Goin to Orlando, FL for vacay... Any tips?

[doug and leann 0]

My hubby and I are finally goin on vacation. For locals and recent visitors to Orlando, FL, please give us helpful info.

We will be staying in Kissimmee. We have tickets to Universal Studios (the reason we chose Orlando) and to a water park. I came across Black Hammock Adventures and it seems fun; might go there.

Also, we MUST go to the beach. Like an ideal public beach where we can park, pick a spot and just enjoy the water.

Would also like to try their local food. A few nice restaurant/s that is/are recommended for visitors.

One more thing, Filipino food. Are there any GOOD restaurants and/or Filipino or Asian Stores in and around Orlando?

We appreciate you taking your time reading and responding to this.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

You have to drop by somewhere to have some nice Cuban food.

[Donald-n-Analyn 6]

We live right on the beach, close to Orlando. You have two good options, depending on what type of beach adventure you are looking for.

Coca Beach is commercial beachside community. It has a decent public beach, and lots of shops and restaurants. If you are looking for a beach, with commercial qualities it is a good choice from Orlando. Just head East on S.R. 528, also known as the "Beach Line" expressway. There is a small toll to pay, just like many of the expressways in and around Orlando. You will pass Port Canaveral, where the cruise ships dock. Just past the port for the next 10 miles or so is the Cocoa Beach area.

Playa Linda Beach is at the Cape Canaveral National Seashore (google it). It is a natural, relatively unpoiled beach. As the name suggests, it is a beautiful place. The beach is wide and the sand nice. There is very little trash, and it's not too crowded most days. If all you want is the nicest beach possible, this is the place to go.

Be warned that if you go to the very last parking area at the end of the road, you will likely see nude sunbathers. So if this would offend you, just pick any of the numerous other parking areas along the access road. If you would like to go for the "all over" tan, rest assured that you can visit the northernmost access area and be perfectly safe sunbathing and swimming naked. Nothing of a sexual nature occurs, and you will see many families and people from all walks of life there.

There is a $5 fee or so per car at the park, but it is really worth it for a nice, natural beach. Go East on S.R. 528 again, like you were going to Cocoa Beach, but follow the signs to Titusville. From downtown Titusville, take the Max Brewer bridge East, through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, all the way to the end of the road.

If you want to private message us, and let us know when you will be here, maybe my wife and I can meet you somewhere and show you around a little. She is from Leyte.

Ingats,

[Anh map 2,098]

There is a large Vietnamese community in Orlando. You can find a large asian grocery on West Colonial Drive (SR 50) not so far from Universal. Just head north (away from I-4) on Kirkman Rd. (the road Universal is on) to the end and take a right. The plaza is the 2nd one down on your right. Keep going down W Colonial a few miles and you will come to little Saigon. Lots of shops, etc.

Local restaurants, there are a bunch in Orlando. If you like salads go to a FL chain called Crispers. There is also one close to Universal. (full disclosure - I was once the GM for that location). What type of food are you looking for?

Things are kind of empty now in Orlando. We were there last week doing a vacation and visiting old friends. Still plenty to do and see of course. The Mouse, Universal, Sea World are glad to accept your $$.

The beach is about an hour away. As stated earlier Cocoa and that area is nice.

Drop me a PM if you'd like. I'll try to steer you right.

[Krikit 1,165]

My favourite restaurant in Orlando is Sushi Katana. It's right by The Mall at Millenia. If you enjoy upscale shopping you'll love this mall.

The Gulf Coast has the best beaches. Plus there aren't as many sharks. Unless you like sharks. I recommend Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island down in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.

Have fun!

Edited April 30, 2009 by Krikit

[john & jean 37]

wash hands often, wear a mask

My favourite restaurant in Orlando is Sushi Katana. It's right by The Mall at Millenia. If you enjoy upscale shopping you'll love this mall.

The Gulf Coast has the best beaches. Plus there aren't as many sharks. Unless you like sharks. I recommend Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island down in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.

Have fun!

turtle cay is very nice also!!!