FROM ATLANTA TO.....ORLANDO

Orlando has a deal for every wallet

Swim with manatees, drink at an ice bar or relax at a world class spa

For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sunday, October 12, 2008

BUDGET

Getting there: A doable drive at about 6-7 hours for an average fuel cost of $68 (based on $3.80 a gallon).

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JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press

The Blue Spring State Park, 35 miles outside Orlando, is a winter home (mid-November through March) for a growing number of manatees. Visitors can swim, snorkel in a 73-degree crystal clear spring or take a guided kayak nature cruise on the St. Johns River.

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PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press

Amy Ranew, left, and Shelley Preston enjoy vodka drinks inside IceBar Orlando. The bar, thought to be the first of its kind in the United States, allows guests to experience 45 minutes in 27-degree temperatures while sitting on fur-lined ice furniture and enjoying vodka drinks in glassware, also made of ice.

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SEE CAPTION/Universal Studios

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel re-creates the magic of Italy and offers a world-class spa for about $569 a night.

Frommer's Travel Guide Orlando
Florida travel stories

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Stay: Rates start from $89 a night at the upscale Royal Plaza Hotel in Downtown Disney, Nov. 1-Dec. 22. An $8 daily resort fee includes local shuttle service; guaranteed entry into Disney theme parks; Disney golf discounts and use of fitness center, tennis courts, heated pool. 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd., 407-828-2828, royalplaza.com.

Eat: Children 11 years of age and under eat free at a variety of Orlando restaurants when parents present a Kids Eat Free Card, temporarily priced at $13.95 per child (one free meal per paying adult, main course). Valid for 90 days after first use. orlandofuntickets.com/Kids-Eat-Free.

Experience: The Blue Spring State Park, 35 miles outside Orlando, is a winter home (mid-November through March) for a growing number of manatees. Visitors can swim, snorkel in a 73-degree crystal clear spring or take a guided kayak nature cruise on the St. Johns River. $5 per vehicle, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, 386-775-3663, floridastateparks.org/bluespring.

MODERATE

Getting there: One-way rates of $84, valid Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, through Jan. 30, are on sale through Oct. 14; $99 other days except Sunday. airtran.com , delta.com.

Eat: The California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort has floor-to-ceiling windows for a stage kitchen and fab views of evening fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. An Orlando favorite. Entrees to $36. 407-939-3463, disneyworld.com.

Stay: Luxurious two- and three-bedroom condos at WorldQuest Resort please families with Mediterranean architecture and interiors, a swimming pool, fitness center, a 24-hour market and close to Disney, Epcot and Universal Studios. Shuttle service to Walt Disney World and continental breakfast included. From $159. 8849 WorldQuest Blvd., 877-987-8378, worldquestorlando.com.

Experience: Sip a chilled martini at Icebar Orlando — a new bar made entirely of ice and kept at 27 degrees. Enter through the Chill Lounge for your cape and gloves for the 45-minute experience, $35 with one vodka drink inside a glass made of, what else, ice. 8967 I Drive, 407-426-7555, icebarorlando.com.

SPLURGE

Getting there: One-way Business Class costs $383, airtran.com, delta.com

Stay: Family suites at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, home of the world-class Mandara Spa, start from $569 a night. Guests skip regular lines at most rides and attractions at Universal with the Express Ride Access privilege. 5601 Universal Blvd., 407-503-1000, loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Portofino-Bay-Hotel.

Eat: On Saturdays you can book one of the six chef’s tables inside the cozy kitchen at La Coquina at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The evening includes a five-course gourmet meal — set at your pace — with wine pairing. $100 per person, 407-239-3853, grandcypress.hyatt.com

Experience: More than 70,000 bass fingerlings were released into Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon in the late ’60s when the Magic Kingdom park was under construction. Rent a boat for a two-hour catch-and-release journey, with a guide, for $260 (up to five people). Rod, reel, tackle, bait, beverages and a one-year B.A.S.S. membership included. Reservations through the Walt Disney World Co., 407-939-3474.

Video: Take a scenic tour


 
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