Orlando Travel Forum

About 15 years ago my nephew took me to Church Street Station in downtown Orlando. I have seen some comments that it is closed or no longer a good attraction. Has anyone gone there recently and is it worth going? 4th trip to Florida, did all the parks already as well as beaches but we never ventured into Orlando City. Any suggestions on what to see in the city for a family?
Jim

How about the Space Center or Busch Gardens/Tampa? Or swimming with the manatees at Crystal River? Sorry I haven't been to Church Street Station in a long time so can't help there.

Church street is closed, and although the adjoining downtown area is fun, to me is a horrible tourist area with terrible food and lackluster service. Where the younger drinking crowd likes to hang out. My son and his wife took me there - it can be OK, as well as walking around Lake Eola which can be fun, but be very picky of any place you eat. Particualarly avoid Ceviche's or whatever they call it. They sell proscioutto and claim it's Jamon Iberico, and claim to have a flamenco show which is pitiful - the woman is dressed in rags (no, not even good looking) - and they are crazy on the drums (for flamenco? pleeeease!). I'm sure there must be a decent place though, and it's good to walk around in the evening, just don't go to the other side of I-4.

I would go to Leu Gardens and Wekiva Springs State Park - in the park you can rent a canoe and row down the river, see the real Florida. You can google for both places - sorry, I'm in a rush.

Restaurants, I like Boston Fish House in Aloma Ave ... in or near Winter Park. Careful, it's Boston Fish House, *not* Boston Lobster Feast.

Thanks for helping me rule out that place. I will look for the fish house restaurant for when we are near there one evening. We still might try the combo Seaworld/Busch Gardens unlimited pass for $100 each. It adds up for a big family : )

Oh yea I was planning the canoe trip at either Wakiwa Springs or Blue Spring State Park for one day. Which one do you like better?
Jim

Blue Springs is closer to the St John's river, a bit busier nearby although you see some manatees there. I think Wekiva Springs is nicer.