The Orange County Convention Center is possibly the most fun place to either be an exhibitor or convention attendee. The weather is beautiful, there are many great shops and malls nearby and the theme parks are the best in the world. Here are the places we wouldn’t miss if we were visiting the area:

There are multiple theme parks for a $10 cab ride from the convention center. Visit the resident favorite attractions at Univeral Studioslike the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Islands of Adventure!

If you like to get wet you should stop by SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica (the water park at SeaWorld).

If you are staying on or near International Drive, you and your entire caravan should stop by the World Bowling Center. This is the craziest bowling alley you will ever see and there is no way to avoid having a good time here (plus, there is a bar!)

Get your whirly ball skills up at the WhirlyDome. If you don’t know what WhirlyBall is, imagine lacrosse in bumper cars. You need to try it to believe it.

Walk on over to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not to see world records, freaks of nature and acts of insanity.

Air Florida Helicopter Charters can take you high above the beautiful Florida landscape to get a one of a kind view of all Orlando has to offer.

Go for a super speedy go-kart ride at Fun Spot America. Fun Spot is as fun as the “big 3” theme parks for a portion of the price.

Go to Pirates Adventure Golf which has more water and sand traps than all the local courses combined.

Go to any of the great shopping areas: Orlando Premium Outlets and Artegon Orlando Marketplace

4 Fun Things to Do Around the Orange County Convention Center

There are a great variety of dining options within walking distance from the convention center. These eateries can accommodate large parties, families, and business dinner/meetings. One thing we do advise is that if you ever have a party of 6 or more you should definitely call ahead. Many of the local restaurants book private parties and all of them get very busy so planning ahead will ensure that you and your party have a great dining experience. The following are some bars and restaurants we recommend:

Romance: Oceanaire, B. B. King Blues Club, Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar

Business: Capital Grill, Fogo De Chao, Thai Tani

Family: Dave & Busters, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater, Monkey Joe’s

Bar/Pub: The Pub, ICEBAR, Tilted Kilt Pub

Budget: Johnny Rockets, Wonderworks Cafe, Sizzler

10 Great Places to Take a Client to Eat Near the Orange County Convention Center

If you are staying in a hotel near the convention center on International drive, nearly everything is walking distance. Some hotels will provide shuttles to the major 3 theme parks but aside from that, you need your own mode of transportation. We recommend renting a car to get around unless you are staying at a hotel walking distance to the convention center. Even then, you will have to take cabs or rent a car to get to many shopping outlets, theme parks and attractions.

To get to your hotel from the airport, you should call Mear’s shuttle service if you do not plan to rent a car. They are the low cost solution and do a great job getting you to and from your hotel quickly.

If you decide to rent a car, which we recommend, you will find the cheapest car rates on our post discussing Orlando Car Rental Deals . Simply enter our discount codes listed and enjoy!

5 Common Questions About Transportation Around Orlando

You may not have realized it but there are a lot of lodging options aside form hotels near the convention center. We have a lot of our customers book a vacation home or townhome with us who are visitors or exhibitors. Many of the townhomes we offer are 3-4 rooms and cost the same price as a single hotel room. This works out great if you have a large party, want to save money and still want privacy. Plus, a lot of hotels in the area are “kid friendly” and many people who visit the convention center prefer a more adult environment. Check out these great alternatives to hotel rooms: