The Layover: Orlando in a Day

Whether you’re traveling to Orlando to close a business deal or you’re just passing through on a long layover, a 24-hour Orlando day trip is more than enough time to enjoy yourself. From the food and amusement parks to the museums and gardens, this place is perfect for spending even just a few hours.

Eat your way from one side of the city to the other

Cross-country flights can make you hungrier than ever–even if you ate the airline food. Be sure to check out these fantastic food spots while you’re in town:

• You can’t get the day going without a solid breakfast and that’s where Keke’s Breakfast Café comes in. From 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., they serve all sorts of egg dishes and pancakes the size of manhole covers.

• For lunch make your way to Toasted. This grilled cheese-themed restaurant has turned the classic sandwich on its head. Try the fig and goat or the big cheese that comes with four different cheeses.

• When the dinner bell rings, Reyes Mezcaleria is where you need to be. There’s more mezcal and tequila than you’ll know what to do with. Plus, the whole Veracruz snapper is incredible.

Things to do besides theme parks

This place may be known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, but there’s more to do in this city than riding roller coasters and taking selfies with the famous mouse.

• If you’re looking for a buffet of awesome things to do, look no further than Loch Haven Park. Sitting on the corner of North Mills Avenue and Princeton Street, this place is home to the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

• Take in the natural beauty of Orlando at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. There are 50 acres of gorgeous scenery to explore with meandering trails and several lakes.

• Have you ever been to an amusement park of the mind? If not, WonderWorks is a great place to start. With over 35,000 square feet and more than 100 hands-on exhibits to play with, you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

• Seeing a live show can be one of the best things to do in Orlando, which is why you’ll want to check the performance schedule at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This center host a variety of live shows from plays and musical concerts to motivational speakers.

Your home away from home

One night in town? No problem. Consider a swanky place downtown close to nightlife hotspots or a hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) for easy terminal access. Here are a few options that previous visitors couldn’t get enough of:

• There are all sorts of advantages to staying in the city center at the Marriott Orlando Downtown. Sure, the amenities are incredible, but you’re also within walking distance of some awesome must-dos like the Orange County Regional History Center.

• If you don’t want to stray too far from MCO, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is perfect for you. It’s a full-service hotel located inside the airport. How’s that for convenience?

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