Entertainment

Orlando's highly visible entertainment industry has resulted in a worldwide brand associated with imagination, storytelling and customer service.

Even more interesting is the growing crossover between technology and entertainment. Orlando's strength in both of these industries has placed it at the forefront of this revolution and encouraged innovation in other sectors. Clear examples are in the digital media, life science, simulation and photonics industries. The entertainment and travel industry is also providing a workforce that is second to none in' terms of customer service. This skill has been put to work at a variety of Metro Orlando companies that understand the client is number one.

Metro Orlando's industry mix is distinctive and diverse. Recognizing this region's strategic advantages as a hub for global commerce, more and more major employers, as well as entrepreneurs, are calling the region home. The Metro Orlando area boasts a $13.4 billion technology industry that employs close to 53,000 people. Top sectors include film and digital media; modeling, simulation and training; optics and photonics; aviation/aerospace; homeland security/defense; financial services technology (fi-tech); information technology; clean tech; and life science/biotechnology. Companies also have access to a strong university system and an environment of technological innovation and infrastructure supporting the region;s established technology sectors.

An established technology sector means that companies growing or relocating to the area have immediate access to a technology ecosystem that has been building since the 1960's. This includes immediate access to a highly skilled workforce, university research and development, partnership opportunities, and organizations and facilities dedicated to

THEME PARKS

Both young and young at heart can immerse themselves in the world's top theme parks right here in Orlando. From the classic Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney WorldÂ® Resort to the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, there's a world for everyone to escape into. And with multiple new projects on the horizon, even the most die-hard visitors to Orlando theme parks will always find new ways to create lasting memories year after year.

Magic KingdomÂ® Park
Post Office Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321

Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 370-1280

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-3600

Universal's Islands of AdventureÂ®
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-8000

Universal Studios FloridaÂ®
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-8000

EpcotÂ®
Post Office Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321

Disney's Animal KingdomÂ® Theme Park
Post Office Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321

When it comes to filling up your itinerary, Orlando offers no shortage of things to do. Take advantage of experiences that are uniquely Orlando, like flying through a swamp on an airboat or getting up close with wildlife at Gatorland or SeaWorld's Discovery Cove. Sports lovers can cheer on the Magic NBA basketball team at the new Amway Center or take a ride on one of multiple zip-lines in the area. And the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down: check out a show at Cirque de Soleil, Blue Man Group or one of Orlando's many dinner theaters for an entertaining nightcap.

RESTAURANTS

Orlando has evolved into a bonafide culinary destination with sophisticated restaurant options for every taste. From independently owned neighborhood eateries to family-fun themed establishments, the Orlando area offers a surprisingly diverse array of epicurean delights. Even visitors with sophisticated palettes will find a number of celebrity-chef anchored, four- and five-diamond restaurants, and vinos can take advantage of the multiple certified master sommeliers in Orlando. Here are some of the many great restaurants to try:

Hue Restaurant
629 East Central Blvd.
Orlando , FL 32801
407-849-1800

Maison & Jardin Restaurant
430 Wymore Road
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 862-4410

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
8460 Palm Parkway
Orlando , FL 32836
407-239-1119

Texas de Brazil Restaurant
5259 International Drive
Orlando , FL 32819
407-355-0355

Samba Room Restaurant
7468 Sand Lake Road
Orlando , FL 32819
407-226-0550

Wolfgang Puck Restaurant at Downtown Disney
1482 Lake Buena Vista Drive
Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-938-9653

Emeril's Restaurant at Universal CityWalk
6000 Universal Blvd.
Orlando , FL 32819
407-224-2424

Le Coq Au Vin Restaurant
4800 South Orange Avenue
Orlando , FL 32806
407-851-6980

SHOPPING

Discover what some know already- that Orlando is secretly a shopper's paradise. From some of the top department stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales to one of the largest outlet locations in the Southeast, Orlando shopping has something for wallets of every size. Visitors looking for unique boutiques can stroll and shop downtown Orlando and Winter Park for hard-to-find clothing labels, home dÃ©cor and antiques.

Altamonte Mall - has added 15 new stores this year to their outstanding lineup of specialty shops, department stores and restaurants, including the area's only Gap Body and Charlotte Russe. Come discover the exciting new look of some of your favorite stores!

Belz Festival Bay Mall
Exciting 1,000,000-square-foot retail and entertainment center with the finest one-of-a-kind-to-the-Orlando-market retailers! Join famous names like Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Cinemark Theaters, Vans Skatepark, Sheplers Western Wear, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Florida Mall - 270 stores in one mall! Very popular with locals and tourist.Fabulous fashion. Exceptional eateries. Delightful diversions. That's what shoppers find at Orlando's fabulous fashion destination... Florida Mall. Conveniently located just minutes from Orlando International Airport, International Drive, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, Florida Mall is on the corner of South Orange Blossom Trail and Sand Lake Road in Orlando, Florida.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores - Located just over a mile from Walt Disney World.
Your favorite designers and name brands at incredible savings everyday, a delicious food court, and our exciting events make Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores a shopper's paradise.

Mall at Millenia - 150 of the world's finest stores, services and eateries providing visitors an unparalleled shopping experience. Central Florida's only Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's anchor Mall at Millenia along with Macy's. Visitors will be tempted by an international collection of brand name stores, including Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Zara. Other tempting stores include, Tiffany & Co., Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Bahama's, Juicy Couture, Coach and David Yurman.
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839

Osceola Square Mall - Enjoy Kissimmee's only enclosed mall with over 50 great specialty shops, movie theaters and food court. Features Beall's, Upton's, Eckert Drugs, Ross Dress for Less, Morrison's Cafeteria.
3831 W Irlo Bronson Mem. Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Oveido Marketplace - Brand new mall with many brand name stores.
Located near Seminole towncenter mall.


Pointe Orlando International Drive Mall - Is the closest mall to Orange County Convention Center. This open air,dining and entertainment complex includes more than 60 specialty retailers and seven excellent restaurants.


Orlando Premium Outlets Vineland Road - Stroll through their Mediterranean style village that offers a large collection of designer brands at great savings of 25% -65% off every day. 150 stores featuring AG Adriano Goldschmied, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach, Diesel, Dior, Fendi, Frette, Giorgio Armani, Lucky Brand Jeans, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Salvatore Ferragamo and more.

Premium Designer Outlet Center on International Drive
Save up to 65% off at more than 40 stores like Bass, Camille Studio, Geoffrey Beene, Guess Clearance, Izod, Maidenform, Cole-Haan, and Kitchen Collection. Dine at Texas De Brazil the new authentic Brazilian style steakhouse.

Premium Outlets International Drive
Formally Prime Outlet welcome's you to Orlando's newest kingdom, devoted to shopping! With over 125 of the hottest brands including new additions like HUGO BOSS Factory Store, Tourneau, Tumi, White House|Black Market, Converse, Espirit, Gymboree Outlet, Clarks Bostonian Outlet and Central Florida's only Neiman Marcus LAST CALL, as well as favorites like Coach Factory, Gap Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike Factory Store and The Children's Place... imagine finding everything you need or want in one unbelievable location.
Premium Outlets International Drive Store Directory

Seminole Towne Center - Discover the elegance of shopping at Seminole Towne Center. Delight in visiting your favorite stores, including Burdines, Dillard's, CPenney, Parisian and Sears. Find just what you are looking for when you explore the more than 120 specialty shops located throughout the mall.
220 Towne Center Circle
Sanford, FL 32771
Seminole Towne Center Store Directory

BEACHES

The following are popular Florida beaches on the East Coast within 90 minutes of Orlando and other ones on the Gulf Coast that worth the drive.

1. Cocoa Beach, driving time: about 1 hour, 5 minutes.

2. Daytona Beach, driving time: about 1 hour, 7 minutes.

3. New Smyrna Beach, driving time: about 1 hour, 8 minutes.

4. Canaveral National Seashore, driving time: about 1 hour, 9 minutes.

5. Melbourne Beach , driving time: about 1 hour, 24 minutes.

Here are popular choices within 2 1/2 hours drive.

1. Treasure Island (Near St. Petersburg) driving time: 1 hour 57 minutes.

2. Clearwater Beach (Near Tampa ) driving time: 1 hour, 59 minutes.

3. Fort De Soto Park (Near St. Petersburg) driving time: 2 hours, 3 minutes.

4. Caladesi Island State Park (Near Tampa ) driving time: 2 hours, 7 minutes.

5. Anna Maria Island (Near Bradenton) driving time: 2 hours, 17 minutes.

6. Siesta Key (Near Sarasota) driving time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.

7. Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key (Near Sarasota) driving time: 2 hours, 21 minutes.

Florida's BEST:

Best Fun Beach - Smathers Beach, Key West
Best Sand - Siesta Key
Best Shelling Beach - Sanibel Island
Best Sunset - Clearwater Beach
Best Surfing - Sebastian Inlet
Most Romantic-Lovers Key
Best Beach to Drive On - Daytona Beach
Best Beaches to Watch a Space Shuttle Launch - Cocoa Beach
Best Party Beach - Panama City Beach
Florida's Longest Beach - Canaveral; National Seashore
Best South Florida Beach - Fort Lauderdale
Best North Florida Beach - Anastasia State Park
Best Beach in Florida Keys - Bahia Honda Key
Best Panhandle Beach - Fort Walton Beach