2009 Americas Best Practices Conference

QuEST Forum
Achieving Next Generation Business Excellence

Walt Disney World Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista,  Florida,  32830,  USA
Phone: +1.407.934.4000
Toll Free: +1.800.227.1500

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Information for Spouses and Others Not Attending the Conference

Welcome to everyone accompanying an attendee to the Americas Best Practices Conference. This page is for you.

Orlando is one of the world‘s premier family travel destinations with many things to see and do. When checking into the conference please let the QuEST Forum staff know that you are there. There will be many of you who may want to get together to see the sights and maybe do some shopping together.

The QuEST Forum Networking Dinner on Tuesday night will be a fun evening visiting and dining. The cost is included in the registration fee for members and is just $50 for guests.

The concierge at the hotel is also available to help you plan your activities. Just check with them in the lobby.

You will receive several booklets with your conference registration materials with ads and additional information about local attractions. You may also wish to visit the website for the Orlando / Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VisitOrlando.com or the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.KissimmeeCVB.com.

Things to Do in Orlando, Florida

Our conference is being held at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort which is located in the center of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Walt Disney World Dolphin in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., serves as a gateway to Orlando's popular theme parks and attractions. Private entrances to both Epcot and The Magic Kingdom are accessible via boat or walkways from the hotel. In addition to access to all of the Disney attractions our location is near a plethora of other attractions such as:

Shopping

There are many factory outlet stores and other terrific shopping venues in the Orlando area within a short drive from our resort including:

  • Prime 1 Outlets on International Drive with over 100 top brands including HUGO BOSS, Tourneau and Tumi. Phone 407.352.9600 for information.
  • Festival Bay Mall at International Drive with over 65 specialty stores plus Bass Pro Shop, Ron John Surf Shop, Outdoor World, Cinema 20 Theatres and 12 dining destinations. Phone 407.351.7718 for information
  • Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Stores where you can save up to 75% on well recognized brands of ladies and mens shoes and apparel. Phone 407.238.9301 for information.
  • Downtown Disney Market Place in the Walt Disney Resort Downtown Disney. More than 70 shops and restaurants including the House of Blues. Phone 407.828.3800 for information.
  • Orlando Premium Outlets with 150 stores such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Giorgio Armani, Guess and others. Phone 407.238.7787 for information.
  • The Mall at Millennia which brought high-end fashion to Orlando. Phone 407.363.3555 for information.
  • Universal City Walk. Call 1.877.688.8011.

Theme Restaurants/ Music

The Orlando, Kissimmee and Disney complex areas contain too many restaurants to go into much detail, but a few favorites are:

  • Margaritaville at City Walk located adjacent to Universal Studios featuring terrific “comfort food”, Jimmy Buffett memorabilia and gifts. Phone 407.224.2155 for information.
  • Bahama Breeze. Phone 407.938.9010 0r407.248.2499 for information.
  • Emeril’s Orlando. Phone 407.224.2424 for information.
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Phone 407.903.0044 for information.
  • House of Blues. Phone 407.938.2583 for information.
  • Hard Rock Café. Phone 407.351.7625 for information.
  • Rain Forest Café. Phone 800.394.3839 for information.

Entertainment

To cover Orlando‘s entertainment options would fill several volumes. Here‘s a brief smattering:

  • City Walk at Universal Studios includes shopping, dining, entertainment such as the Blue Man Group. Phone 407.363.8000 for information.
  • Downtown Disney includes shopping, dining and entertainment such as Cirque Du Soleil and the House of Blues. Phone 407.939.2648 for information.
  • Cirque Du Soleil. Phone 407.939.7600 for information.
  • Medieval Times Phone 407.396.1518 for information.
  • Arabian Nights dinner theatre. Phone 407.239.9223 for information.
  • Sea World attraction. Phone 407.351.3600 for information.
  • Old Town at Kissimmee includes shopping, dining and on Friday and Saturday nights hundreds of central Florida’s classic cars cruise down the cobblestone streets. Phone 407.396.4888 for information.
  • Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center or other Disney resort attractions - contact the Concierge at the Dolphin Resort for reduced rate tickets for “After 2:00 p.m.” or “After 4:00 P.M. Convention Passes” to visit an attraction after 2 or 4 p.m. Also the Concierge can arrange complimentary guest transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and throughout the Walt Disney World Resorts.

General Information

  • Taxes – Florida sales tax rates are 6.5% to 7% depending on the county plus 2% to 6% Tourist Development Tax which also varies by county. For example the rate at the resort is 12.5%.
  • Weather – September’s high temperature averages 90.3 degrees with a low of 71.9 degrees with average rain fall being 5.76 inches.
  • Area Codes – local area codes are 407 or 321 and do not require dialing 1 when calling between them. Dial 511 for current traffic conditions as well as airport updates.
  • You’re within a two hour drive to either coast from the resort.