Are you headed to Orlando for a conference this year? This central Florida theme park and business travel capital is a fun spot for everyone when you plan in advance. These are some of our favorite tips from those who have been to Orlando on business and were able to fit in all kinds of activities around their convention trip.
Pick the Right Hotel Location
The Orlando Convention Center is located on International Drive, which is in between Disney World and Universal Studios. Finding the right hotel to meet your business needs but also be close to local attractions is easy in Orlando. One of the best places to stay is the Hyatt Place Orlando/Convention Center because of its proximity to the top entertainment and business destinations in Orlando. The guest rooms include 42” flat screen TV, Cozy Corner with a sofa-sleeper, Grand Hyatt bed and a work area with a desk. While staying at the hotel you can enjoy the outdoor pool and 24-hour gym. This pet-friendly hotel also offers free Wi-Fi to all of its guests. The hotel allows you to be in the heart of it all while being able to get all of your work done.
There are also great deals for the Rosen and Marriott hotels nearby. These locations are within walking distance to the convention center while also being a short distance from SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Disney World.
Pick a Free Day
You probably can’t spend all of your time away from your meetings or your conference at the convention center. You likely will have to go every day for a seminar, meet-ups, networking, and other client conferences at the convention center. However, there may be an afternoon or an entire day where you can do something totally fun in Orlando. For these days, you should pick one experience that you’ve been dying to try. There are tons of things to do in Orlando that are quick and inexpensive, or you can book tickets in advance to head to the theme parks.
You can buy tickets in advance and get incredible rates on a single day admission. For example, you can buy a ticket package six months in advance for Universal Studios that allows you to go for under $100. Want to go at a later time of day? You can find half-day prices are available through third-party vendors.
Discovery Cove Orlando: Enjoy the ocean at the Discovery Cove Orlando that is the sister park to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. Relax on white sand beaches and tropical lagoons or snorkel with fish as you swim through a saltwater reef. While here you can also hand-feed tropical birds and have other up-close animal encounters with sea otters.
Walt Disney World Resort: Enjoy the destination that Orlando is known for. The family-friendly entertainment complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. The resort includes theme parks like the Magic Kingdom where magic becomes a reality. While here you can meet your favorite Disney characters, ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Or head over to Epcot for some adult fun as you travel around the world, under the sea, and into outer space. At Epcot, you can visit 11 countries or ride Mission: SPACE.
ICON Orlando 360: Take a break from work and enjoy 40 restaurants, bars, attractions, and shops at the ICON Park. One of the best places to go for a night of fun is the Orlando Eye. You’ll get an incredible view of the Orlando skyline from the top of the largest Ferris wheel. Or head over to Madame Tussauds and take a picture with Superman or meet the Justice League.
Orlando International Premium Outlets: Head to the outlets for an afternoon of shopping or to pick up something you might have forgotten to pack. Florida’s largest outlet shopping destination features more than 180 brand name and designer stores including Adidas, Calvin Klein, Old Navy and more.
Sample the Local Restaurants
Orlando offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy everything from local seafood places to authentic Italian cuisine.
One80 Skytop Lounge: Relax and unwind after a long of work at the posh rooftop terrace location. The lounge features premium cocktails and live entertainment which is sure to make a great end to a productive day.
Chatham’s Place Restaurant: Set up an after work dinner at this restaurant offering continental-inspired cuisine featuring produce from the chef’s garden. Start off with the Caprese salad featuring Chef Tony’s homemade fresh mozzarella, try the Florida Black Grouper for an entrée and indulge in Dark Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano: Make reservations for a client dinner at this Italian restaurant featuring family-style meals. This celebrated destination serves refined Italian plates in a wood-accented space with authentic Italian artwork on the walls. Make sure to try the Spaghetti al Pomodoro or Pollo Al Marsala for dinner and the Traditional Cannoli for dessert.
ICEBAR Orlando: Grab a drink (and a coat!) at the largest permanent ice bar in the world that features more than 70 tons of hand-carved ice. This below-freezing room has a bard build from ice and a lounge where you can relax after a long day of work.
A below-freezing room with a bar built from ice & an adjacent lounge with dancing for warming up.
Business travel to Orlando doesn’t have to be all work and no fun. Take advantage of all the city has to offer from theme parks to delicious local restaurants. Orlando is the perfect city to get your work done and have fun at the same time.
