Things to Do
There are too many things to see and do in Orlando and the surrounding area to list them all in one place, but we have provided details of some of the attractions and activities that the area has to offer.
Theme Parks
Orlando is famous for its world class theme parks.
The most famous is of course Walt Disney World which comprises four separate theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom and two water parks: Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.
Universal Studios Florida features two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida Theme Park and Universal's Islands of Adventure Theme Park, where the new 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' ride can be found.
Legoland Florida opened in October 2011 and is an 150 acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the age of 2 and 12 and has over 50 rides, shows and attractions.
Seaworld Orlando is the world's premier marine adventure park and where it is possible to swim with sharks!
Wet 'N Wild was America's first water park and has themed and multi-person water rides.
Places to Eat
There are a range of restaurants conveniently located from Bridgewater Crossing. A number of local restaurants (offering discount vouchers) can be found at www.restaurant.com. Details of a few local restaurants are below:
Cracker Barrel
111 Dunson Lane Davenport, FL 33896-8315
www.crackerbarrel.com
The Shamrock Pub and Grille
43392 Hwy 27, Davenport, FL 33837
P: (863) 424-4242
Angel's Lobster and Seafood Buffet
7300 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
P: (407) 397 1960
www.angelslobsterbuffet.com
Miller's Ale House
12371 Winer Garden, Vineland Road, Orlando
T: (407) 239-1800
www.millersalehouse.com
Beef O'Brady's
45653 Highway 27, Davenport, FL 33897
P: (863) 420-3350
Shops
Orlando is home to a number of shopping outlets/malls. We have listed some of the more popular locations below:
Orlando Premium Outlets - International Dr
4951 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
P: (407) 352-9600
www.premiumoutlets.com
Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave
8200 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821
P: (407) 238-7787
www.premiumoutlets.com
Some of the world's finest designer labels, set in an outdoor village with over 150 stores.
The Mall at Millenia
4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839
P: (407) 363-3555
www.mallatmillenia.com
Shopping, with over 150 stores and restaurants and amenities such as valet parking, multi-lingual guest services personnel, foreign currency exchange and global shipping at a U.S. Post Office.
The Florida Mall
8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32809
P: (407) 851-7234
www.simon.com
Central Florida's largest Mall, with over 260 stores. Featuring 1.9 million square feet of shopping including, Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, M&M World, Bare Essentials, Brighton Collectibles, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Clarks England, Hollister Co., MAC, Apple, Pandora, Puma, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Williams-Sonoma and over 260 specialty stores.
The Florida Mall offers the largest selection of retailers under one roof including 30 restaurants and cafes like California Pizza Kitchen, Buca di Beppo, Nordstrom Café Bistro & Ruby Tuesday.
Other things to Try
Capone's Dinner & Show
4740 W.Hwy 192, Kissimmee, Florida 34746
T: 1-800 220-8428
www.alcapones.com
Set during prohibition in the 1930's Capone's is a dinner show that emphasises standup comedy, audience interaction and musical numbers for the whole family.
Old Town Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Attraction
5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. Kissimmee, FL 34746
T:407-396-4888
www.visitkissimmee.com
A shopping emporium with 75 specialty stores, 8 restaurants and 18 amusement rides. 'Saturday and Friday Nite Car Cruises' with hundreds of classic cars. The 'Saturday Nite Car Cruise' is the oldest weekly car cruise in the country!
Golf
Orlando is home to many fantastic golf courses. Here are some that are conveniently located to Bridgewater Crossing:
Ridgewood Lakes Golf & Country Club
200 Eagle Ridge Dr., Davenport, FL 33837-4515
P: (863) 424-8688
www.ridgewoodlakesgolf.com
The 18-hole "Ridgewood Lakes" course at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf & Country Club facility features 7,016 yards of golf for a par of 72. Designed by Ted McAnlis, the Ridgewood Lakes golf course opened in 1993.
Providence Golf Club
1518 Clubhouse Blvd, Davenport, FL 33837-4522
P: (863) 420-2652
www.providence-golf.com
The 18-hole "Providence" course at the Providence Golf Club facility features 6,950 yards of golf for a par of 72. The 18-hole championship course, designed by renowned architect Mike Dasher, will test your game and soothe your senses as it winds its way through land featuring fresh water creeks, ancient hardwoods and wetlands. It is not unusual to get a glimpse of otters, deer or a wild turkey during your round. The Providence golf course opened in 2007.
ChampionsGate Golf Resort
1400 Masters Blvd, Davenport, FL 33896-5309
Toll Free: (888) 558-9301
www.championsgategolf.com
ChampionsGate Golf Club in Orlando, Florida features two premier 18-hole championship golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer, Greg Norman.
The International Course brings a unique "down under" style of coastal links from Norman’s homeland to Orlando golf. The links style course is designed around scenic natural wetlands, and features long carries, deep pot bunkers, tall grass-topped dunes, and large undulating greens. The International course has hosted many of the top players in golf, at the Father Son Challenge.
The National Course is a completely different experience, and is designed in the "Florida golf resort" style. The lush Orlando golf course weaves its way through the naturally rolling central Florida plains, and features mature Pine, Oak, and Cypress groves, spring fed lakes, bunker protected fairways and greens, and small, challenging putting surfaces.
Reunion Resort
7599 Gathering Dr., Reunion, FL 34747-6717
Toll Free: (888) 418-9611
www.reunionresort.com
Reunion Resort is the only destination in the world to boast three Signature golf courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Combining the beauty of their natural landscaping with unique and challenging layouts, these courses have won numerous awards.
Highlands Reserve Golf Club
500 Highlands Reserve Blvd, Davenport, FL 33897-7325
Toll Free: (877) 508-4653
www.highlandreserve-golf.com
Highlands Reserve sits atop one of the highest areas of Florida and offers remarkable scenery. The championship Mike Dasher design gives you pine tree-lined fairways reminiscent of the Carolinas, open spacious fairways likened to the great Scottish courses, and a bit of old Florida with citrus trees along the countryside. Large, fast, undulating greens make this course challenging and fun for all levels of golfers.
Further Afield
Whilst there is plenty to do in Orlando, driving in Florida is relatively easy to do and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts are easily accessible from Brigewater Crossing using Interstate 4.
Head east to the Atlantic coast and you will find Daytona Beach (home to Daytona Speedway), Kennedy Space Centre, Cocoa Beach and St. Augustine (the US's oldest city).
Travel west towards the Gulf of Mexico and you will arrive at Tampa Bay, home to Busch Gardens. Travel a little further and you will reach the Gulf Coast, home to many well-known Florida West Coast beaches including Bradenton, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Sanibel and Captiva Island.