Eat/Play/Shop
Helpful tips when Eating out
Dining out
When visiting Florida! Surprisingly, it can sometimes be cheaper than shopping for groceries , especially if you’re not buying in bulk. Florida offers an amazing variety of cuisine, from American classics and European dishes to dinner shows and themed restaurants .
💡 Tips:
🍫 Bring snacks: Eating inside the theme parks can be pricey, so packing snacks can save money.
🥗 Look for deals: Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat buffets or “kids eat free” deals with certain dining cards purchased with park tickets.
🥦 Vegetables on menus: Veggies may be less prominent, and cooking styles might differ from what you’re used to.
Complimentary salads and bread rolls are often available to keep everyone satisfied while waiting for meals.
💵 Tipping: Standard in the USA — usually around 15–20% of your bill.
Restaurant Recommendations
🍕 Craving pizza? Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza – Stone-baked pizza, delicious and great value.
🍔 Need a quick bite? Wendy’s – Burgers and fries.
🍹 Taste the islands! Bahama Breeze Caribbean – Tasty Caribbean cuisine and cocktails. Great ribs and generous portions.
🍔 Burgers done right. BurgerFi – Delicious burgers with large portions.
👨👩👧 Family favourites. Chili’s Bar & Grill – American classic and family favourite.
🥞 Buffet heaven. Golden Corral – All-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
🥩 Steak lovers rejoice! Longhorn Steakhouse – Amazing steaks and honey bread.
🍺 Casual dining & sports. Miller’s Ale House – American restaurant and sports bar serving steaks, chicken, burgers, salads, and seafood.
🍝 Classic Italian fare. Olive Garden – Pasta dishes and family-friendly dining.
🥪 Anytime meals. Perkins – Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great for a quick stop near Animal Kingdom.
🎶 Evening entertainment & dining. Promenade at Sunset Walk – Variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and live music on weekends.
🌴 Fun for the family. Rainforest Café – Themed atmosphere with moving animals.
🎸 Ribs & rock! Rock & Brews – Great ribs and lively music.
🥩 Steakhouse classics. Texas Roadhouse – American grill with burgers and classic dishes.
🍻 Casual American dining. TGI Fridays – Classic U.S. chain serving burgers, ribs, and cocktails in a lively setting.
🦖 Dino adventure! T-Rex Café – Dinosaur-themed dining with meteor shower displays every 20 minutes. 🍖 BBQ heaven. 4 Rivers Smokehouse Orlando / UCF – BBQ, sweets, and Southern hospitality.
🌟 Things to Do Near the Villa
🐊Gatorland – If you have a spare day, why not visit Orlando’s snappy friends! Experience shows, ziplines, and animal encounters. 📍 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
🧱 LEGOLAND – So much in one place! Enjoy rides, water parks, and the new Peppa Pig Land. Journey to Mythica, enter an incredible parallel universe, catch a show, or meet some LEGO friends.
🏰 Medieval Times – Be part of the battle to defend the throne! Raise a goblet to the queen and enjoy lance-shattering jousting, sword fights, thrilling hand-to-hand combat, extraordinary horsemanship, falconry, and a meal fit for a knight. 📍 4510 W. Vine St., Orlando, FL 34746
🛍️ Celebration Town – Discover the finest selection of traditional shops and boutiques with something for everyone. Enjoy strolling the brick-lined streets of Celebration Town Center with family and friends.
🌸Winter Gardens – A National Register of Historic Places site, perfect for history lovers and cycling enthusiasts. Explore shops and restaurants along the 250-mile Coast to Coast (C2C) Connector Trail across Central Florida.
🚤 Boggy Creek Airboats – Cruise the swamps by day, sunset, or night with an expert guide who knows the wetlands like the back of their hand, spotting plenty of wildlife along the way. 📍 2001 E. Southport Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34746
Shopping in Orlando
Orlando is a shopper’s paradise — from designer boutiques to outlet malls, there’s something for everyone. Many stores offer discounts, so it’s a good idea to sign up for store emails for vouchers. Returning visitors may get even more savings, and don’t forget to look out for in-store vouchers too!
👜 Outlet Malls
Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave® 📍 8200 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821
Orlando Premium Outlets – International Drive® 📍 4951 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
These outlets are perfect for deals — watch for discount flyers that stack with already reduced prices. Shops include DKNY, Fossil, Nike, Adidas, and diamond stores.
🛒 Shopping Malls
The Florida Mall 📍 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Room 420, Orlando, FL 32809 Home to M&M’s World, the Apple Store, and Mac.
The Mall at Millenia 📍 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839 📞 (407) 363-3555 Featuring all the designer brands — Gucci, Cartier, and more.
🏪 General Shopping
Publix – Supermarkets found everywhere.
Walmart – Games, electronics, clothes. From West Haven: right out, then left onto the U27. It’s on the left just after the junction for the 192. Lowe’s – DIY store next to Walmart.
Target – Everything you need under one roof, especially large superstores.
Posner Park – Off Highway 27. Includes JC Penney, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy.