This week I am on a very familiar route, Atlanta to Orlando. For almost 2 years I had to make this trip every other week. Here are some thoughts on both.
Atlanta
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is kind of my home base, so I do not completely understand when I hear people say that they hate this airport. I don't really get "why". It's huge, there are people everywhere and at times, construction may add to the confusion - but it's a nice airport, there are plenty of food choices (new healthy choices and your traditional grab-n-go fare and recently the Varsity, a true Atlanta favorite, was added in Concourse C), adequate signage to get around, plenty of restrooms and I do love the art and history in each concourse and in the pedestrian paths underground.
There are some downsides, of course. The "plane train" only has an entry and exit door on one side of the train so at times you could feel like a salmon swimming upstream - and when the doors are closing make sure you and your baggage are not in the way, the doors will still close. Most of the stores and concessions are only open 6am-10pm local time, seems strange to me with this being the world's busiest airport.
I am from Atlanta, so of course I have nothing but great things to say about food and entertainment in this city. Traffic sucks and can be intimidating if you aren't from here, but it's managable. If you are in town for a few days, check out the Creative Loafing (http://clatl.com/) to find an event or activity to tickle your fancy.
Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a place I see more than I would like, but it's not terrible as far as airports go. It's smaller than Atlanta, easy to navigate and I love their train - doors open on one side of the train to let passengers out then the doors on the opposite side open to let passengers in. Very efficient! There are healthy food choices here, but a lot of kid friendly options as well. Now the downside. There are not enough restrooms for the traffic in this place, the lines for restrooms are always long and you will likely run out of toilet paper or paper towels. There's a smell there, I am going to guess from the sulfur in the water. Be on good behavior, you might have to ask your stall neighbor to spare a square.
If you are in town on business or maybe tired of the Disneyworld scene, there are a few places I would recommend. I am completely in LOVE with the Ravenous Pig in Winter Park http://www.theravenouspig.com/ I have never had anything bad there, great atmosphere and the staff are fabulous.
If you want to stick to the downtown area I am a big fan of Wall St plaza (http://wallstplaza.net/). There are a few venues all within walking distance to Lake Eola Park where there are shops and usually on the weekends some kind of events going on.
I absolutely love Fischer Park down at Cocoa beach to break away and get some "me" time. Sure, there are plenty of beaches here but I am a fan of Fischer Park because for a $5 parking fee, you get decent parking, a bathroom that's fairly well maintained, a shower and lifeguards.
Be very careful driving around Orlando/Central Florida - I have literally seen vehicles stop on I-4 and back up to a missed exit. If someone is driving straight and their left turn signal is on, they are probably going to turn right at the last second. Just back off and give them space. It's not their fault, they can't be expected to pay attention to the road with all that texting and facebook updating.
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