Megan duBois

Orlando’s food scene is as diverse as the people who visit its incredible theme parks. From high-end dining worthy of a date night away from the kids to family-friendly restaurants that expose locals to new cuisines, there is no shortage of restaurants in Orlando. And even better for locals and tourists looking for a true epicurean experience, Orlando has caught the eye of the Michelin Guide, which has started awarding stars, Bib Gourmand designations, and Selected Restaurants for spots all over the city from downtown to the theme parks. If you’re looking to dine at one of the seven-starred restaurants or sole green-starred restaurants, then you’re in luck because they range from incredible sushi spots to theme park crown jewels. This guide was written by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Orlando

Orlando seems to go big or go home (or to a castle) with most things, so the City Beautiful is known for its over-the-top displays when it comes to Christmas lights. Whether you’re looking to experience snow flurries in a way only Disney World can produce or walk through some cute neighborhood parks to see lights, there are options for everyone and every holiday vibe. There’s a reason Santa vacations in Florida and the biggest one is the Christmas lights that bring the holiday magic alive. From beautiful nights strolling through enchanted gardens to extravagant Christmas dinners, celebrating the festive season in Orlando is the best. So get your hot chocolate or iced coffee (yes, it’s still warm in December sometimes), ready to go because these are the best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando. This guide was written by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in OrlandoThe best things to do with kids in Orlando

The last time I was in Key West, sitting on a barstool and looking down on Duval Street, I discovered the reason most people come here. In front of me was a parade of locals and tourists—mostly tourists, to be honest—completely drunk off their asses in the middle of the day. This wasn’t the college kid crowd of New Orleans. This rum-soaked parade included every age, every color, every single stripe of American life. It’s not that you have to be drinking in Key West to have fun (although it’ll help the heat go down). The truth is, Key West is an island where people escape to chill, to wear whatever they’re feeling at the moment, to act exactly like they wish they could back home. Whether you choose debauchery or the relaxation of an afternoon bike ride through the neighborhoods, these activities below will give you a true look into the city's everybody-welcome vibe. Below, the best things to do in Key West. This guide was updated by South Florida-based writer Eric Barton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Key West🍷 The best bars in Key West🏖️ The best beaches in Key West🏨 The best hotels in Key West🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Key West

As a Floridian who believed our restaurants deserved more attention, I had a serious culinary chip on my shoulder. The problem was that it seemed the entire rest of the world thought of the Sunshine State’s culinary scene as nothing beyond lackluster Disney chicken fingers. That was evident in the fact that the James Beard Awards snubbed Florida’s chefs for over a decade.Then, the Michelin Guide arrived in 2022, finally recognizing Florida restaurants as they deserved. That first year, Michelin awarded only Miami spots, but since then, it’s expanded to excellent restaurants in Orlando and Tampa too. And while yes, we’re still home to the Florida Man, we at least have these Michelin-starred gems below, the best of the Sunshine State. This guide was updated by South Florida-based writer Eric Barton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

One hundred and fifty miles south of mainland Florida, Key West floats at the end of the road as the southernmost point in the continental United States. An offbeat, come-as-you-are island, it’s long attracted writers, artists, drifters, and outdoorsmen drawn to its freedom and natural beauty. From afternoons fishing or snorkeling near the Gulf Stream to casual day drinking on legendary Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Key West has a way of bewitching its visitors. The charming Old Town district, lined with pastel “conch” cottages and Victorian-style mansions is also home to some of the island’s nicest resorts and historic inns that sit close to a whole host of great restaurants, bars, and attractions. But you’ll also find incredible hideaways in more off-the-beaten-path areas, from marina-front resorts on salty Stock Island to private cottages on Sunset Key and modern hotels across New Town. Read on for the best hotels to experience your own slice of Key West’s paradise. RECOMMENDED:🏠See the best Airbnbs in Key West🍲 Dine at the best restaurants in Key WestStay at the best family-friendly hotels in Key West This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to

Because Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, you may think accommodations in Orlando consist only of expensive rooms near the theme parks of rooms in luxe high-rise hotels. This isn't true—in fact, Orlando has plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers who don’t want to break the bank. Curious where they are? We’ve rounded up our top picks for the 14 best cheap hotels in Orlando, whether you’re looking to stay near the theme parks or in one of the cute neighborhoods closer to downtown. And don’t worry, I’m picky about hotels too, so none of these are in questionable areas with just as questionable amenities. Keep reading to find out where you will want to stay on your next trip to the City Beautiful. RECOMMENDED: 🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏖️ The best beaches near Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Universal Orlando Resort continues to prove it's a theme park powerhouse in Orlando. Not only are its two original parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, home to Harry Potter and Jurassic Park-themed attractions. I’m excited because its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is set to expand the stories of some of the most beloved franchises of all time. But just outside the theme parks is Universal City Walk, a sprawling entertainment and dining district where you can find the likes of everyone from Jimmy Buffett to a lovable robot named Jaques. If you’re looking for something to do at Universal on your arrival day without the burden of buying a park ticket for a partial day, CityWalk is ideal. I love that it’s free to enter; there’s plenty to see, do, and eat at CityWalk, so I can really make a whole day of exploring. And if you’re staying at an onsite hotel, you can walk, take a water taxi, or take a complimentary shuttle to CityWalk for free, too. Keep reading to learn more about what’s available at Universal CityWalk. RECOMMENDED: The best Orlando theme parks for the whole familyThe best things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

While I often head to Orlando for its theme parks, I’ve been purposefully moving away from the tourist corridor to explore more of the local food scene. I've been pleasantly surprised with my findings; while there are a few restaurants at the theme parks that are worthy of your time, the majority of the city's best restaurants are in the outerlying neighborhoods. Over the past few years, Orlando has really become a hot spot for unique restaurants, Michelin-starred eateries, and celebrity chef-owned locales, rivaling Miami as a contender for one of the biggest foodie cities in the South.  If you’re looking for somewhere new to eat on vacation, or if you're a local looking to explore the dining scene outside of your own neighborhood, then you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up the best restaurants in the city. The picks, which include four new additions, include places dishing out home-style classics, elevated Filipino food that won a Michelin Green star for its sustainable practices, and a delightful Cuban cafe. Keep reading to learn all about the 33 best restaurants in Orlando, which include hidden gems and nationally-known big-hitters. RECOMMENDED:🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏖️ The best beaches near Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Tampa is an exciting place to be, not only for its championship-winning sports teams and incredible beaches but for its thriving culinary scene. The best restaurants in Tampa are often hidden in plain sight, from rooftop bars and dives to eateries that are getting nods from the Michelin guide. Some of Tampa's most exciting restaurants are close to the top attractions in the area, too, so you can make a whole day of exploring what the city has to offer. While Tampa’s Ybor City is known as the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, there’s way more than just pressed lunches to try in the city. Looking for a new place to add to your must-try list? Then, keep reading to learn the best places to eat in Tampa. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in TampaThe best hotels in Tampa This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Key West is one of those places that is so idyllic it can be hard to believe it’s actually real. Picture the scene: palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, basking in year-round sunshine - absolute bliss. If that ain’t the good life, we don’t know what is. And there are few better ways to properly indulge in Key West than by renting an Airbnb. The city’s finest Airbnbs range from abodes that are mere steps away from the area’s biggest attractions to those that are perfect for lounging by the beach. We’ve sifted through all of Key West’s Airbnb rental options to find the ones that are totally unmissable: read on to find out more. Updated September 2024: The best hidden gems are often right under our noses, which is why we're leaving no stone unturned. How else would we know about this secret villa or this Old Town cottage? RECOMMENDED: 🏝Why not stay at one of the best hotels in Key West?Or the best family-friendly hotels in Key West? This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a place where visitors can escape the real world and enter into a realm of fantasy and make-believe. With four theme parks, more than two dozen hotels, two water parks, two mini golf complexes, and a shopping and dining area, there are plenty of things to explore. But part of what makes Disney such a rich experience is what's less obvious. For many Disney fans, exploring the secret side of Disney is just as fun as the attractions—and luckily, there are plenty of secret tips and tricks to discover.  There are plenty of surprises at Walt Disney World for guests who know where to look—expect attractions, Easter eggs, fun facts, and unsolved mysteries. Keep reading to learn something new about the Most Magical Place on Earth. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to the best things to do in Orlando 1. You can go underground at Magic Kingdom A sign up for Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom tour grants a peek at the underground city just below the main guest area at Magic Kingdom. This five-hour, behind-the-scenes walking tour includes a tour of the Utilidor, the underground transportation highway of sorts for Cast Members, deliveries, and even trash. You’ll also learn more about Walt Disney, get backstage access to some attractions, and enjoy a tasty lunch. 2. Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review makes over 900 pounds of fried chicken a night One of the most beloved experiences at Walt Disney World is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. The dinner show is one of th

If you’re looking for something free to do while in Orlando or at Walt Disney World, why not head to Disney Springs? The shopping, dining and entertainment complex is known for its incredible array of things to do and—even better—parking and entry are free for everyone. That means you don’t even have to be staying at a Walt Disney World hotel to enjoy a day here. Whether you’re looking for some souvenirs to take home from one of the largest Disney stores in the world, have dinner at a Michelin-recommended restaurant or enjoy some live music by the water, Disney Springs really has it all. The best time to head to Disney Springs is in the morning right when they open for less crowds. Evenings and weekends are always busy, so expect throngs of people queuing up to get things like half-pound cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse, entry into the Indiana Jones-themed bar, or sitting down for dinner. Keep reading to find out what you must do at Disney Springs next time you’re in Orlando. This guide was updated by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Miami favorite The Wharf's Fort Lauderdale location is right along New River, a lively addition to the spate of new businesses setting up shop in the historic Las Olas district. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale brings the Hamptons to Florida with its whitewash fencing, white-and-navy nautical decor, dog-friendly Astroturf, and boat parking along the 480-foot-long dock space. And the massive space parties just as hard.  Within the expansive 1.25-acre event space are four bars and five food-court–style eateries helmed by local restaurants. Look out for noteworthy concepts including classic American fare from Lunchroom by be nice Restaurants (the group also responsible for local favorites Coconuts, Foxy Brown and Top Hat Delicatessen), Asian fusion spot Mrs. Balloo, pan-Asian cuisine from chef Timon Balloo and pizza from chef Jose Mendin’s The Piefather. During the day The Wharf is a casual eatery and hang-out spot for people of all ages, including families, but at night the 21+ crowd gets the place to themselves for drinking and dancing. Bar top seating encourages groups to sit and linger while they enjoy cocktails and outdoor games like cornhole, while seafaring elements make for perfect photo opps—not that we think this crowd needs the motivation to snap rosé selfies for the ’Gram.  Those looking for a more traditional restaurant experience should pop next door to RIVERTAIL, run by James Beard-nominated chef José Mendín. The seafood-driven restaurant has an impressive raw bar menu

We're willing to bet you know at least one kid who loves Peppa Pig. The British TV show has been enthralling youthful audiences around the world for almost two decades and has even generated a generation of American kids with fake British accents (seriously). Well, all those millions of young Peppa fans will soon have their own dedicated theme park in the United States that they can bug their parents to visit. Move over Disney World, Peppa Pig is headed to Florida.  The new theme park is slated to open in Orlando, Florida in 2022 and will feature rides, attractions, a water play area and live shows all catering to preschool-age children and their families. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and the rest of the animal gang as you explore the adorable world that looks like it’s been dropped right out of your TV and into central Florida.  Peppa fans will love rides such as Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, where little piggies can hop aboard and set sail for Pirate Island, and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, where you get to fly high above the park in one of Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloons. Other rides feature characters like Grampy Rabbit and Mr. Bull.  The park will also feature two play zones: A splash pad where kids can mimic jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa's favorite pastime) filled with fountains, slides and interactive water features perfect for hot Florida summers and a Pirate Island where everyone in the family can look for buried treasur

After a year of being deprived of the special kind of magic that is Disney World fireworks, the theme parks are introducing two new shows this fall—just in time for the park’s 50th anniversary.  The celebration begins October 1, and the resort-wide party is set to last a whopping 18 months and feature fun new attractions, destination-worthy new dishes and (drum roll, please) two brand-new firework shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  At Magic Kingdom Park, the new ’Disney Enchantment’ show will light up the night with dazzling colors around Cinderella Castle and down Main Street, USA. The show will feature an all-new soundtrack, lighting, fireworks and projections—not just on the castle itself, but all the way down Main Street, too.  Artist concept courtesy Disney Meanwhile, when the lights go down around World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, Mickey fans will be in awe of the highly anticipated new show, ’Harmonious.’ The fireworks display will be one of the largest ever presented at a Disney park, combining Disney music with pyrotechnics, actual moving fountains, and fantastic lighting. For the ’Harmonious’ soundtrack, classic Disney songs have been reinterpreted and re-recorded in more than a dozen languages by a group of 240 different artists from around the world.  Can’t wait that long for some Disney magic? Disney World is currently open for business, and starting July 1, both Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT will bring back their fireworks shows with the same nighttime spectacula