps in the pool.

I'm sorry. I know you're just venting here, but it just takes a little creativity to make the best of bad situations if your happiness is at stake.

Do you travel for work, lcuy?

I think Orlando is legendary for being one of the most disliked business destinations. Few people, unless they are traveling with their kids, have much good to say about being stuck there.

Yes, anyone can cope. But that doesn't mean the criticism isn't merited. I can cope with needing to travel to Omaha--which is actually not a bad place and easier to get around than Orlando--but that doesn't mean it would be on the top of my list.

The fact that Orlando is such a maligned business travel destination, yet continues to be a convention magnet, is an interesting discussion to have on a travel forum.

I've gone on lots of business conferences and conventions.We did work trips for several years, though not anymore.

I'm sure Orlando has got some issues. Great destinations have issues too (cost, for starters)

What bothered me was that there have been quite a few good suggestions for working around those issues, but each one was met with, "yeah, but.."

Well, he may need to read the book "don't sweat the small stuff."

Hate to jump in here, but I have also been to Orlando for a number of conferences, only one of them company sponsored, all the rest of them organization conferences.

I think Orlando is probably a good place for a vacation (and of course for those who live there). But honestly it is one of my least favorite places for a conference. I'm there to work, so frankly the amenities of a golf resort (like Championsgate from which I just returned) and the Gaylord cannot really be enjoyed by me and it costs a ridiculous amount of money, plus resort fees, plus very expensive meal options, in places that really isolate you from anywhere else.

I can't even remember all the other places I've been to for a conference in Orlando, but it just isn't my favorite. At least in Vegas you can walk out the door and see and do things--and I don't even gamble!

I am sure they are not going to stop having conferences there just because I don't like it, but the fact that I don't like it remains. For conferences that is!

Jill, I don't sweat the small stuff. But I also believe in being honest and, honestly, Orlando is a dreadful place for business travel, as many people said. There are lots of great places to live that I wouldn't want to visit, and there are lots of places I'd like to visit I wouldn't want to go to on business.

Yes, a perfect example of sweating the small stuff is "no wifi at the pool" and "traffic" (which you can have at any city) and no good retaurants in all of Orlando. That book is perfect for you!

I guess I'm a little confused. If you're really there for business then aren't most of the activities in the hotel and planned? Are you saying that you want more "distractions" so that the trip isn't really about business at all? It seems to me one of the reasons so many conventions or business activities are in Orlando is BECAUSE it offers so much more IF wives or family want to go -- you know --the ones who are there NOT for strictly business.

Meanwhile I'm curious to hear more cities that would be better -- those that don't have traffic problems, where things like wifi is included at the pool (assuming it's even in a climate where you'd use a pool in February) and where you don't need a car or you won't be blown away in sub zero temperatures walking to a restaurant. In fact, I'd love to hear about all the wonderful places where you could go the first week of February, where sitting by a pool would even be an option. Instead of enjoying the fact you have warm enough weather to sit by a pool, you're complaining because you can't do wifi there? Would you be doing that in Chicago? New York? Toronto? St. Louis? Seattle? Give me a break. I'm sorry, but if you can't appreciate anything about being in Orlando in the beginning of February, you just sound like a real complainer to me!

Count me in for another who does not like Orlando as a conference destination. I have stayed at the Gaylord properties and it is isolated except for being acorss the road from the convention center.
I have never had time to sit by a pool at a conference unless I build a day in, but why?

Really, I would rather be in Dallas or Phoenix , or even NYC!

The taxis are ridiculous and the over priced food is mediocre at best. The swarms of tourists grate on my nerves is why I would never plan a conference there if it was up to me.

I have been there with the children years ago and we enjoyed it under those auspices.

To add to bkluvsNola's excellent list, Orlando resorts are some of the few places in the country that can handle mega conventions.

It sounds to me like the OP specifically has a problem with Orlando.

Buy a guidebook and get out and see a few things. Orlando might surprise you.

And by the way, The Swan and Dolphin are NOT in Orlando but Lake Buena Vista. Different cities.

"Meanwhile I'm curious to hear more cities that would be better -- those that don't have traffic problems, where things like wifi is included at the pool (assuming it's even in a climate where you'd use a pool in February) and where you don't need a car or you won't be blown away in sub zero temperatures walking to a restaurant."

Miami, especially South Beach. San Diego.

"If you're really there for business then aren't most of the activities in the hotel and planned? Are you saying that you want more "distractions" so that the trip isn't really about business at all?"

Not necessarily. You may not want to participate in planned activities. There may not be planned activities, or they may geared around kids. You want to get "off property" for a meal and to get away.

Wow. Glad to know there are no traffic problems in South Beach in February and that it apparently has good public transportation. Things much have changed there VERY recently.

Also nice to know that all hotels there include wifi at the pool, while no hotels in Orlando do.

Your comments were not about specific hotels, but rather aimed at a city in general. I just don't know that I would agree with much of what you have stated. In other words, because your particular hotel did not have wifi at the pool -- that is reason to bash the entire Orlando area as a place to have a convention? Sorry. I make lemonade out of lemons when I travel. Some people only taste the bitterness.

Wow Mike. I have been to both South Beach and San Diego many times and those cities have traffic problems. Also, do you really believe that all hotel pools in Orlando do not have Wifi? This is quite funny to me that you would assume since one pool doesn't have Wifi, then they all wouldn't. Perhaps South Beach you don't need a car, but San Diego you definitely need a car. So, your statement does not make any sense.

Do you honestly believe that you can't get off property in Orlando and have a good meal? I guess you have never heard of restaurant row in Orlando then. Honestly, it just sounds like bad planning to me. If you are adament on having a good experience on your trips, you should do a little research before you go or perhaps stop throwing out comments that don't have any merit.

I didn't complain about the wifi. That was someone else's concern. Because, you know, a number of people have voiced the complaint that Orlando is a lousy place to go on business.

And South Beach is very walkable in February. You don't have to step foot in a cab to go to Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive, even the Wolfsonian. There are at least 100 restaurants, plus the beach, plus hotel pools with wifi (if that's your thing).