Weekend in Greater Orlando (beyond the theme parks) one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The I-Ride Trolley travels throughout the International Drive area servicing more than 100 stops, including the best dining, shopping and entertainment options. Trolleys stop approximately every 20 minutes. A one-day pass is $5; $7 for three days (children under 12 ride free with paying adult). www.iridetrolley.com.
Getting there: Nonstop one-way rates from $109 with 21-day advance purchase, AirTran or Delta.
BUDGET
Stay: A pool complex with a beach is the centerpiece of the recently opened Avanti Resort. A poolside cafe and a Starbucks offer grab-and-go food options. Play Wii in the game room, walk to family-friendly restaurants or check out nearby attractions such as WonderWorks and Ripley's Believe It or Not. The resort offers scheduled shuttle service to Epcot and Universal, and the resort is a stop on the iRide Trolley. Nightly rates from $70 ($8 resort fee extra to cover Wi-Fi, parking). 8738 International Drive. 1-855-828-2684, www.avantiresort.com.
Eat: The brand-new 15,000-square-foot East End Market is a neighborhood market and food hub in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando. Vendors offer local seafood, meats, daily baked bread and pastries, freshly roasted coffee, Italian prepared meals and sweets, organic juices, raw food specialties, artisan cheeses, soups, local produce and flowers. Opening this month is Txokos Basque Kitchen, a farm-fresh restaurant serving tapas and pintxos (peen-chos) from the Basque region of northern Spain. Tapas, $5-$10. 3201 Corrine Drive. 321-236-3316, www.eastendmkt.com.
Experience: Since 1929, visitors have enjoyed Bok Tower Gardens and its historic landscape gardens, unique Singing Tower carillon and magnificent 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate mansion. The 205-foot Art Deco Singing Tower's 60-bell carillon rings a concert at 1 and 3 p.m. daily. The garden's wildlife includes 126 different species of birds as well as the threatened gopher tortoise. A 3/4-mile walking trail takes visitors through a longleaf pine forest; $12 adult admission ($3 children 5-12) includes entrance to the gardens and nature trails. Add $6 for a self-guided tour of the mansion. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408, http://boktowergardens.org.
MODERATE
Stay: Amenities at the hip Aloft Downtown Orlando include signature pillow-top beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fridge, complimentary bottled water and a locale near restaurants, museums, shopping, theme parks and golf courses. On site are a bar, a lounge and a 24/7 pantry. Save 40 percent on a consecutive night stay (valid on Thursday-Saturday arrivals). Discounted rates average $140 per night. 500 S. Orange Ave. 407-380-3500, www.starwoodhotels.com.
Eat: Southern comfort food will be the star at the Coop. This new spot (opening this spring) will serve trumped-up classic Southern dishes like chicken and biscuits with maple bourbon drizzle, deviled eggs, po' boys, fried catfish and artisanal pies. Don't expect full table service as guests will order at a counter (prices TBA). 610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. asouthernaffair.com.
Experience: Spot exotic birds, turtles and the Florida alligator while on a unique airboat adventure in the wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades. The 30-minute exciting and educational ride (at speeds up to 45 mph) is $26.95 adults; $20.95 children 3-10. Two Kissimmee locations; 407-344-9550, www.bcairboats.com. Need more speed? Opening within weeks near Universal Studios is the new I-Drive Indoor Kart Racing, a multilevel entertainment center including a half-mile track for electric-powered go-karts (with speeds of up to 45 mph), bowling lanes and an arcade; $18 per race. 5228 Vanguard St. 407-354-3939, http://idriveracing.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Perfect for families, or groups of friends, Floridays Resort offers two- and three-bedroom Mediterranean-style accommodations. Each features open-design living areas, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, private furnished balconies and more. On site is a Grand Pool Complex with splash pools for kids, a quieter pool with Jacuzzi, a pool bar and grill, a cafe and a grocery marketplace. Rates on the "Spring Savings" package, valid on minimum four-night stays from April 27-June 8 (book by Feb. 28), are from $120 for a two-bedroom condo; from $145 for a three-bedroom unit. Also included is a $25 American Express gift card, a backpack of goodies (sunscreen, poncho, map), two I-Ride Trolley passes and shuttle service to theme parks. 12562 International Drive. 407-238-7700, www.floridaysresortorlando.com.
Eat: Opening in September, the contemporary Capa, located on the 17th-floor rooftop of the Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World (opens Aug. 3 from $645 per night), will be the place to be for fine dining. Outdoor seating will be offered on two terraces — one with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Expect the best of Spanish-influenced cuisine in a romantic setting (prices TBA). 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. 1-800-267-3046, www.fourseasons.com/orlando.
Experience: The 4,700-acre Forever Florida offers a number of diverse EcoSafari adventures for all ages. The "Thrill Pack" includes a zip line roller coaster through the treetops; the "Pounce" — step off a seven-story tower; a 55-foot extreme swing; and the "Plunge" — a quarter-mile aerial drag strip; $65. Take a Horseback Safari on trails first used by Native Americans back in the 1500s. The 90-minute guided ride covers nine distinct Florida ecosystems; $65 (minimum age is 10). 4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud. 407-957-9794, www.floridaecosafaris.com.
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