Orlando
Work hard, play hard
By Eming Piansay
Home of over 100 Lakes, and many magical theme parks Orlando saw 74 million visitors in 2022. Though it may be most famous for housing the Walt Disney World theme park, Orlando is made up of 12 major theme parks including SeaWorld in Universal Studios. If you’re up for a challenge, guests passing by Lake Eola can try to spot all 5 breeds of swans that reside there! But don’t be fooled. Lake Eola is actually a giant sink hole, the deepest point being 80 feet. Orlando has gained many nicknames over time including, City Phenomenal, City of Light, and (most recently) The City Beautiful.
Insider Tip
“What makes Orlando special for groups is that our destination offers everything needed to create memorable and productive meetings. Here, planners will discover the state-of-the-art Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), an abundance of hotel rooms, ease of travel in and out of Orlando, 46 Michelin-recognized restaurants, world-class attractions and entertainment, and year-round sunny weather that makes Orlando a viable meeting option any time of the year.”
– Casandra Matej, president & CEO, Visit Orlando
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It
There’s a big difference between going to the movies and being in the movies. Universal Studio Florida gets you close enough to feel like Jason Bourne in The Bourne Stuntacular show, live out your most wizardly dreams at the Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts ride and embrace your inner minion on the motion-simulated Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
If adrenaline is the name of the game, Gatorland offers at 1,200 foot-high ziplining action on their Screamin’ Gator Zipline while looking down on the crocks below.
Guided canoe and kayak tours through Shingle Creek are available for guests that stay at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes or The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes. The Brevard Zoo provides guided kayak tours through the zoo.
Read More: Elevated Experiences Scored at Florida Smart Meetings Event
Ride (or walk) the West Orange Trails that contain 20.8 paved miles complete with restrooms and picnic areas. Guests can rent a bicycle at the West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades Co.
Shoot down the 330-foot waterslide at Aquatica Orlando and later check out the all-new Reef Plunge that sends guests flying past marine life. For a relaxed ride, Loggerhead Lane, the lazy river may be a more relaxed speed for some.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
Found on Universal Boulevard, east of 1.1 million square-foot Orange County Convention Center North/South expansion, Rosen Shingle Creek is an independent luxury hotel that offers a variety of options from fine dining to hitting a few rounds of golf, designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company.
524,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 1,501 guest rooms, 99 meeting rooms.
Located near the Lake Nona community and Walt Disney World this innovative property offers guests use of the Lake Nona Performance Club with 130,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to health and wellness.
12,098 sq. ft. of event space, 234 guest rooms, 6 meeting rooms.
Situated on a 500-acre property, this property features the new Grande Lakes Water Park that includes a lazy river and water slides. Guests can play the 18-hole golf course designed by PGA legend Greg Norman.
152,019 sq. ft. of event space, 54 event rooms, 41 breakout rooms, and 1,582 guest rooms.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World Resort
With exclusive access to Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando, family-friendly Explorer Island and Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse Capa, magical experiences are nearby for everyone.
66,587 sq. ft. of total event space, 10 meeting rooms, and 443 guest rooms.
Attendees on-the-go can grab some grub at the on-site restaurant or hop over to nearby Amway Center, Orlando City Stadium and Camping World Stadium.
15,922 sq. ft. of meeting space, 15 meeting rooms and 297 guest rooms.
This article appears in the November 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
