Visit Orlando Blog -  Dining

Wordless Wednesday – Margaritaville Edition

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Universal's CityWalk

                                       Volcano Bar

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas on a Budget

Valentine's Day has a way of sneaking up on you, and even the best made plans don't always work out. But whether you forgot, your plans fell through or you simply don't have the extra cash to shower your Valentine with expensive gifts, Orlando has several ways for you to enjoy some romance with your lover on a low budget and stay out of the dog house!

Lake Eola
Observe the natural beauty of Lake Eola in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Hold your lover's hand as you walk around the lake, enjoy the fountain light show preformed nightly at 8 and 9:30 p.m., dine at one of the local acclaimed restaurants, and even rent a swan paddle boat for around $15 per half hour. A simple evening of spending time together might be the best Valentine's gift of all.

California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Savor the delicious West Coast-inspired fare offered atop one of Disney's most elegant hotels and enjoy excellent views of the Magic Kingdom. With a reservation timed to catch the 8 p.m. fireworks show "Wishes," you and your valentine can enjoy both a delicious meal and a beautiful free show. For dessert, hop over to the romantic Disney's Boardwalk and take the complimentary boat transportation to the Yacht and Beach Club for ice cream.

Harry P. Leu Gardens
Enjoy an outdoor romantic movie in a beautiful garden setting on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket. Garden Admission is $5.00 plus tax.

Healthy Eating in Orlando’s Theme Parks: It Can Be Done!

If your New Year's resolution was to eat healthier - or to continue eating healthy - bravo!  Many wonder what kind of food options they'll have while on vacation to help them continue eating healthily. Below are some suggestions within Orlando's theme parks.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

You don't want eat like Shamu when you visit SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment! But have no fear, they have one of the top healthy dining programs out of all the Orlando attractions, making it easy to stick to your resolutions.

SeaWorld offers a vegetarian favorite that's also incredibly low-calorie at the Spice Mill: the juicy Garden Burger. Or, try the Veggie Wrap in the Antarctic Market, just the thing to cool you down and fill you up for a tasty lunch. The siren smells wafting out of the Voyagers Smokehouse might tempt you to cheat, but go for the flavorful and healthy turkey sandwich, which is just as delicious but a lot nicer to your figure.

Universal Orlando Resort

Looking for a bit of adventure and a healthy meal too? Universal Orlando Resort has you covered.  The Beverly Hills Boulangerie, Louie's Italian Restaurant and Richter's Burger Co. all offer a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches that won't send you on a guilt trip for the rest of your visit.

If you're touring Islands of Adventure, try the Garden Burger at Burger Digs or the Chicken Caesar Salad at Pizza Predittoria for a quick and wholesome meal. For a top rate meal, check out the award-winning Mythos Restaurant and enjoy the Cedar Plank Salmon.

The choices don't end at the park gates - Universal CityWalk has a host of renowned restaurants you can select from as well. Head to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for the Caribbean Chicken Salad and dance off extra calories at The Red Coconut Club or The Groove.

No matter where you stop for fuel, Universal Orlando Resort is looking out for your health; almost all of their dining options offer healthy alternatives to French fries and other high-calorie sides. Choose from veggies, side salads or fruit to help balance any meal.

Walt Disney World Resort

Healthy snacking is the key to keeping both parents and kids happy while they visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. Fresh fruit and veggies can be found in any of the parks, like in Animal Kingdom's Harambe Fruit Market. Or, try the low-fat smoothies at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom.

Want to stop for lunch? Hollywood Studios has veggie sandwiches and a Southwest Salad with chicken at Starring Rolls or Backlot Express. Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom offers tofu and noodle bowls at the Terrance Noodle Station and Turkey Bacon Wraps at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. Don't worry, you don't have to skip the flavor to be healthy in Walt Disney World Resort; sample the exotic, healthy fare at Animal Kingdom's Yak & Yeti, like their Mandarin Chicken Salad, or the hibachi-style grill in Teppan Edo at EPCOT. French fries aren't going away, but at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée are now offered at all table service restaurants, and side options include salads and fresh fruit.  Even your sweet tooth can be satisfied without breaking your diet. Instead of a Mickey's Ice Cream Bar, get a Dole Whip, and pat yourself on the back while you enjoy the creamy soft-serve treat.

Your picky eaters can still eat better with kid's side options like carrot sticks, grapes, apple sauce or Jell-O. And don't forget that smaller portions mean fewer calories - so share your food!

Orlando Named Top Destination in 2012

Orlando is one of the world's top destinations for 2012, according to an article in CNN Travel. Based on recommendations from four of the world's top travel experts, the undiscovered Orlando and the vibrant food scene is a must-see. Robert Reid, U.S. Travel Editor for Lonely Planet, urged tourists to discover Orlando's popular lakes, museums and scenic neighborhoods, like the hidden, bohemian "Milk District."

Festive New Year's Eve Drinks, Orlando-style!

Celebrating the holidays or ringing in the New Year in Orlando? Nothing kicks up the party like festive drinks to celebrate the end of 2011! Welcome the New Year with a few bubbly, delicious holiday cocktails found only in Orlando. We've also included recipes to try these concoctions at home! Let the parties begin and Happy New Year!

"Coquito" (Latin Style Eggnog) at Cuba Libre restaurant

Recipe:

3 cans of Coco Lopez coconut cream
2 cans condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon
6 egg yolks pasteurized
1 cup of Cuba Libre white rum
1 cup of Chairmans spiced rum
1/3 of a fresh vanilla bean stick, scrape seeds only
 
Combine all ingredients in a blender till smooth. Refrigerate Overnight and serve cold.

The "Angry Dragon" found at CRAVE Orlando

Recipe:

1.25 oz Bacardi Dragon Berry
.75 oz Soho Lychee
.5 oz Cranberry Juice (white and red)
.5 oz Sweet & Sour

Shake over ice and strain. Sugar the rim and decorate with citrus zest.

"Holiday Spice" found at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Recipe:

Spiced Rum
Mango Liquor
Pineapple Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Shake over ice and serve.

Holiday Dining in Orlando

Visiting Orlando for the holidays or want to give the cook in your family a break from the kitchen? Some of Orlando's best restaurants are serving delicious meals for every appetite and will make you feel right at home. Can't decide where to go? Here is a list of just a few of the many holiday dining options you'll find in Orlando:

Oscar's at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando - On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Oscar's will feature a holiday family dinner buffet that includes traditional holiday recipes, new Waldorf Astoria traditions and a special dessert finale. Reservations: 407-597-5500. 

Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria - Enjoy a four-course holiday meal including a choice of entrees, such as a holiday goose carved tableside, along with special selections created by Chef David Sears. The standard Bull & Bear a la carte menu will also be available. Reservations recommended: 407-597-5500.

The Tropicale at Caribe Royale - Feast on an extensive buffet planned in the Tropicale, featuring traditional holiday favorites and gourmet desserts freshly prepared by the pastry team, while enjoying live holiday jazz music. Reservations: 407-238-8000.

Rosen Plaza Christmas Day Grand Buffet - Indulge in a grand variety of food at this buffet which includes an Antipasto and Chilled Salad Station, soup station, seafood station, carving station, pasta station and last but not least, a dessert station. Reservations: 407-996-0256.

Garden Grove at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin - Celebrate the holidays with some of Disney's characters and enjoy traditional holiday meals. Reservations: 407-934-1609

Thanksgiving Dinner is Grand in Orlando

If you're in Orlando for Thanksgiving, you won't be disappointed with our dining options. Nov. 24 isn't just a time when families get together at home, it's also a time when many of Orlando's best restaurants roll out the red carpet and serve up delicious buffets and sumptuous meals, all in honor of Turkey Day! Can't decide where to go? Here is a list of just a few of the many Thanksgiving dining options you'll find here in Orlando.

 The Colombia Restaurant in Downtown Celebration offers Thanksgiving meals with a Spanish twist. Indulge in traditional servings like turkey and stuffing as well as non-traditional options like pumpkin flan and gazpacho soup. $19.95, adults; $5.95, children 10 and younger

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando's restaurants offer up true Floridian-style Thanksgiving dinners, with fresh seafood included as a main course and a lavish dessert buffet.

Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort restaurants all offer Thanksgiving meals for every taste and preference. If you're aiming for high-end gourmet, try out Todd English's bluezoo restaurant, featuring Pasture Prime Farms Red Bourbon turkey.

Try Thanksgiving Greek-style at the Taverna Opa located in Pointe Orlando. Offerings include lamb for the main course and yogurt with walnuts and honey for dessert. $25 per person

Downtown Disney's three signature restaurants will offer prix-fix Thanksgiving meal options. Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe's dinner is $42 per person and features gourmet offerings like duck confit tart and whole roasted poussin with butternut puree. For seafood lovers, Fulton's Crab House is offering a meal for $32.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. Portobello has a $33.95 prix-fix dinner for adults and $14.95 for children featuring sweet potato bisque, roasted turkey breast with rosemary gravy, pancetta and apple dressing.

Celebrate Island-style at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. The buffet meal includes Polynesian-inspired treats like smoked seafood and sushi and entertainment the whole family will love, with live hula dancers, Universal Orlando Resort characters and a face painter. $48, adults including champagne; $24 for children 12 and younger, free for children 3 and younder.

Norman's at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes doesn't disappoint. Indulge in a three-course menu showcasing holiday-inspired creations and the famed restaurant's signature dishes. $85 per person

This Week in Orlando: Films, Food, Festivals & More

Embrace the spirit of diversity in Orlando this week with a line-up of special events that celebrate arts and culture. From independent film festivals and craft fairs to foodie events and cultural street parties, here's a list of what's happening in Orlando Oct. 17-23.

Around Town

Orlando Film Festival, Oct. 19-23
This film festival in downtown Orlando showcases more than 140 independent films from all over the world. Admission: $5 one-day pass (includes all screenings for that day); $15 all-festival pass (festival access every day).

Children's Miracle Network Classic, Oct. 20-23
This tournament brings together more than 125 top PGA Tour players in a quest for a multi-million dollar purse. The 72-hole event is played on Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses. Admission: $10 individual rounds, $20 weeklong badges and $30 one-day Wine & Dine ticket.

Central Florida Veg Fest, Oct. 22
This family-friendly festival offers educational exhibits and events about vegetarian cuisine and lifestyle. Held in Loch Haven Park from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the veg fest features new products and ideas from more than 250 vendors and contributors as well as a wide variety of food preparation demos. Admission: free.

Mount Dora Craft Fair, Oct. 22-23
This nationally ranked juried event continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than 350 of the best crafters in the country. The craft fair is held on the downtown streets of Mount Dora from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: free.

Zoo Boo Bash, October 22, 23, 29 & 30
Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. Come dressed in costume to this family-friendly event, which features face painting, a haunted hayride and pumpkin patch. Kids can also learn about the myths and realities of misunderstood animals. Admission: included in zoo admission ($12.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids ages 3-12).

Festival Calle Orange, Oct. 23
Calle Orange is Central Florida's largest Hispanic street festival. Celebrate Hispanic culture in downtown Orlando with a variety of music, food and dancing. Admission: $15 general admission; kids 10 and under free.

Theme Park Events

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (pictured above), daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this Epcot festival. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, every weekend in October
Youngsters can dive into this Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October. At this daytime event, kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Admission: included in park admission ($81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31
Celebrating 21 years of fear, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios as the nation's most intense Halloween event. During select nights, the theme park transforms into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of haunted houses, scarezones and live shows as brave guests confront extreme Halloween entertainment. Admission: $81.99.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Nov. 1
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom's boo-free bash after regular park hours. The "not-so-scary" festivities include Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. Admission: party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9.

For more special events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events here.

Food & Wine Events in Orlando

Whether you're a food and wine aficionado or you just like to try new flavors and wine pairings, Orlando's home to some of the best food and wine celebrations. So prep your palate for a little taste below of these foodie fall events.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this Epcot festival. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. The photo below features three new desserts available at this year's "Dessert and Champagne" marketplace. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, through October
This fall, Waldorf Astoria Orlando premieres Food & Wine Weekends, a celebration of fine wine and the culinary arts. Event highlights include "Grand Pairings" wine dinners, wine tasting experiences, the Waldorf Astoria Chocolate Shop and more. Admission: varies. Weekend accommodation packages available.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 7-8
This evening event is a culinary festival featuring beverage seminars, live music and tastings from the hotel's award-winning restaurants and lounges. Admission: seminar tickets $35; food and wine tasting $65. All-inclusive accommodation packages are available.

Latin Food & Wine Festival, Oct. 14-15
Celebrate Hispanic heritage during the Latin Food & Wine Festival. The two-day event begins with Savor the Night on Oct. 14, an intimate culinary affair in downtown Orlando. The Grand Tasting, the festival's signature event on Oct. 15, showcases Latin cuisine from local restaurants. Enjoy palatable dishes, wines, entertainment and much more for the entire family. Admission: Savor the Night $75; Grand Tasting free.

For more fall special events in Orlando, click here.

This Week in Orlando: Fall Fun

Embrace the fall season (and cooler weather!) in Orlando with some festive fall events. From the falling of leaves during Oktoberfest to the Autumn Art Festival, here's a list of what's happening Oct. 3-9.

Around Town

Celebration's Oktoberfest, Oct. 7-8
The town of Celebration welcomes the fall season with Oktoberfest, a German-themed festival that showcases the falling of leaves. The two-day event features live music, hayrides, pumpkin painting and more. Admission: free.

 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 7-8
This evening event is a culinary festival featuring beverage seminars, live music and tastings from the hotel's award-winning restaurants and lounges. Admission: seminar tickets $35; food and wine tasting $65. All-inclusive accommodation packages are available.

Orlando Home Show, Oct. 7-9
Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the Orlando Home Show is Central Florida's largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features how-to seminars and experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping. Admission: $7 advance or $10 day of; children 12 and under free.

38th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, Oct. 8-9
This art festival is the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively. Held annually on the second weekend in October, the community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art, live entertainment, children's activities and more. Admission: free.

Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week, Oct. 9-15
Park Avenue's Fashion Week is a celebration of the local fashion retail and design community. The weeklong event includes trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, special discounts and a grand finale runway show on Oct. 15. Admission to the runway show: $45 advance or $50 day of; VIP tickets available.

Theme Park Events

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular (below), every weekend in October
Youngsters can dive into this Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October. At this daytime event, kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Admission: included in park admission ($81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31
Celebrating 21 years of fear, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios as the nation's most intense Halloween event. During select nights, the theme park transforms into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of haunted houses, scarezones and live shows as brave guests confront extreme Halloween entertainment. Admission: $81.99.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Nov. 1
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom's boo-free bash after regular park hours. The "not-so-scary" festivities include Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. Admission: party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this 45-day festival at Epcot. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

For more special events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events here.