Orlando

(Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando)

Orlando, a premier leisure, convention and business destination, is the location for the 2012 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo. With its theme parks, excellent shopping and diverse restaurants, the area provides tons of excitement no matter what you're interested in. The world's most famous theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World, are all close to the convention's host hotel, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.

Car Rental:

If you are interested in renting a car during your stay in Orlando, Hertz Rent-a-Car offers NWFA Wood Flooring Expo attendees a special rate.  Click here for more information.

Useful Links:

• Orlando International Airport

• Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios)

• Universal Studios Florida & Universal's Islands of Adventure

• SeaWorld Orlando

• Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Entertainment Complexes:

Downtown Disney — is a 120-acre metropolis of stores, restaurants and theaters.

Universal CityWalk — is a 30-acre entertainment complex offering a wide variety of specialty shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Pointe Orlando — is an expansive open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex within walking distance of the Convention Center. Check out these restaurants at Pointe Orlando:

• Adobe Gila's — Margarita ~ Fajita ~ Cantina

• BB King's Blues Club — Southern comfort food fused with flavors from around the globe

• Copper Canyon Grill — Fresh American cuisine served in a casual, energetic atmosphere

• Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar — Latin cuisine and tropical cocktails

• Fat Fish Blue — American Bistro Fare with a New Orleans Flair

• Funky Monkey Wine Company — Asian-American menu with more than 100 wines by the bottle

• Hooters — Wings, seafood and sandwiches

• Johnny Rockets — All-American nostalgic favorites, including burgers, shakes and pie

• Maggiano's Little Italy — Traditional Italian-American fare

• Pizzeria Valdiano — New York-style neighborhood pizzeria

• Taverna Opa — Authentic Greek cuisine in a festive atmosphere

• The Capital Grille — Has a national reputation for dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list

• The Oceanaire Seafood Room — Where exceptional seafood meets exceptional service

• Tommy Bahama Tropical Café and Emporium — Laid-back tropical cuisine

Shopping:

(Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando)

Orlando has 52 million square feet of retail space and is the fastest growing retail market in the United States. Here are a few of the best shopping areas. Click here for a complete list.

Festival Bay Mall at International Drive — One-of-a-kind lineup featuring Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Sheplers Western Wear and the giant Cinemark 20 Movie Theatres.

The Florida Mall — Features 1.9 million square feet of shopping including, Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, M&M'S World, Bare Essentials, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Clarks England, Hollister Co., MAC, Apple, Puma, Adrenalina, Pottery Barn, Pink, Sephora, Williams-Sonoma and over 250 specialty stores.

The Mall at Millenia — 1.2 million-square-foot super regional center, brings to Orlando 150 of the world's finest stores, services and eateries and provides an unparalleled shopping experience.

Outlet Centers — Orlando Premium Outlets, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and Prime Outlet Orlando.