Advice and Ideas for Families or Couples Visiting Orlando

Because I meet so many families who come to Orlando for vacation, and for family photos, I thought it was time to write a post with some recommendations. Especially since CNN named Orlando a top world destination, I thought you would like some help from a local Orlando resident. : ) So here is my guide to all things Orlando Vacation: Family Style! But this post also is good for any of you who are planning a wedding here, or coming to Orlando for a couples getaway.

Where To Stay: Large Groups

For large groups with multiple family members (7 or more!) you’ll probably want to rent a house or condo while you’re here. Everyone needs their own space at some point. : ) Here are some links to places that my clients have actually stayed at and really enjoyed. And the last one on the list is a place I discovered that has a really great value.

Villas At Seven Dwarfs Lane
Vista Cay Resort
Vacation Village At Parkway
Galleria Palms Hotel and Suites

Where To Stay: Small Groups

Just you and the kids? Make it a vacation to treasure and stay at one of these cozy places.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Buena Vista Palace
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian
The Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort

Where To Stay: Just You Two

For a little romance, spend a little extra on these special places.

Grand Bohemian Downtown Orlando
The Ritz Carlton
Melia in Celebration
Park Plaza in Winter Park
Peabody Orlando

Where To Stay: Not Going To Disney?

Book a room at one of these places far from the theme parks, and rent a car to experience what the city of Orlando has to offer. (Check out the surrounding cities too such as Winter Park – and don’t forget about Wekiwa Springs. Ask me more about it! Great photo locations there too. Also check out Wekiva Island.)

Grand Bohemian Downtown Orlando
Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando
Peabody Orlando

General Orlando Tips:

For a change of scenery: People from out of town take a look at Orlando and think it’s pretty flat. And that is true. : ) If you want to go hiking or just see some hilly territory, there is actually a place for that. In the nearby town of Clermont, the landscape of Central Florida becomes interesting. One of the highest points in Florida is near Clermont, at Sugar Loaf Mountain, but there’s really nothing to do over there. (I do photo shoots there sometimes though.) There are plenty of parks in the Clermont area that are beautiful to explore:

Waterfront Park
West Orange Trail
Lake Minneola Scenic Trail

Speaking of Clermont, take a tour of Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards.

Do something new: Vacation doesn’t always mean relaxation, especially if you are coming to the theme parks! There’s lots to do, so how about adding some other things to your list?

Rock climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center in Longwood
Visit (and donate to) Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando
Schedule a full moon paddle (kayaking at night) with Adventures in Florida (Orlando)

Fill your belly: There are many unique places to eat in Orlando that you’ll only find here.

The Rusty Spoon
City Fire
Four Rivers Smokehouse
Yellow Dog Eats
The Ravenous Pig
Prato
Hawker’s Asian Street Fare
Ceviche
Cafe Tu Tu Tango

To check out the Orlando food truck scene while you’re in town (you definitely should!) follow @Ofoodtrucks on Twitter, and check the schedules at orlandosfoodtrucks.com. You can also check out one of Orlando’s most popular food-happenings blog, Droolius.com.

And now – let’s talk about your family photography session in Orlando! Finally : )

The easiest (and most stress-free) way to plan your photo session is for me to meet your group at your hotel or villa. We are very lucky here in Central Florida to have such great scenery at most every single hotel imaginable. My clients often explore the hotel grounds a bit and let me know if they see anything that we can work with. And they always do! Also, we can take a trip down the street if we need to and find an area that has a nice background with trees and lush landscaping.

If you are not into a nature-filled background, we can take photos at Disney Boardwalk (but photographers are not allowed on other Disney properties unfortunately) or meet at a beautiful park in the Orlando area. Depending on where you are staying and if you have a rental car, there are many places we can meet to take your photos. It just depends on what kind of style you are looking for. We can always make it happen!