Orlando, Florida, is known chiefly for its Disney connection, but there’s much more to see and do that has nothing to do with The Mouse. Luxury experiences are available that will undoubtedly change your perspective on this gorgeous city — if you know where to find them. Fortunately, we do, and we’ve shared that information below.

Travel

Luxury begins when you set foot out the door to start your holiday, not when you arrive at your Orlando hotel. With this in mind, you should book a private flight rather than flying with a commercial airline. An air charter company offers various benefits unavailable on commercial flights, even if you fly first class. You’ll be able to skip all check-in lines, and because Orlando is a popular destination, there are many. You can also take off on your schedule, not the airline’s. Lastly, you’ll be able to carry more luggage per person (remember to check with the company on the exact specifications) than you would on a commercial flight.

Exceptional Dining

The sheer diversity of the cuisines available in Florida means that cities like Orlando have access to an incredible collection of restaurants. If you love food and like the idea of a culinary smorgasbord, you’ll feel right at home at these restaurants, rated as the best in the city.

• Norman’s: Helmed by Chef Norman Van Alken, this venue boasts “steakhouse”-style classics and a collection of world cuisine dishes that meet in the middle for a tasty cultural explosion. The yuca-stuffed crispy shrimp with sour orange mojo is a favorite, as is the guava barbequed heritage poulet rouge with mac and cheese croquette and Coca-Cola collard greens.
• AVA MediterrAegean: Cozy and upscale, this restaurant is for those who love an abundance of comforting dishes and an incredible ambiance, perfect for sharing with friends. AVA stands out because its tableside dishes are flambe-d to perfection. One of the most popular dishes is the Greek Omelet with bell pepper, spinach, onion, and feta cheese.
• Capa: This steakhouse at the Four Seasons Orlando is the perfect place to take that special person in your life for an exclusive, romantic date night. The view from this rooftop restaurant is lovely after sundown, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef Malyna Si’s menu is, in a word, inspired. Dishes like octopus finished with a caper, honey, and black pepper glaze and accompanied by smoked tri-colour fingerling potatoes and Paella Valenciana — a paella with rabbit, fava beans, haricot verts, Calasparra rice, and white chicken stock — keep the haut cuisine crowd coming back for more.

Take Flight

Take an aerial view of Lake Apopka with your favorite person on a 2-and-a-half-hour seaplane ride to Lake Killarney. Traveling by seaplane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but traveling by seaplane over such beautiful natural surroundings makes it all the more worthwhile. You’ll experience a water takeoff (your seasoned pilot will be fully FAA-certified). Once you land at Lake Killarney, you’ll head off to an unforgettable dinner experience at Hillstone Restaurant, where you can sup on heavenly artichoke and prime rib, the freshest seafood, and many other options. Once you and your partner have enjoyed the atmosphere and devoured every last morsel, you’ll hop back into your seaplane for the trip home.

This kind of experience creates memories that last a lifetime, so book in advance and bring your camera along to snap photos of moments that few people ever get to enjoy.

Wildlife Encounters

It’s no secret that, in Florida, the wildlife is always closer than you think. While that can be stressful when it comes to scary snakes and snapping alligators, the gentle manatees in the waterways around Orlando are a sight for sore eyes. Wildlife encounters are easily one of our list’s most energetic activities. Get ready for a little arm and leg workout as you spend a morning floating in a transparent kayak on the Manatee Encounter Kayak Tour. Thanks to serious conservation efforts, manatees are no longer endangered. However, you should still only view them from the safety of your kayak — no jumping into the water to hug them, no matter how cute they may look.

This experience gives you a chance not only to see the majestic manatee in its natural habitat but also to spot wading birds, rare black bears, otters, and even a gator or two. You’ll park your kayak and walk the spring run while you learn about manatees and all their neighbors from a trained nature specialist. It’s a unique Floridian experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Exclusive Nightlife

Make no mistake: Orlando is a party city. The nightlife here is turned up to eleven, and there’s a wide selection of clubs that offer VIP experiences you won’t want to miss. Here are a few of the noteworthy establishments:

• Tier: This trendy, pulsing nightclub is graced by the world’s top DJs and designed to catch the attention of even the most seasoned club hopper.
• The Blue Martini Lounge: It’s hard to imagine a nightclub that’s as fun and buzzing as it is cozy, but somehow, the Blue Martini Lounge manages to do both seamlessly!
• Gilt: This place is not just a great night out; it’s a whole mood. Gilt is chic and smooth, featuring DJs who play a range of genres, including everything from electric and deep house to R&B.

Exclusivity is Never Overrated

Orlando has it all: the food is so good it’s positively dreamlike, nature is so majestic your jaw will drop, and people are so welcoming it feels like home and places you’ll be dying to revisit. Your experience of this buzzing city may be a first, but it certainly won’t be your last.