RESERVATIONS: (866) 996.6338

6 of the Best Animal Attractions in Orlando

By Kate Cohen
Updated May 6, 2025

We may be best known for our famous mouse, but Orlando is home to a wild array of exotic animals from all over the planet.

A couple in beach attire walk through the sand surrounded by flamingos.

Whether you’re dreaming of swimming with dolphins, painting with giraffes, or doing downward dog with a baby goat on your back, we have it all here in Central Florida.

Here are 6 of the best animal attractions in Orlando that every animal-lover should try.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A safari vehicle encounters giraffes along the Kilimanjaro Safari at DIsney's Animal Kingdom, an amazing animal experience in Orlando.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom has something for every animal-loving theme park enthusiast: epic rides, entertaining stage shows, and all the magic you’d expect from a Disney Park.

It’s also the perfect spot for animal enthusiasts to get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most exotic creatures.

Animal Kingdom is Disney’s largest theme park, with over 580 acres of attractions and exhibits.

The Kilimanjaro Safari is one of Animal Kingdom’s most popular rides. It’s a guided bus tour through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 different species of animals.

On this 18-minute expedition, you could see giraffes, hippos, elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and more.

The Wild Africa Trek is an add-on experience that’s worth every penny ($219 per person, to be exact.)

This three-hour excursion is a privately guided VIP expedition that will have you navigating a rope bridge over the crocodile exhibit, riding in an all-terrain vehicle through the plains of the savanna, and enjoying specialty snacks overlooking the reserve.

In addition to Animal Kingdom’s Safari experiences, there are plenty of other animal attractions for guests to enjoy.

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is home to critically endangered Asian tigers, gibbons, water buffalo, and an aviary with over 50 species of exotic birds. This self-guided tour lets you enjoy the animals at your own pace.

As you wander through Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, you’ll find animals like curious meerkats, grazing zebras, and a gentle troop of western lowland gorillas.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney cares for their animals by hopping aboard the Wildlife Express Train for an easy 7-minute ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

This area of the park is dedicated to preservation and conservation and gives guests a closer look at veterinary facilities, housing, and Disney’s conservation efforts.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’re never far from some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Discovery Cove

A man and a girl in wetsuits pet a smiling dolphin in the incredible dolphin swim animal experience at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

Discovery Cove is a unique all-inclusive day resort where you can cross some pretty incredible adventures off your bucket list.

Your ticket to Discovery Cove includes a slew of one-of-a-kind opportunities to interact with marine life. Operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, you’ll find plenty of theme park touches at this beautiful resort.

The park’s most popular attraction is their Signature Dolphin Swim. Don your wetsuit and join playful bottlenose dolphins in a crystal-clear lagoon for an up-close interaction.

Expert animal care specialists will teach you about their habits, behaviors, and communication before you take off with a dolphin on an incredible one-on-one swim.

Spend some time snorkeling in the Grand Reef alongside beautiful tropical fish and gigantic stingrays. Explore grottos, reefs, and habitats that make it feel like you’re swimming next to sharp-tooth reef sharks.

The Explorer’s Aviary is home to hundreds of colorful birds. Watch them fly overhead before swooping down to eat from your hand!

You can spend the rest of your day at Discovery Cove being swept away down the Wind-Away River, splashing in the 85-degree Serenity Bay, wading into the Freshwater Oasis, and enjoying unlimited food and beverages.

Still not enough animal interaction for you? Check out Discovery Cove’s add-on Animal Experiences like the Flamingo Mingle, Animal Trek, Shark Snorkel, and more.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

A woman holds a young girl while a boy feeds a giraffe a piece of lettuce at an animal encounter at the Central Florida Zoo.

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens have been a favorite of animal lovers for over a hundred years. In 1923, a traveling circus gifted the Elks Club in Sanford a rhesus monkey.

A century later, The Central Florida Zoo is home to over 300 animals representing 100 different species.

During your trip to the Central Florida Zoo, you could see the sleek Amur leopard, towering giraffes, cheetahs, sloths, and a variety of monkeys and lemurs. There are also plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and birds to watch and learn about while you’re there.

The Central Florida Zoo also offers some unique animal encounters for visitors to enjoy, available for an additional charge. If you’ve never fed a giraffe, this could be your chance! Get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they take fruits and veggies from your hands.

The zoo is home to a critically endangered greater one-horned rhino named PJ. The rhinoceros encounter invites guests to meet, touch, and take photos with PJ as they learn about conservation efforts to save this miraculous species.

Don’t forget to stop by the petting zoo to say hello to your favorite barnyard friends like goats, llamas, alpacas, and sheep.

Wild Florida

A family interacts with capybaras in an animal encounter at Wild Florida.

If you think Florida’s wild, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Wild Florida combines the best of the state’s native wildlife with exotic animals from around the world.

An airboat ride is an amazing way to experience the wild ecosystem of the Florida Everglades. You may see gators, turtles, eagles, and a variety of other animals in their wild habitat (though it’s never a guarantee, since you’re in their territory).

At Wild Florida’s Gator Park, you’ll find plenty of furry, feathery, and scaly friends to meet. It’s home to lemurs, bobcats, two-toed sloths, giraffes, and yes, plenty of alligators, including an albino gator named Yeti.

If waving from the perimeter of the exhibit isn’t close enough for you, check out the unique animal encounters at Wild Florida. These experiences allow you to meet and interact with animals like capybaras, ring-tailed lemurs, two-toed sloths, albino gators, and an African crested porcupine.

Take yourself (and a carful of your friends and family) on a one-of-a-kind adventure with the Wild Florida drive-through safari.

Stay behind the wheel of your own car as you drive through open expanses of land where antelopes, bison, camels, and other creatures roam freely.

The safari park is also home to Wild Florida’s tallest residents, Leroy and Walter, two beautiful giraffes who enjoy eating from the hands of visitors and participating in the Giraffe Painting Experience.

Kitty Beautiful Cat Café

The animals don’t have to be exotic to have a meaningful, memorable encounter.

The Kitty Beautiful Cat Café in downtown Orlando is the perfect place to snuggle up with a new feline friend…or twenty.

For just $13, you’ll get to spend an hour mingling with cats from the café’s rescue partner, CATS CAN. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Enjoy soups, sandwiches, and baked goods or order a beverage from their extensive menu (butterbeer, anyone?) before settling in to socialize with the café’s temporary residents.

There may be up to 25 cats at The Kitty Beautiful Cat Café at any given time, all of whom are up for adoption – except Bongo, the House Cat.

The Kitty Beautiful Cat Café is also known for its entertaining events, including Cat Yoga, Tea Time with Bongo, and Purrder Mystery Parties.

Wildflower Farm

A goat stands on the back of a smiling young woman doing yoga outdoors. Baby Goat Yoga is one of several great animal experiences in Orlando.

The only thing cuter than regular animals are baby animals.

Wildflower Farm is a charming farm in a quiet neighborhood known for its baby goat yoga.

Join your licensed yoga instructor beneath a covered pavilion for mindful stretching accompanied by the cutest baby pygmy goats.

You’ll have the chance to bottle-feed the babies before being given plenty of greens to keep them motivated and attentive throughout your yoga class. Just know that you may be joined on your mat by little hoofed friends climbing and jumping on your back or snuggling up in your lap.

Not a yoga person? You can still enjoy the company of baby goats with Wildflower Farm events like Party in the Pasture, where visitors 18+ can unwind from a busy week with farmyard friends.

Wildflower Farm also has events the whole family can enjoy, like Family Time on the Farm and Fables on the Farm, where kids of human and goat varieties will be read a children’s book followed by plenty of baby goat interaction.

Rosen Shingle Creek – A Haven for Animal Lovers

With all these incredible encounters within a short drive of our hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek is the perfect place for animal lovers.

Be sure to stop and admire our precious zebra finches in the grand lobby or enjoy birdwatching on our nature trails.

We’re also dog-friendly! When you bring your dog on vacation with you, we’ll happily provide accommodations with nearby dog walk areas and have some special treats on-hand for your pup.

Acquaint yourself with our pet policy here.

Experience the beauty of Rosen Shingle Creek with your furry friend.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Reduces Pricing Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Florida Residents Can Take Advantage of “Distress Rates” To Safely Evacuate, Stay on Budget and Have Peace of Mind During Milton and Other Stressful Weather Events.

ORLANDO, FL (October 7, 2024) – As Hurricane Milton intensifies and tracks toward Florida, Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* today. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. Rosen Hotels & Resorts remains committed to the safety and well-being of all Floridians, prioritizing people over profits in times of need.

Distress rates are as follows per property:

$69/night (not including taxes)

Rosen Inn International
Rosen Inn Closest to Universal
Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

$99/night (not including taxes)

Rosen Plaza

$119/night (not including taxes)

Rosen Centre

$139/night (not including taxes)

Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Hotels & Resorts is pet-friendly (no additional pet fee during distress rates), offers free Wi-Fi and never charges a resort fee. The safety and well-being of guests and Rosen associates are top priorities during this stressful time. To reserve a room, please call 866-33-ROSEN (76736).
Media inquiries should be directed to publicrelations@rosenhotels.com.

*All guest room rates are not applicable for groups or with any other promotions or offers and are based on availability. Guest room rates are offered when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect for impacted areas in Florida and will remain in effect as long as the situation is threatening. Rates also are offered as long as necessary to those who are displaced after a storm. Offer requires proof of residency in affected area.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Awarded Five Stella Awards including Best Hotel Chain

ORLANDO, FL (October 2, 2024) – Rosen Hotels & Resorts has been honored with five prestigious Stella Awards from the NorthStar Meetings Group, distinguishing the company as a leader in the hospitality industry. The awards recognize excellence and innovation in the top hotels, convention centers, airlines, cruise lines and meeting and event venues.
Rosen Hotels & Resorts received the following honors:

Rosen Hotels & Resorts

Bronze Medal, Best Hotel Chain

Rosen Shingle Creek

Gold Medal, Best Golf Resort, Southeast Region

Rosen Plaza

Gold Medal, Best F&B, Southeast Region
Bronze Medal, Best On-Site Support Staff, Southeast Region

Rosen Centre

Bronze Medal, Best Décor and Design, Southeast Region

These honors come at a momentous time with Rosen Hotels & Resorts now celebrating 50 years of excellence. “It is amazing what our little company has been able to achieve the past five decades,” said Harris Rosen, Founder and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that we would be where we are today. No doubt, this honor is a direct result of the amazing work accomplished by our associates, who have brought excellence to our little company, every single day.”

Rosen Plaza took home two honors including gold for Best Food & Beverage and Best On-Site Support Staff in the Southeast region. “Being recognized with several Stella Awards from the NorthStar Meetings Group is a tremendous honor for our team at Rosen Plaza, alongside our sister properties,” said Derek Baum, General Manager of Rosen Plaza Hotel. “It’s a testament to the dedication, passion and exceptional service that our team consistently strives to deliver to our guests. We’re proud to be recognized as a leader in the hospitality industry.”

Media inquiries should be directed to publicrelations@rosenhotels.com.

Emma’s Creekside Farm: True Farm to Table at Rosen Shingle Creek

By Kate Cohen
Updated May 6, 2025

Emma’s Creekside Farm is a piece of paradise at Rosen Shingle Creek.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to pick and eat a plump tomato straight from the vine or taste a berry plucked at the peak of ripeness, you know it can be a transformative experience.

Freshly harvested produce has a rich earthiness and dynamic flavors that you can’t always find on the shelves of a grocery store.

The sun shines over the vines growing along the fence overlooking Emma's Creekside Farm, a lush green garden on the Rosen Shingle Creek property.

The pursuit to harness those unmatchable flavors in restaurants is known as “farm to table.”

The farm to table movement is a culinary concept that connects farmers directly to restaurants and commercial kitchens.

By eliminating wholesalers and retail vendors, chefs can ensure the produce they use is as fresh as possible, often while supporting local farmers and growers.

At Rosen Shingle Creek, Executive Chef Michael Dunton and his team have taken farm to table to a new level. Emma’s Creekside Farm is a lush 9,500 square-foot garden growing on the property of the resort.

Its seasonal produce is harvested year-round and used primarily in dishes served at Cala Bella, the resort’s beautiful Italian restaurant.

We’re here to explore the roots of this remarkable feature of Rosen Shingle Creek and the driving forces behind its creation.

Humble Beginnings

A baby eggplant grows in Emma’s Creekside Farm.

Emma’s Creekside Farm is an endeavor that began about two years ago when Chef Dunton was announced as Rosen Shingle Creek’s new Executive Chef.

Upon his arrival, he knew he wanted to find new ways to connect the resort’s 15 dining establishments to local ingredients.

“To know where your food comes from is really important, so when I first got here, it was about trying to find local farms to work from,” Chef Dunton explained. “It doesn’t get more local than your backyard.”

From there, he worked with Rosen Shingle Creek executives to find the perfect plot of land to grow a rotation of produce that could be used in his menus, particularly at Cala Bella and for special dishes at A Land Remembered, the resort’s signature steakhouse.

What was originally a small, designated garden blossomed quickly into almost 10,000 square feet of farmable land overlooking the Shingle Creek Golf Course.

Emma’s Creekside Farm is named for Emma MacIvey, a character in the novel A Land Remembered, for which Rosen Shingle Creek’s other AAA 4-Diamond rated restaurant is named.

The beautiful patch of earth is helping to reimagine the way Rosen Shingle Creek offers fresh flavors and culinary delicacies unlike any other resort in Orlando.

Rotating Seasonal Crops

Rows of cabbage and greens grow in Emma's Creekside Farm.

Emma’s Creekside Farm is home to dozens of crops that rotate throughout the year, offering fresh new flavors and seasonings with which Chef Dunton and his team can create innovative menu items.

While Florida’s unrelenting sunshine is perfect for a vacation, it can make growing plants a challenge. “When we get to this time of year, it’s a challenge because it’s so hot, you have to know what grows,” said Chef Dunton, who is originally from Massachusetts.

“For half the year, in Massachusetts, it’s frozen tundra,” said Chef Dunton. “The frozen tundra there is our summer here.”

That doesn’t mean that the summer fosters a barren wasteland by any means. “We work with a lot of peppers, which are fantastic through the summer. Right now, our field is full of different varieties of sweet potatoes. We have a lot of squash varieties that do well.”

When asked which Emma’s Creekside Farm ingredient is his favorite to use, Chef Dunton answered, “It changes with the seasons. One that’s kind of year-round is the curry tree. The leaves from the curry plant are so fragrant and versatile. I like to pick a few leaves and steep it in some cream. It just gives fragrance and flavor throughout the whole dish.”

On any given walk through the garden throughout the year, you may find yourself wandering amidst fragrant herbs like oregano and Thai basil, through bushy rows of chard and cabbage, or beside young fruit trees ready for harvesting.

The herbs and produce harvested from Emma’s Creekside Farm will then make their way onto elegantly plated dishes in Cala Bella, and when the crop runs dry for the year? Chef Dunton simply says, “We change the menu.”

The Importance of Farm to Table

An assortment of greens, herbs, edible flowers, and tomatoes from Emma's Creekside Farm.

For many in the culinary world, Chef Dunton included, farm to table is more than a philosophy: it’s the right thing to do.

Chef Dunton explains, “You see a tomato in the grocery store, and you don’t really know where it came from…when you actually grab a tomato from outside and you open it, and smell it, and taste it…it’s fresher, it’s brighter, it’s tastier. The whole experience is better.”

Even for ingredients not grown in Emma’s Creekside Farm, Chef Dunton makes very intentional efforts to source from local Florida farms.

Frog Song Organics is a farm in the Gainsville area that he uses to supply a variety of his restaurants’ produce. Not only do they grow their own fruits and vegetables, but they also represent several smaller Florida farms, too.

The farm to table philosophy doesn’t exclusively apply to produce, either. The same principles of supporting local farmers who grow high-quality and ethically sustainable products apply to meat, too.

One of Cala Bella’s signature dishes is the HertaBerkSchwein Pork Chop, named for the farm from which it’s sourced.

“It’s an amazing story,” Chef Dunton shared. “Not only is it female-owned, but she does everything herself. She breeds them, raises them, and she has the department of agriculture on property so she can process them herself, too. She delivers them herself. She’s incredible.”

The Rosen Shingle Creek Difference

A white plate against a black background, with grilled octopus served on a red sauce and garnished with microgreens and tomatoes grown in Emma's Creekside Farm.

The attention to detail and commitment to quality that Chef Dunton brings to the Rosen Shingle Creek restaurants is admirable. To him and his team, it’s what sets the hotel apart from others in Orlando.

“It shows that we are bringing the community aspect and we’re being stewards of our environment,” says Chef Dunton. “We’re trying to use this little piece of earth we’re given and bring it to the customer.”

But being stewards of the earth certainly isn’t the easy way out.

“I could buy the ingredients and tell them I grew them outside and the customer would be wowed just the same. It’s a lot more of a challenge, it’s a lot more work, but we want to bring this experience to the customer.”

It also takes a village to fully commit to the farm-to-table culture. “I have an incredible team,” Chef Dunton said. “If I didn’t have chefs that were on board, I wouldn’t be able to be passionate about it.”

And, in the end, Chef Dunton believes it’s well worth it.

“It’s amazing to walk out there and have that serenity, to feel it and smell it and to see the excitement of the guests as they’re walking by and asking, ‘Do you actually use this in the restaurants?’ To have that pride in telling them the restaurant that it’s in. To see their face again in the restaurant that night and have it go from actual farm to table. The whole experience is very exciting. It’s what sets us apart from other resorts in Orlando.”

Experience Emma’s Creekside Farm at Rosen Shingle Creek

An exterior shot of Rosen Shingle Creek at sunset with a pink and blue sky and tall palm trees.

Regardless of when you come to visit, there will always be something flourishing in Emma’s Creekside Farm. Chef Dunton invites you to wander through the garden, taking in the sights and smells of this beautifully cultivated patch of earth.

Valued guests of Rosen Shingle Creek should make a point of visiting this quiet culinary haven to experience firsthand the passion and respect poured into this plot of land. Then, dine at Cala Bella or A Land Remembered to enjoy the literal fruits of the labors of Chef Dunton and his incredible team.

We already know you’ll see the difference when you stay at Rosen Shingle Creek; now come to taste the difference, too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rosen Shingle Creek (@rosenshinglecreek)

Enjoy Vegan Dining in Orlando at These 6 Plant-Based Restaurants

By Kate Cohen
Updated May 6, 2025

Orlando’s reputation as a foodie town is here to stay. These days, there are plenty of innovative restaurants serving up an array of vegan food that’s just as good – if not better – than its meatier counterparts.

A close-up of scrabble tiles spelling out "plant based" with leaves at the top.

If you’re living a plant-based lifestyle, or if you just love fantastic food, check out these restaurants serving up incredible vegan dining in Orlando.

Leguminati

If, as a vegan, you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on the classic Taco Bell crunchwrap supreme, then prepare yourself for good news.

Leguminati owner Bex Martin found herself yearning for her comfort food of yesteryear after transitioning into a vegan lifestyle, so she set out to create a completely plant-based version.

Several years later, Leguminati has an award-winning menu of over nearly a dozen vegan crunchwraps featuring fillings like mac & cheeze, buffalo chick’n, Caesar crunch, and gyro crunch.

Top your order off with delicious sides like guac, queso, and zesty tzatziki for an even more flavorful punch.

Winter Park Biscuit Company

Inside the locally and nationally acclaimed East End Market is a true gem: Winter Park Biscuit Company.

Sure, they’re known for their totally vegan fluffy biscuits, served a la carte or stacked with Impossible sausage and Just Egg as a breakfast must-have. But they’re also known for their tender, flaky fried chik, served as strips or on a toasted brioche bun.

Additionally, Winter Park Biscuit Company is serving up Impossible burgers, chopped cheese (an Impossible patty chopped with “cheese,” lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo on a toasted hoagie), and the spicy Death Valley Chik Sandwich.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Plantees Burgers

A vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up tender, juicy burgers (just the ones made out of cows).

At Plantees Burgers, you can enjoy the sensation of biting into a mouthwatering burger with all your favorite toppings, like grilled onions, pickles, truffle sauce and of course, refreshing lettuce and tomato.

A hand holding a stacked burger and a chicken sandwich in front of Plantees, a vegan dining establishment in Orlando.

No burger would truly be complete without a side of fries, and at Plantees, you can dip crispy, salty shoestrings into a variety of homemade sauces. Don’t forget to wash it down with a creamy dairy-free milkshake!

Valhalla Bakery

Vegans with a sweet tooth must stop by Valhalla Bakery to try their array of incredible sweets. From extraordinary layer cakes to treats like pain au chocolat, flaky pastries, flavorful cookies, and decadent cupcakes, you’ll be tempted to try everything behind the counter.

It’s true comfort food for every palate that is entirely vegan, the perfect place for satisfying your sweet tooth with vegan dining in Orlando.

Valhalla Bakery is also know for their Valkyrie Doughnuts.

These egg-free and dairy-free doughnuts are soft and fluffy and come in an array of rotating flavors like maple bacon, matcha green tea, and ube.

The Earthy Kitchen

You can find a fair amount of Puerto Rican food in Orlando but The Earthy Kitchen knocks it out of the park with vegan Puerto Rican fare.

They’re serving up classics like mofongos, yuca fries, jackfruit pernil, and plant-based Cuban sandwiches. You’ll get all the flavor and style of traditional Puerto Rican food but made with totally vegan ingredients for a delightfully refreshing dining experience.

Market on South

Market on South is a vegan collective of rotating food trucks and counters offering fresh takes on vegan food. It offers a variety of options for vegan dining in Orlando in one convenient location.

Vegan Scoops makes deliciously rich and creamy ice cream made with coconut milk that is dairy-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, and free of all artificial dyes, colors, and flavorings, making it a safe and tasty treat for everyone in the family.

The Kind Cleaver is a vegan deli offering sandwiches stacked with fresh ingredients packed with flavor. If you’re feeling thirsty, check out Main House Market for local kombucha, beer, and wine.

Enjoy Tasty Vegan Food on Your Next Stay at Rosen Shingle Creek

Enjoy vegan dining in Orlando at one of the fabulous restaurants at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria offers dishes like Plant-Based Ground Beef tacos, towering vegan Nachos, and a Double-Layer Quesadilla. Tobias Burgers and Brews has a juicy and tender Impossible Burger on a house-baked pretzel bun.

The divine steakhouse A Land Remembered is home to a flavorful meatless steak, served with mashed potatoes.

While there’s no shortage of amazing vegan dining in Orlando, when you stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, you won’t even have to leave the resort for incredible plant-based meals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rosen Shingle Creek (@rosenshinglecreek)

Stay All Day at Rosen Shingle Creek

By Kate Cohen
Updated May 6, 2025

There is so much to explore in Orlando. But sometimes, you end up staying somewhere so special that you don’t have to leave the place to have a truly Central Florida adventure.

An exterior shot of Rosen Shingle Creek at sunset with a blue and pink sky and towering palm trees.

Rosen Shingle Creek is one of those rare, special places.

From historic foods to natural expanses, Rosen Shingle Creek has so much to offer that guests often relax, play, and work without ever leaving.

Sure, the hotel has an ideal location for exploring Orlando, but you may choose to make the most of your time in the comfort of our facilities.

With lodging, dining, golf, spa services, pools, tennis/basketball and volleyball courts, and over 255 acres of natural beauty, the hotel is a self-contained escape for travelers.

It’s no wonder the Northstar Meeting Group named Rosen Shingle Creek as its prestigious Stella award winner for the Southeast’s best golf resort in 2017.

Here’s why you may want to consider “staying in” while you visit.

A Doorway to Nature at Rosen Shingle Creek

While Rosen Shingle Creek is filled with modern amenities, it also provides access to Old Florida nature.

A peek through the vines at a sprawling, lush garden: Emma's Creekside Farm at Rosen Shingle Creek.

The hotel’s backdrop is the Shingle Creek waterway, one of the headwaters of the state’s scenic Everglades.

Guests yearning to explore the outdoors can take advantage of the nature trail accessible from our hotel. Meander amid towering grasses, graceful trees draped in moss trees, dramatic pine trees, and blooming flowers.

Keep your eyes open for native wildlife; unique native birds are easy to spot from this trail.

While you’re wandering outdoors, be sure to stop by Emma’s Creekside Farm. This 9,500 square foot garden grows a variety of produce ultimately used for farm-to-table dishes in some of Rosen Shingle Creek restaurants.

World-Class Dining

A white plate with pasta, a dark plate with salad, and a dark plate with a chocolate dessert on a marble tabletop.

Rosen Shingle Creek is home to thirteen dining establishments including in room dining. You can satisfy a craving for anything from Mexican to sushi to delicious, juicy burgers.

Start your day with a beautiful array of breakfast and brunch items at Cafe Osceola.

Enjoy freshly made challah French toast, pancakes, and eggs benedict fresh from the griddle, as well as menu items like bagels with smoked salmon, sizzling applewood bacon and sausage links, and fluffy omelets with your choice of fillings.

For more casual dining throughout your day, check out Tobias Burgers and Brews for flavorful flatbreads, handcrafted specialty burgers, and fresh salads that fulfill your cravings and your appetite.

Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria is the perfect place to grab a refreshing margarita paired with freshly made guacamole or flavor-packed entrees like burritos, quesadillas, and of course, incredible tacos.

A plate with steak fajitas topped with guacamole next to a smaller plate with dishes of salsa and guacamole.

For an unforgettable dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of Shingle Creek’s two award-winning restaurants: A Land Remembered and Cala Bella.

A Land Remembered is a legendary Orlando steakhouse serving up Linz Heritage Angus steaks, as well as fresh seafood and other innovative takes on steakhouse classics.

Cala Bella’s menu is refined Italian fare infused with rustic Mediterranean flavors. You’ll find signature dishes like Charred Octopus, a succulent HertaBerkSchwein Farms Pork Chop, and handmade pasta dishes like Oxtail Fettuccine.

Whatever you’re craving, you won’t have to leave Rosen Shingle Creek for an incredible, satisfying meal or treat.

Golf Games and Education

A Shingle Creek Golf Club golf ball sits on a wooden tee in grass.

Our beautiful, handcrafted golf course was designed by the esteemed Arnold Palmer Design Company. 18 holes are surrounded by undulating fairways, dense pines and oaks, and beautiful natural wildlife preserves.

Whether you’re looking to play a round or work on your swing, Shingle Creek Golf Course is the place to be.

Our tee times include amenities like range balls, a golf cart, and a GPS system to keep you on track.

On-course beverage and delivery services ensure you don’t have to miss a beat when it comes to staying hydrated and relaxed during your game.

The Shingle Creek Golf Academy is home to a dedicated team of instructors who want to help you improve your game. From individual lessons to golf club fittings, they tailor their time with you to guarantee you see a difference in how you play.

Our practice facilities include a 70,000 square-foot driving range and over 15,000 square feet of practice areas, including the largest practice putting greens in Orlando.

When it’s time to refuel, you won’t have to go far. Stop by The Clubhouse Grille or Par Take Cafe for a delicious meal or snack.

Spa Essentials

A woman in a brown silk robe reading a magazine with her feet in a whirlpool in front of a beige tiled wall.

Life’s too short to spend your days thinking you need an excuse to spend a day at the spa.

At The Spa at Rosen Shingle Creek, you can indulge in a variety of specialty treatments that will let you revel in relaxation.

We all carry stress differently in our bodies. A massage treatment can help alleviate tension and relieve muscles of stiffness and discomfort.

Our Creekside Signature Massage uses revitalizing oils, deep heat, and flowing massage to improve circulation and muscle flexibility.

Other massages from our menu utilize natural elements like Himalayan salt stones and CBD oils for an even more soothing experience.

Relaxation and invigoration go hand in hand. Our body treatments are the perfect way to show your body a little extra love.

For example, the Island Escape rejuvenates skin with a coconut sugar exfoliation, followed by a silky, hydrating coconut milk and honey body mask. A scalp and full body massage will take you to a state of transcendent relaxation.

Our manicure/pedicure services take nail care to the next level.

Getting ready for a photoshoot or just need a little glam before you leave the spa? Our hair salon is home to a dedicated staff of stylists who can help you with any of your cut, color, and styling needs.

Browse our full menu of spa treatments to find the one that your body is craving.

Spend the Day by the Pool

At Rosen Shingle Creek, you can spend the day lying poolside at one of our four – yes, four – heated pools.

A pink ombre cocktail and a mint and lemon-infused cocktail on a wicker surface beside a sparkling pool.

We have a lap pool, a zero-entry family pool, a kiddie wading pool, and a beautiful cabana pool.

Swim and splash the day away with friends, get in some good exercise with laps, or lounge in peace beneath a private shady cabana, it’s easy to spend a day soaking in the sun.

As you relax and unwind, grab a signature poolside cocktail and a bite to eat from Cat-tails Pool Bar & Grille.

You’ll experience true relaxation with a drink in your hand, watching the sun shimmer on the blue sparkling pool water beneath swaying palm trees.

Make Rosen Shingle Creek Your Destination for a Staycation

An exterior shot of Rosen Shingle Creek through the boughs of a palm tree.

When you stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, you can always do just that – stay! Enjoy premium services, dining, and so much more at our AAA Four Diamond Hotel.

Our beautiful accommodations, friendly staff, and spectacular facilities are ready to welcome you to Rosen Shingle Creek for the stay of a lifetime.

5 Best Orlando Hiking Trails

By Kate Cohen
Updated May 6, 2025

Before there were theme parks and outlet malls, subdivisions and cities, there was rugged nature and vibrant ecosystems throughout Florida.

Today, if you know where to go, you can still find these untouched areas and experience the raw beauty of Orlando hiking trails.

Outdoor sign reading "nature trail" with an arrow pointing to a path of trees along an Orlando hiking trail.

You may find sparkling lakes and rivers teeming with wildlife, or expansive fields surrounded by evergreen Cypress.

Depending on the time of year, you may experience beautiful, mild temperatures and clear blue skies or the cloying heat and humidity of a Florida summer with a thunderstorm rolling in on the horizon.

If you’re looking to lace up your hiking boots and explore Central Florida’s natural wonders, you’ll want to check out these amazing Orlando hiking trails.

Shingle Creek Trail

A path of grass winding between tall, gray tree trunks.

Shingle Creek Trail is a scenic, partially paved path that follows the winding water of Shingle Creek.

In addition to being the namesake of our resort, the creek is a small waterway in Central Florida known for being the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades.

There are plans to expand the trail to over 32 miles, ultimately connecting Kissimmee and Wekiva Springs Park.

Currently, there are 17 miles of usable trail, though it’s split into two sections (north and south) that aren’t yet connected and have several miles of distance in between them.

The trailhead closest to Rosen Shingle Creek is accessible from the property using the Destination Parkway entrance.

On the trail, you’ll be able to enjoy vistas of beautiful blue water, towering green trees, and other local Floridian flora. Keep your eyes open for sightings of our native wildlife like alligators, deer, otters, and a variety of birds.

Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park

Tall green leaves with a single purple fuzzy flower in the center, found along one of Orlando's hiking trails.

The Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park is an expanse of over 9,500 acres of protected land surrounding the Econlockhatchee River in eastern Orlando.

This natural oasis is home to the threatened Red Cockaded Woodpecker and has become a popular area for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The park has three trails: the White Trail, the Red Trail, and the Yellow Trail. The White Trail is the easiest of the three paths and can be hiked together with the Yellow Trail for a 10.6-mile journey.

The Red Path is typically used by equestrians. Throughout your hike, you’ll see wetlands, dense forests, and sprawling prairies. If you’re lucky, you may encounter bald eagles, bobcats, river otters, and other native species.

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is home to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, where you can explore educational exhibits and displays about our local environment.

Their immersive trails have sprawling boardwalks that are perfect for taking in the surrounding wilderness. It’s a great spot for families to explore habitats like forests, swamps, and the lakeshore.

Experienced hikers can challenge themselves on the Palmetto Pass (not recommended for beginners or children).

The pass is a narrow, winding trail with a log bridge and low canopies of loblolly. It’s a fun excursion requiring extra skill – as long as it isn’t closed due to flooding.

Pine Island East Loop Trail

Just off the southern section of Shingle Creek Trail is the Pine Island East Loop Trail, a stretch of 3.5 miles of pathway that courses through woodlands and fields.

Most of this Orlando hiking trail is unpaved, allowing you to immerse yourself into the vibrant Central Florida ecosystem.

If you pay close enough attention, you just might see wildlife like alligators, turtles, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and other critters.

There are several trailheads to access the Pine Island East Loop Trail, but it’s important to note that the most popular, behind Hunter Creek Middle School, is closed during school hours.

Instead, you can enter from the Marriott Trail entrance if you desire a midweek daytime hike.

Lake Eola Loop

pexels airamdphoto 11668039

Okay, so it’s not the most untouched and organic Orlando hiking trail, but the Lake Eola Loop is quintessential Orlando, too.

Nestled in the heart of downtown, surrounded by tall city buildings, is the beautiful Lake Eola.

The path itself is a little under a mile, and while it isn’t the most rigorous of trails, it’s certainly one of the most entertaining.

You’ll be able to take in iconic sights like the Lake Eola Fountain and the rainbow-colored Walt Disney Amphitheater. The park is home to a variety of colorful and unusual birds, as well as dozens of the city’s feathered mascots – swans!

As you circle the lake, you’ll also get to take in the beauty of several sculptures and art installations, as well as a peaceful Chinese pagoda and a large, shady playground.

Expect there to be plenty of foot traffic as it’s a busy central attraction, but this Orlando trail is a fun and unique way to stretch your legs and get a taste of the true Orlando.

Explore Orlando’s Best Hiking Trails While Staying at Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Shingle Creek’s location means you’re never too far from an incredible Orlando hiking trail.

Our own 225-acre oasis is the perfect home-away-from-home for visitors who appreciate both proximity to Orlando’s rich natural habitats and the luxury of a resort (without any of the resort fees).

We look forward to welcoming you!

An aerial view of Shingle Creek Golf Course with winding ponds, rolling green grass, and mature trees.

Eats for Everyone: 6 Must-Try Food Halls in Orlando

Updated May 6, 2025

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

Now it’s 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. And your vegan in-laws are traveling with you.

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

A large room full of people seated and dining at wooden tables. — Marketplace at Avalon Park

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 through different food stands, which share a common dining area.

They may also house other small businesses such as 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 — or many — of these great Orlando food halls.

Marketplace at Avalon Park

A large outdoor sign reads Marketplace in red letters on the front of a building. — 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.

Before you leave, be sure to check out Avalon General. The store sells a variety of unique wines, artisan jams, olive oils, and hot sauces alongside locally made home décor and charming 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 beautifully 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 crunch wraps), 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 the hip Audubon Park district, minutes from beautiful Leu Gardens between Winter Park and downtown Orlando.

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.

Boxi Park

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

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 aged 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 Great Southern Box Food Hall

Located in the ever-growing Packing District outside downtown Orlando, the Great Southern Box Food Hall is one of the city’s newest additions to the world of dining.

This food hall opened in May of 2024 and specializes in serving foods from immigrant cuisines. Current vendors include Antica Pizzeria, Rock the Guac, Kabob 2 Go, A Lo Cubano Kitchen, Poke Fin, and Kayos Jamaican Grill.

Here, you’ll also find a microbrewery serving up tastes from Orange County Brewers, the masterminds behind Orlando’s famed Tin & Taco.

There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at this food hall.

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

A bowl of fried chicken tenders next to a display of soft pretzel sticks and a bottle of whisky.

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 an upscale lounge, impeccably decorated buffet, café, creamery, and 24-hour market and is located minutes from all these amazing food halls.

Tee Off National Golf Month by Improving Your Game with 6 Tips

By Yasmene Warren
(Updated May 2, 2025)

National Golf Month is just around the corner, so let’s hit the next level of golfing skills before you hit the fairway.

A man holds a golf club over his shoulder with an out of focus Rosen Shingle Creek in the background.

These six tips are sure to turn up your game.

1. Get in Shape

A man in a sweatshirt with headphones in does a pushup on a path by an outdoor gym.

Getting in shape for National Golf Month may seem like an obscure tip since a golfer’s physique isn’t necessarily the same as other athletes.

But a golfer is still an athlete who needs the support of good muscle strength and endurance.

Proper and regular exercise can strengthen your golf form.

Think about it: Physical strength allows you to exert less energy and force when hitting the ball, improves accuracy, and increases stamina.

Great areas of the body to focus on include the glutes, back, shoulders, core, and forearms. Build up these muscles with squats, lunges, rows, shoulder presses, and wrist curls.

Read more on abdominal workouts in the next section.

2. Work on Your Alignment

A blonde woman in black shorts, sneakers, and sports bra does a core exercise.

Golf is much more than a simple game of point-and-shoot.

You need make sure your head and body are in line with where you want the ball to go.

For beginners, you can improve your alignment by using a golf alignment stick or one of your clubs. Either will pose as a guide for ensuring your eyes, arms, and feet align with the left of your target.

Proper alignment goes hand in hand with training your muscles to play golf.

Working on your core helps you maintain good posture and balance with your swings.

You can build a strong core with exercises such as planks, Russian twists, and bird dogs. A strong core is key in perfecting your alignment to celebrate National Golf Month.

3. Practice Hits with a Tee

A Shingle Creek Golf Club golf ball sits on a wooden tee in grass.

Pro golfer Jack Nicklaus himself said a golfer should always take advantage of the opportunity to “tee it up,” so it’s good practice to use a tee when polishing your aim.

You’re more likely to get a better hit out of using a tee, which is why it’s typically allowed — and encouraged — on par 3.

Start off by perfecting your hits with tees and work your way up to hitting the ball from the ground. Both practices are essential in shaping your golf skills this National Golf Month.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Playing Practice Rounds

The back of a man in a blue shirt following through on a golf swing.

Practice rounds are your best friend when it comes to improving your golf game.

Playing golf by yourself allows you to learn from your mistakes. You get to see firsthand what works and what doesn’t, without the penalties.

Practice rounds encourage consistency and help you perfect your swing technique, just in time for National Golf Month.

During practice rounds, it helps to do things such as picking a target, switching up your club selection, and setting goals for each game. Practice is most beneficial with a purpose behind it.

5. Perfect Your Short Game

A sprawling golf course with a lake, trees, and Rosen Shingle Creek in the background.

While your long game is what you’ll play most frequently in golf, your short game is where you’ll find the most improvement in your golf skills.

A good short game helps you score lower and relieves pressure off your long game.

Every master of the game started with the basics. There are 10 rules of thumb and things to keep in mind for the short game, according to golf.com, and they include:

Stay still when putting.
Limiting your movement while putting promotes good distance control, which is essential in golf.
Lean into chips.
Keeping your weight just a little forward can help keep the ball lower and ensure you make ball-first contact.
A square clubface looks open when pitching.
A higher pitch shot tends to make a square clubface look open.
Use a shorter swing and narrower stance for less distance.
A narrower stance can help you control small swings and shorten the distance your ball travels.
Hit the ground to get a true launch.
Hitting down on the ball allows you to make a divot and get the ball in the air.
Dig into bunker shots.
Digging your feet into the sand helps lower the bottom of your swing, helping you hit a good bunker shot.
Swing length controls natural speed.
Make sure both your swing and stroke are of fairly equal size and rhythm.
Pivot for pitches.
Pivoting allows the ball to launch high and spin.
Have a centered club position.
Centering your club to your body’s position can keep your short-game shots consistent.
Write down your calibrated short game.
Writing and charting your distances with each club can help you make a plan for your short game.

This National Golf Month, get a grasp of the basic rules and guidelines of each shot, and let what you learn help you develop new techniques and strategies to turn you into an expert golfer.

6. Learn from the Pros at Shingle Creek Golf Academy

A man with a beard guides the golf swing of a man in a white visor holding a club.

If you’re not quite sure how to put your skills to the test, head to the Shingle Creek Golf Club for a lesson from the experts at the golf academy during National Golf Month.

You can try one-on-one golf lessons to improve your technique, golf club fittings, youth golf training, and adult/corporate golf clinics for the perfect mixture of business and pleasure.

Whether you need one hour or five hours, the Shingle Creek Golf Academy has just the right lesson plan to get you in shape.

You can also get three hours of personalized training from our Mini School and customized training at our Half Day Academy programs.

Stay & Play at Rosen Shingle Creek This National Golf Month

Rosen Shingle Creek beside a lake and a sprawling golf course. Stay and play here this National Golf Month.

While you’re practicing swings on the lush greens of Shingle Creek Golf Club this August, you’ll need somewhere equally as serene to rest.

Rosen Shingle Creek, home to the Shingle Creek Golf Club, is your go-to destination for a luxurious stay in Orlando.

Indulge in high-class fine dining and resort-style amenities while being at the forefront of all of Orlando’s happenings when staying at our hotel.

4 Best Italian Restaurants in the I-Drive District

By Yasmene Warren

Looking for a romantic night out over a heavenly Italian dinner, but not quite sure which restaurant in Orlando will hit the spot?

A fork lifting pasta from a plate with cheese, fresh basil, and tomato slices.

It’s a good thing we’ve compiled this list of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando for you.

Here are four of our favorites:

4. Fresco Cucina Italiana

Fresco Cucina Italiana channels all the flavors of Northern Italy into one stellar, family-owned establishment on Turkey Lake Road.

Locals and visitors alike regard it as one of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando.

Relish delectable dishes such as a crispy calamari wood oven pizza, bucatini amatriciana, and veal saltimbocca.

Pair your meal with a sweet glass of red wine and you’ll have yourself a perfect Italian dinner.

A close-up of a margarita pizza with fresh basil leaves.

3. Vincenzo Cucina Italiana

Bringing authentic Neapolitan cuisine to life is an art that Chef Vincenzo was born to perfect, and that’s exactly what he does in his restaurant, Vincenzo Cucina Italiana on International Drive.

This spot has been dubbed the No. 1 Italian Restaurant in Orlando since 2016, and when you get a taste of this menu, you’ll understand why.

Savor homemade fresh pasta from dishes such as ravioli di zucca, tagliatelle polle e broccolini, and gnocchi alla sorrentina.

Balls of twisted handmade pasta on a white background.

2. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s Little Italy is one Italian restaurant that excels in crafting a sensational dining experience for every guest who walks through its doors.

Located in Pointe Orlando on International Drive, this spot is renowned for classic Italian dishes such as four-cheese ravioli, shrimp scampi, and chicken piccata.

A woman uses a fork and spoon to twirl pasta in red sauce from a bowl next to a glass of red wine.

1. One of the Best Italian Restaurants in Orlando: Cala Bella at Rosen Shingle Creek

Saving the best for last is Rosen Shingle Creek’s very own Cala Bella, an upscale Italian dining experience that specializes in tastes of Tuscany with hints of flavors from across Europe.

Entice your palate with bites of charred octopus, pork chop Milanese, and bucatini carbonara.

Best of all, you won’t even have to leave your hotel to enjoy a romantic dinner over one of our satisfying dishes.

A plate with dark purple octopus resting on a bright orange sauce, sprinkled with fresh greens, yellow cherry tomatoes, and other garnishes.

Rosen Shingle Creek, located on Universal Boulevard near Epic Universe, is minutes from all these exceptional Italian eateries.

Staying with us means no long commutes to nearby Italian restaurants.

4 Best Italian Restaurants in the I-Drive District

Follow us on Instagram at RosenShingleCreek