Orlando Labor Day Getaway: Food, Fun, and Festive Memories

 

Orlando, Florida: Labor Day Weekend Adventures

Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited destinations in the world, drawing millions of people every year with its diverse attractions and unbeatable charm. Known for iconic theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a haven for thrill-seekers, families, and dreamers alike. But this vibrant city offers so much more than its world-famous parks. From serene state parks to lively entertainment districts, Orlando promises an adventure for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in culture, or enjoy a bustling nightlife scene, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do.

Day 1: A Smooth Start to the Weekend

If you're familiar with Orlando, you know I-4 can be a nightmare. Traffic on this busy interstate can easily add an extra hour (or two!) to your travel time. Sound stressful? It is! That’s why I prefer to let someone else handle the driving. Enter the Amtrak train—a game-changer for travel in Florida.

No long TSA lines, no cramped legroom, and no need to arrive two hours before departure. Plus, no bathroom stops to slow things down! Taking the train not only saves time but also keeps extra miles off my car. If you'd like a full review of the Amtrak service in Florida, let me know—I’d be happy to share more about why it’s my go-to travel option.

Our train ride to Orlando was easy and stress-free, avoiding all the hassles of I-4 traffic. Once we arrived, we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista. This hotel was perfect for the weekend! It offers a bar, restaurant, pool, and, best of all, shuttle services to nearby attractions.

A Culinary Tour at World Food Trucks

After settling in, we headed 11 minutes away to World Food Trucks, a must-visit for food lovers. Imagine a permanent food truck park featuring cuisines from nearly every corner of the globe! With over 70 trucks, it’s hard to choose from the incredible selection. From Mediterranean and Mexican to Haitian, Venezuelan, Japanese, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, and even Puerto Rican-Chinese fusion, the options are endless.

We spent over an hour wandering through the park, reading menus, and admiring the mouthwatering dishes being served. It’s impossible to try everything at World Food Trucks in one visit, but I gave it my best shot.

First, the walk around the park left me parched, so I stopped at Mango Viche for freshly made mango juice. It was the perfect refreshment—sweet, tangy, and so refreshing in the Florida heat.

Day 2: Chinatown Charm, High Tea Whimsy, and Nighttime Vibes

After catching up on some much-needed rest, we dove into the day with excitement. First stop: Orlando’s Chinatown. Let me tell you, this place has its own unique charm—not the bustling streets of New York’s Chinatown, but filled with incredible Asian cuisines like Vietnamese, Cantonese, Japanese, and more. It even boasts Enson Market, a grocery store that’s essentially the Publix of Asian goods. The temptation to stock up was real, but sadly, no room to stash groceries.

Our first food stop was Eastern Garden, crowned Best Asian in 2015. Naturally, I ordered the General Tso's Tofu, while my boyfriend went for the Mongolian Beef, and we shared some crisp spring rolls. The portions were generous, the flavors immaculate, and the service impeccable. Hot tea while we waited? Yes, please! We left stuffed and happy, with leftovers to spare.

Afterward, we explored Enson Market, a treasure trove of Asian products with an on-site quick-serve restaurant (locals rave about the duck!). Next time, I’ll definitely come prepared to shop. Craving something sweet, we stopped at The Tea Spot, a cozy bubble tea haven with a relaxed vibe. I tried the Rose Milk Tea with oat milk and 75% sweetness. Rose flavors can be hit-or-miss, but this one was a hit—light, fragrant, and absolutely refreshing.

We wandered past enticing ramen joints like Walala Asian Noodle House and Tokyo Ramen, but I was too full to indulge. Before leaving Chinatown, we snapped a photo under the iconic entrance arch—a must for any visit.

Afternoon Tea Fit for Wonderland

Next, we headed to HighT, an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea bar in downtown Orlando. While my boyfriend found a spot to watch the Ohio State game, I had reservations for whimsical afternoon tea. The decor was magical, from the Cheshire Cat to a room that felt like tumbling down the rabbit hole.

The vegan tea set was delightful: cucumber sandwiches, bruschetta, pita with hummus, cookies, and fresh fruit. Every bite was flavorful and thoughtfully prepared. My drink, the Tweedle Dee, came in a teapot (because, why not?), and my boyfriend later joined me, surprising me with his own cocktail order, the smoky Jabberwocky. Midway through, Alice and the Mad Hatter performed a playful skit, and to top it off, they surprised me with a birthday cupcake. What a wonderful touch!

After tea, I joined my boyfriend at The Game Room & Social Club, a retro-inspired sports bar. He ordered a local IPA while I sipped on a fruity rum cocktail crafted by the bartender. The atmosphere was cozy, with vintage decor and plenty of TVs to watch Ohio State dominate.

Evening Delights: Ramen, Rooftops, and Speakeasies

Dinner was at Jinya Ramen Bar, where a brief wait confirmed the hype. We shared chili oil edamame, and for mains, I had the Flying Vegan Harvest Ramen—a miso-based bowl of perfection—and my boyfriend enjoyed the hearty Tonkotsu Original. Every bite was divine, making Jinya my new gold standard for ramen.

With leftovers in hand, we headed to the AC Skybar for sunset views over Orlando. Reservations scored us prime patio seating to watch the cityscape transform. As night fell, we were treated to fireworks from Universal Studios and SeaWorld in the distance—a magical end to the day.

But the night wasn’t over yet! We ventured to Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a true speakeasy where entry required a password. The ambiance was intimate, with mixologists crafting personalized drinks in a dimly lit space.

Curious about the nighttime vibes at HighT, we returned for a completely different experience. By night, the whimsical tea bar transforms into a sleek lounge. I sipped on the Crochet Club, while my boyfriend opted for  sparkling Looking Glass—both equally stunning in presentation and flavor.

As the night wound down, we returned to the hotel, excited for tomorrow’s adventures. Day 3 promises to be just as unforgettable!

Day 3: Birthday Celebrations at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival

What a special day! It's my birthday, and I’m celebrating by eating and drinking my way around the world at Disney’s Epcot. The timing couldn't be more perfect—Labor Day weekend and the third day of the International Food & Wine Festival! The park is buzzing with energy, though it's definitely crowded. My advice? Visit on a non-holiday weekday or after school starts for shorter lines and a more relaxed experience.

Starting the Day in Style

To commemorate the adventure, we donned matching "Eating and Drinking Around the World" shirts. These made for a fun way to mark each country we visited and added an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Foodie Highlights

The festival offered some incredible new dishes that I couldn't wait to try. First up was the Impossible™ Montreal-Style Burger Slider, which was absolutely divine. The smoky flavor paired with the sweet-tangy tomato jam was perfection—a savory masterpiece!

We kicked off our journey in Mexico, which feels like a rite of passage when exploring Epcot. With margaritas in hand, we made our way through each country, savoring delicious bites along the way.

The Weather Turns...

By the time we reached Germany, the weather took a sharp turn. Soon after, in Spain, it began pouring rain. While we had an umbrella, it was small—better suited for one person than two. Despite the rain, we powered through and found shelter until it passed. It’s all part of the adventure, right?

Festival Favorites

Here’s a roundup of my top picks from the festival:

Food

• Flavors from Fire: Impossible™ Montreal-Style Burger Slider
• India: Potato Sliders
• Refreshment Outpost: Impossible™ Spicy Sausage

Drinks

• Norway: Troll Krem (a fun and fruity cocktail)
• Shimmering Sips: Mimosa Flight

Dessert

• Shimmering Sips: Guava Cake

Video Recap

Instead of listing every single item I tried, I created a video capturing the highlights of my food and drink adventure. Be sure to check it out for a visual feast!

Even with the rain, this birthday was one for the books. Exploring Epcot during the Food & Wine Festival was the perfect way to celebrate—good food, great drinks, and unforgettable memories! 🎉