Food / Restaurants :

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Manny's Original Chophouse - Located on the US27 (less than 10 minutes drive from both homes), they do have numerous locations around Florida, but this is the Original and the best one for me. Manny's is an extremely popular spot and will be filled up most days, not only do the tourists enjoy it, but it seems equally as popular with the locals. Manny's are well known for their variety and sizes of steaks, but let me tell you, the complimentary salad and bread rolls with cinnamon butter are the perfect appetizer and are as good as anywhere we've eaten. I honestly don't think its possible not to leave here not feeling full or having enjoyed the whole experience. Great food, great theme and great service make this a place not to be missed.

 

PRO TIP: Barbecue Baby Back Ribs with Baked Sweet Potato. DELIGHTFUL!

ALSO: Make a reservation to avoid any disappointment.

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Panera Bread - Numerous locations, and as somebody who has experienced most of them, I cannot speak highly enough of Panera Bread. They offer great sandwiches and exceptional soups, which for me is the ideal change of scenery you need when eating what feels like tonnes of fries, burgers and hot dogs. Not only do they do sandwiches and soups, they offer pastries, salads, wraps and hot drinks. We adore this place, and a trip to Florida wouldn't be complete with our 5 or so trips here.

 

PRO TIP: The Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl, just WOW!

 

IHOP - Numerous locations, and there is no better way to start the day than a breakfast from IHOP. Been going to IHOP's since my first time in 1992, a few started to close but some have reappeared again which makes me so happy. Huge choice of breakfasts and pancakes, you honestly cannot go wrong here.

 

PRO TIP: The Country Fried Steak & Eggs, which is a golden battered beef steak smothered in country gravy. Served with 2 eggs (sunny side up for me, but you get to choose), hash browns and 2 buttermilk pancakes. YUMMY!

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Olive Garden - Numerous locations, specialising in authentic Italian-American cuisine this place is one of those places for a chilled afternoon / evening, eating some lovely Pasta whilst enjoying a glass of wine or 2. These places dont just look good on the eye, decor and style wise. But the food is actually very good. 

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PRO TIP: Lasagna Fritta appetizer, and the Seafood Alfredo main. DELICIOUS!

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Shopping / Malls :

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Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets - Located on Vineland Avenue at Exit 68 off the I-4, (approx 25-30 mins from the villas) this is my go to Mall. Been here more than I've been to any other shopping mall in Orlando. That's not to say I don't enjoy the others; this is just the one I know best. Numerous top brand outlets, from Nike to Michael Kors. You're sure to find yourself a few bargains to be taking back home with you to show off to your friends. They also have a good variety the food court if you're feeling a little peckish. 

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PRO TIP: Get there for the shops opening, this place gets very busy, you will struggle for parking if you go on an afternoon or early evening, even though they have huge parking lots.

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The Florida Mall - Located on S Blossom Trail, (approx 40 - 45 mins drive) seems an obvious choice and well known by most visiting Orlando, even first timers. But it's got everything you could possibly need. Wide range of stores to suit any and everybody. It does get busy, as you would expect but no reason a trip here can't be enjoyed. No one likes overcrowded places but in a place like Florida it must be expected from time to time. The food court here for me is one of the best, especially with the recent additions of 'Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice' and Carlo's bakery (very busy here, and expensive but easy to see why). 

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PRO TIP: Get here for the shops opening, seems obvious again but after lunch is when the American's join in so things get busier.

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Random Activities :

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Mini Golf - Now, there is plenty of Mini Golf to choose from around Orlando but one of my favourite franchises is Congo River Adventure Golf. They do have numerous locations around Orlando, but my favourite is the first one I ever went to as a child, which is located on the 192 at Marker 12 (approx 30 mins drive). It's the whole theming of adventure golf's in America that I love. Now you don't have to be the next Tiger Woods to enjoy mini golf, and many of the courses have little side games which can make it more fun, even for those who despise the game of golf. Congo River like you to go around the course finding certain objects, and if all of them are found you can win a free game or some sort of prize. They also included little things at the start of each hole where you spin it, and whatever it lands on you have to do, it can be along the lines of taking a shot with your eyes closed, standing on one leg, using your weak hand, stuff like this. It's not exactly cheap but it's a relaxing thing to do for an hour or so when you just want to chill on an evening, or take the kids somewhere that isn't the price of one of the theme parks. Pirates Cove and Pirates Island are both good mini golfs I have also visited (the theming is similar, but its great).

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PRO TIP: Get ready to be competitive, even if you weren't before, you will be playing this. BRING IT ON!

ALSO: you can find discount coupon booklets at entrances of supermarkets or at malls etc, they're all over honestly, these often have some good savings on certain Mini Golf locations as well as other experiences in Orlando. 

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Ten Pin Bowling - Numerous Locations, though my personal favourite is Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland (approx 30 - 35 mins drive). Again, the first one I remember going to as a child, and still operating to this day. Very well priced, so if you're like me and can rattle through numerous games in an hour then this is very good value. The place itself does what it says on the tin, it's not modern or particularly glamourous, more like an old school bowling alley, with the classic rental shoes. I love it and is yet another activity that doesn't leave a hole in your wallet but can be a fun way to pass an hour or so, if its maybe a wet or miserable day.

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PRO TIP: Pay for your lane per hour instead of per game. Doesn't get busy unless there's tournaments on but I always go on a Sunday morning / early afternoon. STRIKE!

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Wekiwa Springs State Park - This was a random place I came across a few years back, located nearer Downtown Orlando (approx 1 hour drive). It has plenty to offer, hiking, cycling, swimming, paddling, horse riding, camping, snorkelling and wildlife. At only $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), its entry fee is small. Extra fees will apply for Kayak Rentals or some of the other activities, but I recall it was not expensive to rent a kayak, so it definitely makes for something a little different to do on your trip to Orlando.

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PRO TIP: Don't get too scared when Kayaking and you spot small alligators in the river, you could fall in...YIKES!