World-class resorts, award-winning dining and legendary attractions make Orlando the perfect destination to extend your stay before or after your meeting (downtown Orlando pictured).
Now that the trade show floor has closed, the lanyards are hung up and the networking is done, it’s time for planners and attendees to relax, recharge … or go an adventure. In Orlando, you can do all of the above because we have the world-class accommodations, entertainment, dining and attractions to incentivize meeting participants to extend their stay, bring family and friends, and create even more indelible memories.
Read on to discover the Orlando experiences your attendees can incorporate into their “bleisure” adventure.
Experiential Hotels and Resorts
Whether attendees are extending their stay at their group’s convention hotel or looking to experience another world-class resort, Orlando offers more than 490 hotels, at price points to match every budget, with 130,000 rooms to choose from. For a brand-new experience, you can stay at Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando’s first beach-like property or at the luxurious Conrad Orlando, the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand.
For a boutique experience, stay at The Alfond Inn at Rollins College, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park near downtown Orlando where you can relax in their new spa. Or venture to Lake Nona, a community not too far from Orlando International Airport, and spend a few nights at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel where you can recharge with ROX Climbing, the region’s only 42-foot rock climbing tower, or meditate at the Chopra Mind Body-Zone & Spa.
Award-Winning Dining and Nightlife
With more than 6,000 restaurants serving 140 cuisines, there are so many great foods to enjoy during your extend stay, especially if you bring the family.
Personally experience Orlando’s growth as a culinary destination by dining at one or more of our seven Starred, 11 Bib Gourmand and 30 Recommended Restaurants found in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide. They include four new MICHELIN Starred restaurants: Camille in Baldwin Park, Natsu in the North Quarter District in downtown Orlando, Papa Llama in Curry Ford West, and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Exceptional dining — along with amazing shopping — can also be found at our all-in-one, open-air retail, dining and entertainment districts, including Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort, and Pointe Orlando and ICON Park® on International Drive.
Legendary Theme Parks
No destination has more — or more iconic — theme parks than Orlando. From the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort to aquatic wonderlands at SeaWorld® Orlando, and the endless excitement of Universal Orlando Resort to family fun at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, being the Theme Park Capital of the World makes our destination perfect for attendees to bring their families.
Plentiful Shopping
Attendees will absolutely want to spend some quality time at Orlando’s retail destinations including, The Mall at Millenia — where VIP treatment awaits when your show partners with Visit Orlando. Other options include The Florida Mall®, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando International Premium Outlets® and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®.
For still more unique finds, look into bespoke boutiques in eclectic neighborhoods throughout the destination. Winter Park’s Park Avenue offers a powerful collection of high-end retailers, salons and restaurants, all in a beautiful, inviting, “Main Street” setting.
Arts and Culture
Orlando is also home to a mix of contemporary and traditional art and culture so your attendees can take in a hit Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or enjoy some smooth sounds along with craft cocktails and a scratch kitchen menu at the venue’s new 150-seat Judson’s Live cabaret-style venue. Check out engaging exhibits and collections at Rollins Museum of Art, Orlando Museum of Art and the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Orlando’s lakes, natural springs and bike trails present a perfect backdrop for anyone looking to go from the trade show floor to the great outdoors. Airboat rides — including Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, and Wild Florida — plus kayaking, fishing and swimming with manatees are just a few of your choices when exploring outdoor experiences to get back to nature. Also, you can tackle a challenging zipline obstacle course at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland.
Ease of Travel
Orlando’s transportation options make it easy to extend your stay and to have your family or friends travel in to join you. Orlando International Airport (MCO) currently provides nonstop service from approximately 150 cities around the world, and the new South Terminal Complex added 15 gates.
Attendees who may have wrapped up a meeting in South Florida can easily extend their stay in Orlando by taking a ride on Florida’s new Brightline high-speed rail. You’ll experience a seamless journey to Orlando from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach complete with exceptional comfort and convenience.
Now that we have given you even more reasons to get excited about your next Orlando meeting, start planning that extended stay. Attendees who would like some assistance in making the most of their time can visit VisitOrlando.com and take advantage of Visit Orlando’s complimentary Vacation Planning Services for insider advice and special offers on the best Orlando.
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