The Recommended™ Guide to Orlando

Family, friends or solo,
Orlando offers much.
We cover it.

The Best of Orlando, carefully curated by The Recommended™ Guide.

We’ve done the research. Explore Orlando’s top attractions, places to stay, restaurants and hidden gems
—all in one carefully curated guide, presented to you. For you.

Recommended™ Hotels in Orlando

Evermore Orlando Resort

Evermore Orlando Resort combines luxury vacation homes, resort-style amenities, and an 8-acre lagoon just minutes from
Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando™, and SeaWorld®.
Ideal for families and large groups seeking spacious accommodations, private beaches, water activities, dining, and easy access to Orlando’s top attractions.

Best for: Families & large groups
Location: Near Disney & Universal
Unique Feature: 8-acre lagoon & private beach
Accommodation Type: Villas & vacation homes
Recommended™ Verdict: Space, amenities & theme park access

Celebration Suites

This family-friendly Orlando resort offers spacious suite-style accommodations with full kitchens, multiple outdoor pools, mini golf, and convenient access to Universal Orlando Resort. Ideal for families and extended stays seeking extra space, resort amenities, and easy access to Orlando’s top attractions, while not having to spend a smaller fortune on a hotel.


Best for: Families & extended stays
Location: Near Universal Orlando Resort
Unique Feature: Spacious suite-style accommodations with full kitchens
Accommodation Type: Suites with separate living and sleeping areas
Recommended™ Verdict: Family-friendly amenities, extra space, and convenient access to Orlando attractions – And affordable.

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando offers spacious condo-style accommodations, complimentary transportation to Orlando’s top theme parks, and access to the popular Surfari Water Park. With full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, on-site dining, and family-focused amenities, it’s an excellent choice for longer stays and theme park vacations.

Best for: Families, extended stays & theme park vacations
Location: Near Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando & SeaWorld
Unique Feature: Complimentary access to Surfari Water Park and FlowRider® surf simulator
Accommodation Type: Two and three-bedroom condo suites with full kitchens
Recommended™ Verdict: Spacious family accommodations, water park access, and convenient transportation to Orlando’s top attractions

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark offers spacious family suites, complimentary Disney transportation, and one of Orlando’s most affordable on-site water parks. Featuring water slides, FlowRider® surf simulators, family entertainment, dining options, and resort amenities, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious families visiting Orlando.

Best for: Families & budget-friendly Orlando vacations
Location: Near Walt Disney World® and Orlando’s major attractions
Unique Feature: On-site water park with FlowRider® surf simulators and water slides
Accommodation Type: Family suites with separate sleeping areas and bunk beds
Recommended™ Verdict: Combines affordable family accommodations, water park access, and convenient transportation to Disney

Recommended™ Attractions and experiences in Orlando

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Experience real spacecraft, astronaut encounters, immersive exhibits, and the history of NASA’s greatest missions. Located at Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center is one of Florida’s most unique and educational attractions for visitors of all ages.

✓ Best for: Families, science enthusiasts & space fans
✓ Location: Cape Canaveral, Florida
✓ Unique Feature: Real NASA spacecraft, rockets & astronaut experiences
✓ Attraction Type: Space exploration & educational attraction
Recommended™ Verdict: One of America’s most iconic attractions offering an unforgettable look into space exploration

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers an immersive journey through fascinating marine habitats, featuring sharks, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, and thousands of colorful ocean creatures. Interactive exhibits and a 360° ocean tunnel make it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

✓ Best for: Families, children & marine life enthusiasts
✓ Location: ICON Park, International Drive, Orlando
✓ Unique Feature: 360° underwater ocean tunnel with sharks and rays
✓ Attraction Type: Aquarium & interactive marine experience
Recommended™ Verdict: A family-friendly attraction combining education, conservation, and close-up encounters with incredible sea life

Drawn to Life;
Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Combining Disney storytelling with Cirque du Soleil’s world-renowned acrobatics, Drawn to Life delivers a visually stunning live performance featuring breathtaking artistry, music, and unforgettable theatrical experiences.

✓ Best for: Families, couples & Disney fans
✓ Location: Disney Springs, Orlando
✓ Unique Feature: Exclusive collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil
✓ Attraction Type: Live entertainment & theatrical performance
Recommended™ Verdict: One of Orlando’s most unique and visually impressive live shows

Airboat Ride Near Orlando

Escape the theme parks and explore Florida’s natural beauty on an exciting one-hour airboat ride through the Everglades near Orlando. Spot alligators, birds, and native wildlife while learning about the area’s unique ecosystem, then enjoy additional family-friendly activities including a butterfly garden and gem mining.

✓ Best for: Families, nature lovers & wildlife enthusiasts
✓ Location: Kissimmee, near Orlando
✓ Unique Feature: High-speed airboat tour through Florida’s natural wetlands
✓ Attraction Type: Nature & wildlife adventure
Recommended™ Verdict: A fun and authentic way to experience Florida’s wildlife beyond the theme parks

Best Restaurants & Dining Experiences in Orlando

Recommended™ Dining Experiences in Orlando

Medieval Times Dinner Show

Step back into medieval times with thrilling jousting tournaments, live entertainment, and a hearty feast, making it one of Orlando’s most popular family dinner experiences.

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner while solving an interactive 1920s murder mystery filled with comedy, surprises, and audience participation.

St. Johns River Lunch & Dinner Cruise

Relax on a scenic cruise along the St. Johns River while enjoying freshly prepared meals, beautiful waterfront views, and Florida’s diverse wildlife.

Recommended™ Restaurants in Orlando

Dick’s Last Resort

Known for its funny, no-filter service, Dick’s Last Resort combines classic American food with a lively atmosphere where playful staff interactions are part of the experience. It’s a fun choice for groups, families, and anyone looking for dinner with plenty of laughs.

Foreigner Restaurant

This intimate chef’s table experience serves an ever-changing multi-course tasting menu crafted with seasonal ingredients, offering one of Orlando’s most exclusive fine dining experiences.

Travel Essentials

Discovery Cars

Compare leading car rental companies to find competitive prices, flexible booking options, and the right vehicle for your Orlando adventure.

Private Airport Transfers

Book a reliable private transfer between Orlando’s resort areas and Orlando International Airport for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Saily eSIM

Get instant mobile data in Orlando without changing your SIM card, avoiding expensive roaming charges while you travel.

AirHelp

Check if you’re eligible for compensation after delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights with expert claim assistance.

Editorial Note: Some booking links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Recommended™ may earn a commission that helps support our independent research and recommendations. It never affects our ratings or which businesses we recommend.