It’s no secret that Orlando is a top tourist destination.  There are so many things to do  but it can get quite expensive with all the admission fees to theme parks  and water parks .  What many folks fail to realize is there are lots of activities, attractions and recreational opportunities in Orlando that won’t cost you one cent to get into.

Our Top 5 Free Activities

The weather is one of my favorite things about Orlando.  Even with the summer showers, there is plenty of sunshine on most every day to get out and do something fun.  Here is a list of our 5 favorite free things to do in Orlando:

1.    Lake Eola Park  – located in downtown Orlando, this is one of our favorite outdoor locations.  We love to picnic there and stroll around the lake.  Sometimes you can catch free flea markets, art exhibits, and concerts being held on the grounds.  While there are paid activities there such as paddle boats, it won’t cost you a dime to feed the beautiful swans who call Lake Eola home.

2.    Harry P. Leu Gardens  – if you find yourself in Orlando on the first Monday of any month, you can get in free to see one of the true gems of the city.  The foliage is just beautiful and Leu Gardens is home to the largest formal rose garden in Florida as well as the largest collection of camellias outside of California.

3.    Old Town  – this nifty location has unique shopping, dining, and rides but it’s a great place to just stroll around.  You can also catch lots of free band performances, car shows, etc. throughout the week and weekend.

4.    Central Park  – this is a lovely area set in the middle of Winter Park.  The host lots of free events during the year including the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.  The park is alive with water features and beautiful plants and trees.  Take a picnic and then stroll down the brick-paved streets to see lots of unique shops.

5.    The Albin Polasek Sculpture Gardens  – also located in Winter Park on Lake Osceola, this 3 acre garden dates back to 1949.  Many of the plantings were originally placed by renowned artist Albin Polasek.  There is a fee to enter the museum to view Mr. Polasek’s work but admission to the garden is free.

Save on Travel Too

Save a little bit of money on your travel expenses by booking your travel through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  You can save an average of $525 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations at the same time.  You can also find out lots of information about Orlando and the things to do and see while you’re in town.
 

Have you ever wanted to get close to those ponies that pull Cinderella’s carriage through the Magic Kingdom?  Well you can with a trip to Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness in Orlando.  Tri-Circle D Ranch is one of Orlando’s unique recreational  activities.

Guided Trail Rides and More

At Tri-Circle D Ranch you can also see the magnificent Belgian horses that also are prominent on Main Street at Magic Kingdom.  But the ranch is more than just about seeing horses, you can actually take guided trail rides through some of Central Florida’s most beautiful natural scenery.  Travel on horseback through woodlands and see that Florida is more than just about beaches .  Stop by the blacksmith shop to see artistry in motion. Move on to the petting zoo where you will find a myriad of animals with which to interact.

Stay Near the Ranch

Tri-Circle D Ranch is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.  Not only can you play there, you can stay there as well.  There are several hotel  options to suit any family’s needs.  Reserve all your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com  and get savings on hotels , flights , rental cars , and more.  Staying near the ranch will ensure you’ll be right in the thick of everything Disney .

 

 

Experience the beautiful natural habitat of Florida firsthand by taking a trip to Forever Florida and participate in Florida EcoSafaris.  Florida EcoSafaris will put you up close and personal to many of the incredible wildlife, streams, and wetlands found in the Sunshine State.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks

We all know the theme parks  in Orlando are a huge draw for tourism.  However, there are so many wonderful things to experience in Florida, and you should take a short drive over to St. Cloud and spend the day at Florida EcoSafaris.  Florida EcoSafaris is one of the great day trips  available to you when vacationing in Orlando.

An Unforgettable Journey

Choose from three fully-guided safaris or experience all of them.

• Zipline Safari – strap up and hang on as you zip along cables at up to 25 mph and up to 55 feet in height.  This two-and-a-half hour tour allows you to soar over wetlands, view native wildlife, and experience the ecology of Florida.  This is a great choice of safaris for the thrill seeker.  You can even take the safari at night on the Starlight and Moonlight Zipline Safaris.  Florida residents receive special discounts through August 15, 2010.
• Coach Safari – this two-hour safari is a bit tamer and more relaxing.  You will traverse through the 4,700 acre Forever Florida wildlife conservation area.  See nine different ecosystems and many of Florida’s most prized flora and fauna.
• Horseback Safari – saddle up and move ‘em out and choose from a one, two, or three hour safari on horseback.  Ride through incredible ecosystems and on historic trails dating back to the 1500’s.

When making your travel  plans for a trip to Orlando, be sure to include time for a safari, Florida-style.  You will be exposed to some of the incredible ecosystems native to the state. 

Book your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Save on average of $535 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations together.  Look for the yellow save  tag for hotels offering guaranteed rates.

 

 

Orlando and Central Florida are hotbeds for golfing.  You can play golf  year-round on some of the world’s most acclaimed golf courses.  Several championship golf courses are located in one convenient location, Orange Lake Resorts.  Courses accommodate all levels of players.

Play Golf in a True Florida Landscape

Each course is designed to accentuate and include the lushness of Florida’s landscape.  Select the course that best fits your level of play:

• The Legends at Orange Lake – this 18 hole Arnold Palmer design is one of Orlando’s most popular courses.  Once you see the layout, you will understand why.  Two distinct layouts on each front and back nine allow you to experience Scottish-style golf and the tree-lined layout of the Carolinas.
• The Reserve at Orange Lake – 18 hole course with expansive greens nestled in the Florida wetlands.  Play a round of golf and see some beautiful scenery native to Florida.
• Crane’s Bend - a 9 hole course perfect for the entire family.  See some of Florida’s most treasured wildlife in a picturesque setting.
• Legends Walk – this 9 hole course is a unique design by Arnold Palmer.  Walk a beautiful course during the day or play it under lights at night.

Enjoy golfing at its finest at any of the courses located at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando.  Book your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Save on average of $535 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations together.  Look for the yellow save  tag that indicates hotels offering guaranteed rates.

Book that flight  and hotel  reservations to Orlando today to get to the Silver Spurs Rodeo June 5-6, 2010.  There will be lots of yee hawing and stellar racing, riding, and roping by some of the country’s best cowboys and cowgirls.

See Spectacular Rodeo Events

This is the 125th year for Silver Spurs Rodeo.  It is ranked among the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.  The event is held inside the Osceola Heritage Park just outside of Orlando.  You can see a lot of action for only $15 a person.  There will be competitions for bareback bronco, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping and much more.  You will be amazed at the skill and athleticism of the participants.

Find Nearby Accommodations at Clarion Resort Waterpark

There are plenty of hotel accommodations nearby including OrlandoTravelHotels.com’s  featured hotel of the week  for May 31st, Clarion Resort Waterpark . Find the perfect accommodations for you and your family and have a fabulous time at the Silver Spurs Rodeo event.

 

You might be surprised to learn that the town of Ocala, just a short drive north of Orlando, is known at the horse capital of the world.  Horseback riding probably isn’t the first thing that springs to your mind when you think about Orlando.  I was the same way until I took my first Florida horseback ride at Horse World Riding Stables .  You can horseback ride in breathtaking scenery and get away from all the stresses of everyday life.  Horse World is located just south of Orlando, FL in the Walt Disney World Resort  area.

Horseback Rides for All Levels of Riders

Horse World Riding Stables offers three levels of guided trail rides.  I grew up around horses and have always enjoyed riding.  I never considered that upon moving to Florida, I could find such a wonderful, convenient place to continue my love of horseback riding.  Horse World not only provides a great setting for riding, they also provide a safe haven for abused and neglected horses.  They rescue horses and give them a safe home for rehabilitation. Anyone that helps animals is okay in my book.

Dust Off Those Chaps for Your Trip to Orlando

Your visit to Orlando can now include horseback riding along with visiting the beaches , theme parks , or any of the other great things to do  you can find in and around Orlando.  So dust off those chaps and get to OrlandoTravelHotels.com  to make your travel reservations today.

 

 

Shingle Creek Golf Club  is the backdrop for the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.  Voted one of America’s Top 40 New Courses and one of Central Florida’s Top 10 Toughest Courses, this David Harman designed course will challenge you to sharpen up your golf game.

Undulating Fairways in a Tropical Setting

While the course is challenging, even lesser-experienced recreational golfers will enjoy playing this course.  Five sets of tees offer you the flexibility to customize your game. 

Play among the headwaters to the Florida Everglades and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.  A lush, tropical landscape enhances existing oak trees and native pines.  The creek runs through the golf course so you will have the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife at this fantastic Orlando recreation  destination.

Plan a stay  at the Rosen Shingle Creek  and reserve your tee time at Shingle Creek Golf Club.  It will be one of your more memorable rounds of golf. Find unbeatable savings on your travel plans into Orlando at OrlandoTravelHotels.com .

 

 

Not only can you find great travel travel package deals in Orlando, you can find great golfing deals too. It’s no small wonder I see so many golf bags on the conveyor belt as Orlando International Airport.  The Orlando area offers some of the best recreation and golf courses you will find anywhere.

Beautiful Golf Courses for Any Level of Play

I love to golf and have found some of my most enjoyable golf outings right here in and around Orlando.  There are golf courses designed toward any handicap and skill levels.  Choose from courses such as one of the south’s oldest, Mission Inn El Campeon, to one receiving 4.5 rating from Golf Digest, Orange County National. 

You don’t have to play like a champion to reserve a tee time at ChampionsGate Golf Club.  When booking your air and hotel travel, filter your preferences down to be near your favorite golf course. 

You can play some beautiful courses in Orlando regardless of the beauty of your actual golf swing.  I’m not a great golfer, maybe not even a really good golfer, but I have never had a bad golf outing in Orlando.  When you are surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s pretty difficult to have a bad day playing golf.  Make sure your golf bag is one of those on the airport conveyor belt on your next trip to Orlando.

Booking your hotel rooms through OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers the 110% rate guarantee in addition to great rates to begin with. You can book your hotels, book flights, rent a car and find all the great things to do for a great vacation in Orlando all in one easy place.
 

Lots of business travelers also enjoy a round of golf.  Orlando offers the perfect location for a little business and a little golf.  Make sure you set those golf clubs right next to the briefcase when preparing for your business trip to Orlando.

Golfing Business Meetings Allow for Meaningful Interaction

There are many Orlando area golf courses set up to serve as a site for business meetings and conferences.  While in Orlando, I have attended two conferences at local golf courses.  One was a company sponsored business meeting at Dubsdread Golf Course and the other was a conference for folks in my industry held at MetroWest Golf Club. 

One provided the opportunity to interact with co-workers and the other the chance to meet peers in my industry in an enjoyable setting.  Hopefully, you will have an opportunity to conduct a little business and play a little golf on your next business trip to Orlando.

Got a favorite golf course in Orlando? Tell us about it!

Booking your hotel rooms through OrlandoTravelHotels.com  offers the 110% rate guarantee in addition to great rates to begin with. You can book your hotels , book flights , rent a car  and plan your activities  for a great trip to Orlando whether you’re in town for business or pleasure. Orlando is the place for a little of both!

Some of Orlando’s Best Golf Courses  Include:

• Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course
  
• Disney’s Oak Trail at the Polynesian Resort
  
• Disney’s Lake Buena at Saratoga Springs Resort
  
• Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course at the Polynesian Resort
  
• Orange County National
  
• Mystic Dunes Golf Club
  
• Champions Gate Golf Club
  
• Hawk’s Landing Golf Club
  
• Shingle Creek Golf Club
  
• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes

We've talked about the number of Major League Baseball teams who call Florida home during spring training.  With spring break upon us, lots of families are visiting Orlando and the surrounding area.  Why not take in one of the games between your favorite team and an opponent while you’re in town?  Many families book flights   into Orlando from all parts of the country to see their favorite team during spring training.

Big Hot Dogs, Big Fun

A co-worker in Orlando recently drove over to Tampa to take in a game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa is just a bunt, slide, and line drive from Orlando.  It was a beautiful day for him and his fiancé, along with about 10,000 other baseball fans, to enjoy a day at the ballpark. He said the parking was close with easy access both in and out.

There is nothing like relaxing in the sun with a big ol’ hot dog and cold beverage while a baseball game is going on and he reports that the hot dogs were the largest he had ever seen! Adding to the excitement of the day was watching Evan Longoria hit a homerun in the first inning to start the game off right for Tampa Bay.

While you’re visiting Orlando, check out the MLB teams and spring training  in the area and enjoy a great game.  You can also get the most popular souvenirs, and if you hang out after the game, you might even get the autograph of your favorite player.

If you’re looking for great hotel deals , flights to Orlando , rental cars  and entertainment  while you’re in town, check out OrlandoTravelHotels.com  where you can find everything you need to make your trip a success.

If you’re looking for a great form of exercise and love to dance, try out some of the great Orlando area Belly Dance studios. Middle Eastern dance has continued to grow in popularity over the last few years, and belly dancing is right up there at the top of the most popular list.

Try Orlando Belly Dance to Work off That 12 Pack

You will find several types of belly dancing studios  in the Orlando area.  You can choose single classes to stay in shape while you are in town or sign up for class packages if you’re a local resident. 

Belly dancing is a fantastic form of exercise ranging from beginner to advanced levels.  Work off that 12-pack that has found its way to your stomach or increase your stamina and endurance with belly dance lessons and training.  Regardless of your body shape or size, belly dancing can be the right exercise and enjoyment choice for you.

Plan your trip at OrlandoTravelHotels.com  where you will find everything you need to enjoy a memorable visit to Orlando – book flights , reserve hotel rooms  and more in one convenient place.
 

 

 

Vans is world renowned for their production of high quality skateboards and apparel. It seems only natural that they would know how to construct a phenomenal skatepark. They’ve done just that and one of them is located in Orlando, Florida.

Winter months are brutal in many parts of the country. Take a break from the cold and head to Orlando, Florida in January for some much needed warmth and sunshine.

Orange County National Golf Course (OCN) has been voted by many golfing experts as one of the best places to play in the country. Golf Digest over the last 10 years has consistently ranked it as one of the top public golfing venues. In addition to some great golfing, OCN offers lodging, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse, 42 acre practice facility, and a 22,000 square foot lighted putting green.

ChampionsGate has two premier 18-hole golf courses designed by infamous golfer and architect, Greg Norman. Relax after a round of golf and enjoy some of the finest food and drinks you will find anywhere. You will also find a well stocked pro shop for purchasing any needed golfing items. Take advantage of the unique golfing experience at ChampionsGate on your visit to the Orlando area.

The novice and advanced golfer will find a unique golfing experience at Disney’s Palm. The course is stunning and will be a pleasure to play for golfers of any level. Disney’s Palm Course has an exceptional driving range facility to work on your long or short game.

Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center in Orlando is home to the largest bowling alley in the Southeast. With over 80 lanes, you and your group will have a perfect opportunity to throw a few strikes and spares. And there is so much more to do at Boardwalk Bowl.

You will find the perfect venue for exciting watersports and parasailing at Walt Disney World Resort's Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre. You can experience exciting waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and tubing.

Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf in Orlando is a great way to enjoy some family fun. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or want to take a large group for a little mini golf fun, you will find great accommodations for any size group.