I know people’s time is limited when it comes to short-term visit trips to Orlando, FL.
For instance: Thanksgiving, Christmas, MLK Jr. Day, or a Monday-Wednesday type thing. It can feel overwhelming to pack everything in at once.
Having just recently done this, there are definite questions you’ll want to address with your party/visitors before conducting an actual plan:
- What is a non-negotiable?
- Some visitors have a non-negotiable spot they MUST visit while they’re in Orlando. For some it’s getting a cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse, others it’s getting wings at Gator’s Dockside, either way, find out what their non-negotiable is and fit that into your plan.
- Do they have other plans scheduled?
- You don’t want to be out then all of a sudden they need to be on a zoom call or meeting up with a family member. Know their schedule and how much time they have to do something.
- Orlando has a lot of good options but most require a car and travel time.
- What’s their budget?
- Not to be cringy but having a budget, or what a group is willing to pay, is very helpful in whittling down the options on where to go or what to do.
After addressing these questions with your group, it’s time to have some fUnNn!
Here’s what I have done with my friends visiting for a short period of time:
Go to Mills50 Avenue or Corrine Drive in Audobon Park.
There are plenty of walkable bars, and food spots along those strips. Plus, finding parking is relatively simple and you don’t have to pay for it!
A staple spot for me has been The Guesthouse for Happy Hour (4-8PM). The space is pretty large, PLUS there is a patio seating area. Giving lots of opportunities for larger groups, and allows people to come and go as they please.
Take a ✨Nostalgia Trip ✨(even if it’s just Taco Bell)
Normally, visitors arriving in Orlando have a reason for being there. It could be family, it could be work-related, or just for funsies. Regardless, there is a familiar spot that is worth revisiting. It could be the Fountain at UCF, driving by your old apartment without appearing sketchy, or going to Taco Bell. YOUR Taco Bell.
Explore a NEW section of Orlando
As you may or may not know, there has been a LOT of growth in Orlando over the past 5 years. Certainly, there are spots to visit that your visitors haven’t seen yet, maybe not even you!
Baldwin Park, West Colonial, Audubon Park, Winter Park, Sanford, Mount Dora, all these places have special spots within them.
In the meantime in-between time, definitely rest and relax (stay safe!) because I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do!
If you do wind up going to any of these places listed, be sure to let me know! You can tag me on @allysoneatz or #allysoneatz so I can see what you got!
Until next time,
- Allyson