Discover Earth-friendly activities to include in your next Orlando meeting (pictured: Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland).
As the top U.S. travel and meeting destination, it’s only “natural” that Orlando leads the way with sustainable teambuilding and dining options for groups. From eco-excursions that go ziplining over American alligators to farm-to-table menus at several of Orlando’s best restaurants, it’s easy to create a “green” itinerary for conservation-minded attendees.
Discover: Sustainable Meetings in Orlando
Read on to discover Earth-friendly teambuilding options for your next Orlando meeting.
Eco-excursions
Orlando’s great outdoors provides ample team-building opportunities your group will never forget.
For example, at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, your team can build their coordination skills while increasing their trust in each other as they tackle a challenging zipline obstacle course together. Other zipline attractions of note include Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland, where they’ll actually soar over alligators — if they dare!
If your group prefers to get on the water, set them up with one of our many airboat tour operators. There, they’ll witness untouched flora and fauna together in some of the coolest watercraft ever devised. These include Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida.
Attendees can kayak on numerous waterways and natural springs throughout the Orlando area with an assist from innovative standalone operators such as Adventures in Florida, Epic Paddle Adventures, and Get Up and Go Kayaking, which is famous for its 100% clear kayaks that let you see everything.
Guests of sister properties JW Marriott Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando in Grande Lakes can rent a kayak or canoe for exploring Shingle Creek, aka the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, or observe wildlife on a sunrise safari, take to one of 11 private lakes and ponds for fishing or angling expeditions, and even participate in a falconry class. The professionally guided eco-tours reveal fascinating aspects about the area’s history and wildlife.
Sustainable Dining
Orlando’s evolving culinary scene is filled with popular restaurants, famed steakhouses and succulent seafood outlets that include sustainable and farm-to-table menu items.
Discover: Orlando Dining for Business Groups
The team at MICHELIN Guide-recognized Primo By Melissa Kelly, located at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, have the notion of being stewards of the land, serving seasonally fresh and locally sourced Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Fellow MICHELIN Guide restaurant Swine & Sons in Winter Park serves scratch-made burgers and sandwiches. Down the road at The Ravenous Pig, a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand, the menu infuses seasonal ingredients, often sourced from small local distributors.
Gourmet farm-to-table goodness can be found at Market To Table, a modern American restaurant nestled in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden, or American Kitchen Bar & Grill at B Resort & Spa at Disney Springs®. For groups that venture into Disney Springs, celebrity Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen pays homage to Florida’s rich agricultural heritage by highlighting local ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine.
Boca in Winter Park bases its menu on the local food movement and sources ingredients from nearby farmers and specialty food purveyors wherever possible.
Sustainable-Focused Nonprofit Organizations
There are several noteworthy and commendable nonprofits that focus on sustainability that your group can partner with to help make an impact in the Central Florida community.
Discover: Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
- 4Roots: Educating communities on where and how food is grown, and why it matters in order to restore and maintain the delicate balance between people and the planet.
- Clean the World: Donating recycled hygiene products to help prevent millions of hygiene-related illnesses and deaths every year.
- Fleet Farming: Creating localized food systems that bring communities together towards a healthier, more connected world in harmony with people and planet.
- Greenup Orlando: Encourages groups to plant greenery, beautify neighborhoods, raise sustainability awareness in Orlando, and promote the benefits of ecofriendly volunteer efforts.
- Hands On Orlando: Provides opportunities for corporate volunteers to make a difference at their Hands On Park, a formerly overgrown lot that has been transformed into a “learning laboratory” on the shore of Lake Mann in the City of Orlando.
With these and so many other great organizations, the Visit Orlando team is ready to discuss the many opportunities available and help you identify the appropriate organization locally.
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