7 Reasons to Visit Orlando This Year

If you’re a planner and need to prep your calendar months in advance, it’s time to start considering an Orlando trip.

Make it a business trip and add a few extra days with the family in a spot like sunny Orlando, Florida. Two major pharmacy conferences are calling this city home in 2017. First, the National Community Pharmacists Association convention takes place October, 14-18. Then, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists hosts their 2017 Midyear Clinical Meeting December 3-7.

So, whether you’re planning a business trip or just need an exciting vacation spot, Orlando should make the list. It offers things for singles, couples, and families to enjoy.

Here are 7 reasons to choose Orlando this year.

• Theme parks that will channel your inner child

When you think of Orlando, it’s hard not to imagine yourself exploring one of the parks at Disney World. If you go the Disney route, you can take a safari at the Animal Kingdom, drink around the world at Epcot, or explore castles at the Magic Kingdom. If you head over to Hollywood Studios, you can explore Star Wars, the Muppets, and Pixar classics.

The other main theme park in town is Universal Orlando Resort that include Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. You can enjoy some of your favorite movies and television shows in ride form at these parks, like the Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, Harry Potter and Dr. Suess.

Some of the best nightlife Orlando can be found at the Universal Citywalk.

Perhaps SeaWorld is your preferred park. You can take a ride on the Journey to Atlantis or the Kraken and spend your day enjoying a variety of sea life. Just last year, Mako opened to riders, touted as the tallest, longest, and fastest in Orlando.

Whichever adventure best suits you or your family, go and enjoy.

Don’t forget to buy an ebook and do your research in advance. This can help you learn tips about saving money, cutting lines, and maneuvering a busy park as efficiently as possible. Some examples include, asking for cups of water that must be provided for free or opting for the single rider line when you’re travelling alone or willing to seperate to skip the lines.

• Unreal outlet shopping and malls that offer deals for days

Orlando is handsdown my favorite outlet shopping destination. If you’re flying, pack light and fill your suitcase with some great deals on the way back. My daughter is obsessed with one of the only Tory Burch outlets at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. My husband, on the other hand, loves when we drop him off at one of the many discount golf stores.

Lots of the shopping centers partner with hotels and offer transportation. You can also find coupon books like the style savings booklet at the Florida Mall.

If you’re visiting from out of town, Macy’s and Bloomingdale's will offer a 10% discount.

• Amazing pools and waterparks for some fun in the sun

When you’re picking a hotel, don’t skimp on the pool. There are some of the most creative, expansive, and relaxing pools at Orlando hotels. Nickelodeon Suites Resort offers insane slides into their vast pool and there’s a "sliming" daily. The Hard Rock Hotel may be the better adult option, complete with an underwater sound system, volleyball court and a sand beach.

If you want a little extra adventure, try a water park like Discovery Cove (owned and operated by SeaWorld). This park has a great lazy river and offers animal encounter options, snorkeling and diving. Of course Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer amazing slides and a great park experience as well.

If you remember playing Legos as a kid, perhaps the LegoLand Florida Waterpark is more your speed. You can build your own raft and, while this park tends to be perfect for kids, adults can spend their day floating in the wave pool.

• Golf courses for the pro and the newcomer

I picked up golf only a few years ago, and am quickly becoming obsessed. If you’re in Orlando, and you enjoy a quick round, the golfing can’t be beat.

The Ritz Carlton Golf Club is a great option. This course hosts PGA tournaments, and while it’s a bit pricey, the caddys and service get high praise. You can also pay tribute to my Dad’s favorite golfer, Arnold Palmer, a legend at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Golf Club. One of the coolest features is the display of memorabilia from his outstanding golf career spanning the 50s, 60s, and 70s. My Dad would love to make this trip. He is 78 and even though we live in 4 season country, he golfs 18 to 36 holes weather permitting even in the winter. He has a goal to match his age over 100 times. He is a shining example that golf is a sport that you can play for life.

• Outdoor activities for the adventurer

At Gatorland, you can explore an alligator sanctuary. There's also chances in Orlando to shoot down a zipline, paddleboard, parasail, water ski.

Check out the hot air balloon ride offered by Orlando Balloon Rides or opt for a hang gliding adventure at the Wallabee Ranch.

• Taste the world in one city

No matter what type of food you want to try, Orlando will deliver.

You can chow down at Chatham’s Place, an Italian, French, American restaurant with amazing meats. From lamb to steak, you can’t go wrong. The rack of lamb is their signature.

In Disney World, you can enjoy some fancy fare with a multi-course tasting menu at Victoria and Albert’s. Splurge and opt for the chef’s table to enjoy one of the best meals around.

For the penny pincher, Brazas Chicken Inc is a delicious Peruvian option that won’t break the bank. While they don’t have a website, this family establishment serves up delicious chicken

• Sporting events, concerts and Wrestlemania: pick your show of choice

If you’re a basketball fan, take in an Orlando Magic game, or look for a concert at the Hard Rock Live or the Social. If you choose to go to Orlando at different times than than the pharmacy meetings you might want to plan around The Red Hot Chilli Peppers who will be performing at the Amway Center on April 26.

Although it’s not my idea of fun, you might schedule your Orlando getaway around April 2 if you love Wrestlemania. This may not be your speed either, but it’s certainly a bucket list major sporting event. Last year, Shaq, Snoop Dogg and the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made special appearances. Greats from the past also showed up, like Stone Cold. This year, Goldberg has accepted the headline.

Once you pick your weekend or week for a visit to Orlando, there’s no shortage of show, concerts or sporting events to enjoy. Check out some of the popular vacation sites and look for other traveler’s reviews while you are planning.