POSTCARD FROM ...
Orlando
Take a break from long lines and big price tags with our photo guide to fun new places to discover in the City Beautiful
Words: Alexandra Owens
Photography: Steven Diaz
We all love Disney and Universal for the magical experiences they create. And it’s possible to experience Orlando’s magic outside the theme parks, too. Across the city, you’ll find neighborhoods and popular destinations overflowing with affordable fun. Here are some to consider for your next vacation.
Visitors to the area can get a taste of Disney for less at The Cake Bake Shop, located at Disney's BoardWalk. The whimsical bakery and restaurant serves up a charming array of homemade sweets like French macarons, cookie dough cake and snickerdoodle cheesecake bars. After indulging in these sweet treats, take a leisurely stroll around the complex’s waterside promenade, browse eclectic boutiques and relish the festive atmosphere.
destination
spotlight
Nearby, Disney Springs is another enchanting destination where travelers can enter without a ticket. Explore its unique mix of shops, entertainment and dining options, including Gideon’s Bakehouse, known for its decadent “almost half-pound” cookies (with a second location in East End Market, below).
Also in this area you can discover Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, an outdoor gallery showcasing the work of local and international artists, or take a ride in the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.
In Winter Park — a neighborhood celebrated for its natural beauty, you can bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Winter Park’s Adjectives Market. This furniture gallery is packed with funky and hand-made pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Fashion lovers can stop by Tuni, which sells a curated selection of the latest trends from brand-name and emerging designers.
Before leaving the neighborhood, swing by the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday in Central Park West Meadow. There, you can purchase a range of locally made goods, from honey and coffee to candles and flowers.
Winter Park is also famous for its stylish downtown and thriving restaurant scene. Check out one of the latest hotspots, Ômo by Jônt, a Japanese-inspired tasting counter from Michelin-starred chef Ryan Ratino. Afterward, sip some fine bubbly — much of which is available by the glass — at Flûtes Champagne Bar.
Trade rollercoasters and log flumes for a different kind of ride. Cruise through the area’s stunning lakes and Venetian-like canals on a guided kayak or boat tour while spotting wildlife like alligators and cranes.
The East End Market is Orlando’s culinary hub. Locals rave about the ramen and wings at Domu, which has a second location in the Dr. Phillips area, and the handmade cookies at Gideon’s.
For a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s red rock formations, buttes, mountains and juniper forests, take a hot-air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons. You’ll have to rise before dawn to greet the sunrise from above, but the magnificent views are well worth the early morning wake-up call.
Meanwhile, retro gamers will appreciate Arcade Monsters, a kid-friendly bar and restaurant on International Drive with over 16,000 square feet of space for gaming, dining, shopping and exhibits. Its selection of pinball, classic and rhythm games is unmatched, and many offer unlimited free play.
Just south of downtown Orlando, International Drive has become one of the city’s top sites for entertainment. ICON Park, a 20-acre, open-air amusement district, provides fun for all ages and over 20 dining options with vibrant cuisines from around the world. Dig into Mediterranean flavors including Cyprus meatballs, calamari and baked Brie at Helena Modern Riviera.
Don’t miss the fantastic views from the 400-foot-tall Observation Wheel and the laid-back vibes as you stroll the pedestrianized lanes.
Take time to admire Orlando’s many murals painted by local artists. From playful flamingos to tributes to Florida oranges, they’re a great way to soak up the creative spirit of the City Beautiful.
Where to Stay
Located just minutes away from the major theme parks, Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club provides a peaceful escape where you can unwind away from the action, enjoying elegant accommodations featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a spectacular pool with private cabanas. Orlando’s Sunshine Resort ™ has recently renovated, villa-style accommodations within lush tropical grounds and a great activities program for younger visitors. Families will discover plenty of space in the multi-bedroom Suites at SeaWorld® Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club which also offers quick-queue access and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers fun in the sun for families visiting Orlando
Discover Orlando with Hilton Grand Vacations.
Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!
Member Resort Availability
Scroll →
Upload file
Club Traveler is published three times a year by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC, and distributed exclusively to Owners, Members and Guests of Hilton Grand Vacations properties. All rights reserved. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine in any format or medium without written permission from Hilton Grand Vacations is prohibited.
Hilton Grand Vacations disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hilton Grand Vacations. Hilton Grand Vacations does not make any representation regarding the availability of or endorse any of the products or services provided by third parties.
Hilton Grand Vacations® is a registered trademark of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. or its subsidiaries and licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its properties and programs operate under the Hilton Grand Vacations name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
© 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.