Orlando, Florida is a year-round destination that is great for travelers due to its comfortable climate but is especially ideal for girlfriend getaways. The theme parks are a big draw, but that’s not all that’s going on.
The surrounding communities like Kissimmee and Celebration also have their own attractions. Take advantage of rideshare apps because taxis can be expensive.
This weekend itinerary is ideal for people who have visited the area and seen all its major tourist attractions prior but are looking for things to do with their friends.
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Eating in Orlando
There are more tasty restaurants than the time you have to eat them in. You’ll find big-name chains, especially at commercial areas like CityWalk and the area around ICON 360 and International Drive, but also look into local spots.
Breakfast
Cafe Linger– Founded by two culinary school graduates, this European-style cafe serves decadent dishes for breakfast like ricotta pancakes, crepes, and croissant sandwiches. They also have tea and coffee and emphasize sustainability.
The Sanctum Cafe– This mostly organic cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily with an abundance of ingredients from local farms and provisioners. Chow down on healthy and beautiful dishes like avocado toast, acai bowls, and breakfast burritos.
Stuff a Bagel– This New York-style deli right behind the Magic Kingdom backlot has incredible bagels and sandwiches. There are additional locations in Cape Coral.
Voodoo Doughnuts– The Pacific Northwest’s favorite pastry has a location at CityWalk in Orlando with their signature flavors, like the Voodoo Doll, as well as ones you can only find here, like the orange cream. There are even vegan options.
Lunch
A La Cart– Orlando’s own food truck park has a rotating selection of international cuisine as well as 15 taps of craft beers from Florida and beyond, cider, wine, and cold brew coffee. They also host movie nights.
Black Rooster Taqueria– A husband and wife team opened this “farm to taco” spot in the Mills50 District. The menu is made up of their unique creations of tacos, like smoked greens and pork fat, along with bowls and salads.
Hall on the Yard– The new food hall in the Ivanhoe Village neighborhood has a little bit of everything, from Indian to Mexican to Southern.
Imperium Food and Wine– This Celebration restaurant is covered in local artwork and has an extensive wine and beer list. Menu highlights include the steak salad, spicy shrimp tacos, and ahi tuna.
Dinner
Four Flamingos– Located inside the Hyatt Regency, this playful eatery from Chef Richard Blais highlights the best of Florida seafood including shrimp toast, whole fried fish, and playful cocktails.
Kabooki Sushi– Orlando has an abundance of sushi restaurants to suit every budget, but this one is great for celebrating with friends. The Berkshire pork belly, tempura roll, and nigiri come recommended, along with the selection of sake.
Menagerie Eatery & Bar– Order some small plates to share with your group, especially during happy hour when both food and drinks, including wine and cocktails, are discounted. Try the pumpkin ravioli, blackberry habanero chicken wings, and vegan pate.
Tapa Toro– This restaurant brings together the flavors of Spain, including wine, Iberico ham, and paella, along with live flamenco performances. Indulge in menu highlights like the churros, Spanish omelets, and patatas bravas.
Drinking in Orlando
Orlando has a little bit of everything, from chic rooftop bars to casual breweries. If you’re not looking to imbibe, there’s also juice bars and coffee shops.
Aku Aku– This downtown tiki bar has funky drinks and a fun atmosphere. Visit during the street fairs held every month. In the basement, there’s a 1960s lounge.
Bar 17– If you’re staying at Universal, the bar atop Aventura Hotel offers the best views of the area with craft cocktails and a menu of small bites like pork buns and noodles.
Illume– Located on the rooftop of the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, this Japanese restaurant and bar has stunning cocktails with views of the Disney fireworks.
Island Grove Winery– This Formosa Gardens winery and restaurant makes local fruit wines. They also have a full wine menu if you prefer traditional varieties.
Lineage Coffee– With two locations in town, this local coffee roaster is among the best places to get your morning boost. Grab a pastry to enjoy with your latte.
Raw Juicing & Detox– This juice company has juices, smoothies, and vegan wraps at their main location along with farmers market outposts.
Wall Street Plaza– Orlando has a thriving nightlife scene and this complex has multiple bars for whatever suits your mood.
Wine Bar George– Led by a Master Sommelier, this Disney Springs wine bar is the perfect spot to start your night. Order a glass from the over 130 bottles and share some appetizers.
Breweries– The Orlando area has a number of craft breweries you can visit. Crooked Can is located at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden and has a taproom for tastings. Ten10 is another, at the Mills 50 District.
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in Orlando
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Blo Blow Dry Bar– This chain offers blowouts that get you and your hair ready for a night on the town.
Elevate Yoga Center– Drop in for a class in the centrally located yoga studio in Orlando for only $6-12. They have both aerial and traditional spaces.
Epic Paddle Adventures– This outfitter offers kayaking and paddleboarding in Lake Ivanhoe, with views of downtown Orlando.
Orlando Float and Massage– Relax in a sensory deprivation tank at this float spa near International Drive. You can also get a massage here.
The Salt Room– Enjoy the health benefits of Himalayan salt at this salt room that treats skin and respiratory conditions. The relaxation room has zero gravity chairs to relax in. The facility also offers massage and acupuncture.
Wekiva Island– This eco-attraction has a bar and restaurant, cabanas, and canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Make your way over to the state park in the calm water where you might spot wildlife.
Woodhouse Spa– If you prefer the traditional spa experience, get a massage at this highly-rated spa. They also offer waxing and other skin and body treatments.
Shopping in Orlando
Whether you’re looking for well-known chains or independent boutiques, you’ll find it at Orlando’s malls and shopping centers. The outlets, in particular, are a great budget option.
Malls- Orlando boasts multiple malls and shopping centers, including The Mall at Millenia, Florida Mall, and Orlando Fashion Square. At these malls, you’ll find stores like Anthropologie and Kendra Scott.
Outlets- Orlando Outlet Marketplace and Orlando International Premium Outlets offer items from your favorite brands but at a major discount.
Retromended Vintage– Pick up pre-owned fashions from your favorite brands at this vintage boutique.
DisneyStyle– This boutique at Disney Springs has fashionable clothing and accessories that tie in with beloved Disney characters. This area also has your big name stores like Zara.
Sightseeing in Orlando
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit. If you’re visiting the parks, dress up with your friends!
Theme parks- Let’s be honest: this is the main reason that people come to Orlando. Walt Disney World has multiple parks great for first-timers, especially the Magic Kingdom. But if you want to drink your way around the parks or visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I find Universal Orlando Resort to be better for adults. Purchase 2 or 3 day tickets in advance.
Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando Resort– If you’ve ever seen this group’s performances around the world, you know you’re in for a unique evening. Held at CityWalk, the interactive musical and artistic experiences are a fun night out after dinner. Get your tickets online here.
ICON 360– Take a spin around the East Coast’s largest observation wheel, which soars above downtown Orlando in air-conditioned pods. Grab a cocktail at the bar before boarding, enjoying the 23-minute ride. Tickets are available for purchase online before you go.
Hot Air Balloon– What could be more unique than gathering your group for a morning hot air balloon ride over Central Florida? Flights last around 45 minutes to an hour and leave from an area southwest of downtown.
Henry P. Leu Gardens– If you’ve had your fill of theme parks, wander the 50-acre botanical garden near downtown Orlando. Admire the dozens of species of plants and sculptures sprinkled throughout.
Sleeping in Orlando
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay in the Orlando, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel– Universal Orlando Resort’s newest property is perfect for girlfriend groups with a rooftop bar, food hall, pool, and easy access to the parks. The rooms are stylish and modern with floor to ceiling windows. (Read our review here)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Riverside)- There are dozens of hotels within Walt Disney World, but this one is appropriate for modest budgets. The standard rooms have two queen beds and a pull out bed. The hotel has on-site dining, a pool, and access to the parks via boat and bus.
The Eo Inn– Set near Lake Eola, this boutique property offers 21 rooms and suites, free WiFi, well-priced rates, and a rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi. Located in a restored 1920s building, some of the rooms even have balconies and come with plush beddings and robes.
Grand Bohemian Hotel– This Autograph Collection chain of hotels is stylishly furnished with world-class artwork. They have an in-house restaurant and lounge as well as luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa– This hotel is just down the street from the Disney gates and has multiple restaurants, a spa, pools, and nearby golfing. Rooms have perks like bathrobes and coffee makers.
B Resort– While this hotel brand is independent, guests have access to Disney amenities like extra park hours and park transportation. Located at Disney Springs, the colorfully furnished hotel has a restaurant, pool, spa, and Aveda products.
Margaritaville Resort– This sprawling complex in Kissimmee has both traditional hotel rooms and cottages. There are multiple dining options, pools, and activities for all ages. It’s a short drive from Walt Disney World.
Bohemian Hotel– Located in Celebration, this luxury hotel is stylishly furnished like other Kessler properties. It has a restaurant and bar, pool, and an art gallery. Rooms come with bathrobes and coffee makers.
Magical Vacation Homes– There are rentals and then there are magical rentals. These vacation homes have themed rooms for Harry Potter, Marvel characters, and Minions. Most can sleep upwards of 10 people.
Rentals- If you’re traveling with a bigger group, it might make sense to rent a condo close to the parks or a house in one of Orlando’s downtown neighborhoods. VRBO and Airbnb both have options.
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