As the kids go back to school, this autumn and winter presents the ideal time for adults to discover a different side to Orlando. Dodge the summer time queues at new attractions, enjoy hot (but not muggy) temperatures, and excellent value โ as special breaks for adults with Magic Holidays start from as little as ยฃ599 per person.
With winter now approaching, Magic Holidays has also launchedย a new guideย for travellers who may not have been to Orlando before, providing adults with unbiased advice on how to make the most of their time in the city, whatโs hot, and how to save time and money this winter. The guide was compiled by the Florida specialistโs team of UK-based advisors (who boast a wealth of first-hand Orlando expertise), and is available to download at www.magicholidays.com.
ย Foodie Wonderlandโฆ
Always boasting something new, Orlando is a foodieโs dream. This autumn (until 10 November), theย Epcot Food & Wine Festivalย at Epcot Theme Park will celebrate the diversity of food in the area with celebrity chefs, live cooking demonstrations and concerts. September is alsoย ย Magical Dining Month, with select restaurants offering gourmet three course menus from just $33. Downton Orlando, the district of Restaurants Row and Winter Park all offer an array of restaurants and eateries boasting international culinary treats in the run up to the festive season. For foodies looking for something different, the newย East End Marketย in Audubon Park offers a flavour of the local food scene.ย
Arts, Culture & Festivalsโฆย
Orlando will play host to a number of culinary, art and music events this autumn including theย Harmony Music & Arts Festivalย (27-28 September) and the 41stย Winter Park Autumn Art Festivalย (11-12 October).
Other interesting attractions for adults this winter include theย Orlando Science Center, boasting exciting exhibitions, theatre displays and wine and laser shows, theย Orlando Museum of Art, which showcases international art from the 19thย century and one of the largest collections of art of the ancient Americas, andย Orange County History Centre, with extensive exhibits detailing the journey of the city from a small town to a thriving metropolitan city.
Golferโs Havenโฆ
A world away from the attractions, golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice this winter with 176 quality golf courses to choose from. The city may be home to more pro golfers than any other in the world, but there are also courses ideal for every ability level. Theย Grand Cypress Academy of Golfย provides excellent conditions and training courses for those new to the sport. Golfing pros will enjoy courses such as theย Arnold Palmerโs Bay Hill Lodge, widely regarded as one of the best in Central Florida, and theย Champions Gate Golf Club, home of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
โCoolโ Winter Nightlifeโฆ
Orlando may be well known for its theme parks, but the cityโs exciting nightlife it is hard to overlook this winter. Dance the night away at live music venues and dance clubs featuring local bands, or let loose at the comedy clubs. Discover a plethora of interesting and quirky bars such as the newย Minus5 Ice Barย which serves up cocktails in ice glasses accompanied by interactive ice sculptures, upbeat music and LED light shows. The impressiveย Amway Centerย in Downtown Orlando will also play host to concerts to acts such as Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and the Black Keys this winter.
Seriously Festiveย Shoppingโฆ
Find out why Orlando is for serious shopaholics and get a head start on Christmas shopping at the cityโs world-class shopping centres, such asย The Mall at Milleniaย andย The Florida Mall. Known for offering excellent savings on designer labels, outlets and shopping centres such asย Lake Buena Vista Outlets,ย Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive,ย Orlando Premium Outletsย at Vineland Avenue, andย Winter Park Villageย will come alive in the run up to the festive season.
Orlando at the Moviesโฆ
Lovers of independent cinema will relish theย Orlando Film Festivalย this autumn (22-26 October) in Downton Orlando, showcasing a plethora of the best Indie films from around the world. Those who prefer horror and blockbusters (31 October) will be thrilled to find the new โPurge Scare Zoneโ at Universal Studios. Based on the hit film, the events feature deadly masked characters, experiences and the chillingly familiar broadcast announcing the annual, lawless โpurgeโ. Fantasy fans will also loveย Diagon Alley, the new attraction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios โ and will be able to discover its shops, eateries, the Hogwarts Express, and ride through the vaults of Gringotts Bank when many of the kids have gone back to school.
Travellers can also contact Magic Holidaysโ Florida specialists on 0207 580 5000 or via a new instant messaging service available on magicholidays.com, for free and unbiased advice on what Orlando can offer adults, without obligation to book.