Dual Delight! Experience Orlando by Land and by Sea
Known as “The City Beautiful”, Orlando, Florida is one of the most popular places to visit in the United States. Typically, vacations in the city involve retreating to chic hotels to enjoy the area restaurants and internationally known theme parks or take a multi-day cruise to revel in the splendor of a floating resort. On your next visit, you can certainly do both. Just make plans to stay in the city for a few days and then it’s bon voyage as you cruise to an island destination.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
This elegant, tropical island-themed resort features scenic waterfalls, a fun arcade, and a relaxing 16,000-square-foot pool with sand beach. Guests can enjoy luxury accommodations with lovely lagoon views. Select the spacious Sapphire Suite, Hospitality Suite, or the Presidential Suite. Conveniences include complimentary water taxis and shuttle buses to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk as well as Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visit great restaurants such as Amatista Cook House, Strong Water Tavern, and New Dutch Trading Co. Go to www.UniversalOrlando.com to make reservations or call 407.503.5000.
Chic Eateries
There is no shortage of exceptional restaurants in Orlando. Make your way to the exciting spot known as Universal CityWalk. Appetizing cuisine can be found at The Cowfish, Bob Marley — Tribute to Freedom, Bigfire, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Other Orlando restaurants include The Capital Grille at The Mall at Millennia, Bonefish Grill near The Orlando Airport, Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn, Christner’s, Ace Café Orlando, Capone’s Dinner & Show, and Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show.
Spectacular Attractions
Let the fun, excitement, and thrills commence with the amazing theme parks and magnificent attractions. At Universal Orlando Resort, guests can purchase park passes to experience Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Be sure to try rides like Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, and Krakatau Aqua Coaster. Additional entertainment in the city includes Blue Man Group, Escape Game Orlando, WonderWorks, and Walt Disney World.
Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
Experience luxury accommodations, entertainment, dining, and pools in one single place when you take a relaxing cruise. Reserve the Royal Suite, Owner’s Suite, or Grand Suite. Guests can take part in exhilarating pastimes such as FlowRider Surf Simulator, The Perfect Storm Duel Waterslides, and Glow in the Dark Laser Tag. Restaurants serving up tasty dishes include Izumi, Chop’s Grille, and Giovanni’s Table. Day or night, unwind in the Schooner Bar, Diamond Lounge, or Solarium Bar while sipping on the cocktail of your choice. Electrifying entertainment throughout the ship includes Broadway at Sea, a Live Orchestra, and select guest performers. The cruise ship sets sail to the private island called Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Guests can disembark and spend the day having loads of fun swimming, shopping, dining, and exploring all that Thrill Waterpark has to offer. To book your cruise, go to www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call 866.562.7625.
This article was previously published in the April-May print issue of Upscale magazine.
Leslie E. Royal is an encourager, global travel writer, cuisine writer, author, influencer, editor, product profile writer, and multi-media journalist. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including Upscale, ESSENCE, AAA Midwest Traveler, Black Enterprise, The Ashro Blog, FORTUNE.com, Medium, Chicago Tribune, and AAA Southern Traveler. She is an Ashro Brand Ambassador and the host of their popular video series called Onward and Upward with Leslie E. Royal. The creator of the Leslie’s Lane consumer information blog, she has two books: Leslie Lane The Book!: Your One Stop Internet Resource Guide to Links for Jobs, Inspiration, Discounts, FREE Stuff, Scholarships, Travel & More ( $14.95) and How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book for FREE with Amazon’s KDP: An Easy Way to Complete Your Manuscript in Seven Stress-Free Steps ($9.95). Follow Leslie on Instagram @LesliesLane and see her Amazon Author Page.
