Orlando for a weekend

[Anonymous]

I’m meeting some friends in Orlando (we’re all guys, college buddies) at the end of April. Where is a good place to stay within walking distance of bars and restaurants? Does Orlando have a discernible city center or business district? Not interested in anything Disney. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Orlando has a city center/business district. Disney is not even within the city of Orlando.

[Anonymous]

For the best nightlife, downtown Orlando is where you want to go.

[Anonymous]

You’ll definitely want to be downtown. It’s very vibrant and lively.

[Anonymous]

Downtown Orlando is a cesspool. It has gone up and down and up and currently way way down. Except for the performing arts venues, if you like ballet and broadway shows. Hang out in Winter Park - upscale, good food, walkable.

[Anonymous]

You could stay on International drive near convention center. Might fit what you are looking for more than downtown.

Personally I would just stay at the JW/Ritz Compound. Everything you need right there.

[Anonymous]

Depending on your age & vibe, you may be better off in Winter Park (10 min from Downtown). Recommend The Alfond Inn which is walkable to a bunch of restaurants and a short uber/longer walk to a handful of bars.

Downtown Orlando is an option, too, with several hotels and bars, but the bar scene is wild & not in a particularly good way.

[Anonymous]

How old? I’d personally do CityWalk at Universal and stay at one of the walking distance hotels. Hard Rock if budget is no issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old? I’d personally do CityWalk at Universal and stay at one of the walking distance hotels. Hard Rock if budget is no issue.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m meeting some friends in Orlando (we’re all guys, college buddies) at the end of April. Where is a good place to stay within walking distance of bars and restaurants? Does Orlando have a discernible city center or business district? Not interested in anything Disney. Thanks in advance.

Disney Springs -> free to visit, lots of restaurants, vendors, beautiful place. Only the name has Disney in it but has nothing to do with the theme parks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could stay on International drive near convention center. Might fit what you are looking for more than downtown.

Personally I would just stay at the JW/Ritz Compound. Everything you need right there.

I’m from Orlando and was going to suggest the I-Drive/convention center area, too, or one of the many resort compounds, as mentioned.

No clue how old you are, OP, but I stopped going downtown decades ago. (I’m in my 40s). I still go down there occasionally and it’s lively, constantly updating, and is trendy. But I can’t handle the kids down there anymore. Just no thanks.

Disney Springs is more popular than City Walk with Orlandoans.

I can help answer any questions, if you have any.

[Anonymous]

Disney Springs is very nice with lots of dining options, and some good shopping.