9 Best Places to Bring Your Mom in Orlando - Not Where You'd Expect

As I have claimed on a few blogs today, sice the King of Top 10 lists is already taken, I'm going to try to become the King of the Top 9 lists. Let's face it, everybody loves a list, and for some reason, the law of blogging says you should have at least 10. I've decided your time is much too valuable to make you read 10 items, so I'm saving you time by only listing 9.

Now, in case you forgot....Mother's Day is this Sunday (May 13th). Have you already made plans? If not, feel free to use one of my ideas. Being born in Florida, and raised in Orlando has given me plenty of time to explore all the places that are worth visiting, and all of the places on this list are mom safe.

9. If you're mom likes to eat, tell her to wear her stretchy pants, and take her to Texas de Brazil. This steak house has been voted one of the top restaurants in Orlando for as long as it's opened its doors. Check out the menu on their website for all the details. Be prepared - it's a bit on the pricey side at $50 a person, but it's well worth it.

8. For an incredible evening, sneak your mom into Disney's Polynesian Resort, and take her for a swim at the volcano pool. Make sure to grab a seat on the beach of the Seven Seas Lagoon to watch the fireworks from one of the best spots on Disney property (also one of the least crowded).

7. Ride a swan at Lake Eola for a day mom's sure to never forget. I have no idea how much they cost, and actually, I'm not positive they are still in operation, but if they are, schedule in advance, and get a view of Lake Eola only a plastic bird can provide.

6. Another restaurant worth checking out is in Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It's called Whispering Canyon Cafe, and I recommend going for breakfast. I won't give much away, but it's a ton of fun...and make sure you ask for ketchup. You'll thank me later.






5. While you're on Disney property, you might as well take what us locals call the Epcot trip. This shouldn't be done by itself, but add something else from this list, and you'll end up looking pretty good to the woman that spent 10 excruciating hours in labor giving birth to you - it's the least you could do. The Epcot trip is easy to do. Just park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot (tell them you're going to eat at the Whispering Canyon Cafe and you can park for free!). After parking, go to the monorail station and get on the monorail to Epcot. It's 30 minutes round-trip and offers views of parking lots and busy roads sure to please anyone. To make it even more memorable, ask the monorail cast member if you can sit in the front. you might have to wait a few minutes, but they're usually pretty good about letting you on.

4. Had enough Disney? You could always take your mom to the famous "Spook Hill." Located in Lake Whales, it's a short drive, and offers minutes of fun. I won't go through the story of Spook Hill, but you can park your car on the hill and actually roll UP the hill. WEEEE

3. Haven't had enough scary, spooky fun? Than take your mom to Cassadaga and have her sit in the Devil's Chair. This town was founded by the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, and has plenty of witches and warlocks to give anyone the chills. Palm readings, fortune tellers, and card readers can all be found here.

2. If you're like me, you'll end up just taking your mom to McDonald's. but remember...this is Orlando, so you can't take her to any old McDonald's. you need to take her to the World's Largest McDonald's on I-Drive. She'll be so happy.



1. Don't think your mom will be happy at the World's Largest? Than take her across the street to the World's Finest McDonalds. It's really nice, and has a completely different, up-scale menu. Don't worry, they also have big macs.

Take your mom to any of these places, and she'll know you love her. That's all that really matters, right? Plus, how many times has she said, "I don't care where we go, as long as we're together." So, call her out. Try the McDonalds and see if she's being honest.

Tags: restaurants, fun, around town