The Real Orlando Guide: It's Not Just Disney Here

• Orlando Science Center: Make sure to add the Orlando Science Center to your list of must-see attractions. Featuring four floors of captivating exhibits, thrilling giant screens and 3D films and interactive live programming, the Science Center offers an ideal family-friendly destination.

• Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Games: This stands out as a top-notch entertainment and event venue, boasting high-speed electric super karts racing on a road-style track. Additionally, it offers a state-of-the-art arcade, a thrilling ropes course with a curved rail zipline, two-level laser tag, racing simulators, boutique bowling, XD Dark Ride Motion Theater and immersive multiplayer virtual reality experiences.

• Lakeridge Winery: Indulge in a complimentary wine tasting at Florida's largest premium winery and leave with a few bottles to enjoy at home. Plus, savor the picturesque scenery amid the rolling hills of Clermont as an added bonus.

• Disney Springs: Experience the no-cost alternative to Disney at Disney Springs, where you'll find an abundance of dining options, bars, shopping outlets and live entertainment.

• Do a dinner show: Orlando offers a variety of dinner show experiences, such as Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Capone’s Dinner and Show, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and numerous others. For an adult-only dinner show, be sure to check out Mama’s Comedy Show.

• Wekiva Springs State Park: Get away from the busy atmosphere of Orlando by visiting Wekiwa Springs State Park, spanning 7,000 acres of diverse nature and wildlife. Enjoy a range of activities including swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing or snorkeling. To ensure entry, arrive early on weekends or during the summer before the park reaches its capacity!

• Kennedy Space Center: The complex showcases exhibits, historic spacecraft, memorabilia, shows, two IMAX theaters and various bus tours of the spaceport. Additionally, visitors can enjoy daily presentations by a veteran NASA astronaut and even partake in activities allowing them to experience a day in the life of an astronaut.

• See some live music or theater: Experience the vibrant live music and theater scene in Orlando, fueled by a thriving community of musicians and theme park performers. Explore venues like Howl at the Moon, Bosendorfer Lounge at the Grand Bohemian, Pilar’s in Winter Garden, Casey’s on Central and numerous others for live music. For theater enthusiasts, catch a performance at venues such as the Orlando Shakespeare Center, The Abbey, Timucua Arts Foundation, Theater Downtown and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Orlando Fringe Festival if you're visiting in May.

• Sak Comedy Lab: If you enjoy the improvisational comedy of "Whose Line is it Anyway?", you're sure to love a SAK show. Notably, SAK has served as a launching pad for talents like Wayne Brady and has nurtured the careers of writers, actors and producers for shows like "Mad TV," "Saturday Night Live" and popular sitcoms such as "Scrubs," "The Office" and "30 Rock". Their shows are all-ages and fun for everyone.

• Explore Winter Park and Take a Boat Tour: Explore Park Avenue in Winter Park to discover its charming boutique shops and restaurants. Don't forget to arrange a boat tour around the lakes and homes. The tour guides provide entertaining narratives, and you'll be amazed by the intriguing stories and historical facts they share.

Day Trips

Mount Dora: Mount Dora has grown to be quite the vibrant, mostly retired community. Don’t let the retired word fool you. These people know how to invite a community to their town with adorable streets filled with boutique shops, restaurants, live music and bars. They have a different kind of festival or farmer’s market on a regular basis. The architecture everywhere is quite adorable, and the nature around the lakes is worth the visit alone. Around the corner from Mount Dora, is Renningers, a vast flea market filled with indoor and outdoor booths selling antiques, plants, trinkets, furniture and more.

• Lee and Ricks: Indulge in fresh oysters and seafood within the cozy ambiance of a boat-shaped building at Lee and Ricks. The personalized service at the bar adds to the experience, where you can also enjoy discounted oyster buckets.

• Café Tu Tu Tango: This eclectic tapas restaurant features resident artists, live entertainment, a vibrant patio and bar. The captivating art on the walls adds to the ambiance. Try the sangria!

• Domu: This Michelin guide restaurant features the best ramen and wings in Orlando. It was recently featured on “Somebody Feed Phil”.

• Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café: Head north to Sanford for a lively German dining experience, where you can indulge in oversized pretzels, authentic beer and enjoy live German music.

• Capa: On Top of the Four Seasons lies this Michelin-rated tapas and steak restaurant. Reservations are required.

• Cowboys Orlando: Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you will love either observing or participating in the nightly line dancing at Orlando’s number one country bar. Drinks are reasonably priced.

• Player 1 Video Game Bar: For the inner nerd or child in you, a visit to Player 1 is essential. Each seat at the bar or table provides access to a variety of video game consoles. You can also play old-school arcade games while drinking a beer.

• Hanson’s Shoe Repair: If you’ve always wanted to experience a speakeasy, this is the place to do it. The cocktails are magical and delicious, but you must know the password to enter (for a hint, view their website).

• Thai House of Orlando: I’ve eaten at probably all of the Thai restaurants in Orlando, but this one wins the competition. Great for vegans and vegetarians, too.