Orlando

Orlando

Is there a city more geared towards the pursuit of fun than Orlando? This family-friendly holiday destination in Florida is home to some of the most iconic theme parks in the world, with Walt Disney World Resort being the biggest name of them all. The ‘House of Mouse’ plays no small role in drawing the crowds, and an estimated 50 million visitors take flights to Orlando every year.

When you’re not rubbing shoulders with your favourite Disney characters, there’s also wildlife spotting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and seal and dolphin shows at SeaWorld Orlando Florida.

For film fans, you can peruse famous stage sets and memorabilia at Universal Studios Florida. Away from the resorts, immerse yourself in the city’s dining and nightlife scene. The ‘locavore’ movement has well and truly taken hold, and there are some supremely talented chefs making the most of local, seasonal ingredients to create a dining experience worth travelling for.

Once you get away from the resorts, the great outdoors of Orlando is a big draw. If you’re feeling active, rent a kayak and take a tour of Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Alternatively, if you have the time to take a day trip out of the city, try wandering the walking trails of the nearby Ocala National Forest or go wildlife spotting at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
For another way to soak up the Florida sunshine, visit one of the city’s many award-winning golf courses. There’s a reason Tiger Woods is such a big fan of the city.

Make the time to see Orlando’s cultural offerings and your enthusiasm will be rewarded with a range of galleries, museums, science centres and more. The Orlando area is home to the renowned Dali Museum and Orlando Art Museum, as well as the Kennedy Space Center.

Things to do in Orlando

■ Go kayaking on Shingle Creek
■ Watch the Orlando Magic at Amway Center
■ Visit Walt Disney World Resort
■ Visit Orlando’s best art galleries
■ Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Stay in Orlando

■ DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Orlando
■ Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
■ Cabana Bay Beach Resort
■ Waldorf Astoria Orlando
■ Four Seasons Orlando
■ Floridian Express

Eat in Orlando

■ Bull and Bear (Steak)
■ The Rusty Spoon (New American/European)
■ Hawkers Asian Street Fare (Asian)
■ Victoria and Albert’s (American)
■ K Restaurant (Mediterranean fusion)
■ Chatham’s Place (Mediterranean)

Scheduled Flights to Orlando (from Kuala Lumpur)

■ Emirates (1 Stop)
■ Jetblue Airways (1 Stop)
■ Malaysia Airlines (1 Stop)