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Shopping in Orlando

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More than Walt Disney
In 1963, Walt Disney flew over the Orlando area in Florida, which with its good infrastructure and sunny weather looked like an ideal location for his new park. Nearly a decade later, Walt Disney World opened to much fanfare. Today, it’s one of the main reasons why Orlando attracts around 50 million visitors.
But there is more to Orlando than Disney, believe it or not. Apart from rival sites like Universal Studios and SeaWorld, there’s a curious downtown area, plus great restaurants, hidden bars and a ton of boutiques. With the pretty Winter Park nearby and some excellent museums, you might find yourself asking: ‘Disney who?’.
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Top 10 sights in Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort
USA
Tel: 407 939 5277
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Opening times:
Various; see website for details
Disney’s world-famous fantasy land includes the castles and characters of the Magic Kingdom as well as Hollywood Studios, and more rides and ‘experiences’ than you could imagine.
Universal Studios
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
Tel: 407 363 8000
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Opening times:
Various; see website for details
Since opening in 1990, Universal’s immersive film-set rides are as big an attraction as any in Orlando. The studio’s latest hit theme park is dedicated to Harry Potter.
SeaWorld
FL 32821 Orlando
USA
Tel: 888 800 5447
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Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 0900-1900
Fri 0900-2000
Sat 0900-2200
With the chance to meet whales, sea lions and penguins up close and personal, SeaWorld is one of Orlando’s must-sees.
Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)
FL 32803 Orlando
USA
Tel: 407 896 4231
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 1000-1600
Sat-Sun 1200-1600
An impressively expansive museum dating back to 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art features contemporary graphics, important national works and a fine collection of African art.
Winter Park
FL 32789 Winter Park
USA
Tel: 407 599 3399
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It’s worth visiting the leafy nearby city of Winter Park, which boasts numerous green spaces, festivals and museums.
Orlando boat tour
FL 32789 Winter Park
USA
Tel: 407 644 4056
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1600
Started In 1938 and operating daily from Winter Park, Scenic Boat Tour operates a daily hour-long boat ride showing visitors Orlando’s three lakes.
Morse Museum of American Art
FL 32789 Winter Park
USA
Tel: 407 645 5311
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 0930-1600
Sun 1300-1600 (May-Oct)
Tue-Thurs and Sat 0930-1600
Fri 0930-2000
Sun 1300-1600 (Nov-Apr)
Bringing together US decorative art from mid-19th and 20th centuries, this museum is dominated by the artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, particularly his extraordinary Tiffany chapel.
CityArts Factory
FL 32801 Orlando
USA
Tel: 407 648 7060
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1100-1800
This collective of art galleries celebrates local and international art, including visual and performing arts in the so-called Downtown Arts District.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
FL 32712 Apopka
USA
Tel: 407 884 2008
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Opening times:
Daily 0800 until sunset
Get away from all the magical and fantastical beings by hiking in this beautiful park and see some real animals – there are raccoons, alligators, turtles and more.
Bok Tower Gardens
FL 32853 Lake Wales
USA
Tel: 863 676 1408
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-1800
The wondrous Bok Tower sits in a beautiful haven of flora and fauna arranged by Frederick Law Olmsted Junior, the son of the mastermind behind Central Park in New York.
Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 321,2 millions
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorties.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 – December 2019 period.
Note: States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2018
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2018
Martin Luther King Day: 15 January 2018
President’s Day: 19 February 2018
Memorial Day: 28 March 2018
Independence Day: 4 July 2018
Labor Day: 3 September 2018
Columbus Day: 8 October 2018
Veterans Day: 12 November 2018
Thanksgiving Day: 22 November 2018
Christmas: 25 December 2018
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Martin Luther King Day: 21 January 2019
President’s Day: 18 February 2019
Memorial Day: 27 March 2019
Independence Day: 4 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Columbus Day: 14 October 2019
Veterans Day: 11 November 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 28 November 2019
Christmas: 25 December 2019
All information subject to change.
Devin, First Class flight attendant
Home is where the heart is: May it be in the sky, at home or, as in Devin’s case, pretty much anywhere in the world!
The #inspiredby series takes you on a trip around the world. Experience the world from the perspective of artists, musicians, athletes and our very own crew, whether at work or play! See what impact and meaning traveling has for each of these individuals and let their stories inspire you.
Nightlife in Orlando
Orlando boasts a surprisingly vibrant and active night-time bar and club scene, with three main venues, Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island,
Universal’s CityWalk and Downtown Orlando, where there is an ever-changing line-up of nightclubs.
Brick House Tavern
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
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This classic sports bar is the place to go for beer lovers, with a range of unique imports and American premiums.
Howl at the Moon
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
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Famed for its duelling piano shows and rocking performances, Howl at the Moon is a favourite for birthday parties, or those keen on a big knees-up.
Bar Louie
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
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Much loved for its distinctive martinis, cocktails and wide range of beers, Bar Louie is a great urban bar.
King Bowl
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
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With 22 lanes, pool tables and two bars serving great cocktails, get ready to be bowled over by this fun spot.
Stardust Video and Coffee
FL 32803 Orlando
USA
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A cool hipster hangout with tables made from reclaimed wood, Stardust is a café during the day and a gig venue at night serving craft beers.
Restaurants in Orlando
You don’t have to spend your whole time in Orlando munching down fast food. There are a number of quality restaurants,
many with an emphasis on local ingredients. Expect American classics and a wide range of international options.
Luma on Park
FL 32789 Winter Park
USA
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Price: Expensive
One of the finest restaurants in Orlando, Luma on Park pivots around local produce, innovative takes on American favourites and a superb wine cellar.
Napa
FL 32819 Orlando
USA
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Price: Expensive
Bringing some of North California’s finest bottles of wine to Florida, Napa has a sustainable menu with delightful ‘farm-to-fork’ choices including the favourite ‘Cioppino’ dish.
The Ravenous Pig
FL 32789 Winter Park
USA
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Price: Moderate
Billed as a gastropub, the excellent food at this husband-and-wife restaurant changes daily, with plenty of fish.
Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster
FL 32810 Orlando
USA
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Price: Moderate
An unfussy steakhouse with rib eye cuts and filet mignon, the seafood is just as good, if not better. Choose from lobster, prawns and salmon.
Nascar Sports Grille
Orlando, FL
USA
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Price: Cheap
You don’t need a park entrance ticket to visit this novel Nascar-themed restaurant inside Universal Studios, which serves up glorious burgers.
Calendar of events
Walt Disney World Marathon
3 – 7 January 2018
Website
Venue: Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Billed as ‘The most magical 26 miles on Earth’, this modern local tradition sees runners from all over the world racing around the parks of Disney World, with huge spectator interest. Starting at Epcot , the runners continue on to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before an exhilarating finish back at Epcot.
Silver Spurs Rodeo
16 – 18 February 2018
Website
Ort: Osceola Hertiage Park/Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee
This popular rodeo in Orlando’s Silver Spurs Arena attracts rodeo stars from across America who come to compete in traditional rodeo events such as bareback bronco, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel running. An absolute must for would-be cowboys and cowgirls everywhere, the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the biggest rodeos on the east of the continent.
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
16 – 18 March 2018
Website
Venue: Winter Park
The annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival attracts over 350,000 visitors each year and is one of the biggest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals in the country. Over 1,600 artists from all over the world apply to attend the famous show and a panel of judges selects between 250 and 300 to exhibit. Visitors can view the various works on display and there are numerous entertainment acts and children’s events planned for the three-day festival.
Gay Days
29 May – 4 June 2018
Website
Venue: Walt Disney World
One of the most colourful times of the year – and that’s saying something in this city. This is when Disney World welcomes gay and lesbian travellers for a week of theme park celebrations. Over 150,000 attendees arrive to enjoy the parks and attractions. The influx is accompanied by a whole host of events, from expos to seminars and concerts.
Independence Day
4 July 2018
Venue: Lake Eola, Downtown
Like everywhere else in America, 4 July marks huge celebrations, with fireworks and other entertainment. Expect a glut of patriotic events and parades in all the theme parks. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the stars and stripes, it’s hard not to enter into the spirit of things.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
1 August – 30 November 2018
Website
Venue: Epcot Center
Savour unique foods and fine wines from many exotic locales. This festival is a culinary and cultural pot-pourri, complete with tasty sounds from the concert series and over 20 international food and wine marketplaces.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Hotels in Orlando
There are few places in the world with as many hotel options as Orlando. Those coming purely for one of the theme parks
might consider the palatial resort hotels on site, but there are numerous other options from lodges to city accommodation.
Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes
FL 32837 Orlando
USA
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Category: Expensive
Quite possibly Orlando’s most luxurious hotel, the Ritz-Carlton boasts an 18-hole golf course, 40-room spa and rooms with balconies and marble baths.
Waldorf Astoria
FL 32821 Orlando
USA
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Category: Moderate
The second Waldorf after the New York legend, this one echoes the original with its huge clock in the lobby, plush rooms and elegant furnishings.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
FL 32836 Orlando
USA
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Category: Moderate
This enormous hotel right next to Disney World boasts more than a thousand palm trees, its own lake and three golf courses.
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
FL 32821 Orlando
USA
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Category: Moderate
One vast playground with water parks, daily slime fests and plenty of Nickelodeon paraphernalia, this resort also has bars and restaurants for the adults.
Residence Inn at SeaWorld
FL 32821 Orlando
USA
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Category: Cheap
Family-friendly and right next to the SeaWorld action, Residence Inn offers free breakfast, shuttles and use of a vast recreation area.
Best time to visit
Today: Wednesday, 25.04.2018 06:00 UTC

light rain
temperature
23°C
wind direction
southwestwind speed
10.625 mphhumidity
76%7 days forecast
Thursday
26.04.2018
30°C / 18°C
Friday
27.04.2018
31°C / 19°C
Saturday
28.04.2018
29°C / 20°C
Sunday
29.04.2018
29°C / 20°C
Monday
30.04.2018
28°C / 21°C
Tuesday
01.05.2018
27°C / 21°C
Wednesday
02.05.2018
27°C / 21°C
Climate & best time to visit United States of America
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 30 °C | -7 °C | 21 °C | 9 °C | 73 % | 58 mm | 5 | 6.3 h |
Feb | 32 °C | -2 °C | 22 °C | 9 °C | 71 % | 77 mm | 6 | 7.1 h |
Mar | 33 °C | -3 °C | 25 °C | 12 °C | 70 % | 82 mm | 6 | 8.5 h |
Apr | 35 °C | 3 °C | 28 °C | 15 °C | 67 % | 46 mm | 4 | 9.8 h |
May | 38 °C | 9 °C | 31 °C | 18 °C | 71 % | 90 mm | 7 | 10.0 h |
Jun | 37 °C | 11 °C | 32 °C | 22 °C | 76 % | 186 mm | 12 | 9.3 h |
Jul | 37 °C | 17 °C | 33 °C | 22 °C | 78 % | 184 mm | 14 | 8.7 h |
Aug | 37 °C | 17 °C | 33 °C | 23 °C | 79 % | 172 mm | 14 | 8.2 h |
Sep | 36 °C | 13 °C | 32 °C | 22 °C | 79 % | 153 mm | 10 | 7.5 h |
Oct | 35 °C | 6 °C | 29 °C | 18 °C | 75 % | 62 mm | 6 | 7.2 h |
Nov | 31 °C | -1 °C | 25 °C | 14 °C | 75 % | 58 mm | 5 | 6.6 h |
Dec | 32 °C | -6 °C | 22 °C | 10 °C | 75 % | 55 mm | 5 | 6.1 h |
year | 38 °C | -7 °C | 28 °C | 16 °C | 74 % | 1223 mm | 94 | 8.0 h |
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you care planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely population areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Shopping in Orlando
Key Areas
Apart from all the theme parks and resorts, Orlando is a big shopping destination. The major thoroughfare of International Drive boasts some 500 designer stores, while antique-lovers must head to North Orange Avenue, where there are a dozen or so shops.
Markets
Flea World, which lies between Orlando and nearby Sanford, is said to be the world’s biggest flea market. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays.
Shopping Centres
Head north of Universal Studios for Orlando’s high-end Mall at Millenia (4200 Conroy Road). Inside this shopping emporium you’ll find the likes of Hugo Boss, Chanel and Gucci, as well as an Apple store and Bloomingdale’s.
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. A relaxed and informal atmosphere is usually the norm. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
Another concern with regard to safety is the possibility of terrorist attacks such as the one that occurred on September 11, 2001. City, state, and federal agencies have stringent anti-terrorism practices in place, however, and direct threats are infrequent.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Beloso, IsmaelEast Coast Medical Network
6000 Turkey Lake Road
St 209
Orlando
FL 32819
USA
Tel. +1-407-648-5252
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.