Three days of the Orlando that doesn't involve Minnie Mouse ears — EPCOT World Showcase, the Winter Park art scene, and the real Orlando food scene.
Start in Winter Park — the upscale Orlando suburb with genuine urban bones. Park Avenue, the Rollins College lakefront, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
The restaurant that put Orlando's food scene on the map — James Beard-nominated, gastropub format. The pork belly and fried green tomatoes are the consistent standouts. Walk-in bar seating available if you can't get a reservation.
The most significant collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art in the world — stained glass, pottery, and lamps, plus the reconstructed Tiffany Chapel from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Better than it sounds. $6/adult, free on Fridays.
A car is required. Distances in Orlando are suburban-sprawl massive. Winter Park is 20 min from Disney, 25 min from Universal. I-4 is the main spine and always congested during rush hour. Book the rental car at MCO.
Boutique hotel connected to Rollins College in Winter Park — art collection rotating throughout the hotel, rooftop pool, and Park Avenue access. The best non-resort hotel in the Orlando area. Rates $180–300/night.
Drive to EPCOT for the afternoon — arrive at 4 PM, eat your way around the World Showcase, and stay for Harmonious/IllumiNations fireworks at 9 PM.
EPCOT World Showcase is Disney's adult theme park — 11 country pavilions with authentic food, drink, and cultural programming. The food and beverage is legitimately good. The Festival of Food and Wine (fall) and Festival of the Arts (winter) add extra programming. Go at 4 PM, stay for the evening fireworks.
Crystal clear 68°F spring 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Swim in the spring run, rent a canoe or kayak, see manatees in winter (November–March). No waves, no saltwater, perfect water clarity. $6 park entry.
The best restaurant in the Baldwin Park neighborhood — seasonal American menu, excellent cocktail program, and a patio. Less hyped than The Ravenous Pig with comparable quality. Tuesday–Thursday walks in most nights.
International Drive is fast food and tourist traps. The real restaurant scene is in Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, Winter Park, and Baldwin Park. Spend 10 minutes on OpenTable looking at what's actually cooking — Orlando has become a legitimate food city.
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