Epcot Globe in Orlando

There’s something quite distinctive about an open air concert in the summer. Something about it speaks to our communal sense of relaxation and easy good times. With this in mind, Disney decided to come up with the Epcot Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. The goal is to host some great music and offer their guests an exciting end of the summer day. If you find yourself at the Epcot Theme Park this summer, you should consider sticking around for some of this season’s great tunes. This concert series is definitely one of Orlando’s top summer events!

What makes the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series so great? Well, they stick with the staples, for one. The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series is a series of music concerts which are all headlined by cover groups. In this way, great music is assured, and it’s remarkable how close these bands come to sounding and acting like the real thing!

June 9 – 15: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 16 – 22: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 23 – 29: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – The Ultimate Billy Joel Show
June 30 – July 6: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 7 – 13: SouthBound and Company – A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
July 14 – 20: The Police Experience – A Tribute to the Police
July 21 – 27: 2U – A Tribute to U2

The shows play three times a night: at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m. in the America Gardens Theatre in the Epcot Theme Park. These high-energy performances are a perpetual hit, so if you happen to be in Orlando this June or July, head on down to the Epcot Center – these bands are the closest thing to the real thing.

 -Natalie Grant

Epcot Sounds Like Summer Concert Series from Orlando Things to Do

Disney Character Breakfast. Photo courtesy of n2linux.

When visiting Orlando, one of the most popular attractions is Walt Disney World, the world’s biggest amusement park. The theme park features four main parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, each with its own unique offerings. Visitors can spend their days going on rides, playing games, eating international cuisine, seeing live shows, shopping, and, a top highlight, dining with the Disney characters.

Walt Disney World is a great family-friendly attraction in Orlando, and dining with the Disney characters can enhance the experience. Dining with the Disney Characters not only allows children to take photos with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, but also interact with them in an intimate setting. One option is the Disney Character Breakfast at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The exciting excursion begins with a luxurious limo ride to the resort, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast of made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, hot dishes and more. While you eat, the Disney characters will come around to the different tables, mingling, signing autographs and taking photos.

Another worthwhile option for dining with the Disney characters is a Disney Character Dinner at Chef Mickey’s Restaurant. Just like with the breakfast, you’ll be transported in style via limousine to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a hot buffet dinner, full children’s menu and ice cream sundae bar, as well as to get to know the famous Disney characters. This tour also includes free time to explore Disney’s Marketplace. Some other popular places to enjoy dining with the Disney characters include Cinderella’s Royal Table for fairytale dining, Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Wonderland Tea Party at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for a kids-only no-adults experience.

There are a few insider tips that can be helpful when dining with the Disney characters. First of all, make sure to make bookings advance as it is one of Walt Disney World’s most popular experiences. Moreover, get to the meal as early as possible to maximize your time with the characters. And most importantly, don’t forget an autograph book and a camera to capture the experience forever.

-Jessica Festa

Dining with the Disney Characters from Orlando Things to Do

Exhibit from Ripley’s Believe It or Not in London. Photo courtesy of Immanuel Giel

One quirky way to spend a day is heading over to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Orlando. Inside Ripley’s “Odditorium” — which you enter through a weird building that appears to be sinking into the ground — you’ll become immersed in the world of the bizarre. Sixteen separate galleries showcase unbelievable relics and displays, some of which include an actual shrunken human head, the “Mona Lisa” made entirely of burnt toast, a section of the Berlin Wall, a 25-foot high mural of Jimi Hendrix made from over 8,500 playing cards, a balloon powered chair that flew over the Rocky Mountains and a dog sculpture made of clothes pins.

Visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not is one of the top things to do in Orlando, so make sure to bring your camera so you can remember the fun. It’s not everyday you can snap a photo of yourself next to a portrait of Beyonce made of candy, the World’s tallest man or a 14-foot portrait of The Last Supper made entirely from dryer lint. Plus, it’s located right near the many things to do on International Drive. And at $19.99 for an adult ticket, visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a budget-friendly attraction in Orlando.

So, who was Ripley and why is he so fascinated with the weird? Robert Ripley was “the cartoonist, the explorer, the reporter, adventurer, illustrator, collector and seeker of the odd and unusual.” By the age of 14 he had already sold his first cartoon to LIFE Magazine, and by 15 began working in newspapers. After moving to New York in 1913, he started working for the New York Globe sketching sports cartoons. One slow day he decided to use his imagination and draw a group of unusual sporting events, calling the cartoon “Believe It or Not!.” From there he began traveling the world, exploring the bizarre oddities of the world and picking up unusual artifacts that led to the world-renowned museum that exists today.

-Jessica Festa

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Orlando from Orlando Things to Do

Art. Photo courtesy of Keeandra.

The Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N. Mills Avenue) in Orlando is more than just your ordinary creative space. Its collection encompasses pieces from a variety of locations, time periods and art forms, some of which include contemporary paintings, 18th century American photographs, African masks, and silver artifacts from 2000 BC to present. While visitors can enjoy lectures and gallery tours, they can also take part in First Thursdays.

First Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art is an art party that takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 6pm to 9pm. The program was started by a volunteer group whose mission was increase museum membership as well as encourage the appreciation of the visual arts. Each event focuses on a new theme through works created from local artists and audience participation. For example, the 2013 kickoff event on January 3 was a Duncan McClellan Wine Glass Event, where participants designed a plate or wine glass to by etched at the contemporary glass artist Duncan McClellan’s studio. Moreover, the March 7 event was titled The Art of Women in honor of Women’s History Month, and featured works from talented female artists that celebrated strength, love, beauty and individuality. Additionally, on May 2, 2013, the theme was Boiler Plate Ball: Steampunk Steps Out, where artists brought an alternative view to their work using insight, wit and humor through steampunk, dieselpunk or clockpunk.

The museum has much more planned for 2013. Additionally, on June 6 the theme will be Collaboration, with artists partnering to show the positives and challenges of working together. Stay tuned for more uniquely-themed Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art as the year progresses.

First Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art also features live music, a cash bar serving wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food from local cafes.

Admission to 1st Thursdays is free for Orlando Museum of Art members and $10 for non-members, which includes access to the museum’s featured exhibits. Free parking is available at Orlando Loch Haven Park.

For more information on this attraction, check out Exploring the Orlando Museum of Art.

-Jessica Festa

First Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art from Orlando Things to Do

Orlando skyline. Photo courtesy of Dominican via Wikimedia Commons.

While much has been written on great things to do in Orlando, it’s important to also look at what not to do in the city. In order for a trip to Orlando to be successful travelers should keep a few tips and tidbits of advice in mind, such as:

1. Don’t eat at chain restaurants you can find at home

One of the main points of traveling is getting to have new experiences, so choose local restaurants. Ones that source local ingredients are the best because they give you a true taste of local flavor. Some farm-to-table restaurants in Orlando include The Rusty Spoon, The Table Orlando and Pine Twenty2.

2. Don’t spend all your time at Walt Disney World

There are many great Orlando attractions and experiences to be had. Playing a round of golf in Orlando, unwinding at a spa, exploring the wildlife at Orlando Wetlands Park and enjoying outdoor recreation and history in Wekiwa Springs State Park are just some of the other experiences to enjoy in Orlando.

3.Don’t forget to do your research

Research great tips on beating the lines at Disney theme parks. Hint: There’s no reason not to get a FASTPASS ticket for a ride if they’re offered. You’ll get to cut the line, and it’s free.

4. Don’t visit during the wrong time of year

Don’t visit during summertime, Easter and the week after Christmas unless you want to deal with crowds and higher-than-normal prices on attractions, hotels and flights. Instead, opt to visit from the beginning of May to mid-June or mid-August through September when tourism is a bit slower.

5. Don’t fill your car up with gas near the theme parks

While renting a car can be a smart option for getting around Orlando, the gas stations close to the theme parks and airport are much more expensive than those in other areas of Orlando.

6. Don’t spend all your money on theme park tickets upfront

While Disney likes to push its Magic Your Way multi-day park passes, if you have any that are unused at the end of your trip you won’t be able to get a refund. Additionally, these tickets only allow you to explore one park per day. Instead, play it by ear and add more days to your ticket once you are there (note: you must have days remaining on the ticket to upgrade).

7. Don’t forget a map when exploring downtown Orlando

The area is enormous and many first-time visitors find it extremely confusing. Bring a map to help yourself get oriented.

8. Don’t forget to bring layers when leaving your hotel

While many people believe Orlando is hot all day every day, it actually gets quite chilly at night and can be cold during the day depending on the season. Check the day’s forecast before heading out, but also be prepared with a light jacket just in case.

9. Don’t leave the hotel without sun protection

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason, and it is very easy to get burned if you’re not wearing sunscreen and a hat. Also, sunglasses are necessary for protecting your eyes.

10. Don’t be disappointed by overrated experiences

This is especially true for those spending time in a Disney theme park, as the company’s marketing team tends to over-hype their rides and attractions. Of course, just because some people believe Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and Stitch’s Great Escape are overrated doesn’t mean you will; however, don’t be disappointed if a ride doesn’t live up to your expectations. This is even more of a reason to opt for a FASTPASS so you don’t waste time waiting on long lines for rides that aren’t worth the time.

-Jessica Festa

What Not to Do in Orlando from Orlando Things to Do

Hippo at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Photo courtesy of Micha L. Rieser.

While Orlando has much to offer any visitor, sometimes you just need a change of scenery for a few hours. Luckily, the city offers an array of easily accessible and worthwhile day trips. To help you plan your nearby jaunt, here are some suggestions.

Tampa

While visiting attractions in Tampa is worth a week of its own, the city is easily accessible and one of the best day trips from Orlando as it’s located only an hour and 15 minutes southwest. While Tampa is split up into five main districts, most people stick to exploring Downtown, North Tampa and the historic Ybor City, a culturally-diverse district founded by cigar manufacturers and populated by mainly Spanish, Cuban and Italian immigrants. This area is worth strolling through as it will immerse you in old world charm with its narrow brick streets, brick buildings, historic architecture and visible cultural influences like Spanish tapas restaurants, Italian cafes and hand rolled cigar shops. This is also where you’ll find some of Tampa’s best restaurants, bars and clubs.

Read more about day trips from Orlando.

-Jessica Festa

Best Day Trips from Orlando from Orlando Things to Do

Harry P. Leu Gardens. Photo courtesy of Fearisstrong.

While many people know Orlando, Florida, for its theme parks and family attractions, the city also showcases an array of romantic attractions. With enchanting theme parks, scenic parks and ambient restaurants, Orlando is the perfect place to make lasting memories with your special someone. Here are a few suggestions on Orlando’s most romantic activities.

Go for a stroll in the park

Orlando is home to many well-manicured gardens and nature parks. The most romantic rests along the shores of Lake Rowena, as Harry P. Leu Gardens  offers 50 acres (20 hectares) of butterfly gardens, palm trees, peaceful paths, a formal rose garden and vibrant flowers. On-site, visitors can also explore the Leu House, a restored 19th-century house that offers insight into the area’s past.

Take in the view

There’s something about a great view that brings couples together. At sunrise, take a hot-air balloon ride over the city while sipping Champagne and taking in sites like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios as well as vibrant gardens, forests and swamps. There’s also the option to take a scenic helicopter tour and choose your own route. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at one of Orlando’s ambient rooftop bars, like Latitudes, which has the city’s largest rooftop bar, or Sky Sixty, which has private cabanas, bottle service, a DJ and dance floor.

Having fun in Orlando

Be a kid again

Walt Disney World isn’t just for children. In fact, being scared on roller coasters and opting for scenic rides gives you good reason to hold hands. Moreover, when else would you be able to travel around the world with your partner in one day? That being said, there’s something oddly romantic about letting out your inner child. Ride the teacups, get your photo snapped with Mickey Mouse and take a stroll through the fun house. At the very least, it’s a great way to show that special someone your adorable silly side.

Cozy up with a movie

While going to the movies probably isn’t the first thing on your vacation to-do list, the Enzian Theater makes seeing a film with your partner a memorable experience. The theater allows couples to cozy up on the couch with pizza and wine to enjoy indie films and cult classics. On Wednesday nights, they host a Wednesday Night Pitcher Show, where couples can lay out on the lawn with beers, a free movie and Jello shot trivia. Moreover, enjoy all day happy hour, movies in the park and myriad film festivals.

Enjoy a romantic dinner

Opting for a romantic restaurant for dinner helps to set the tone of the entire trip. Going somewhere with low lighting, sultry music and a general ambient atmosphere will put you both in a loving mood without even trying. Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is a 5-star Italian restaurant with traditional entertainment and an expansive fine wine list, while Hue serves up progressive American fare in a contemporary space. For something truly elegant, Norman’s in The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando serves up fancy fusion dishes and wine pairing dinners with floor-to-ceiling views of the city.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Orlando tours and things to do, Orlando attractions, and Orlando travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Orlando for a customized tour!

Romantic Things to Do in Orlando from Orlando Things to Do

About the prize

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Walt Disney World® Resort while parasailing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The feeling of flying is peaceful and exhilarating – all at the same time. The state-of-the-art parasail boat allows you to take off and land from the boat without getting wet! The crew and vessel exceed all United States Coast Guard regulations, ensuring the safest experience possible. This is a one-person parasailing experience.

The prize includes 2 Deluxe Flight option tickets.

How to enter

To enter to win four tickets to Parasailing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, visit our Orlando Things to Do Facebook page and select the “Orlando Giveaway” tab. Tell us in 10 words or fewer “Why you want to go on this tour” and hit the “submit” button to be entered into the contest. (Note: You must “Like” our fan page in order to vote.)

The contest closes on April 26, 2013 – so hurry!

- Viator Travel Team

Terms & Conditions: Our staff will pick the entry that we think best answers the question above. We are giving away 2 tickets to 1 winner for Parasailing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets are valid for travel on available dates though April 30, 2014 for the Deluxe Flight option. Airfare, taxes and any other expenses not specifically listed above are not included. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be sold or redeemed for any cash value.

[CONTEST] Win 2 tickets for Parasailing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! from Orlando Things to Do

Girlfriends at the spa

For ladies looking to plan a girl’s getaway, Orlando has much to offer. To ensure a mix of indulgence, comfort and fun, stay at a luxury spa property like the Reunion Resort. They offer a “Girlfriends Getaway” package that includes two nights of luxurious accommodations, breakfast each morning, a spa amenity, facial and massage. For something unique, their spa is one of the only in the world to offer an “Ashiatsu” treatment, where masseuses support themselves on wooden bars suspended from the ceiling while stroking the guest’s body with their feet. It is said to relieve symptoms of spinal nerve inflammation. After your treatments, gather in the relation area to unwind, sip complimentary mimosas and enjoy aerial views overlooking the property golf course. For the sportier group, they also feature a “Mulligans, Manicures and Martinis” package featuring two nights of world-class accommodations, a 90-minute short game clinic and 90-minute driving clinic both taught by PGA & LPGA Professional, two 9-hole rounds of golf, a manicure and pedicure and a Signature Cocktail at the Lobby Bar.

Going wine tasting is a great way to bond with your girlfriends, and Orlando offers many opportunities for this. Put A Cork In It is a wine bar and retail outlet offering over 400 labels. The venue offers all day self-serve wine tasting of up to 32 different varietals starting at $1.20 per sample. There’s also WineStyles, a wine shop set up like an old world wine cellar. They arrange their wines by eight distinct styles — Silky, Crisp, Bubbly and Rich for whites and Fruity, Bold, Mellow and Nectar for reds — and offer tastings, wines by the glass, wine classes and social wine events. Additionally, K Wine Bar is a cozy restaurant and wine bar offering wine tastings in the garden on Friday nights, an impressive artisanal cheese menu, farm-inspired entrees and an expansive wine list.

Learning something new together is another great way for you and your girlfriends to bond. Truffles and Trifles offers gourmet cooking classes with themes like “A Night Of Chocolate,” “A Festival Of Pies,” and “Amazing Country French.”

And of course, no trip to Orlando is complete without a trip to Walt Disney World. You and your girls will have nonstop laughs getting your pictures taken with Mickey and Minnie, screaming on thrill rides and indulging in the typical park fare food. Furthermore, Downtown Disney is a great addition to a girlfriend’s getaway, with restaurants, shopping, movie theaters, live music, a boardwalk, bowling alleys and even Cirque de Soleil. Best of all, you don’t need a park ticket to enter.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Orlando tours and things to do, Orlando attractions, and Orlando travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Orlando for a customized tour!

How to Plan a Girl’s Weekend in Orlando from Orlando Things to Do

Golf Course in Orlando. Photo credit: Jason Helle via Flickr.

Looking to plan a golf getaway? Orlando has many world-class courses and experiences. For example, the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge has two championship courses, a 9-hole short course and an array of instructional schools for those who want to improve their game. They also boast having America’s largest driving range and practice facility with 42 acres (17 hectares) and 600 total tee spaces. Interestingly, it was this golf course that Tiger Woods struck a golf ball in mid-air 150 yards down the fairway in one of Nike’s most memorable commercials.

Shingle Creek Golf Club is one of Orlando’s more luxurious courses. Surrounded by native pines and tall oaks, the property immerses players in nature with tropical flora, waterfowl and the sparkling Shingle Creek. Well-maintained greens offer experiences for both beginners and experts, and reasonably-wide fairways allow you to swing with confidence. Although the experience comes with a high price tag—day tee time rates start at $99—you get what you pay for, with pristine grounds, 5-star service, gourmet on-course menus and an afternoon of golf that is more of an experience than a game. To make your experience more budget-friendly, the golf club and resort offers discounts for advance tee time bookings and regularly offers packages and promotions.

Another top golf course in Orlando is ChampionsGate, featuring two courses with completely different layouts, both designed by Greg Norman. The coastal links-style International Course is designed around natural wetlands, while the National Course is designed in a classic Florida golf layout over rolling plains and woodlands. If you’re experienced, the International Course offers more in terms of fast, tricky greens, while the National Course is more suited for beginners. Each provides 18 holes of Championship golf, with scenic views at each hole, friendly service and a clubhouse offering strong cocktails, innovative food and panoramic indoor and outdoor views. Along with having a worthwhile golf course, ChampionsGate also has a prime location just 15 minutes away from Walt Disney World.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Orlando tours and things to do, Orlando attractions, and Orlando travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Orlando for a customized tour!

Where to Golf in Orlando from Orlando Things to Do