The Innovative Way MCO Revolutionized Travel

By: Brianna Plato

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has revolutionized the way we travel with the addition of Terminal C, a new aviation facility with groundbreaking technology and convenience that is starting conversations nationwide.

Orlando International Airport terminal transportation. — elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Orlando, Florida is, has been, and forever will remain the quintessential spot for family vacations.

According to Visit Orlando, over 74 million patrons came to the City Beautiful in 2022 helping claim its spot as the number one most-visited travel destination in the U.S. Of that 74 million, over 50 million visitors came through Orlando’s airport – a 24% increase from the year prior.

Following this tourism and recreation spike, the airport has unveiled their brand-new Terminal C, doing what Orlando does best by bringing innovative elements of immersion to the traveler pilgrimage.

MCO’s Innovative Travel Experience

This state-of the-art travel hub features technological nods to the famous attractions that draw the visitors into the city.

From the first steps inside this terminal, you’re immediately enveloped in the allure of Orlando’s famous attractions.

The Moment Vault, a remarkable 360-screen storytelling experience that effortlessly transports you to different whimsical lands, is one of the terminal’s many allures.

Venture further and you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the the Universal Studio Store.

Witness the hyper-realistic dragon display, a large digital mural that stretches to the ceiling above guests and features a red dragon breathing fire to represent the magic and wonder of Harry Potter, one of Universal Orlando’s most popular lands.

Other gift shops, eateries and things to do within Terminal C will make even your layover feel like a vacation.

Among the list of restaurants are familiar names like Bahama Breeze, Auntie Anne’s, Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, and much more.

The facility doesn’t just serve to entertain guests, though. Amidst all the captivating amusements, Orlando International Airport remains steadfast in its mission to provide a seamless, efficient travel process.

Intuitive technologies like 100% facial recognition for international arrival and departure, automated bin return systems, and flawless bag tracking will have you guiding through the airport with unmatched convenience. 

Florida’s Brightline

To add to the excitement, MCO has partnered with the South Florida-based train company to debut a brand-new Brightline station within Terminal C.

This development is a huge milestone for not only Brightline and Orlando International Airport, but for the entire state of Florida.

Florida's Brightline transportation railway opened in 2023. — Patrickhamiltonbrightline, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The vision behind Florida’s Brightline is a testament to the state’s dedication to sustainable and efficient transportation. As we strive toward a greener environment, this advanced rail service stands at the forefront of eco-conscious travel, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional means of transportation.

The high-speed rail service travels from Orlando to Miami, making strategic stops at West Palm, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Aventura along the way.

The train runs 16 times a day, with the non-stop routes taking under three hours to get to Miami. You can either get your ticket online or at the Brightline terminal station.

From MCO to Rosen Plaza Hotel

If you need help getting around this busy airport, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has an in-depth guide regarding 6 tips for navigating Orlando International Airport.

Then, whether you make your entrance on a plane or a train, make Rosen Plaza your next stop. The voyage is fifteen minutes from the airport. Shuttles and taxi services to and from the airport cost extra.

Rosen Plaza on International Drive offers comfortable, luxury rooms with hotel amenities like a beautiful pool, a spa, and a selection of delicious restaurants to ensure your stay in Orlando is lavish. 

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Cool Down at the 6 Hottest Water Parks Near Orlando

The thrill of rushing water propelling you down a 100-foot-tall slide. The chill you get when the slide plunges you into a sparkling blue pool. On a hot Orlando day, there’s nothing better than slipping and sliding the day away at one of the city’s water parks.

Whether you’re seeking a high-octane day of jumbo slides and wave pools, or somewhere the kids can splish-splash around, there’s a water park for you near Orlando.

Here are six of our favorites.

1. Typhoon Lagoon

A family holds hands and runs through a wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon, an Orlando water park at Walt Disney World Resort

Since opening in 1989, Typhoon Lagoon has become the second-most popular water park in the world.

What is this Walt Disney World park’s secret? For one, it boasts the biggest wave pool in North America. Every 90 seconds, the 2.5-acre pool produces a 6-foot-tall wave, making it one of the few wave pools on the continent where guests can body surf. And on select mornings, experienced wave-riders can surf for real.

The Ron Jon in Disney Springs sells boards, or you can rent one from Cloud of Goods.

But Typhoon Lagoon is more than just a place to hang ten.

The tropical-themed park’s other signature attraction is the Crush ‘n’ Gusher. This water coaster takes riders up and down hills and through daunting curves before plunging them into Hideaway Bay. The water park also has several other slides, a rapids ride, and a lazy river. When you need a break, grab a lounge chair at Typhoon Lagoon’s white sand beach.

On select evenings, Typhoon Lagoon hosts Disney H2O Glow. Guests at this after-hours event enjoy shorter waits, dazzling light displays, an electrifying dance party, and free snacks all night.

2. Aquatica

In March 2008, SeaWorld Orlando got into the water park game when it opened Aquatica.

The 59-acre attraction prides itself in having something for everyone. Aquatica’s slides include KareKare Curl, a massive wave slide that vaults riders up a 35-foot wall, and a dueling slide called Riptide Race. But the most popular one of all is Reef Plunge, an enclosed water slide that whisks riders through a pool of dolphins and other sea life.

When you’ve slid all you can slide, there’s plenty more to do.

Dodge the big swells in Aquatica’s two wave pools. Or float down Loggerhead Lane, the park’s lazy river. Children will love Turi’s Kid Cove, a brand-new splash park with a mini version of KareKare Curl.

Upgrades include beachfront cabanas, priority boarding passes, and a dolphin encounter.

And when we say that Aquatica takes pride in inclusivity, we mean it. It was the first water park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center. Aquatica has produced a sensory guide for each of its rides so that neurodivergent guests can decide which they’ll enjoy. There’s also an on-site quiet room for visitors that need to take a break from the water park bustle.

3. Volcano Bay

On a lava-hot summer’s day, Volcano Bay is the place to be.

Universal Orlando Resort opened the attraction 2017. Volcano Bay is pretty hard to miss — just look for Krakatau. This 200-foot volcano houses a fast-paced aqua coaster, three trap-door slides, a racing slide, and a stretch of the park’s lazy river.

Krakatau, the stately volcano at the heart of Volcano Bay, a water park operated by Universal Orlando Resort

The park also has two wave pools: the high-intensity Waturi Beach pool and the gentler Reef pool.

Guests that prefer to watch others make a splash can people-watch from one of the park’s white-sand beaches, or from Puka Uli Lagoon, a leisure pool with great views of Volcano Bay’s water slides. If you’re somewhere in-between, TeAwa the Fearless River may be your spot. It’s a cross between a rapids ride and a lazy river and takes guests through a lush tropical forest.

4. Island H2O

The search for your lost shaker of salt — and for a refreshing water park day — is over.

Orlando’s newest water park, Island H2O, opened in June 2019 as part of Margaritaville Resort Orlando. It is in Sunset Walk, Margaritaville’s shopping and dining district. Island H2O features all the water park staples, including a six-track racing slide, a kids’ splash park, a wave pool, and a lazy river. But it sets itself apart with its high-tech flourishes.

For instance, its trapdoor slide, Live Streaming, records every thrilling moment on an on-ride video camera.

And all rides come with your very own soundtrack.

Upon entry, guests are given a wristband that connects to a phone app. When you log into the app, you can choose music you’d like to hear while zooming down the water slides. Playlists include ‘90s hip-hop, top 40 music, reggaeton, modern country, and arena rock. And, of course, there’s a playlist with “Margaritaville” and loads of other Jimmy Buffet songs.

On select nights, the fun continues when the sun goes down.

After-hours events include movie nights and epic foam parties.

5. LEGOLAND Water Park

For families traveling to Orlando with young kids, LEGOLAND Water Park is well work the drive.

Located an hour west of Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida has operated a separately ticketed water park since 2012. Its rides and attractions were designed with young water-lovers in mind.

For instance, the LEGO wave pool features gentle waves that ease swimmers into the surf. The park’s lazy river uses tubes with LEGO blocks built into them. Guests can keep adding blocks until they have the perfect vessel, then float away peacefully. At the Build-a-Boat attractions, parkgoers of all ages can design and race watercrafts.

Young kids will love the Joker Soaker, a water playground with slides, climbing walls, fountains, and more.

The LEGOLAND Water Park is an add-on experience to general LEGOLAND Florida admission. Tickets start at $114 to visit both parks in one day.

6. Nona Adventure Park

In the southeast reaches of Orlando, you’ll find Nona Adventure Park. This lakefront attraction is perhaps the city’s most unique water park.

At this Orlando attraction, you can live out your Wipeout dreams on a 1,000-foot inflatable aquatic obstacle course.

It includes climbing walls, monkey bars, a diving platform, and other extreme challenges. The course is open to adventure-seekers 5 and older. The park also offers chances to wakeboard or kneeboard on Lake Nona. Lessons are available.

A guest climbs through an obstacle course at Nona Adventure Park, a unique water park in southeast Orlando

The water park also features a kids’ zone with a bounce house, child-sized climbing wall, and snacks. It’s open to children between 36” and 60” tall.

End your day at Splashes, a family-friendly bar where you can enjoy sandwiches, wings, pizza, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink specials.

Float Back to Rosen Plaza

At the end of a day spent splashing about at one of Orlando’s best water parks, dry off in your spacious guestroom at Rosen Plaza.

Our Orlando hotel is centrally located on International Drive and close to major highways, making it easy to take the plunge at your favorite water park. For more water wonders, order a meal or drink at ’39 Poolside and enjoy our scenic swimming pool and whirlpool spa.

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See Orlando Without a Car: 8 Great Tips for Car-Free Day

World Car-Free Day is coming up on September 22.

The day celebrates the environmental and health benefits of walking, biking, and taking public transit. If you’re spending World Car-Free Day in Central Florida, know that it’s possible to get around Orlando without a car. As you save money on gas, tolls, and parking fees, you’ll find that a car-free trip is a care-free one.

How to Visit Orlando Without a Car

Whether you plan on leaving your car in park on September 22 or want a totally car-free Orlando vacation, here are eight ways to get around town.

1. LYNX Bus System

The LYNX bus line has kept Orlando in motion since the 1970s. With about 80 routes in Orlando and its suburbs, there is likely a line that will get you where you need to go.

Orlando Without a Car Lynx — Elisfkc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

LYNX is an excellent option if you’re visiting Orlando on a budget. A one-way trip costs $2 per adult. Discounts are available for youth 7-18 and seniors. Kids 6 and younger ride free. Day and week passes are available.

See what routes go to top Orlando attractions like the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando on the LYNX website.

2. SunRail

Orlando Without a Car Sunrail — Elisfkc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Keep your Orlando trip on track with SunRail.

The train route runs between Kissimmee and Debary (a town midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach). It stops in fun destinations like downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and Sanford. You can catch the SunRail Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. One-way tickets start at $2. As with LYNX, kids 6 and under ride free. Discounts are available for youth and seniors.

If you’re staying on Orlando’s International Drive, your closest SunRail station is on Sand Lake Road, which you can get to via the 111 or 42 LYNX lines.

3. Brightline

Brightline has helped passengers travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach since 2018.

Now that the high-speed rail line is expanding northward, planning a car-free Florida vacation has never been easier.

Brightline has already started selling tickets for trips between Orlando and South Florida for dates between September 1 and January 7, 2024. Summer 2023 dates will be added soon, once Brightline announces the official opening date for the route. Each train in Brightline’s carbon-neutral fleet features spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and food and beverage service.

Buy a a snack, soft drink, or cocktail and watch the scenery change as your train zips through the Sunshine state.

This train line is perfect for SoFlo residents looking to visit Orlando without a car. And Orlando visitors looking to take a car-free day trip to Miami will be able to do so. Once the Orlando station opens, Brightline will set its sights on the Gulf Coast. So within a few years, Orlando visitors will also be able to take the train to Tampa and the Gulf’s white sand beaches.

One-way tickets between Orlando and South Florida start at $79.

4. Neighborhood Circulators

Downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford are all walkable areas.

But if you need to save time or escape an afternoon rainstorm, the Kissimmee Connector, downtown LYMMO, and Sanford Trolley will get you around town quickly. These shuttles all stop at local attractions, as well as at each area’s SunRail station.

Best of all, all three are free to ride.

5. Bike Rentals

Gear up for World Car-Free Day by renting a bicycle. Bike riding is a fun and healthy way to see Orlando without a car.

West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades and the Ride Xperience by Regino Bike will each deliver bikes to your hotel or a trailhead of your choice. Your rental company can give you tips on getting where you want to go. Also check out the city of Orlando’s website, which has guides on bike lanes and trails around the city and important safety tips.

If at the end of the day you find yourself getting two tired to pedal back to the hotel, LYNX and SunRail both have bike racks.

6. I-RIDE Trolley

You can have a fantastic Orlando vacation without leaving the International Drive area — and without getting behind the wheel.

The I-RIDE Trolley operates two routes along International Drive. Each one goes to attractions like SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Icon Park, and Pointe Orlando, as well as outlet stores, restaurants, and bars. A one-way trip costs $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 3-9, and just 25 cents for seniors.

One-day and multi-day passes are available on the I-RIDE Trolley website.

7. Theme Park Shuttles

Many Orlando hotels offer low-cost or free theme park shuttles. With many theme parks charging $25 or more for their parking lots, these shuttles help you save money while also saving the environment.

Some of these shuttles require reservations, so stop by guest services to find out how to save your spot.

8. Walking

Walking is a wonderful way to get around Orlando without a car.

You’ll see the sights, get exercise, and lower your trip’s environmental impact. Choose a hotel within walking distance of great Orlando attractions. Rosen Plaza is in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive corridor.

If you’re in town for an event at the Orange County Convention Center, take the covered Gary Sain Memorial Skybridge from the hotel to the west concourse.

Orlando Without a Car Skybridge

If you’re looking for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, we’re right across the street from Pointe Orlando and a 20-minute walk to Icon Park. But you don’t even have to walk that far to have fun thanks to our swimming pool, boutique, and on-site restaurants.

Rosen Plaza is also right by LYNX and I-RIDE Trolley stops and has a free Universal Orlando shuttle.

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Rediscover Florida at 11 Hidden Gems

Each year, millions of visitors flock to Orlando’s theme parks, and with good reason.

But beyond the gates of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando, you’ll find hidden gems well worth a visit. Those that go off the beaten path are rewarded with breathtaking glimpses of nature, inspiring art, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences at unique Orlando attractions.

Here are 11 of the city’s best-kept secrets, where you can do Orlando your way.

1. Leu Gardens

A moss-draped tree frames a small house at Leu Gardens, one of Orlando's best hidden gems

There is a hidden gem in Orlando for everyone. And we mean everyone — even every plant.

Thanks to our subtropical climate, tropical and temperate plants both love it here. That’s what makes Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical garden in Audubon Park, so unique. One moment, you’ll find yourself admiring the palm trees and wetland plants you probably expect from Florida. But the next, you’re strolling past cacti and succulents. And then you’re smelling sweet English roses in the state’s largest rose garden.

You can also find inspiration for your own backyard thanks to large vegetable, herb, and fruit gardens.

Admission to Leu Gardens costs $15 per adult. Military and kids’ discounts are available, and American Horticultural Society members get in for free.

2. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour opened long before Orlando became the theme park capital of the world.

Case in point: In 1938, when the first guests boarded a pontoon to explore the upscale suburb of Winter Park, Walt Disney’s first feature film was still in theaters.

The hour-long tour floats through the gorgeous chain of lakes in the heart of town. You may see wakeboarders, jet skiers, and cool wildlife along the way. You’ll definitely see lush tropical vegetation and regal old estates. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs who once called these mansions home.

The Scenic Boat Tour costs $16 for adults and $8 for kids. Seating is first come, first served, and all boats leave promptly on the hour.

3. Morse Museum and Tiffany Chapel

Winter Park is also home to the world’s biggest collection of work by stained glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

At the Morse Museum, you’ll admire rooms full of terrific Tiffany lamps, some of his sculptures, and jewelry he designed for his father’s iconic NYC store.

But the artist’s greatest masterpiece may be the Tiffany Chapel. He designed it for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and moved it to his Long Island home when the fair was over. When a fire destroyed the house in the 1950s, the Morse Museum acquired the remnants of the chapel and began a lengthy restoration process. Now, you can admire its intricate mosaics, gilded light fixtures, and marble details during your Orlando vacation.

Admission to the museum costs $6 for adults and is free for kids 12 and younger. Student and senior discounts are available.

4. Maitland Art & History Museums

To Winter Park’s north lies the equally scenic town of Maitland, which since 1937 has been home to an artists’ colony.

Creatives still travel to Maitland for amazing art residencies. But, nowadays, you don’t need to be skilled with a paintbrush to visit.

The historic art studios are now surrounded by the galleries and gardens that make up the Maitland Art & History Museums.

The main history museum celebrates the town’s natural, cultural, and creative history. You can also visit the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Located in a lovingly preserved house, the museum showcases how Central Florida families lived in the Victorian era. Or dial up a good time at the Telephone Museum. It contains artifacts from the Winter Park Telephone Company, which kept the region connected between 1913 and 1979.

Before leaving, stop by the Mayan Courtyard to admire the detailed stone carvings that made the Maitland Art & History Museums the first National Historic Landmark in the area.

5. Renaissance Theatre Company

There’s no business like show business, and there’s no theater quite like Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre Company.

Since opening in 2021, the Renaissance has quickly become known for its offbeat, original plays, drag shows, and cabaret nights. Many of the productions shows fully immerse you in another world. Audience participation is common, and some shows even have guests assuming new personas for the night. Some experiences, like their chilling Nosferatu-themed haunted house and zany Christmas show, have returned for multiple years.

The on-site bar features craft cocktails themed to many of their shows. In addition, the theater is under a mile away from the trendy bars and restaurants in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village neighborhood.

6. The Space Coast’s Bioluminescent Bays

The Space Coast towns of Titusville and Merrit Island are about an hour east of Orlando. The area’s sun-kissed waterways are already a sight to behold in the daytime. But nighttime is when they really come alive. See, along Florida’s Space Coast, it’s not just the stars above that light up the night.

There are four places in the continental U.S. with bioluminescent water, and they’re in opposite corners of the country.

The Space Coast is the country’s southeastern spot.

Depending on what time of year you visit, the Banana River Aquatic Preserve, Mosquito Lagoon, and Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge are lit up by either glowing comb jellies or algae. The best way to spot these lifeforms in action is via kayak. A Day Away Kayak Tours offers nighttime excursions all year, but May – November is the best time to visit. That’s when the tour company offers clear kayaks to give you a better view of the glow below.

7. King’s Landing

Can’t make it to the coast? There are plenty of places to kayak closer to Orlando. One of the most stunning is King’s Landing to the city’s northwest.

At King’s Landing, you can reserve a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore a scenic stretch of Rock Springs Run.

When you’re ready to hit the water, there are two directions you can paddle. One way is a wild blackwater wetland, great for spotting gators, turtles, and other water-loving critters. Obviously, this side of King’s Landing isn’t great for swimming. But if you point your boat in the other direction, you’ll encounter a clear-blue, spring-fed waterway that’s perfect for a dip. Explore on your own or book a guided excursion.

If you visit this hidden gem on a weekend, you can get a taste of local flavor from an on-site food truck.

8. Giraffe Ranch

In a state full of unique wildlife attractions, Giraffe Ranch stands tall.

The 47-acre working ranch offers unique safaris that make the perfect day trip from Orlando.

A hand extends out to feed a giraffe at Giraffe Ranch, a hidden gem in Central Florida

Guests can choose their own adventure at Giraffe Ranch, exploring on foot, in their cars, or on guided Jeep, Segway, or camel tours. No matter how you get around, you’re sure to spot animals like rhinos, antelopes, leopards, and hippos (plus giraffes, of course). For an additional fee, you can feed many of the animals that call this hidden gem home.

9. Tibet-Butler Preserve

Here’s another hidden gem in Orlando that you’ll go wild for: Tibet-Butler Preserve.

The 438-acre nature preserve is minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, but you would never guess it while traipsing through its pristine pine forests, scrub habitat, and wetlands. Begin your visit by stopping at the on-site environmental center. There, you can meet the preserve’s rescued gopher tortoises and learn why they’re so important to pine forest habitats.

Afterward, hit the gorgeous 3.6-mile nature trail, where butterflies, wood storks, and songbirds glide around you.

As a bonus, admission to the Tibet-Butler Preserve is free.

10. Player 1 Video Game Bar

Player 1 Video Game Bar near Disney World takes the term “hidden gem” to the next level — dare we say, boss level?

Given its location in an unassuming strip mall, you may not guess that the bar has over 50 arcade games and more than 25 gaming consoles from all eras. Get your game on as you peruse the bar’s super selection of beers, wines, and creative cocktails. You may even stumble upon one of Player 1’s weekly events, including bingo, trivia, and an anime cosplay night.

Admission starts at $8 for guests 21+; guests under 21 are subject to an additional cover charge.

Bar staff check all IDs at the door. International guests and those from U.S. territories should bring their passports with them.

11. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Located in a large building on International Drive, this Orlando museum isn’t itself a hidden gem — but its interactive events surely are.

Guests are welcome to peruse the rooms of RMS Titanic artifacts on their own. But the dinnerware, luggage, and other items pulled from the shipwreck fully come to life with Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition’s guided tours. Throughout the week, the museum offers tours with different themes, such as the building of the ship and the heroism of its passengers. Your guide will also walk you through recreations of the ship’s grand staircase and staterooms.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition also offers immersive dining experiences.

Each Sunday, guests can enjoy an Edwardian teatime with actors portraying famed first-class passengers. On Friday and Saturday nights, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition hosts grand dinner galas where Captain Edward Smith and the Unsinkable Molly Brown tell their stories. All diners assume the identity of a real-life passenger during their meal. At the event’s end, you’ll find out how your passenger fared on April 15, 1912.

General admission costs $23.95, with the guided tours and dining experiences as add-ons.

Bonus Hidden Gem in Orlando: Jack’s Place Restaurant

When you stay at Rosen Plaza, one of Orlando’s most dazzling hidden gems is an elevator ride away.

Jack’s Place, our award-winning steakhouse, wows foodies, history lovers, and film buffs alike.

Caricatures hang on the wall at Jack's Place, an award-winning steakhouse and true hidden gem.

The on-site restaurant is named after Jack Rosen, father of Rosen Hotels & Resorts founder and president Harris Rosen. While working at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Jack drew caricatures of famous guests, from world leaders to movie stars. An impressive selection of these drawings hangs on the steakhouse’s walls, adding an extra air of elegance to our perfectly cooked steak and seafood entrées.

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8 Orlando Attractions with Generous Teachers Discounts

Teachers. They allow us to develop a curiosity about the world. They help us discover our talents and passions. And they empower us to turn those talents and passions into bright futures.

Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to thank the teachers that shaped us, always takes place in the first full week of May. In 2023, it runs from May 8 – 12.

But here in Central Florida, we know that a week isn’t enough time to show teachers some love. That’s why businesses all around Orlando offer great teachers discounts, throughout the month of May and beyond. If you’re an educator in the U.S. and planning an Orlando getaway, take advantage of the teacher discounts at these amazing attractions.

Orlando Attractions with Discounts for All U.S. Teachers

Many Orlando attractions have special deals for educators from all over the U.S.

On your next vacation, enjoy these top destinations while saving money.

Crayola Experience

Create your own fun with a free visit to the Florida Mall’s Crayola Experience.

This kid-friendly Orlando attraction is full of artsy activities, including sculpting stations, interactive shows, and an indoor playground modeled after a box of crayons.

Certified pre-K through 12th-grade teachers are eligible for a free bronze annual pass at this Orlando attraction. Simply present your teaching certificate and ID at the ticketing desk. As a passholder, you’ll enjoy discounted prices on your guests’ tickets, as well as on food, beverages, and merchandise at the Crayola store (hello, cheap classroom supplies!)

After your Orlando vacation is over, hold on to your pass.

You can also use it at Crayola Experience’s other four locations near Allentown, PA, Dallas, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Minneapolis, MN.

Kennedy Space Center

Have an out-of-this-world vacation at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, about an hour east of Orlando.

Boasting launchpad tours, flight simulators, and real NASA rockets, the attraction is well worth the drive.

Especially when you get free admission. Adult tickets typically start at $75, but K-12 teachers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible for an Educator Study Pass. To claim your pass, bring your school ID, teaching certificate, or a letter from your principal to the ticketing desk.

iFly

Teachers inspire us to fly every day. But now it’s your turn to fly, courtesy of iFly on International Drive.

The indoor skydiving center offers teachers 20% off most of its weekday flight packages. Your session will begin with an orientation with a flight instructor, where you’ll discuss indoor skydiving techniques and safety. Your instructor will then take you to iFly’s massive wind tunnel, where you can float and flip freely.

To take advantage of this superfly deal, book a qualifying package on the iFly website.

At checkout, you will be asked to verify your employment through ID.me.

WonderWorks

Next door to iFly is another wonderful Orlando attraction with a wonderful deal for teachers.

WonderWorks typically offers free admission to teachers and education support staff throughout May. Up to four of your guests can receive 50% off their tickets, too. To get your pass, fill out a form on the WonderWorks website. Then, head to I-Drive, school ID or paystub in hand, and look for a zany upside-down building.

Once you’re in, you can visit over 100 exciting exhibits, from a ginormous Lite-Brite to high-intensity storm simulators.

Bonus Tip: Where to Stay in Orlando

We’re now going to explore some deals for teachers who live and work in the Sunshine State. But if you teach elsewhere, don’t click away just yet! We have one more teachers discount to share with you.

Click here to see where you can stay in Orlando using a teachers discount.

Orlando Attractions with Discounts for Florida Teachers

Calling all teachers from Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and across Florida: it’s time for an Orlando getaway. Whether you visit the City Beautiful for an overnight or an extended trip, you’ll find plenty of teachers discounts and freebies, including at:

Museum of Illusions

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: Florida teachers and professors get free admission at I-Drive’s Museum of Illusions.

At least 2-3 business days before your optical adventure, fill out a form on the museum website. Then, show up with your school ID and at least one paying guest, and prepare to be amazed by rooms full of mirrors, op art, holograms, and forced perspective displays. Before leaving, swing by the museum gift shop, where you’ll enjoy a 10% teachers discount.

You can use your Museum of Illusions teacher’s pass up to four times per year.

Icon Park

The Orlando Eye rises 400 feet above International Drive, its colorful lights glowing majestically.

And Florida teachers can ride it for free all year.

To get your annual pass, fill out a short form on the Icon Park website at least 3 business days before your first visit. A team member will reach out to approve your pass. Then, board your air-conditioned Ferris wheel car and take in gorgeous views of Orlando’s theme parks, pristine lakes, and downtown district.

SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and LEGOLAND Florida

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds offer a free annual pass of their own, which also includes free admission to LEGOLAND in Winter Haven.

See all kinds of sea creatures, like sharks, turtles, seahorses, and octopuses at SEA LIFE Orlando. Then hang out with the stars — or at least wax likenesses of them — at Madame Tussauds. Their wax statues include Aquaman, Shrek and Princess Fiona, Samuel L. Jackson, Walt Disney, Shaq, Pitbull, and Neil Patrick Harris.

Over at LEGOLAND, you can enjoy 55+ rides and attractions, including boat rides, roller coasters, a splash pad, and play spaces where you can build with LEGO bricks.

To receive your pass, visit the ticketing counter at any of the three Central Florida attractions and present a pay stub, photo ID, and teaching certificate.

SeaWorld Orlando

Keep the free, fishy fun going with a visit to SeaWorld Orlando.

There, you’ll enjoy amazing animal shows, thrilling coasters, and fantastic food.

Between now and September 7, 2023, teachers can enjoy free, unlimited visits to the theme park. Public school teachers should register online using their ID.me account.

Once you finish verifying your employment, you’ll be emailed your pass. Private school teachers who are unable to access ID.me can instead bring a school ID, paystub, and letter from their principal to guest services.

Bonus Teachers Discount: Enjoy 15% off your stay at Rosen Plaza.

After a busy day spent using your teachers discounts at top Orlando attractions, return to your peaceful guestroom at Rosen Plaza.

As a gesture of gratitude for all that you do, we offer educators a 15% discount on stays at our Orlando hotel. You’ll also enjoy 20% off food and nonalcoholic drinks at many of our on-site restaurants, including our filling breakfast buffet and our award-winning steakhouse Jack’s Place. Rosen Plaza’s location on International Drive makes it easy to get out and explore the city, while our scenic poolside bar makes staying in a blast.

So, grab your school ID and suitcases and head to Rosen Plaza for an amazing Orlando vacation.

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Central Florida Fair Returns for 2023

The Central Florida Fair will once again roll its way into Orlando for 11 days of entertaining thrills and delicious treats. The 111th annual fair begins on Thursday, March 2, and runs until Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Central Florida Fair Ferris Wheel

In addition to rides, food, and music, the fair will showcase the talents of Central Florida’s best and brightest students.

Rides and Live Entertainment

The Central Florida Fairgrounds on Colonial Drive will host the biggest midway in Central Florida.

The midway will include many crowd-favorite rides from years past. Food vendors will serve classic fair treats such as cotton candy, popcorn, and funnel cakes.

The fair will feature free concerts included with admission. Or rock out at separately ticketed concerts from some of today’s hottest musical acts. This year’s lineup includes Latin singer Melina León, R&B artist Keshi, and rapper Kevin Gates.

Melina Leon, who will perform at the Central Florida Fair

Event Admission

Regular admission to the Central Florida Fair costs $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Guests can buy tickets on the fair’s website. Children 11 and under visit for free.

Ride wristbands are sold separately for $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. However, the fair sells a discounted Megapass ticket online for $35. It includes admission and a wristband valid for one day of unlimited midway rides. A “Family 4 Pack” Megapass is also available for $125.

Exhibits and Competitions

The Central Florida Fair celebrates the community’s art and agriculture skills through exciting contests.

The Central Florida Fair will have cattle and other livestock competitions.

Livestock – Local youth will showcase their cattle, swine, sheep, lamb, poultry, rabbit, cavy, and goat breeds.
Horticulture – Gardeners will display terrariums, cacti, and homegrown veggies in a plant care contest.
Confectionary Arts – Competitors will show off their ingenuity and steady hand skills in the cookie and cake decorating contest.
Food Arts & Sciences – Participants of all ages will present their baked goods, jams, and pickled goods.

Creative Arts – Artists can enter creative competitions like basket weaving, quilting, and pottery.

Comfortable Accommodations for the Central Florida Fair

If you plan on attending the Central Florida Fair, reserve your room at Rosen Plaza.

Our centrally located hotel is the perfect place to stay while enjoying the fair or any of Orlando’s other wonderful attractions.

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Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend’s 15th Anniversary

For over a decade, marathon enthusiasts have gathered at “The Most Magical Place on Earth” to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, runDisney is hosting a weekend full of festivities. Runners of all experience levels will find a course to get their blood pumping and endorphins going.

The fun takes place from Thursday, February 23, to Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Here is what you can look forward to during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Disney Princess Yoga

The weekend offers sunrise yoga for those interested in a more serene exercise experience. This one-hour, instructor-led class starts at 5:30 a.m. on February 23, 2023. The peaceful views of Cinderella’s Castle and relaxing poses will leave you saying “namaste.”

Disney Princess 5K

The Disney Princess 5K takes place at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023. This race is great for beginners wanting to join in on the magical runDisney festivities.

Disney Princess Enchanted 10K

The Disney Princess Enchanted 10K is a 6.2-mile run starting at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023. This race is perfect for those looking for something longer than a 5K, but not as challenging as the half-marathon.

Disney Fairy Tale Challenge

The Disney Fairy Tale Challenge is for those willing to take on both the half-marathon and the 10K. The event runs from February 25 – 26 and totals 19.3 miles. This ambitious challenge awards racers with a special medal for finishing both events.

Disney Princess Half Marathon

The namesake event, the Disney Princess Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile course through Walt Disney World Resort. As you run through the parks, fan-favorite Disney characters will cheer you toward the finish line. The Disney Princess Half Marathon starts at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Run Straight to Rosen Plaza

If you’re heading to Central Florida for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, book an affordable room at Rosen Plaza. Rosen Plaza provides clean and comfortable rooms and luxury amenities. Train at the on-site fitness center before the big race and unwind by our pool afterward.

Our hotel is on International Drive, close to Orlando’s top restaurants and attractions.

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2023 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway

The best week of the year for NASCAR fans is quickly approaching. Daytona Speedweeks brings five exciting racing events to Central Florida from February 16 to February 19, 2023. The annual event includes the world-famous Daytona 500.

Daytona Speedweeks Races

Daytona Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth kicks off the regular racing season for all car series. The week’s exciting races include:

Bluegreen Vacations Duel
This exciting split-track race determines the Daytona 500 starting lineup. The duel goes down on Thursday, February 16, at 7 p.m.
NextEra Energy 250
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series begins on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. The 250-mile pickup truck race promises to thrill fans down to the last lap.
ARCA Menards Series Race
This 200-miler on Saturday, February 18, features ARCA Menards Series cars. Watch as they go head-to-head in a high-octane race.
It’s What’s for Dinner. 300
The action-packed Saturday doubleheader continues as rising NASCAR Xfinity Series stars hit the track. This 300-mile battle is the last race before the big event. It starts at 5 p.m.

The 2023 Daytona 500

Daytona Speedweeks culminates with the 65th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 19, 2023. “The Great American Race” starts at 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy the UNOH Fanzone

Ultimate racing fans can upgrade their experience by purchasing UNOH Fanzone and Pre-Race Access.

During the pre-race show, VIPs will make appearances, and you can visit your favorite driver’s garage. You’ll also score perks like front-row access for driver introductions and the chance to sign the finish line.

Motor on Over to Rosen Plaza

While in Daytona, experience all the fun attractions Central Florida has to offer. Add a trip to Orlando to your weekend.

For a comfortable and affordable place to stay, make a pit stop at Rosen Plaza. Our hotel’s International Drive location puts you close to Orlando’s top restaurants, bars, and theme parks.

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4 Winter and Audubon Park Restaurants You’ve Seen on Food TV

It comes as no surprise that Orlando’s Audubon Park neighborhood and nearby Winter Park often appear on food TV shows.

Both neighborhoods boast lush landscaping and lovingly maintained historic buildings. And, of course, both are home to top-tier restaurants. Every time a food TV program features a local restaurant, viewers are left dreaming of stunning scenery and amazing cuisine.

Headed to Central Florida soon? Stop dreaming and experience Winter Park and Audubon Park’s food scenes for yourself.

Here are four Orlando area restaurants you may have seen on television.

1. Ravenous Pig

From 2013 to 2017, Emeril Lagasse traveled around Florida to explore the state’s ever-growing culinary scene.

Food TV star Emeril Lagasse

In episode one of Emeril’s Florida, the celebrity chef picked up an apron at the Ravenous Pig in Winter Park. There, he met chef James Petrakis, co-owner of the gastropub and brewery. The two cooked mouthwatering pan-seared and cured fish dishes together. Meanwhile, Petrakis described the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Because the Ravenous Pig uses locally sourced meat and produce, new masterpieces are added to the menu all the time.

The menu currently features steak in bordelaise, fresh-caught Atlantic salmon, and gnocchi in a savory vodka sauce.

The Ravenous Pig’s delightful dishes pair exquisitely with their signature beers.

The restaurant brews everything from rich porters to refreshing rice lagers. If beers are the main draw for you, consider having a seat in the modern beer garden. While unwinding outdoors, you can enjoy a variety of beers and a crowd-pleasing menu of upscale bar food.

2. Farm & Haus

In fall 2018, food critic Andrew Zimmern took a culinary tour of Orlando for his Travel Channel show The Zimmern List.

Food TV star Andrew Zimmern — Lbeck1945, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While there, he visited East End Market. Zimmern described the hip Audubon Park food hall as a “theme park for fantastic food.”

He started his day at Farm & Haus. Like the Ravenous Pig, this Orlando restaurant uses local ingredients to craft dishes rich in nutrients and flavor. Zimmern opted for a piece of avocado toast topped with fresh veggies and a farm-fresh egg.

Other breakfast options include buckwheat pancakes, hashbrown bowls, and crispy bacon cured in-house.

Later in the day, Farm & Haus serves salads, wraps, and rice bowls that make for a delightful lunch or light dinner.

3. DOMU

After enjoying farm-to-table delights at Farm & Haus, Zimmern headed to fellow East End eatery DOMU.

He first feasted on a platter of massive chicken wings. His next course consisted of spicy tonkatsu ramen with bone broth, pork belly, and tender noodles made in-house.

DOMU also wows its guests with curry chicken, vegan miso, and broth-free ramen varieties.

In 2022, DOMU’s fresh takes on Japanese classics earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation.

The restaurant’s Asian fusion flavors carry into its bar menu. Order a martini that pairs lychee syrup and boba with elderflower liqueur. Or travel the world with a New Japan cocktail, which blends Japanese whisky with French cognac and orgeat syrup.

In addition, DOMU serves expertly made mocktails that delight diners of all ages.

4. Bem Bom

From 2011 to 2015, comedian James Cunningham hosted Eat St.

The fun food TV show gave Cooking Channel fans a look at North America’s best food trucks.

In the show’s final episode, he gets a taste of Portugal at Bem Bom. At the time, the business served Iberian sandwiches from a food truck that traveled around Orlando. Cunningham watched as chef Chico Mendonça prepared lamb burgers with freshly made feta compote and peri-peri sauce.

The juicy, flavorful burgers were a hit with Cunningham and Bem Bom’s customers.

In fact, the truck was such a hit that in 2018, Mendonça opened a brick-and-mortar spot in Audubon Park.

The restaurant’s large windows and ornate blue tilework give it a breezy, friendly feel. In addition to sandwiches on Portuguese prego rolls, Bem Bom has ventured into Mexican rice bowls and quesadillas. Round out your meal with a flavorful glass of Portuguese wine.

More Orlando Restaurants You’ve Seen on Food TV

Orlando’s best restaurants have been on food TV so often, we couldn’t fit all our favorites into one blog.

Check out our guides to restaurants in:

North and East Orlando
International Drive
The Neighborhoods North of Downtown Orlando

Rosen Plaza: A Food TV Lover’s Paradise

As you embark on your Food TV tasting tour of Orlando, make Rosen Plaza your home base.

Our Orlando hotel is close to major highways, making it easy to reach Winter Park and Audubon Park’s delightful restaurants.

After you’ve savored the flavors these neighborhoods, keep your adventure going at our on-site restaurants. You’ll find everything from superb steak to fresh salads at Rosen Plaza.

Steak served at Jack's Place at Rosen Plaza, the perfect restaurant for food TV fans

For more dining options, walk down International Drive for a meal at Pointe Orlando’s many restaurants.

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8 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Orlando

It’s time to break out the flowers and candy — Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Orlando on or around February 14, you’ll find many ways to celebrate your love. Whether you and your sweetheart want to go traditional, adventurous, or downright quirky, the City Beautiful has something in store for you.

Here are eight ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Orlando this year.

1. Explore Lake Eola via Swan Boat

Many cultures view swans as a symbol of romance and devotion. So why not spend Valentine’s Day among the stately swans that live in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park?

Valentine's Day in Orlando - Swans form a heart while swimming on the water together.

While you can watch the park’s 60-odd swans from the shores, you’ll get the best views from the water. The only way to paddle out on Lake Eola is, fittingly, via swan boat. The grand vessels are available for rent from Tuesday through Sunday.

As you explore the lake, you’ll get a glimpse of city life in Orlando – impressive skyscrapers, lovely landscaping, and walkers, joggers, and picnicking families.

You may even meet Queenie and Big Boy, two rare black-necked swans who are total #relationshipgoals.

Lake Eola’s swan boats cost $15 for a 30-minute rental. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the park. The boats are pet-friendly and can fit up to five people, so feel free to bring the whole family or plan a fun double date for Valentine’s Day.

2. Prepare a Valentine’s Day Feast at Aprons Cooking School

Studies have suggested that couples who cook together communicate better and are more satisfied with their relationship.

See the benefits for yourself by signing up for a cooking class this Valentine’s Day. Publix, the fan-favorite supermarket chain, runs beginner-friendly cooking schools at select stores. At each Aprons Cooking School, you can take classes in everything from knife safety to custard making to easy sheet-pan dinners.

Whether you take a course specifically made for couples or a general workshop, you’ll come away with a full belly and useful new skills.

In the Orlando area, you’ll find Aprons Cooking Schools at Publix locations in Winter Park and Dr. Phillips. Classes at these locations cost $55-65 per person.

3. Create a Perfect Date Night at All Fired Up

If you and your sweetheart have built a solid relationship on your shared love of art, here’s an idea for you.

All Fired Up offers paint-your-own-pottery sessions out of their studio in the heart of Winter Park, FL. You and your partner can pick from over 250 pre-kilned pottery designs, including plates, piggy banks, jewelry boxes, and coffee mugs. Paint your item of choice any way you want using their assortment of colorful glazes. The studio will then return your piece to the kiln to seal your paint job.

At the end of the week, return to All Fired Up to pick up your pottery.

Prices vary depending on what you choose to paint, but most pieces cost $25-30.

All Fired Up is BYOB, so feel free to bring a bottle of wine. The pottery studio is within walking distance of the Wine Room on Park Avenue. Begin your Valentine’s date with a wine tasting in their regal bistro. Once you’ve found a vino you both love, buy a bottle of it, then stroll down scenic Park Avenue to begin your artsy adventure.

4. Indulge in a Classic Valentine’s Treat at the Chocolate Museum

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day have been soul mates since the 1860s.

That’s when Richard and George Cadbury took over the family chocolate business from their father.

While, under their dad, Cadbury’s had mostly sold drinking chocolate, the brothers decided to focus on making solid candies. To sell more sweets, they started putting them in fun, seasonal boxes. In 1868, the company designed a heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. It was a huge hit.

If you’re fascinated by this morsel of chocolate history, you’ll love Orlando’s Chocolate Museum & Café.

Head to this unique International Drive attraction to learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. You’ll also see sweet sculptures of famous places and faces and, of course, taste some of the world’s best chocolates. Admission starts at $17 per person and includes a guided tour and chocolate samples.

You can also upgrade to a package that includes a wine or mimosa tasting.

Before you leave, stop by the on-site café for a chocolate pastry or cup of hot cocoa. If you’re all chocolated out, you can enjoy a salad, panini, coffee drink, or ice cream instead. If you and your partner are 60 or over and want to check out the café, consider buying Senior Combo tickets. This deal costs $19.90 per person and covers the guided tour plus a pastry and hot beverage.

5. Find Higher Love at Icon Park

When you’re with the one you love, any setting can be a romantic one. But taking them somewhere with fantastic views definitely won’t hurt.

The Orlando Eye is a 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel that treats riders to dazzling views of Orlando’s theme parks, downtown neighborhoods, and stunning lakes. Before boarding with your sweetheart, grab a bottle of bubbly from the on-site bar.

Admission starts at $29 per person.

In previous years, Icon Park has celebrated Valentine’s Day with its “I’m Sweet on You” package. This unique holiday package includes a private wheel capsule for two, sparkling wine, a spread of sweet treats, and a digital photo package. As you ride, you can either listen to a romantic playlist curated by Icon Park or use Bluetooth to play your song on repeat.

6. Take a Dreamy Stroll Through Leu Gardens

Valentine’s Day flowers usually come in the form of fragrant bouquets. But there’s also something romantic about a walk through a magically landscaped garden.

Leu Gardens is a stunning botanical garden east of downtown Orlando.

Thanks to Central Florida’s subtropical climate, tropical and temperate plants both thrive throughout the 50-acre attraction. Celebrate pollinators at the on-site butterfly garden. Admire the beauty and resilience of banana plants, bromeliads, and palm trees in the Tropical Stream Garden. You can find inspiration for your own yard at the idea garden, which showcases how home gardens can grow food, provide wildlife habitat, and beautify your neighborhood.

And, given the rose’s association with love, a trip to the rose garden is a must on Valentine’s Day.

Admission to Leu Gardens starts at $15 per adult.

7. Swim in the Sea of Love at Discovery Cove

If you and your love have always dreamt of snorkeling through a gorgeous reef together, a trip to Discovery Cove is in order.

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort operated by SeaWorld. Its main attraction is a thriving coral reef teeming with tropical fish and majestic rays. General admission starts at $217 and includes your snorkel rental, unlimited lazy river rides, and bottomless food, beer, wine, and soda.

Spend your day snorkeling and lounging on the white-sand beach, or upgrade to a unique wildlife encounter.

At Discovery Cove, you can book experiences with everything from flamboyant flamingos to splendid sharks. The dolphin swim experience is one of the most popular add-ons. And if you’re one of the 6 million people planning to propose on February 14, Discovery Cove’s dolphins are ready to help.

Valentine's Day in Orlando - A dolphin helps a couple get engaged at Discovery Cove.

The resort offers several proposal packages, all of which culminate in a friendly dolphin swimming up to your sweetheart with a buoy inscribed with the all-important question.

8. Enjoy a Romantic Date Night at Rosen Plaza

Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to try a new restaurant. In fact, about one-third of American adults mark the occasion with a culinary adventure.

If you’re looking for an Orlando restaurant where you can have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dinner, look no further than Rosen Plaza.

Our International Drive hotel is home to Jack’s Place, an award-winning steakhouse with a creative twist. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with caricatures drawn by Jack Rosen, the father of Rosen Hotels & Resorts founder and president Harris Rosen. If you’re early into your relationship, these pictures are a great conversation starter.

Valentine's Day in Orlando - Jack's Place Restaurant in Rosen Plaza

No matter how long you and your sweetheart have been together, our exclusive prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu will make for the perfect date night. You and your love can choose from mouthwatering seafood pescatore or filet mignon as your entre, alongside flavorful appetizer and dessert options.

If you’re looking for a laid-back Valentine’s Day dinner in Orlando, head to ’39 Poolside to enjoy perfectly prepared sandwiches, burgers, and salads in a peaceful poolside setting.

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8 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Orlando