Orlando, Florida, synonymous with Disney World, is more than just that. It is a great city with great restaurants, shopping, a bustling downtown, and some of the friendliest people around. But let’s face it, if you are traveling with children, you must go to at least one of the Disney Parks, if not all. It truly is a Magical Kingdom. There is just something about this place that makes you a kid again. Maybe it’s the thrill of the rides, people wearing matching Disney-themed attire, all the candy, and “kitchen sink” ice cream sundaes, the beautifully designed themed buildings, or the Disney characters walking around waving, and you, anxiously eager to give them a big bear hug. Whatever it is, it is a great feeling. It makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop!

Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Disney Animal Kingdom each offer their own unique charm, making them all delightful places to explore. If you get the chance, visiting each of these parks is truly a wonderful experience! 

There are so many options for where to stay. Depending on your budget and the amenities you are looking for, it is highly recommended to do some good research, as it can get a bit overwhelming. One of the resorts I would recommend is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is an ultra-modern, A-frame Contemporary tower Disney Resort hotel with award-winning dining, spectacular views, and dazzling pools. One of the main reasons for the recommendation is that you can walk to the Magic Kingdom’s main gate or catch the Resort Monorail, making transportation to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot effortless.  This is a terrific convenience after spending all day walking in the park and returning to your room quickly. While in the atrium, enjoy the beauty of the 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair, responsible for the distinct look and feel of the” It’s a Small World” attraction.

There are several restaurants in the Contemporary Resort’s main building. The California Grill is a full-service dining restaurant at the top (15th floor) of the Contemporary Resort’s tower. Steakhouse 71 is located on the first floor of the main tower; the theming and name are inspired by the resort’s opening year, 1971. Two restaurants, a character buffet (Chef Mickey’s) and a quick-service facility (Contempo Café), are located on the Grand Canyon Concourse in the main tower’s atrium, with coffee bars and lounges throughout the resort complex.

Port Orleans, Riverside is a picturesque resort that takes you to the romance of the rural French Quarter in Louisiana. Enjoy some Southern specialties like beignets, gumbo, and jambalaya. Grab a quick and delicious meal at Boatwright’s Dining Hall and get on your way. 

Settle down for American fare inspired by Southern Louisiana-style cooking on the bayou at the Riverside Mill Food Court. This family-friendly food court sits beside the big mill wheel that powers a working cotton press. Five stations satisfy any craving: bakery, grill, pizza and pasta, specialties, and sandwiches. Grab-and-go items are also available.

If your plans include visiting Epcot or Hollywood Studios, consider this quaint, New Orleans-architecture-inspired resort, Disney’s Beach Club, which is a quick walk to either attraction. 

Another recommendation is Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Surrounded by 500 acres of stunning woodland and a picturesque 10-acre lake, each of their Mediterranean-style deluxe rooms and suites is thoughtfully appointed with spa-like amenities and contemporary touches to make you feel a world away. They offer a stunning view of the pool and a glimpse of Disney Park. This beautiful resort features six distinct dining venues, ensuring something for everyone, regardless of mood or craving. All their food is thoughtfully and seasonally sourced, whether locally or from afar, and is prepared with care by their culinary team. 

After a day at the park, pamper yourself with a treatment or two at the on-site Blue Harmony Spa, which offers massage therapies, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and various invigorating services. 

While in Orlando, you must visit Disney Springs and enjoy the great restaurants and shops. Make reservations at Raglan Road, an Irish pub serving delicious Irish food, and be entertained by Irish dancers and folk singers as you dine. 

Your next stop is Gideon’s Bakehouse, where delicious things await. As you enter this “Haunted House-Looking Building,” eerie pictures cover the walls. Display cases showcase their enormous, delicious, nearly ½ pound cookies and a variety of specialty cakes. Gideon’s Bakehouse brings a unique experience in small-batch, hand-crafted cookies and cakes. You must try the cookies and cream; I think it is the best!

If you’re craving some delicious Spanish food, why not treat yourself to chef Jose Andres’ fantastic restaurant, Jaleo? It beautifully blends the warmth of traditional flavors with a modern twist, offering you a delightful taste of Spain in a fun, stylish, and relaxed setting. Jaleo’s cuisine showcases authentic Spanish delights with a touch of finesse. Along with signature tapas, the savory paellas, superb sangria, and a delightful assortment of the finest Spanish cheeses, wines, and sherries ensure that you’ll always discover something wholly unique and exciting. It’s the perfect mix of tradition and whimsy in every bite!

If you’re a foodie, you simply can’t miss the East End Market! Nestled in the charming Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando, Florida, this lively neighborhood market and food hall is a treasure trove of delicious experiences. It proudly showcases some of Central Florida’s most talented food entrepreneurs, makers, artisans, and chefs. The charming two-story building welcomes you with a fantastic mix of merchants, a roomy event area, a demonstration kitchen perfect for cooking enthusiasts, an incubator kitchen that inspires budding food creatives, inviting offices, delightful retail shops, and an award-winning caterer that works full-time, all topped off with an amazing world-class ramen restaurant.