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Halloween Horror Nights Returns for its 31st Year of Fear

Halloween Horror Nights has haunted parkgoers at Universal Orlando Resort for over three decades.

The award-winning event will return to Universal Studios Florida for select nights between September 2 and October 31, 2022. The separately ticketed event — prices starting at $74 — is recommended for gutsy guests 13 and older.

Feeling fearless? Here’s what you’ll find lurking in the darkness at Halloween Horror Nights in 2022.

Halloween Horror Nights Park Gates

Hair-raising Haunted Houses

HHN is famous (or, rather, infamous) for its themed haunted houses. Once you enter one, your only way out is through a macabre, monster-filled maze. You never know when a scareactor will jump out and give you the fright of your life. Many of the houses draw inspiration from popular horror franchises, while others are Universal’s own creepy creations.

Halloween Horror Nights Scared Guests

In 2022, there will be 10 haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights. So far, Universal Orlando has announced the following thrilling themes:

The Horrors of Blumhouse, a daunting double feature that dares you to enter the worlds of the horror films Freaky and The Black Phone.
Halloween, in which you’ll relive the monstrous moment when Michael Myers first picked up his mask and knife.
Universal Monsters: Legends Collide, which puts you in the middle of a brutal brawl between The Wolf Man, Dracula, and The Mummy.
The Weeknd’s “After Hours Nightmare,” which is named after his 2020 album After Hours.

Lines for the haunted houses can be scarily long. If you’re dead-set on doing all 10 houses in a night, consider buying a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass. This upgrade fast-tracks you to the front of each house’s line.

Scream-inducing Scare Zones

Think you’re safe outside of the haunted houses? Think again.

In 2022, Halloween Horror Nights will feature five scare zones. When passing through these outdoor areas, watch your back. Ghastly creatures are everywhere, waiting for unwitting park guests to cross their paths. Last year’s scare zones featured HHN’s iconic Terra Queen and creepy characters from Crypt TV.

Eerie Entertainment and Eats

When exploring Halloween Horror Nights, it’s easy to feel like you’re the star of your own horror movie.

Take a moment to breathe at one of HHN’s two live shows. While the themes of this year’s shows have yet to be announced, expect otherworldly stunts, incredible laser displays, and epic music.

A selection of Universal Studios rides will stay open during Halloween Horror Nights.

Trade your chills for thrills while you board rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy. Lines for these attractions tend to be shorter during Halloween Horror Nights. But if you spring for a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass, it will get you right on these rides, too.

You’re likely to work up an appetite while running through the fog.

Halloween Horror Nights Ice Cream Vendor

Luckily, there will be plenty of devilishly delicious food at Halloween Horror Nights 2022. You can get everything from colorful candy apples to fan-favorite Twisted Taters. You can also quench your thirst with creative cocktails, craft beer, and ice-cold soft drinks.

Retreat to Rosen Shingle Creek

When you’re ready to escape the big frights and freaky sights, head to Rosen Shingle Creek.

Our stunning Orlando hotel is 10 minutes from all the Halloween Horror Nights action. Unwind in a gorgeous guestroom with spectacular views of a lush Floridian landscape. As our guest, you’ll also enjoy our four heated pools, tennis courts, nature trail, and discounted rates at our on-site golf course.

5 Gorgeous Hiking Trails in Orlando

With warm temperatures year-round, Orlando, Florida, is a perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

Here are five of the most stunning trails in Central Florida. You can’t go wrong hiking on any of them during your next Orlando vacation.

Orlando’s Top Hiking Trails

Lake Eola Loop
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is a sparkling lake with gorgeous views of the city.
The Lake Eola trail loops a scenic 0.9 miles around the lake’s perimeter and through Lake Eola Park. While you hike, feed the local swans, bird-watch, take in the skyline, and grab a bite to eat.
Hal Scott Preserve

For those wanting to get deeper into nature, the 9,000-acre Hal Scott Preserve offers 17 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The preserve is home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and river otters. The park operates from sunrise to sunset, so feel free to plan an all-day hike.
Mead Botanical Garden
Just north of Orlando in Winter Park lies Mead Botanical Garden, a 47-acre park with a greenhouse, butterfly garden, and hiking trails.
Learn how to spot local birds through a guided hike with the Orange Audubon Society. Then hit the trails on your own, exploring the lush gardens. They are open from 8 a.m. until dusk, and admission is free.
Bill Frederick Park
At 183 acres, Bill Frederick Park is the largest park in Orlando city limits. A 2.4-mile hiking trail loops around the park.
The first mile of the loop is a rugged natural-surface trail. It connects with a paved bicycle path that allows for smooth walking for the other 1.4 miles. When done hiking, you can relax at the picnic grounds or play a round of disc golf.
Shingle Creek Trail
The wide Shingle Creek Trail winds through suburban and rural landscapes in Orange and Osceola counties.
The trail is currently 17 miles long but will eventually run for 32 miles, connecting Orlando and Kissimmee. A recent expansion connects the trail to Sand Lake Road, making it accessible to those visiting the Orange County Convention Center.
Relax at Rosen Shingle Creek
When planning your hike to Orlando, book at room at our hotel, which is conveniently located near International Drive, minutes away from SeaWorld Orlando and many of the area’s top attractions and restaurants. And it’s home to the Shingle Creek Trail.

5 Best Outside Dining in Orlando

National Eat Outside Day is August 31, 2022. If you’ll be in Central Florida for the day, celebrate by dining outside at one of Orlando’s top restaurants.

Orlando’s Best Outside Dining

Here are some Orlando establishments with outdoor dining that everyone should visit.

Maxine’s on Shine

A neighborhood restaurant in downtown Orlando, Maxine’s on Shine was named to the 2022 Michelin Restaurant Guide.

From crab cakes to fried green tomatoes, the eclectic eatery serves delicious comfort food for dinner and weekend brunch in a comfortably sexy atmosphere. Maxine’s also offers a full bar, live music, and spacious outdoor seating.

Boxi Park

If you’re looking for a unique outdoor dining experience, check out Boxi Park’s wide range of options.

This family-friendly outdoor space features converted shipping containers that function like food trucks. Each serves a different cuisine. You can try a little of everything while enjoying live music and outdoor games.

Café Tu Tu Tango

Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive will please both picky eaters and foodies.

Their menu features Cajun, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean fare. It all tastes even better on the gorgeous patio. However, be sure to go inside at some point to view the spectacular décor and art for sale.

A Land Remembered

This distinctive steakhouse in Rosen Shingle Creek was awarded OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice in 2022.

A Land Remembered celebrates classic Florida by offering a variety of local surf and turf food options and an impressive wine list. Enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s outdoor patio which offers impressive views of the Arnold Palmer designed course at Shingle Creek Golf Club. It is the perfect place to top off a vacation day in Orlando.

Cat-Tails

Also located inside Rosen Shingle Creek, Cat-Tails is a poolside bar and grill with fun menu offerings for lunch and dinner. Try classic dishes like nachos, burgers, and salads. Or spice up your outdoor meal with tacos, a chimichurri sandwich, or wings.

No matter what you order, your meal will pair perfectly with a view of our Orlando hotel’s sparkling pool.

Dine and Stay at Rosen Shingle Creek

When planning your Orlando vacation, book a room at Rosen Shingle Creek near International Drive.

Our hotel provides affordable luxury and easy access to the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando’s top restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Animal Lovers Will Go Wild for These 8 Orlando Attractions

A few months ago, we explored the coolest native wildlife in Florida in a blog post. But manatees and gopher tortoises aren’t the only animals you can encounter in Orlando. You can also pet friendly domestic animals and observe exotic critters from around the world.

If you’re traveling with a pack of animal lovers, you otter check out these eight turtley awesome Orlando attractions.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

At 580 acres, Animal Kingdom is Disney’s largest theme park. It’s packed with rides and shows for animal lovers of all ages.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a must-do for animal lovers. This guided bus tour takes you through gorgeous savanna, forest, and wetland habitats. You’ll see animals like lions, baboons, zebras, and elephants.

Animal Lovers Disney Safari

If you’re up for a grand adventure, spring for the Wild Africa Trek. This 3-hour VIP tour starts at $199 per person and allows you to get a close-up view of iconic African animals. You’ll even cross a daunting rope bridge over waterways teeming with Nile crocodiles.

But Animal Kingdom is more than a safari park.

Be sure to take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here, you can visit a petting zoo or learn how Disney cares for its animals with a tour of the veterinary facility. Animal Kingdom is also home to the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a self-guided walking tour through a Southeast Asian jungle. Look out for tigers, exotic birds, Komodo dragons, and water buffalo.

Discovery Cove

If cool fish are your wish, plan a day at Discovery Cove.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates this unique, all-inclusive day resort. Snorkel through a reef full of colorful fish and swim alongside otters in a freshwater reserve. After you dry off, head to the Explorer’s Aviary to feed parrots and other exotic birds.

All these experiences are included with your Discovery Cove ticket.

Animal Lovers Discovery Cove

You also get unlimited breakfast, lunch, and drinks (including wine and beer for guests 21+). Discovery Cove upgrades include encounters with dolphins, flamingos, stingrays, and sharks.

Giraffe Ranch

Take your Orlando vacation to the necks level with a day at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

The 47-acre wildlife preserve hosts thrilling wildlife safaris. Trek through the park by foot or in your own car. Or let Giraffe Ranch take you around. You can board a four-wheel drive vehicle, Segway scooter, or even a camel. No matter how you choose to explore, you’ll spot animals like rhinos, tapirs, lemurs, zebras, and of course, giraffes.

Animal Lovers Giraffe Ranch

As you savor the savanna, ranch employees will tell you all about the animals and why it’s important to conserve them.

Safaris start at $150 per vehicle if you drive your own car, and $119 per person for the other tours. Add-on experiences include otter feeding sessions and small-group encounters with giraffes and cheetahs.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Fly, slither, or hop up to Sanford, Florida for a bear-y fun day at the Central Florida Zoo.

The zoo was founded in 1923. That year, firefighters put a monkey, dog, skunk, opossum, raccoon, and squirrel on display in downtown Sanford. By the 1970s, the zoo had much more exotic residents, a promising young zoo director named Jack Hanna, and a gorgeous 116-acre property on Lake Monroe. Today, the zoo is home to 100 species, including leopards, lemurs, macaws, and dart frogs.

General zoo admission costs $19.95. There are discounts for students, seniors, first responders, veterans, teachers, and AAA members.

Wild Florida

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo (and alligators, giraffes, sloths, and capybaras) roam.

Wild Florida has something for every animal lover. Drive your car through a 170-acre safari park. You’ll see creatures from Africa (zebras and giraffes), Central Asia (mouflon sheep), and the Americas (bison).

And since Wild Florida is surrounded by ranchland, you may see some cows.

Wild Florida also runs airboat tours through the northern reaches of the Everglades. You’ll explore pristine marshes and see wildlife like eagles, wetland birds, and alligators. Daytime and nighttime tours are available.

All airboat tours include admission to Wild Florida’s wildlife park.

It houses exotic animals like porcupines, sloths, emus, and wallabies. You’ll also meet Snowflake and Blizzard, two albino gators who can’t survive in the wild. Add-on experiences include gator feeding and playtime with friendly capybaras.

Kitty Beautiful Cat Café

This downtown Orlando coffee shop is truly the cat’s meow.

There are two parts to the Kitty Beautiful. One half is a classic café, where you can order food (including cat-shaped sandwiches), coffee, wine, and beer. On the other side is a playroom filled with crinkly toys, scratching posts, and feather wands.

For $12, you get an hour of kitty snuggles.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. All the feline friends at the Kitty Beautiful are up for adoption. Since this Orlando cat cafe opened in 2019, they’ve found homes for over 300 cats.

Wildflower Farm

If you want your Orlando vacation to be the G.O.A.T., stop by Wildflower Farm. This working farm is minutes from Orlando’s bustling Baldwin Park neighborhood but feels worlds away. Four days a week, Wildflower Farm offers early-morning goat yoga.

After doing your sun salutations, stick around for baby goat cuddles and bottle feeding.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can take your kids to meet Wildflower Farm’s kids during a fun storytime event. On Friday nights, animal lovers 18+ can attend a “Party in the Pasture.”

You can also buy fresh goat milk and goat cheese at Wildflower Farm.

Rosen Shingle Creek – A Haven for Animal Lovers

Animal lovers are in good company at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Walking into our Orlando hotel, you will be greeted by our family of precious zebra finches. We’ve raised generations of the birds, which are native to Australia.

Our love of animals doesn’t stop with our finch friends.

Take a quick walk along our nature trail and you’ll see for yourself. Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, runs through our property, attracting all kinds of wetland critters.

We’re also a pet friendly hotel.

Our furry guests enjoy special treats and dog walk areas close to their guestrooms. Learn more about our pet-friendly rooms and review our pet policy here.

3 Ways to Celebrate Family Golf Month in Orlando

Did you know that July is Family Golf Month? The observance started as a single day for charity hosted by the PGA. It is now an entire month where families enjoy playing golf together.

If you’re in Orlando this July, celebrate Family Golf Month by taking advantage of the city’s incredible golf courses and putting greens.

How to Celebrate Family Golf Month in Orlando

Enjoy a Round of Golf at a Popular Golf Club

What better way to celebrate Family Golf Month than to swing your club at one of the great golf courses in Orlando? Some of the area’s most popular links are the Shingle Creek Golf Club, Celebration Golf Club, and Orange County National Golf Club.
Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water as you and your family play 18 holes of golf under the summer sun.
Go Putting on International Drive

If traditional golf is not your thing, you can still celebrate Family Golf Month. There are many mini-golf attractions on International Drive. Each one features challenging holes and a fun theme.
Putt-putt golf is an especially great introductory option for those with children who have never golfed before or are new to golfing.
However, the entire family is sure to love the challenging holes and fun themes these courses are designed around. From jungle safaris to live alligators, your family will have a wild time playing mini-golf on I-Drive. Attractions include Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, Lost Caverns Adventure Golf, Gator Golf Adventure Park, and Congo River Golf. Putting Edge even features a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.
Stay and Play at Rosen Shingle Creek

If you’re looking for a convenient way to enjoy golf with your family while staying close to all the action in Orlando, then Rosen Shingle Creek is the place for you. Our Orlando hotel provides affordable luxury and world-class amenities. We are near I-Drive, the Orange County Convention Center, and other top Orlando attractions. We even have a Stay and Play Golf package.

The Stay and Play Golf package includes a one-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek and two rounds at the Shingle Creek Golf Club. This deal makes it easy to celebrate Family Golf Month while on your Orlando vacation.

Stay at a Luxurious and Family-Friendly Orlando Hotel

When planning your summer trip to Central Florida, book a room at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel.

Located near International Drive, our hotel provides affordable luxury, amenities, and convenient access to the Orange County Convention Center and some of Orlando’s top restaurants, bars, and attractions. We are also dedicated to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for the well-being of our guests and associates.

Read all the details on our Rosen’s Total Commitment page.

6 Unique Team-building Experiences in Orlando Your Staff Will Love

There are many benefits to corporate team-building activities.

According to Indeed, team building can boost productivity. It can also improve communication between employees. If your team works remotely, these activities provide a low-pressure way for everyone to meet in person.

And if you want to increase employee satisfaction, a day of fun activities in Orlando surely can’t hurt.

Is your company headed to Central Florida for a convention, meeting, or staff retreat? Consider signing everyone up for one of these unique team-building experiences.

Explore Orlando with a Scavenger Hunt

Why a Scavenger Hunt?

It’s always a letdown to travel to a new city and spend the whole time in a conference room.

Make sure your employees get to see Orlando with a fun scavenger hunt. They’ll need to work together and think creatively to solve the clues. Scavenger hunts can also tie into corporate wellness programs. While walking around the city, employees will likely reach their daily step counts without even realizing it.

Scavenger Hunts in Orlando

Let’s Roam offers app-based scavenger hunts that last 60-90 minutes.

These games involve answering riddles and taking photos. Along the way, participants learn fun Orlando trivia. Everyone will get a different role, ensuring that all employees contribute. If your team wants to break for lunch or check out one of Orlando’s unique attractions, you can pause the game.

Let’s Roam’s premade hunts cover downtown Orlando and the Mills 50 neighborhood. There are also options in the suburbs of Winter Park and Mount Dora.

If you’re bringing a team of 10 or more, you can also hire Let’s Roam to customize your scavenger hunt.

Take Teamwork to New Heights at a Ropes Course

Why A Ropes Course?

Ropes courses encourage teams to set goals and work together to achieve them. Finishing a ropes course requires communication, trust, and a willingness to take risks. The experience will also help employees identify their leadership styles and build confidence.

On top of all these perks, exploring nature from 50 feet up is simply fun.

Where to Find an Orlando Ropes Course

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park takes you through a gorgeous pine forest in Kissimmee, Florida.

There are four courses to complete, each more challenging than the last. Your team will work together to navigate aerial bridges, balance boards, rope swings, and a 425-foot-long zipline.

A trained guide facilitates all activities. With advance notice, your guide can create a customized excursion for you.

If any team members prefer to cheer their colleagues on from the ground, they can watch from Tree Trek’s scenic walking trails.

Give Back with a Day of Volunteering

Why Volunteer?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a hot topic in the business world.

Studies suggest that CSR is essential for keeping both customers and employees. While you’re in Orlando, have your staff volunteer for a cause that’s important to your company.

Your employees will love the chance to help others while getting to know each other.

Volunteer Opportunities in Orlando

Perhaps your employees could volunteer at a food bank or assemble bicycles for kids.

There are lots of ways to make a difference in Orlando. If your company’s big on the environment, plan a park clean-up or a volunteer day at the Central Florida Zoo. If your company works with a national nonprofit, see if they have a chapter in Orlando.

Hands on Orlando can help you find the perfect team-building volunteer opportunity for your team.

Laugh Together at an Improv Class

Why Improv?

Unpredictable and collaborative, improv theater is an entertaining way to bring a team closer.

For improv to work, participants need to go along with, and build upon, their teammates’ ideas. This rule is known as “Yes, and…” and it encourages active listening and open-mindedness.

Improv also improves public speaking skills, and being silly in front of each other is great for building trust.

Where to Do Improv in Orlando

SAK Comedy Lab is a comedy club in downtown Orlando.

The comedy club teaches improv classes and hosts shows with professional comedians. Among SAK Comedy Lab’s alumni is one of the biggest names in improv, Orlando native Wayne Brady. SAK staff also have decades of experience guiding companies through hilarious team-building activities.

Past clients have included the Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World.

Be Chefs for a Day at a Cooking Class

Why Cook Together?

Your team will need to eat eventually — why not take the opportunity to make a meal together?

Cooking involves creativity and a lot of multitasking, both critical skills for your employees. Cooking as a group will also teach your team to delegate tasks and define roles. Otherwise, you might wind up with five people chopping vegetables and nobody on sauce duty.

Learn to Cook with a Beloved Florida Brand

Publix grocery stores are everywhere in Florida, and some offer cooking classes.

The company operates two Aprons Cooking Schools in Central Florida, in Dr. Phillips and Winter Park. These locations offer classes almost every day.

Some focus on a specific food (like fresh pasta) or skill (like knife handling). Others are built around a certain cuisine, like Middle Eastern or Floridian. All result in a tasty, multi-course meal.

You can also reach out to Aprons to create a customized class that emphasizes team-building.

Come Together on the Golf Course

Why Go Golfing?

If you want to make sure your company’s teamwork is up to par, have everyone meet you on the green.

Golfing promotes healthy competition. Seasoned putters can learn to be mentors by coaching first-timers. Treating your employees to a fun game in a beautiful place also helps boost employee morale and motivation.

World-Class Golf in Orlando

If you’re looking for the perfect golf course for your team, look no further than Shingle Creek Golf Club.

Our par 72 championship course was named the area’s best golf course by Golf Orlando Florida in 2021. The golf club is located at Rosen Shingle Creek, a stunning luxury hotel on 255 acres of pristine land. Your employees can also enjoy a scenic nature trail and award-winning restaurants.

As one of Orlando’s top convention hotels, we know how to put on an unforgettable corporate team-building event.

Reach out to learn about our custom golf tournaments, perfect for company bonding. Details like cart plates and announcements will make your employees feel like PGA pros. We also have a golf academy, where your staff can build their skills after undergoing a swing analysis.

Eats for Everyone: 7 Must-Try Food Halls in Orlando

Imagine this: You’ve just had a great day in Orlando, park-hopping, shopping, or playing golf.

But now it’s approaching dinnertime and everyone in your group is hungry. You’re craving a burger. But your spouse has a taste for sushi. The kids are clamoring for pizza. Your vegan in-laws are traveling with you and want something other than salad.

At times like these, Orlando’s many amazing food halls are perfect for pleasing everybody.

What is a Food Hall?

A food hall is a locally focused take on a traditional food court.

Food halls serve a wide range of cuisine via different food stands, which share a common dining area. They may also house other small businesses like boutiques, microbreweries, or artisan meat and cheese stands. Many food halls also serve as community spaces, with live music, pop-up shops, and lawn or board games.

Food halls allow you to experience Orlando like a local while eating inspired dishes.

Best Food Halls in Orlando

Ready for a unique dining experience with something for everyone? Try one of these great Orlando food halls.

Marketplace at Avalon Park

Avalon Park is a walkable east Orlando neighborhood. Its location off the Beachline Expressway makes it a perfect stopover on the way back from Cocoa Beach. While you’re there, check out the Marketplace at Avalon Park. This Orlando food hall features everything from New Orleans classics to charcuterie boards, plus Bowigens Beer Company brews and locally roasted coffee.

Before you leave, be sure to check out Avalon General. The store sells artisan jams, olive oils, and hot sauces alongside locally made home décor and unique gifts.

Hourglass Social House

Hourglass Social House is in the Hourglass District, an up-and-coming neighborhood in the heart of Orlando. The building was featured on Architectural Digest’s list of America’s most beautiful converted gas stations.

This small-but-mighty Orlando food hall is a craft beer lover’s dream, serving up all kinds of local brews. Food options include Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food, Leguminati (a vegan restaurant known for its crunchwraps), and Le Ky Patisserie (banh mis and other Vietnamese cuisine). If you’re looking for a quick bite, stop by Foxtail Coffee Co. for some fresh baked goods.

East End Market

East End Market is in Orlando’s hip Audubon Park district, minutes from beautiful Leu Gardens. The two-story marketplace is surrounded by lush, native landscaping and vegetable gardens.

Options in this Orlando food hall include DOMU (a full-service ramen spot that makes its own noodles), Farm & Haus (which serves up healthy takes on classic comfort food), and Winter Park Biscuit Company (whose plant-based chicken sandwiches will even delight meat eaters).

Once you’re done eating, head upstairs to Neighbors Bar to enjoy a craft cocktail or to shop for locally made keepsakes.

Gatlin Hall Brewing

As you might expect, Gatlin Hall Brewing’s main draw is the wide selection of beer brewed on-site. This food hall, located south of downtown Orlando, has everything from IPAs to sours.

Gatlin Hall also has great food options, including poke bowls, wood-fired pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Sit inside and watch one of the hall’s flat-screen TVs, or head outside to their large, dog-friendly patio for a game of table tennis or cornhole.

Boxi Park

Boxi Park, located in Orlando’s Lake Nona neighborhood, is a cross between a food hall and a food truck festival.

At this large outdoor venue, step up to a repurposed shipping crate to place your order. These food stands serve tacos, lobster rolls, chicken sandwiches, sushi, burgers, and ice cream. Diners 21 and older can also enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails from stands throughout the courtyard.

The fun doesn’t stop when you’re done eating. With a playground, volleyball courts, and a dog park, Boxi Park is a perfect place for families to spend an afternoon.

The Hall on the Yard

The Hall on the Yard is in Orlando’s trendy Ivanhoe Village. It combines the variety of a traditional food hall with the quality service of a sit-down restaurant.

Take your seat in the gorgeous dining room and a server will wait on you, delivering your selections from nine food vendors and three on-site bars. Culinary options include Chef & I (American fusion), True Island Cuisine (Caribbean), Humbl (plant-based), and Spice Affair (Indian). When you’re done, you can hang out in the gorgeous lawn area outside.

Unlike some of the other food halls on this list, this unique Orlando venue also rents private rooms.

Plant Street Market

West of Orlando on the shores of Lake Apopka you’ll find Winter Garden, and Plant Street Market, a sizable food hall with live music, a pet-friendly patio, and an impressive variety of eats.

Vendors include Mac’d Out (which offers gourmet mac and cheese made with fresh pasta), Empanadas & Co. (serving Ecuadorian style empanadas), and Ceviche Mix (which sells shrimp and whitefish ceviche).

The market is also home to Crooked Can Brewery, which offers tours every Sunday.

Rosen Shingle Creek – A Haven for Foodies

If you’re all about culinary variety, Rosen Shingle Creek is the Orlando hotel for you.

Dining options include our award-winning steakhouse A Land Remembered, Cala Bella’s Tuscan finest, and the fresh poolside offerings at Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille. In addition to seven full-service restaurants, Rosen Shingle Creek is home to a luxurious lounge, impeccably decorated buffet, café, creamery, and 24-hour market.

All About Florida Wildlife: Where to See Orlando’s 6 Coolest Animals

Did you know that Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S.?

It is home to 4,368 known animal species. 269 of these species are only found in the Sunshine State. On your next Orlando vacation, take some time to get to know the Florida wildlife.

Here are six of the most fascinating animals that call Central Florida home, and where you can find them.

Green Anoles

Green Anoles are little lizards with a big presence in Orlando.

While they’re in a different reptile family, they are sometimes called “American chameleons.” That’s because they’re the only lizard in the southeast U.S. that can change color.

As their name implies, they’re usually bright green, but they can also turn various shades of brown to blend in with pathways and dirt.

Florida Wildlife Green Anole

Where to Find Anoles

Everywhere! Anoles like to hang out in places with a good balance of sun and shade. They’re drawn to forest clearings, but tree-lined sidewalks also do the trick. As you explore the outdoor areas of Orlando’s theme parks, the Orange County Convention Center, or your hotel, have a peek at the ground.

You’re likely to see a few anoles scampering around.

American Alligators

While they’re often thought of as aggressive, gators generally leave humans alone unless provoked.

These kings and queens of Florida wildlife are the state reptile. They live in marshy areas across Orlando.

Gators play important roles in their habitats. For example, during droughts, alligators dig deep holes to access the groundwater. This also frees up water for other animals, who drink from or live in the “gator holes.”

Should you encounter an alligator on your travels, thank it for everything it does for Florida wildlife – while following these safety tips.

Where to Find Alligators

Lake Jesup, a large lake in Orlando’s northern suburbs, boasts the densest population of gators in the state. You can safely view alligators from the boardwalks at Overlook Park or explore the lake via airboat.

For a guaranteed gator encounter, consider a trip to Gatorland. The family-owned theme park opened in 1949, decades before Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando.

At Gatorland, you can learn all about the species, see gators of all ages, and even zip line over them.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles build between 40,000 and 84,000 nests along Florida’s vast coastline each year.

Their back flippers are small but mighty and help them dig nests in dunes. Adult turtles do not tend to their nests, but often build decoy nests to confuse predators and protect their eggs. When the eggs hatch, baby turtles instinctively move toward the ocean, guided by the glimmer of the moon and stars on the water.

Sea turtles have faced habitat loss because of coastal development. Most species are considered endangered, but their numbers have luckily rebounded in recent years.

Of the five sea turtle species living in Florida, two (loggerheads and green turtles) are frequently seen on beaches near Orlando.

Where to Find Sea Turtles

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Melbourne is one of the most significant nesting habitats for both green and loggerhead turtles. On select nights in June and July, the refuge offers guided sea turtle walks. Reservations are required.

Can’t make it to the coast? SEA LIFE Aquarium, located on Orlando’s International Drive, has got you covered. The attraction is home to Ted the loggerhead and Chely the green sea turtle, both of whom were rescued by the aquarium.

West Indian Manatees

Manatees are part of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia, which got its name because sailors used to mistake the gentle giants for sirens, or mermaids.

Sirenians like manatees and dugongs are not closely related to other marine mammals. In fact, they’ve got more in common with elephants than dolphins or seals.

Manatees typically cruise along at a leisurely 5 mph. That’s slow enough that barnacles can grow on them. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad swimmers — they can reach speeds of up to 19 mph and have been seen swimming upside down and doing somersaults.

Florida Wildlife Manatee

Where to Find Manatees

Manatees live in brackish water around the state. Because of their plant-based diet, manatees don’t have much body fat and can’t handle water colder than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter they swim out to warmer waters, often in springs or power plant outflows.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located near Cocoa Beach, has an observation deck where manatees can be seen year-round.

Headed to Orlando in the winter? Check out Blue Spring State Park. Located an hour north of Orlando in Volusia County, the park is (literally) a cold-weather hotspot for the species.

While manatees have no natural predators, they’re threatened by boat strikes and the loss of seagrass. In response to these threats, SeaWorld Orlando has a Manatee Rehabilitation Area, where park guests can meet rescued manatees and learn how to help them.

Gopher Tortoises

Gopher tortoises are the only North American tortoise to live east of the Mississippi River.

They spend 80 percent of their time underground in deep burrows that they dig in sandy soil. As with gators, gopher tortoises’ digging skills also help other Florida wildlife.

The burrows not only shield tortoises from the Florida sun but also provide habitat for over 350 other species, including the Florida mouse and eastern indigo snake.

Where to Find Gopher Tortoises

Gopher tortoises live among scrubby pine forests and sandhills throughout the southeast U.S., but Florida has the largest population.

During your next Orlando vacation, pay a visit to Darwin the tortoise. He lives in Tibet-Butler Preserve, a conservation area minutes from Walt Disney World. The pristine park features a kid-friendly education center, hiking trails, and all kinds of Florida wildlife. Even better, admission to the park is free.

Roseate Spoonbill

While flamingos are often the pink bird we associate with Florida, did you know that they’re more common in the Caribbean islands? In fact, we’re still trying to figure out whether they’re native to Florida or if, like many human residents, they took a trip here and liked it enough to stay.

Florida does have a native bird known for its pretty pink plumage — the roseate spoonbill.

Roseate spoonbills get their name from their uniquely shaped beaks, which they use to scoop prey from the water. Like flamingos, they get their distinctive coloring from snacking on crustaceans and sleep standing on one leg. Unlike flamingos, they can be seen in the wild throughout Florida, usually in mangroves or marshes.

Florida Wildlife Roseate Spoonbill

Where to Find Roseate Spoonbills

Roseate spoonbills are a fairly common sight in Orlando Wetlands Park, located between Orlando and Cocoa Beach in Christmas, Florida. If you’re lucky, however, you may not even have to travel that far. The author of this blog post recently saw one soaring over Rosen Shingle Creek, its majestic pink feathers shimmering in the sun.

Rosen Shingle Creek: A Natural Fit for Florida Wildlife

What drew that roseate spoonbill to Rosen Shingle Creek? The same thing that draws in many of our guests.

The hotel sits within a 255-acre natural area that features stately oak and pine trees. Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, runs through the property and is home to many birds and fish. As you walk along the on-site nature trail, look out for Florida wildlife, and see how many species you can identify.

How Rosen Shingle Creek Hosts Events in Orlando

If you’re looking to host your event in the heart of Orlando, look no further than Rosen Shingle Creek. Conveniently located minutes away from Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center, our grand hotel provides a variety of services to make your event a success.

Everything Your Event Needs in One Location

Rosen Shingle Creek offers a variety of accommodating event spaces with luxurious amenities. Hotel features include:

Spacious Ballrooms
Rosen Shingle Creek houses three column-free ballrooms covering a total of 195,000 square feet. At 95,000 square feet, our Gatlin Ballroom is one of the largest column-free ballrooms in the country.

If you’re looking for something smaller, the Sebastian and Panzacola ballrooms are perfect. The Sebastian Ballroom covers an impressive 60,000 square feet, while our Panzacola Ballroom offers 40,000 square feet of space. Each ballroom has registration space and access to load-in areas for the convenience of your guests and organizers.

Airwalls in the ballrooms allow for further customized configurations. From being able to simply divide the room to creating breakout rooms inside the ballroom, this customization brings added value in making the most of the space.

Ample Meeting Space
If you require smaller breakout rooms, Rosen Shingle Creek offers 55,000 square feet across six separate meeting and event spaces. Each room provides a unique experience.

You’ll find truly elegant settings in the Conway, Butler, and Sandlake rooms which offer breathtaking views of the on-site golf course and terrace access. The Wekiwa, Suwanne, and St. John’s rooms provide plenty of pre-function space and registration areas that are customizable to your event.

Professional Catering
Rosen Shingle Creek is home to award-winning chefs that can cater to groups of any size.

Our banquet team is prepared to serve any meal of the day, including delicious breakfasts, plated lunches, and a variety of dinners. There are also several buffet options to please everyone at your event. All meal options can be customized to fit dietary restrictions and needs. Bar service is also available.

Orlando’s Premier Event and Meeting Spaces

When hosting an event in Central Florida, book your event space at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Located near International Drive, our hotel provides affordable luxury and access to some of Orlando’s top restaurants, bars, and attractions.

5 Best Golf Courses in Orlando

Rosen Shingle Creek is one of the 5 Best Golf Courses in Orlando

Aside from entertaining theme parks and attractions, Orlando also offers a wide selection of celebrated golf courses. We’ve rounded up the five best golf courses in the city so you can plan your perfect Orlando golfing getaway.

Orlando’s Top Golf Courses

Orange County National Golf Center
With 45 holes across three courses, Orange County National is every golfer’s dream. The Panther Lake and Crooked Cat courses are championship 18-hole courses that have hosted the PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals four times. There’s also a nine-hole beginning course and a 360-degree driving range to help you focus on your swing.
Celebration Golf Club

The charming Celebration Golf Club was designed in 1996 by father-son duo Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. The club is framed with native trees and wetlands, and 16 of the course’s 18 holes feature water.
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
Consistently ranked among the best Orlando golf courses, Falcon’s Fire was recently renovated to maintain its classic style. This club boasts over 7,000 yards of play, a masterfully designed course by Rees Jones, and a central location in Orlando’s entertainment district, minutes away from Disney World.
Winter Park Golf Course
One of the oldest courses in Florida, the “WP9” was originally built in 1914 and renovated in 2016. This nine-hole municipal course is nestled in the middle of a Winter Park neighborhood and provides scenic, yet challenging, links.
Shingle Creek Golf Club

Voted the best golf course in Orlando for 2021 by GolfOrlandoFlorida.com, Shingle Creek Golf Club is a historic course with world-class service. Overhauled in 2016 with the help of the Arnold Palmer Design Company, this scenic, 7,200-yard course weaves through natural areas while providing a luxury resort experience.

Right now, golf-loving guests can have it all with the Stay and Play Golf Package at Rosen Shingle Creek. This deal includes a deluxe room, two rounds of golf with all the amenities, and discounted rates at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy.

Stay in a Golfer’s Paradise in Orlando

When planning your Orlando vacation, book a room at Rosen Shingle Creek. In addition to the Shingle Creek Golf Club, our hotel provides luxurious guestrooms, conference spaces, fine-dining restaurants and lounges, heated swimming pools, and The Spa at Shingle Creek.

We are also dedicated to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for the well-being of our guests and associates. Read all the details on our Rosen’s Total Commitment page.