Orlando, Florida is one of the top vacations spots in the United States since it has many theme parks. However, there are many more reasons to visit Orlando. Located inland in central Florida, with warm climates and a visitor-friendly atmosphere, Orlando is a great city to visit year-round. As members of the business aviation community, NBAA 2014 is the prime reason this year!
As with other tropical climates across the globe, the majority of visitors come to Orlando during their hometown’s cooler months. This means you can find many visitors from Brazil and other countries south of the equator during Orlando’s summer months, and visitors from Canada, Europe and the northern United States during Orlando’s winter months. Orlando International Airport (KMCO) is the main airport in the city, and it supports commercial and private aviation traffic. However, there are several smaller airports that handle private aircraft, including Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM), Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB). Peak in-flight catering season starts in October and ends in April.
Aside from the obvious theme parks in Orlando, there are many other ways to spend your time while between flights. Swamp airboat tours are a unique way to explore the natural side of central Florida, and there are several tour companies to choose from. If you’d rather leave the swamps to the gator, ziplines have also become popular in the area over the past few years. Ziplines give you an exhilarating way to experience Orlando by traveling amongst the treetops. Water activities are also available in abundance because of the many lakes that dot the landscape, so you will not have to spend time going to one of Florida’s coasts.
Orlando is home to two professional sports teams, the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Predators. In 2015, the Orlando City Soccer Club will kick off their first soccer season. Additionally, Orlando hosts Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros.
Since Floridian summers are hot and rainy, there is a bevy of indoor activities to try while in Orlando. WhirleyBall is quite possibly the most unique indoor attraction in town and can best be described as using jai-alai wickets to score points in basketball-style goals while driving a bumper car. Orlando also has a range of museums, such the Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Regional History Center and the Orlando Science Center. For shopping and dining you will find International Drive and outlet malls in the area to be the most crowded.
Since Orlando is such a tourist haven with a global appeal, you will find every type of cuisine possible. Pho Vihn is a highly-rated Vietnamese restaurant and has several vegetarian dishes on the menu. For local, organic food with a vegan and Celiac-friendly options, stop by Dandelion Communitea Café. Amura is a local favorite for sushi, with three locations in the Orlando area. If you would like to “go Greek,” Greek Flame is open daily. For ceviche and healthy Mexican dishes, Agave Azul is a favorite locally-owned spot.
There is no doubt that Orlando has accommodations for every type of budget. Be mindful of holidays and peak days for tourism if you plan to book a hotel near any of the theme parks, not only because they may reach capacity but also because they will also have higher rates. Since Orlando is such a draw for families, you will notice the city is much more crowded during summer vacation, spring break and other school holidays. If you are in need of a quiet night’s sleep before an early morning flight, you may want to avoid budget accommodations or hotels that are geared toward families and large groups.
Questions?
If you have any questions about inflight catering in Orlando, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.
