Ultimate Orlando Itinerary Day 1: Luxury Villas, Beer Spa Bliss & the World’s Largest McDonald’s

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The writer was invited to this location as part of a paid press trip opportunity. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are their own and not influenced by the developing company in any way.

Welcome to the three-part Orlando series, where my States of Discovery co-host, Sara, and I adventure, eat, and enjoy three full days of itineraries, no theme parks in sight. We are breaking down our getaway into day-to-day experiences, complete with unusual things to do in Orlando, very exciting eats, and adventures that stray from what you might expect from a typical vacation in the city. I mean, a beer spa? A giant McDonald's that sells fresh pizza and made-to-order omelets? A walking tour highlighting one of the true TV greats, Mr. Rogers? Stick around, this alternative travel guide series is going to give you an entirely different side of Orlando.

Prefer an audio adventure? Listen to the Day 1 - Orlando podcast episode instead!

Transportation: Getting To Orlando

Our arrival came in two exciting flavors. Sara flew in, breezing into Orlando International Airport within a handful of hours, while I arrived by train —the Brightline, to be exact —which felt less like public transportation and more like stepping into the lounge car of a stylish cross-state playground. Plush seats, high-speed tracks, smooth views sailing by—trust me, sipping a sparkling drink while cruising toward vacation mode is a luxury that Orlando deserves its own praise song for. By the time the train pulled in, I felt refreshed, relaxed, and maybe just slightly cooler than usual.

Accommodations: Villatel Orlando Resort

Our home base set the tone for all the indulgence ahead. Villatel Orlando Resort doesn’t just welcome you. It sweeps you into a place where travel companions live like VIPs. These aren’t hotel rooms; they’re sprawling villas with multiple bedrooms, sparkling kitchens, and amenities that make a simple afternoon feel like a private retreat. Down the pathway, palm trees rustle while a glimmering pool (complete with a lazy river) sparkles as if to say, “Shouldn’t you be lounging already?” Travelers who crave elevated comfort without sacrificing fun will fall instantly for Villatel’s delicious balancing act between homelike privacy and boutique-level service.

We stayed in a 3-bedroom apartment with views of the pool, water slides, and lazy river located across a private lake. I can safely say the amenities here are top-notch, and perfect for families, friend groups, or even just people seeking a luxury retreat without missing a thing.

A Visit To the World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's

One of the greatest truths about Orlando: it loves to surprise you. Exhibit A? The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s. A golden-arched fever dream. The aroma of fries is familiar, sure, but everything else feels delightfully unfamiliar. This three-story spectacle buzzes with arcade games, flashing lights, and the irresistible lure of winning tickets like a carnival prize-seeker in peak form. Then there’s the food. We’re talking custom pasta dishes. Hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas. A dessert bar that could easily take over your sense of self-control. The whole place radiates the playful, nostalgic charm of childhood road trips, amplified to thrilling new heights.

Soaking Our Cares Away at Beer Spa Orlando

Once we powered through the nostalgia high, the tone mellowed beautifully as we made our way to Beer Spa Orlando. Imagine a cozy private suite tucked inside a spa space that smells like fresh hops and warm barley. You slide into a bubbling beer-infused bath while sipping craft brews poured from your own tap. Soft lighting glows amber like a pint held up to the sun. Tension melts. Shoulders drop. Time slows. It is equal parts quirky and restorative with a side effect of emerging slightly giddy—not just from the beer but from the absolute joy of doing something so fun it borders on absurd. A stop like this proves Orlando doesn’t just entertain you. It takes care of you in the most unexpected ways.

Art & Eats at Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Dinner transported us into the heartbeat of Orlando’s artsy soul: Café Tu Tu Tango. The moment the door swings open, you’re enveloped in bright colors, kinetic movement, and creative energy so electric you might start craving a paintbrush. Local artists craft live pieces in the middle of the dining room as servers deliver vibrant small plates.

Every bite tastes like a memory in the making. Bold shrimp dishes. Shareable tapas full of personality. Cocktails with a wink of mischief. Every corner houses a new visual feast, making dining feel like participating in a citywide celebration of imagination. Café Tu Tu Tango proves that food can be an artistic medium and a cultural love letter all at once.

As we wrapped up the day, we looked back on how much Orlando revealed in just a few short hours. This is a city bursting with character, where luxury and silliness hold hands like lifelong friends. A place where even your meals tell a story and your evenings sparkle with possibility. Day 1 left us buzzing with anticipation for whatever came next.

Wrapping Up: Here's the Orlando Day 1 Itinerary

Our first day didn’t just welcome us; it set a thrilling stage. The City Beautiful has a lot more secrets up its sleeve, and our journey is just beginning.

Orlando Day 1: Luxury Villas, Beer Spa Bliss and A Wild McDonald’s Experience