Orlando Highlights

It is a bittersweet time for us as we have officially moved from Orlando back home to Jacksonville. I am missing Orlando already, but we are excited about our future together! Even though Jacksonville has always been home to us, it is like starting over again. We will have to explore and see what it has to offer for us, and build a support system and community here like we were so grateful for in Orlando. It will be an adventure and a transition to say the least, but we are excited about starting our life together in about 9 months!

I had promised a few of my Orlando friends (specifically my grand little, Britney ;-) ) that I would post some of my favorite places and things to do in Orlando. Matt and I loved exploring and finding exciting new things to do together. I certainly had the time of my life and had some of my favorite memories there.

Orlando Attractions: Sea World

Sea World is an obvious Orlando attraction, but we had a great time together! You can probably do the entire park in a day if you go from open to close. My favorite thing was feeding the dolphins, which was an extra $7 per person. We also fed the Sea Lions. I, of course, highly recommend the Shamu show but be prepared to arrive at LEAST an hour early, as their 6,000 person stadium fills up fast, fast, fast! Also, I suggest wearing sunscreen - ouch!

Money Saving Tip: If you are a UCF student, you can buy discounted tickets in the Student Union (http://www.asf.ucf.edu/services/ticketcenter.html). Also, you can bring any food or drinks into the park. I know this is a little sneaky, but we rented a locker that was intended to hold personal items while riding one of their roller coasters, and used it for the day (in our defense, we didn't realize until after!). It was either 25 or 50 cents each time you opened the locker, and we only opened it once or twice. Renting a locker "for the day" costs about $7.

Orlando Attraction: Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center was a lot of fun and there is definitely enough stuff to fill up a day if you do everything. There is lots to learn about previous launches, a tour of the center, a memorial, a simulation ride, and lots of other cool things to see.

Money Saving Tip: There are also discounted tickets to UCF students for $23 per person. Also, if you visit again within the week admission is free.

Orlando Attraction: Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is an obvious Orlando classic, but the experience is definitely worth it! Christmas time is a beautiful time to go because it is cooler outside and the park is decorated in lights.

Money Saving Tip: Again, UCF students get discounted tickets for any Disney parks. Also, one of the restaurants (probably more than one, actually) in the space section of Magic Kingdom sells double cheeseburgers. If you ask to buy an extra bun it costs about 60 cents, and you can turn that double cheeseburger into two burgers (which is great if there are two of you). You can also take food and drinks into the park with you.

Orlando Attraction: Epcot

Epcot is one of my favorite Disney parks, and you could easily spend multiple days "traveling the world" and riding rides. Epcot also does a flower and garden festival at certain times of the year, which is really beautiful.

Orlando Attraction: Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is a lot of fun if you like, well, animals. It does have several rides, but I think the coolest part is the shows. Matt was a volunteer for their bird show and my favorite was the Lion King show. Lots of fun!

The only Disney park we didn't visit while living in Orlando was Hollywood Studios, although we had both been there previously. I remember it being tons of fun as well!

Orlando Attraction: Universal & Islands of Adventure

Universal and Islands of Adventure are also lots of fun! If you go to Islands of Adventure I definitely recommend trying "butter beer" - it tastes a lot like a cross between cream soda and butterscotch. You won't run out of things to do, and it could easily take you multiple days!

Money Saving Tip: For UCF students, SGA gives away tickets for "Universal Knights" each Spring semester if you don't already know...so that means free! They also sell discounted guest tickets for Universal Knights, and discounted tickets in general all year round.

$20 Tuesday Date Night

If you are looking for an affordable date night, Tuesday is your night. Tijuana Flats has a special every Tuesday called "Taco Tuesdaze" which includes 2 tacos, chips & a drink for $4.99. Regal Cinemas at the Oviedo Marketplace also does a Tuesday special. Any movie is $5 all day on Tuesdays. Dinner & a movie for $20 - not too shabby!

Money Saving Tip: Sign up for Tijuana Flats text message promotion. You will automatically receive free chips and salsa, and they frequently send out texts for other deals. Usually, it is a coupon for either a free appetizer or a free dessert with a $5 purchase - perfect to use on Taco Tuesday!

De Leon Springs State Park

It is a bit of a drive, but Matt and I made the trip to De Leon Springs a couple of years ago. They have a fun restaurant inside an old sugar mill where you can make your own pancakes on a griddle built into your table. They also allow swimming in the spring and you can do other fun activities such as canoeing or kayaking, or taking a boat tour!

Service: Downtown Orlando

Something that we really loved was being able to serve others, specifically the homeless community in Downtown Orlando. We were able to do this with the Christian Greek organizations we were involved with, so if you have the opportunity it is an amazing way to make a difference and build relationships. They really love care packages with items such as socks, toothpaste, and deodorant. It would also be a great idea to take old clothing items that you would normally drop off at Goodwill.

For UCF students, I know that there is a group that does "sandwiches and conversation" every week!

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is located on Lockwood Blvd and is a free spot for an easy afternoon. We spent some time playing frisbee or kicking around a soccer ball. We also launched a rocket, which was lots of fun. It would be a great place for a picnic too.

Orlando Attraction: Blue Man Group

I would DEFINITELY go see Blue Man Group if you haven't already! It was an amazing show - very entertaining and super fun! If you wait until the crowd leaves when it is over, you can go back and take pictures with the performers!

Money Saving Tip: UCF tickets are highly discounted for Blue Man Group and totally worth it! Just note that you need 1 UCF ID present for every 2 tickets.

Orlando Attraction: Hard Rock Cafe

They have Hard Rock Cafes all over the world, but this is the only one I have actually eaten in. If you've never been to one before, I say it is worth the trip. The food was really yummy and the atmosphere was fun. If you don't drink alcohol but like fun drinks, Hard Rock has a great alcohol-free menu - this one is called a Groupie Grind. Also, for an additional cost you can purchase the Hard Rock glass that your drink comes in.

Winter Park: Park Avenue

Park Avenue is a beautiful place to spend a day. It is really cute with its landscaped park, brick roads, and unique shops. It also has yummy restaurants and ice cream shops. It is a good place for a picnic in the afternoon, or a nice dinner out. I recommend Panullos if you like Italian food.

Park Avenue also hosts events such as art festivals, and every Saturday morning they have a farmer's market!

One of the shops I suggest checking out is called Sassafrass and is a full-out candy shop. Be aware, though, because I wouldn't necessarily deem everything edible! They have some "snacks" that are crickets, ants, and scorpions that are either flavored like chips (like above) or are in lollipops! Eek!

Big Tree Park

Big Tree Park is home of "The Senator", the largest Cypress tree in the country. It is a small boardwalk, but the tree is seriously huge! It is a park, so the most there is to do is check out this beautiful tree! But, it does have picnic tables and restroom facilities, and a playground if you have kiddos with you.

Winter Park: All Fired Up

All Fired Up is a great place to get your creative juices flowing! It is very similar to any pottery painting place (like Painted By Hue in Waterford), but it is located in beautiful Winter Park and it is open late (unlike Painted By Hue). They also do themed nights, such as "Carnival Night" where they give away cotton candy, popcorn and raffle prizes! Pottery prices generally range from $6 - $25. If you are a creative and/or detailed oriented person, this is something that could take 3 - 4 hours, depending!

Summit's Beach Baptism

Beach Baptism is probably one of my favorite memories. Summit Church does their baptisms at the beach, and it is amazing to watch those who have made commitments to serve God take that step in His ocean. They serve lunch before the baptism and have a service afterward. It is so beautiful to worship God with believers outside, in His creation! Parking is free at a local church with shuttling to the baptism location.

Oviedo Grove

Even though I lived in a complex named "Oviedo Grove", it took me a little while to realize there was actually a grove. It isn't very big or glamorous, but there are lots of tangerines that go to waste! We stopped by one afternoon and picked a few to snack on.

UCF: Spirit Splash

If you are a UCF student, GO TO SPIRIT SPLASH during homecoming. I didn't go until my final year at UCF and it was such a blast! Everyone has a great time and just skip your class - they understand! Don't expect to stay dry, though, so definitely prepare for that!

Marina at Disney's Polynesian Resort

We had an awesome time at the Marina at Disney's Polynesian Resort. You can rent different watercrafts - these are called Sea Raycers and were super fun! You don't have to pay for parking, but the rentals are a little pricey. We went for Matt's birthday so we splurged a little.

Farris & Fosters

Farris and Fosters is a fun & delicious way to spend an evening. You are able to use all kinds of molds and tools to make your own chocolate and truffles. They also have a sample tray so you can try different things as you make your own.

Money Saving Tip: You probably won't go alone, so I recommend going on "date night" even if you are just going with a friend. Regular nights are about $25 per person, but date nights are the same price per couple. They also have "family night" which are about that price per family. We went in a group of 4 on family night, and we certainly weren't related. You are basically being charged per pound of chocolate, but if you don't go on one of these nights you must purchase your own pound. Check out their website for more information and accurate prices - it is a blast! http://www.farrisandfosters.com/

Downtown: The Orange County Regional History Center

Matt and I enjoy museums like this, but don't be turned away by the term "museum". There were a lot of cool interactive things to do and history to read. My favorite part was the court room they had to resemble a real, historical court room. There were even fake scripts to act out for each part, and you could dress up like a judge or sit in the witness stand. Admission is $9 for students with IDs - http://www.thehistorycenter.org/

Money Saving Tip: If you park in a parking garage, take your parking slip with you and the museum will 'validate' it which will give you free parking!

Winter Park: Rollins College

Rollins has an absolutely beautiful campus and is right across from Park Avenue in Winter Park. It is an open campus, so any one can check it out. It is perfect for a photo shoot or an outdoor picnic. It also backs up to a lake with docks and a gazebo!

Sanford: Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe

Hollerbach's is a really neat and authentic German restaurant in Sanford. If you go, check their performing schedule as they have live music and entertainment on specific nights (I think it is usually Thursday - Sunday). They play the accordion, cowbells, and other instruments - they even yodel! Their food is yummy too and the whole restaurant dances and sings a long. Definitely a fun experience - http://www.willowtreecafe.com/

Service: Summit's NiceServe

Several times a year Summit Church organizes a community service project that serves thousands. Anyone can sign up and join, even if you attend a different church. You can sign up online and read through the projects to see which one you would like to volunteer at. You can also sign up for projects with friends or your Summit Connect Group (an amazing community for those of you who attend Summit). Basically, Summit partners with community organizations and all of those who wish to participate come together on one day and make a huge impact. After your service project has ended, Summit provides lunch for all of the volunteers. It is an amazing opportunity and so neat to see everyone come together and serve God - you can sign up for the next one here: http://www.summitconnect.org/pages/niceserve

Seminole Town Center Fair

I never knew when or where the fair came to my first several years in Orlando, but one "sets up" at the Seminole Town Center in Lake Mary and usually stays for several weekends. It is what you would normally expect with rides, games, and greasy (but somehow delicious) food.

Winter Park: Harry P. Leu Gardens

This place was beautiful with garden after garden out on a huge lake. They have a butterfly garden and rose garden as well. You can tour the huge museum house and there is a lot of open areas for a picnic or nap! Admission is $7 per person - http://www.leugardens.org/index.htm

Money Saving Tip: Admission is FREE the first Monday of every month and on your birthday!

Oviedo Bowling Center

This is just like any other bowling center, but they have a pretty good Saturday night special. If you begin bowling between 4 & 8 PM, you can pay $9.95 for 2 hours of bowling, shoes, 2 slices of pizza & a drink. Cosmic bowling starts at 9 PM, so if you begin right at 8 you get an hour of Cosmic bowling too! http://oviedobowlingcenter.com/

Winter Park: Winter Park Village

Winter Park Village is a shopping area in Winter Park. It includes restaurants and a Regal movie theatre. We really enjoyed WP village because it was way less populated than Waterford, and much prettier/more dinner options than Oviedo Marketplace. Some nearby restaurants include Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, and P.F. Changs. Something that we enjoyed doing was getting a piece of 'Chris's Outrageous Chocolate Cake' from Cheesecake Factory to share, and taking it over to the Starbucks across the street. If you ask them to, Starbucks will serve your drink to you in a mug (like the ones above) instead of a to-go cup. We loved going out for dessert and enjoying yummy cake, coffee, and spending time with each other.

Apopka: Long & Scott Farms Corn Maze

Long & Scott Farms does a 6-acre corn maze that you can travel through. I had never seen anything like it and it was a blast! They also have tractors to see and a hayride as well as fresh corn and other veggies to purchase. It took us about an hour to get through the corn maze and there are other smaller mazes as well. It isn't too far from the Mt. Dora area, which is fun to check out when you have finished at the farm. Wear closed-toe shoes - it gets really dirty in the maze! Check out dates, times and prices here: http://www.longandscottfarms.com/maze_hrs_admission.html

UCF Football

Even if you don't attend UCF, you should definitely check out one of the games. It is a lot of fun to cheer on the Knights and be apart of the spirited atmosphere. UCF students can usually attend the games for free by entering the student lottery (I have always gotten a ticket). It does get hot so drink lots of water and wear sunscreen - night games are my favorite. Also, check out pre-game tailgating as they usually have free food and T-shirts. GO KNIGHTS!

Downtown: 310 Lakeside

310 Lakeside is one of my favorite restaurants and is located in Downtown Orlando. There is also a 310 Park South which is on Park Avenue in Winter Park, but the downtown location is so much better in my opinion! The food is delicious and the atmosphere is very chic. It would be a great place to dress up and go to. Matt and I have special memories at 310 Lakeside - it is where we ate the night he proposed and he chose it for our wedding date, March 10th (3/10)

Money Saving Tip: Because 310 Lakeside is a local restaurant, restaurants.com often has gift certificates you can buy for cheap! Sign up for their e-mails because they often have promotions such as 80% off. Once we purchased a $25 gift certificate for $2. There are stipulations, such as 'must spend $30' or 'can't be used on the weekends', but it is definitely worth checking out. They also have lots of other local restaurants to choose from.

Downtown: SAK Comedy Lab

I would be lying if I said that I have been to SAK before, but that doesn't mean I haven't wanted to! I have heard great things about this improv comedy spot in Downtown Orlando - http://www.sak.com/

Money Saving Tip: You can save money by going on a Tuesday or Wednesday night - tickets are only $2 - $3 depending on which night!

Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly

Sweet! is a cute and tasty cupcake shop in Waterford. They now have frozen yogurt as well! I have been several times before and have tried many different flavors of cupcakes, none of which disappointed. They have 3 cupcake sizes, and I personally like to get the minis so I can try different ones! One of my favorites is the Heath Bar cupcake! http://www.sweetbyholly.com/index2.php

Money Saving Tip: Monday nights are $1 minis and Tuesdays are "Triple Punch Tuesday". If you fill up a Sweet! punch card, you get a free cupcake! Also, if you join her e-mail club you get two free mini cupcakes for signing up and a free cupcake on your birthday!

Downtown: Anthony's Pizza

Anthony's Pizza has super yummy pizza and is just a short walk away from Lake Eola. If you want to spend an evening downtown but want to steer clear from pricey restaurants, Anthony's is a good option. They sell pizza by the slice as well as full pizzas and pasta. Yum!

Lazy Moon

Although Anthony's is good, Lazy Moon is my favorite pizza place and is right across from UCF campus! Their pizza slices are HUGE! Matt and I always order a "Six Guns" which is a slice of pizza with two toppings and a drink for about $6. Lazy Moon is best when paired with Jeremiah's Italian Ice for dessert, which is right next door!

Semoran Skateway

We have only been to Semoran Skateway once for an 80's themed event (hence the outfit), but we had a great time and I felt like a kid again! This a great change of pace from "dinner & a movie" and a great work out too! http://www.semoranskateway.com/

Winter Park: Mead Garden

Mead Garden is a botanical garden in Winter Park and is free to enjoy. You can walk around the boardwalk and there is a lot of open space for lunch or a game of frisbee (like above). I will say that it needs a little maintenance from what I remember, and that the boardwalk is kind of run down. My favorite memory from there is when Matt carved our initials into a tree like several others had done before us - http://www.meadgarden.org/

Downtown: Orlando Science Center

We had a blast at the Orlando Science Center and was one of my favorite things! There are four floors full of exciting and interactive things to do. The bottom floor even has some real wildlife. Prices were a little pricey ($16 for students), but it was worth it and we had a great time! http://www.osc.org/

Colorado Fondue Company

This place is delicious and in my opinion, more affordable then other fondue places. Granted it is not cheap by any means, so Matt and I went for a special treat on our anniversary. They usually have specials that include a cheese appetizer, your entree, and chocolate fondue dessert. What is really cool is that you cook your marinated meat on a rock that is around 700 degrees! If you are there for a special occasion, like your birthday, they will take your picture with the moose and give you a copy.

Money Saving Tip: Sign up for their e-mail club. They send out e-mails about specials as well as coupons, especially on your birthday.

Rebouderz

Rebounderz is an indoor trampoline arena and is tons of fun! Matt and I went with our connect group for Matt's birthday and we all had a blast literally bouncing off the walls. They also played a game of dodge ball. It was a serious work out (I was sore for a day or two after), but so much fun! http://rebounderz.com/

Cocoa Beach: Coconuts

Matt took me to Coconuts on Cocoa Beach for my birthday one year. It was so cool because it was literally ON the beach, so the atmosphere was great! There is also live music and the food is delicious.

Apopka: Rock Springs

Rock Springs is located in Apopka FL and is a great place for a summer day. They don't call it Rock Springs for nothin' , though, so I highly recommend renting a tube. You need to rent a tube outside of the park and they are around $5- $7 a piece, admission to the park is either free or $1 per person. They have a huge picnic area with tables as well, which makes it easy to pack a lunch and have a whole day of fun for cheap! http://www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/16/kellypark.html

Downtown: Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restauran; Dessert Lady

Ceviche has great food and a fun atmosphere in downtown Orlando. It is great if you are with a small group of friends and want to share, or if it is just you and a significant other. We got dressed up and went, and it was lots of fun. Across the street is Dessert Lady, which has amazing cakes and desserts!

Downtown: Lake Eola

Lake Eola is probably my favorite place in Orlando. Matt and I have spent many afternoons and evenings relaxing by beautiful Lake Eola. They have swan boats that you can rent and take out on Lake Eola. We often took a blanket and picked up some subs from the Publix on the corner to have a picnic. We also took an easy-to-transport game, Farkle, or a good book. We had our own little spot and spent time reconnecting, napping, and feeding the swans & ducks (they will literally eat out of your hand) amongst other things.

Lake Eola is where Matt proposed and it was absolutely perfect.

I am sure I am forgetting many things that we enjoyed in Orlando, but hopefully this can inspire you to have your own adventures. We absolutely loved every minute of our time in Orlando and are ready to start our next chapter together!