Get tips from NBC’s TODAY Show on building an Orlando itinerary beyond the park gates.
Orlando just welcomed its first new theme park in over 25 years, and the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort was nothing short of, dare we say, epic. Numerous celebrities and influencers joined the gala celebration, including NBC’s TODAY Show — which dedicated an hour-long portion of its Epic Universe broadcast to everything there is to do beyond our theme parks and attractions.
Discover: Things to Do Beyond the Parks
Primarily filmed in Winter Park with hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin, plus special guest stars, the segment showcased our award-winning chefs, outdoor adventures, local arts, pro sports and even Orlando-made goods. See how TODAY put the best of our destination in the national spotlight, and use their tips to build your own one-of-a-kind Orlando getaway.
Dining
Chefs Richard Blais of the MICHELIN Recommended Four Flamingos, Trina Gregory of Se7en Bites, and Top Chef winner and Mills Market Culinary Director Hung Huynh stopped by to share some of their favorite recipes. Featured dishes included fish ribs, spiny lobster bisque, lemongrass pork bánh mì, Vietnamese summer rolls, tropical iced teas, a biscuit breakfast sandwich topped with five-cheese mac and cheese, and a lavender blueberry shortcake.
Discover: Orlando’s Top Chefs
Then, at the end of a segment about outdoor adventures (see below), Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej joined Dylan Dreyer to rave about food vendors at Boxi Park in Lake Nona.
Discover: Orlando Food & Dining
These segments provided a tantalizing taste of our deliciously diverse food scene. Indulge in MICHELIN Guide restaurants, celebrity chefs, James Beard Award honorees, experts on fine wine and craft beer, passionate advocates of the farm-to-table movement, pastry artisans, and restaurateurs dedicated to providing the very best in exceptional service. Make reservations ahead of your next visit.
Outdoor Adventures
Dylan Dreyer hosted this portion, which featured Get Up and Go Kayaking at Rock Springs Run State Reserve, plus The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont west of Winter Garden. Both highlight Central Florida’s natural heritage.
It all underscored Orlando’s outdoor fun for everyone — even people who would prefer to be indoors! Other all-natural experiences include airboat tours, hang-gliding, kayaking, off-roading, scenic boat tours, zip lining, natural lazy rivers and much more.
Discover: Outdoor Fun for Everyone
Local Arts
The longest-running actor to play the iconic Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin and an Orlando native, Michael James Scott stopped by to talk about his recent performance with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He also shared how his hometown helped shape his career and encouraged visitors to explore off the beaten path.
Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment
You can catch world-class live performances at downtown’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — home to Orlando Ballet, Opera Orlando and the Orlando Phil — and Timucua Arts Foundation, among other venues. Explore a wide range of galleries and museums, including many with free admission. And lose yourself in engaging experiences like the Orlando International Fringe Festival, IMMERSE, FusionFest, EDC Orlando and others.
Discover: Orlando Events Calendar
Pro Sports
Joined by power forward Paolo Banchero of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, one of the program’s two sports segments focused on Banchero’s work with his surging team and his mom’s role as a pioneering WNBA player and coach. The hosts also quizzed Banchero on Orlando trivia. (He got two of the three answers correct; not bad for a transplant!)
TODAY welcomed stars of the NWSL defending champions, the Orlando Pride, too. The players discussed the experience of bringing home Orlando’s first-ever major league sports championship, the team’s plans going forward, and what it’s like to be role models to young female fans — plus their take on what makes Orlando so special.
Discover: Orlando’s Heroic Women
Orlando-Made Goods
TODAY even made time to highlight Orlando’s small businesses, including some of the best local fashion, food and lifestyle finds with an assist from contributor Sarah Eggenberger. Spotlighted brands included Duvin Design Co., Wondermade Marshmallows, Pretty Peacock Paperie, Wash + Wik, Corkcicle, and Freehand Goods.
Local companies produce no shortage of quality merchandise with local flavor. Whether you’re buying gifts for family and friends or just want some one-of-a-kind mementos of your Orlando adventures, be sure to check out our guide to Orlando-made gifts. Or, let Orlando Gift Baskets do the shopping for you.
Discover: Made in Orlando
Have some Orlando gems of your own to share with the world? Let us know about them on social media by tagging @VisitOrlando.
