Visit Orlando Blog

Hop Your Way to Easter Activities and Dining in Orlando

From chocolate eggs to mischievous bunnies, Orlando features a wide variety of family fun and delicious fare to celebrate Easter. Put a little spring in your step with gourmet feasts, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts or some special Easter savings.

Family Fun - Egg Hunts & The Easter Bunny

Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek have an "egg"cellent weekend of events planned for families. At both hotels, children 10 and under can enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, and at the Waldorf, kids can meet a live bunny after the Easter Egg Hunt! Additional activities at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, include family favorites like crafts, egg-and-spoon races, candy bingo and special movie showings in the evenings.

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Dine with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Brunch Buffet, served from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. For $21 a person, guests can socialize with the Easter Bunny, decorate pancakes and indulge in carving stations with Palmetto Creek ham and Harris Ranch prime rib. Kids can sip lemonade, chow down on cupcakes and search for eggs with two egg hunts taking place at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The Florida Mall
Capture the memories at the Easter Photo Experience event with the Easter Bunny, taking place from Saturday, March 17, through Saturday, April 7. Promotional prize drawings and kid's activities for the new movie Hop are included in the event.

Winter Park Village
Start your holiday early at an Easter Event of extraordinary proportions Saturday, March 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This free event features an Easter egg scavenger hunt, hat decorating contest, giveaways, music and more!  Event attendees are welcome to participate in a Parade with the Easter Bunny! 

Easter Deals

The Peabody Orlando
The Peabody's Spring Spectacular package begins at $155 per night for stays April 5 to12 and May 25 to 28. Stay for Easter Brunch at the Capriccio Grill on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., priced at $74.95 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12.

Morse Museum of American Art
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum of American Art throughout Easter weekend, April 6 through 8. Public hours for the open house are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Easter Sunday.

Orlando Balloon Rides
Take to the skies on an unforgettable trip with Orlando Balloon Rides with an Easter Special of $25 off the regular adult price and one free child (ages 4 - 10) per paying adult. This special is offered for the entire month of April, so take advantage while you can!

Easter Brunch

deep blu seafood grille
Recently-named OpenTable Orlando Diner's Choice winner, deep blu seafood grille will offer an all-inclusive Easter menu on Sunday, April 8 highlighting the restaurant's gourmet dining offerings of the freshest, sustainable seafood and fusion fare. Sample the live oyster bar, gourmet cheese presentation, champagne mimosas and an 11-dish dessert display. Yum! The Easter menu is $48 for adults, $24 for children 5 - 11 (kids under 4 are free) and will be served from noon - 9 p.m.

Luma on Park
Indulge in an Orlando favorite with a special Easter Brunch at Luma from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a variety of lunch and brunch items as well as bloody marys and Bellinis. This trendy upscale eatery fills up fast, so make your reservations for Sunday, April 8 before it's too late!

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar's
Celebrate the season with an elegant three-course Easter Brunch offered on April 8th, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The prix fixe menu includes decadent entrees like Filet Mignon Benedict and New Orleans-Style French Toast, with fruit or salad appetizers and crème brûlée, White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Walnut Turtle Pie for dessert. The special spread is $34.95 per person with a children's version for $16.95.

Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Taste the sweet life, complete with a strolling musician during this Easter champagne brunch from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.  Trattoria del Porto will serve an all-you-can eat brunch with smoked New York strip, roasted leg of lamb, roasted pork loin, mahi mahi and more.  Children can meet Universal characters, get their faces painted and enjoy a special children's activity table. The price is $58 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
Escape to a tropical paradise setting for Easter Sunday with a champagne brunch in the Islands Dining Room from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. complete with islands music, hula dancers and an all-you-can eat brunch featuring smoked prime rib, roasted leg of lamb, seafood raw bar, sushi stations and more.  Kids will love the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and some of their favorite Universal characters. The price is $52 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Cue up Easter brunch with a touch of rock 'n' roll attitude in The Kitchen restaurant from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  The hits will include New York sirloin, baked ham, omelet station, special kids items for the lil' rockers and a mouth-watering dessert station. Kids can meet the Easter bunny and visit the restaurant's "kids only" pancake and cupcake decorating station. This Easter menu is $42 for adults and $16 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

Wordless Wednesday - Fantasyland Expansion Phase 1

Phase 1 of the new Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom opened to guests earlier this month.

 .

 .

Wordless Wednesday - Harry P. Leu Gardens Edition

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 50 acres of beauty and blooming nature in Orlando.

Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

With so many choices in Orlando, visitors and locals alike might have trouble deciding where to take the family for good food and fun. Before you head to your usual spot, take a little inspiration from the magic Orlando offers in one of these kid-friendly restaurants, and turn a meal into a memorable family experience.

T-REX Café
The newest themed-dining addition to Downtown Disney, T-REX is a time machine to an interactive prehistoric environment. Life-size animatronic dinosaurs, woolly mammoths and aquariums offer something to discover at every turn. Between bites of delicious Layers of the Earth Lasagna or the Gigantosaurus Burger, families will be enchanted by all the creatures found among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers and a fossil dig site.

NBA City
Got a little sports fan in your family? Universal CityWalk ‘s NBA City evokes the classic basketball arenas of the 1940s and 50s, serving excellent American fare that will score points with anyone. Twice named Orlando's best themed restaurant by the Orlando Sentinel, NBA City offers some of the best sandwiches and pizzas in CityWalk with a fun atmosphere that kids love.

Rainforest Café
Rainforest Café is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! The menu features crowd-pleasers like burgers, pastas, and exotic salads, but tropical treats like the chocolate-y Sparkling Volcano will really wow the whole family. With two locations, one at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the other in Downtown Disney, the lush tropical rain forest comes to life through a combination of animated wildlife and special effects, making it a "wild place to eat and shop."

Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbeque
A famous Orlando favorite, this finger-lickin' food is served in five Orlando locations. Too yummy not to share, the BBQ options from chicken to sliced pork sandwiches come in kid servings too. With all the southern sides you could ask for and even homemade desserts, Bubbalou's was named one of America's top barbeque restaurants by Zagat's Restaurant Survey, and publications like Southern Living and USA Today.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House
Opened in 1961 inside the DeLeon Springs State Park, this distinctive restaurant brings a whole new experience to a family breakfast out. Kids become culinary artists as they create their own pancakes on the personal griddles at each table! With pitchers of homemade pancake batter, the meal makes for a fun and creative family experience that couldn't be easier. Specialty toppings like bananas, peanut butter, pecans and apples add a tasty flourish to each griddle work-of-art, making this breakfast a cherished memory for all.

Park Plaza Gardens
Indulge in a little mother-daughter bonding or a birthday party fit for a queen at the Park Plaza Garden Tea Room. From delicate finger sandwiches, succulent scones, and of course, delicious hot teas, little ladies and grown-ups alike will love getting the real princess treatment. Afternoon tea, Royal Tea, dessert tea and themed teas are all available from 3 to 5 p.m. daily with a reservation made 24-hours prior.

Sweet Tomatoes
A family favorite, this buffet-style eatery offers healthy and nutritious options parents want for their kids, but with plenty of yummy sides and even desserts that are perfect eat-your-vegetables bribes! Fresh seasonal soups, salads, hot-from-the-oven baked goods and an ice cream bar make this affordable dining experience a real treat that everyone in the family enjoys. The monthly menu feature for March is "Feel like a kid again," with specialty items like creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese focaccia dippers. Yum!

Wordless Wednesday – The Mall at Millenia Edition

Get ready for Spring fashion with new additions and recently renovated stores at The Mall at Millenia

St. Patrick’s Day in Orlando is Filled With Events and Luck

Looking for St. Patrick events in Orlando for 2013? Check out our newest blog post.

Everyone's a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day, right? Orlando offers plenty of ways to celebrate- bagpipes, green beer and more! Whether you prefer a jolly feast of corned beef hash and potato bread, want to relax with a pint of Guinness, or sling back Irish Car Bombs, as long as you're wearing green a St. Paddy's experience awaits you in Orlando.

Raglan Road at Downtown Disney - Visit a little piece of genuine Ireland right here in Orlando at Ragland Road- where an authentic Irish pub has been imported and reassembled. Family-friendly and fun for all ages, the St. Patrick's Day festivities offer Celtic fare, Irish Dancers and guest musicians all the way from Ireland, including Murphy's Law & The Irish Rogues. Kids and adults alike can enjoy games and competitions where prizes are awarded to the winners! Elevation, the world's best U2 Tribute band, hits the stage at 10 p.m. on March 17, promising to bring the house down with renditions of U2's greatest hits. The fun begins at 11 a. m.

Pat O'Brien's - Universal Citywalk celebrates St. Patty's Day with Attitude at this favorite "New Orleans" watering hole. Enjoy a live rock band and dueling pianos, Irish food, stilt walkers, bead girls, and more! Drink specials include $3 domestic drafts and $9 Hurricanes from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free until 6 p.m. General admission (for guests 21+ only after 6 p.m.) is $12, and VIP admission is available for $20. It's everything you could want in your St. Patrick's Day celebration!

The Pub at Pointe Orlando - It's an important day in Irish history, and the Pub at Pointe Orlando promises to give you a "historically accurate" good time through a variety of drink specials, like $3 Green Beer (while it lasts); $5 Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp; $5 Car Bombs and Jameson Shots and more. Irish food and cocktails are available all weekend, including during the "Hair of the Dog that Bit You" brunch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 18.

The Celt Irish Pub - The Harp and Celt present The Great St. Patrick's Day Party Trilogy 2012, featuring a Friday countdown party, "Luck of the Irish St. Patrick's Day Party" all day Saturday, and an "I Survived St. Patrick's Day Party" on Sunday, with a traditional Irish breakfast served all day. You won't want to miss the live music, food, and drinks - especially the Irish Beer Garden outside!

Wall Street Plaza St. Patrick's Day Block Party - If you want to party like a leprechaun, the Wall Street St. Patrick's Day Block Party is your pot o' gold. Starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m., this bash offers seven bars and restaurants along with Irish dancers; live music performances by Off Kilter and the Orlando Fire Department's Pipe and Drums; and plenty of Irish fare and drink specials, like $3 Michael Collins Irish Whiskey drinks. How lucky!

Luck of the Irish St. Paddys Day Pub Crawl Orlando - Join PubCrawls.com as they attempt to break the record for the Largest Pub Crawl Ever in Orlando on St. Patrick's Day. Never before has the city seen a pub crawl like this. Sláinte!

Fiddlers Green Irish Pub ‎- As the Orlando area's oldest Irish Pub, Fiddlers celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Irish food, drink, and a cozy, genuine atmosphere.

World of Beer - In addition to World of Beer's usual selection of hundreds of beer varieties, drink specials including $4 Irish pints and $1 Irish shots will be served in honor of the great St. Patrick.  Live music performances promise to keep things lively, with Chris Burns on stage at 3 p.m. and The Dropa Stone on at 9 p.m. at the UCF location. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

5 Orlando Restaurants Serving up Food & Fun

In search of an Orlando restaurant that combines great food and fun? From I-Drive to Winter Park and every neighborhood in-between, Orlando offers a wide array of dinner venues that not only offers memorable meals but also make for a fun night out on the town. 

Ceviche

This unique Spanish Tapas Restaurant in downtown Orlando features cathedral ceilings, live entertainment and made-from-scratch red and white Sangria. Ceviche imports many of its ingredients directly from Northern Spain and Catalonia to maintain the authenticity of its menu. The owners have designed a Spanish wine list that pairs perfectly with selected menu items. Stop in for Tapas Tuesday featuring tapas dishes for $4.

Dexter's

Enjoy a delightful night at one of Orlando's trendiest neighborhoods with Dexter's of Thornton Park. The quaint neighborhood atmosphere and tasty dishes will make anyone a repeat customer.  This local eatery's menu features favorite American cuisine served with a unique twist. On Sundays diners will find a unique brunch featuring favorites like stuffed French toast and steak breakfast-burritos alongside flavored mimosas. Every Tuesday is $1 Burger Night and Happy Hour specials include $10-off bottles of wine. 

Shipyard Emporium

Get a taste of coastal Maine flavors right here in Orlando at the Shipyard Emporium. More than just a restaurant, the Shipyard Emporium houses a bakery and brewery inside. Head Brewer Ron Raike is a two-time Southeast Homebrewer of the Year and has been awarded many National Homebrew Competition medals. Pick his brain on all things beer during the brewery tour offered to guests. Be sure to try the house favorites - the pot roast sandwich and lobster bisque.

Café Tu Tu Tango

Experience a taste of the bohemian lifestyle at Café Tu Tu Tango. Designed as a Spanish Artist Loft, Café Tu Tu Tango's features live entertainment and artwork that can be purchased right off the walls. Café Tu Tu Tango's offers small appetizer sized items meant to be shared and delicious Sangria and other cocktails. Visit on Tuesdays between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. for $3 mojitos, margaritas and martinis along with $2.22 mini-flatbreads.

Mucho Tequila

Discover your new favorite tequila with more than 130 different options at this trendy restaurant in Thornton Park.  Mucho Tequila offers freshly prepared Mexican cuisine and unique apparel to purchase. While only open for dinner during the week and for brunch on the weekend,  Mucho Tequila offers some of Orlando's best drink specials with an all-day Happy Hour on Mondays. Stop by on Sundays for a margarita pitcher and an order of mucho nachos for only $20. 

Bright Lights and Even Bigger Sounds – Big Name Acts Come to Orlando

There is no shortage of A-list talent coming to rock out Orlando this concert season. Music legends such as Elton John and Van Halen are set to enthrall at Amway Center while rock bands including Daughtry and Snow Patrol are ready to jam out Hard Rock Live. Don't miss the chance to see your favorite music act when they visit Orlando in the coming weeks. Here's a list of who's coming to town, tickets available at ticketmaster.com:

Legendary Artists

Elton John brings his ‘Million Dollar Piano' to Amway Center on March 10th.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are set for a nearly sold out stop of their ‘I'm With You Tour' March 31 at Amway Center.

Van Halen brings their 2012 world tour to Amway Center on April 12.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will stop at Amway Center May 3 as part of their blockbuster 2012 tour.

Boston will appear at Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk May 3.

Rock Shows

Nickelback bring the ‘Here & Now Tour' to Amway Center May 4.

Snow Patrol visits Hard Rock Live March 29 for their ‘Fallen Empires Tour.'

Mutemath celebrate ‘Odd Souls' March 17 at House of Blues in Downtown Disney.

The Fray supports their new ‘Scars & Stories' album with a show at Hard Rock Live May 3.

Daughtry will ‘Break the Spell' at Hard Rock Live April 12.

OneRepublic return to Orlando for a special concert at the House of Blues March 21.

Blue October rock the House of Blues during a stop on their 2012 World Tour March 24.

Top 40 Crowd Pleasers

LMFAO bring the ‘Party Rock Tour' to Amway Center June 23, along with many special guests.

Rusko brings his signature EDM sounds to House of Blues May 18.

Mac Miller stops by the New UCF Arena for a show April 20.

GreenWaves Music Festival promises huge EDM acts for the third annual music event April 11 at UCF.

Childish Gambino visits Hard Rock Live for a show June 12.

Country Acts

Florida Strawberry Festival has a few A-list country acts set to perform this week:

Vince Gil - March 6

The Band Perry - March 7

Luke Bryan - March 8

Rodney Atkins - March 10

Reba - March 11

Little Big Town will perform at Hard Rock Live March 24.

Eric Church will entertain at the New UCF Arena March 23.

Orlando’s Best Kept Secret Restaurants

Did you know it would take nearly five years to eat in Orlando's more than 5,000 restaurants if you ate at three a day? From world class restaurants featuring celebrity chefs to local mom-and-pop shops cooking up family recipes handed down through the years, Orlando has an option for every palette. Try something different and visit one of these charming eateries for a unique experience and discover your new favorite meal. You will not find these delicious restaurants anywhere else but in Orlando!

Yellow Dog Eats
This deli café is tucked away right outside of Orlando and features what reviewers have deemed "the best pulled pork sandwich in the south." Yellow Dog serves sandwiches, salads and bbq under the old tin roof of the country store and features a cute garden in the back as well as an upstairs area to devour fan favorite sandwiches such as The Elvis, pulled pork topped with bacon and their special coleslaw. The Mexican Mutt and Johnny Rocket also fly out of the kitchen regularly.

4Rivers Smokehouse
This Texas-style smokehouse features mouth-watering brisket, BBQ sandwiches and homemade southern side dishes. 4Rivers uses top-quality ingredients for all their signature items including pulled chicken and pork sandwiches and delicious sides of sweet potato casserole and cornbread salad. Owner and Pit Master John Rivers launched a line of sauces and rubs available to purchase along with mail-order brisket and other 4Rivers specialties. Make sure you leave room for dessert! The Sweet Shop serves scrumptious cupcakes and homemade ice cream. 

Pom Pom's Teahouse
East meets west at Pom Pom's Teahouse with deliciously themed gourmet sandwiches paired with a unique blend of authentic side salads and wide variety of loose leaf teas. Pom Moongauklang, owner and operator, was born and raised in Thailand before becoming a pastry chef in New York City. She used her talent and creativity to bring a twist to the Orlando sandwich scene. Fans rave about the Mama Ling Thanksgiving-themed sandwich and the soup of the day is always available to sample. The décor is eclectic and matches the theme of the restaurant.

Pine 22
Conscious eaters rejoice, Pine 22 features 100% natural antibiotic, hormone and chemical-free products that are locally grown and sourced. Pine 22 offers a variety of more than 10 cheeses, six different bun options plus over 30 other toppings to create an ultimate burger, chicken or pork sandwich. Make sure to stop by on Monday's from 2 p.m. to close for $3 Pine Burger Monday's where you can add a side of French fries or sweet potato fries for an additional $1. 

Beefy King
Best known for its uniquely steamed hot and fresh roast beef sandwiches, Beefy King has remained a landmark in Orlando for more than 40 years. The menu features mouthwatering options including hot and steaming roast beef, turkey, pastrami and BBQ pork sandwiches, all served fresh and made to order. Beefy King is also known for their tasty ‘Beefy Spuds' that must be added to any order along with their milkshakes. You will not break the bank here, Beefy King serves up its variety of fresh options at an affordable price.