From paddles to potions: How to do Orlando like a grown-up on recess

Forget everything you know about Orlando being just Mickey’s turf. This city is having a grown-up glow-up, and after five days of being wined, dined, and delightfully spa’d into oblivion, I can confirm: Orlando is no longer just for kids—it’s for those of us who like our magic served with mimosas.

See also: How Las Vegas quietly became the world’s most ambitious sports city

The art of arrival: Checking in with class

The trip kicked off with the kind of welcome that sets the tone for indulgence. We went straight from the airport to The Alfond Inn, Winter Park’s art-soaked boutique beauty. The lobby itself could double as a contemporary gallery—because, well, it is. The hotel’s Alfond Collection showcases rotating works that make you feel both inspired and slightly underdressed…but in the best way possible.

Morning began with a caffeine-fuelled breakfast before I traded my latte for a paddle. Epic Paddle Adventures on Lake Ivanhoe proved that kayaking in the Florida sunshine is as meditative as it is mildly athletic. The glassy water reflected Orlando’s skyline, while a curious heron seemed to judge my questionable rowing technique.

From there, it was all about Park Avenue, Winter Park’s version of Fifth Avenue—but friendlier and lined with boutiques that whisper, “Yes, you deserve that linen shirt.” A farm-to-table lunch at Boca Winter Park was the perfect excuse to eat locally and pretend it cancels out the cocktails. Pro tip: order anything that involves Florida citrus and say yes to dessert—you’re technically supporting agriculture.

The afternoon unfolded like a perfectly choreographed cultural montage. At The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, I found myself awash in the glow of Tiffany glass—think jewel-toned windows, glittering lamps, and a chapel that could convert even the most devout minimalist.

A quick facial at The Spa at The Alfond Inn melted away any existential crises, and by the time dinner rolled around at Hamilton’s Kitchen, I was fully committed to the art of slow dining. Their take on farm-fresh comfort food hit that sweet spot between sophisticated and soul-warming—think Southern hospitality with a city-slicker’s polish.

Adrenaline and indulgence: the grown-up playground

Next was Universal Studios day, aka cardio disguised as fun. With Unlimited Express Passes (thank you, Visit Orlando), we bounced from Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, clutching my dignity and dignity alone. Between butterbeer breaks and nostalgia-fuelled rides, it hit me: Universal isn’t just for kids—it’s a thrill therapy session for adults who still secretly believe in dragons.

By evening, we checked into Lake Nona Wave Hotel, which felt like stepping into a tech-savvy art installation that also happens to have a killer cocktail program. The room lights adjusted to my mood, the bed practically hugged me, and the minibar whispered, “You’ve earned this.”

Wellness, whimsy, and one last wine

Saturday was dedicated to wellness (or, at least, the illusion of it). After a lazy morning exploring the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, we lunched at Garni Café, where the menu was as light and chic as the décor. Then came the pièce de résistance: a salt room session at Lightly Salted Spa. Imagine lying in a softly glowing cave of Himalayan salt while your worries—and possibly your sins—evaporate. Follow that with dinner at BACÁN, a MICHELIN-recommended masterpiece where Latin flavours met modern flair, and you’ll understand why Lake Nona is quietly becoming Orlando’s coolest district.

On the final day of this adventure, ever the overachievers, we set up at the Lake Nona Performance Club, a 130,000-square-foot temple to fitness and mindfulness that even features a Chopra Mind-Body Zone. By this point, I was a better, sweatier, and possibly saltier version of myself. Lunch at Boxi Park, a food truck utopia made of shipping containers, wrapped things up with craft beer, live music, and one last reminder that Orlando’s best attractions aren’t always behind a turnstile.

The final verdict

As we boarded the flight home to Toronto, sun-kissed and smugly relaxed, I couldn’t help but think: Orlando’s secret isn’t its theme parks—it’s how it reinvents playtime for adults. It’s a city where art, wellness, and adventure blend seamlessly, and where “business trip” might just be code for “luxury retreat with a tan.”

So next time someone tells you they’re off to Orlando, don’t picture mouse ears. Picture paddleboards, Pinot, and perfectly curated playlists echoing through hotel lobbies. Because this city isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood.