Best for Grown-ups

Let's face it: Orlando and the theme-park zones usually crawl with kids. That's fine if you have your own in tow, but if you're looking for some quality adult time (or at least a place not necessarily swarming with children), you do have some options. Some people are incredulous when informed that Orlando is the honeymoon capital of the U.S., but it happens to be true; so be assured that there are activities, hotels, and so on that are geared to adults here (though, admittedly, avoiding kids altogether is tough). Aside from the romantic hideaways discussed above, here are some good bets for adults.

• Visit Epcot. Of all the major theme parks in Orlando, this one, thanks to its scientific and cultural themes, is the most adult-oriented of the bunch. Shop, stroll, and dine your way through the nations of the World Showcase; take a behind-the-scenes tour of the park's horticulture or architecture; or explore the technological- and scientific-themed attractions of Future World.

• Swim with Dolphins at Discovery Cove. It's popular with families, but thanks to the park's limit on guest entry (a mere 1,000 people per day), adults won't get overwhelmed by kids at SeaWorld's sister park. There are plenty of places to catch rays in relative serenity, and the dolphin swim's a thrill at any age.

• Dine in an Upscale Restaurant. Though it's not a firm rule (especially inside the theme parks), generally speaking, the more you pay for dinner, the more likely it is that you won't encounter children at your meal. So if you're looking for a romantic dinner, save up and splurge (and I mean splurge). Great options for a special dinner include Victoria & Albert's, Emeril's, Tchoup Chop, California Grill, Ocean Prime, and Flying Fish Café. For a great brunch, head to La Coquina.

• Explore Winter Park. This upscale town north of Orlando oozes old money and Southern charm. And the pace here is decidedly slower than the mad rush of the theme parks (adults usually love it; kids get bored). Stroll Park Avenue's shops and restaurants, or take a boat tour along the lake.

• Party the Night Away at Universal CityWalk or the Disney Resorts. With the closing of Pleasure Island's clubs for "re-imagining," Universal's nighttime entertainment district is now the place to hang for the 21-and-older set. Top clubs include the groove, Rising Star, Pat O'Brien's, and the Red Coconut Club. Over at the resorts, in this case Disney's Coronado Springs, Rix is the hottest place to party the night away for a 30-something crowd and visiting celebs and VIPs.

• Head for the Circus. Cirque du Soleil, that is. Forget about finding any animals, though. Cirque's stylish La Nouba combines theatrics, acrobatics, and the incredible style for which the Montreal-based troupe is known. It's an incredible (albeit pricey) way to spend an evening in Orlando.

• Rev Your Engines at the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Indy Racing Experience. If you've ever watched the Daytona 500 or the Indy 500 race and imagined yourself at the wheel, this attraction is for you. Ride shotgun in a real NASCAR race car, or drive yourself (after a crash classroom course -- no pun intended). It's an adrenaline-pumper you won't find in a theme park, and nobody under 18 is allowed (height and weight restrictions apply).