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Orlando Orange County Convention Center

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Corporate, Informative, Professional Headshots, Travel.

OCCC is near it all!

Coming to Orlando for a Convention at the Orange County Convention Center? You will be near so many choices for hotels, dining and entertainment! When Dana Niemeier Photography is photographing headshots for companies at their convention, we are thrilled to check out the surrounding area.  We love I-Drive (nearby International Drive). Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, the Orlando Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, and events. With its expansive facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, the OCCC offers an exceptional experience for attendees from around the globe. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this guide will help you explore the best nearby hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The Orlando Orange County Convention Center: An Overview

The OCCC spans over 7 million square feet and hosts over 200 events annually, attracting more than 1.4 million attendees. With two main buildings, the West and North-South concourses, the center boasts advanced technology, versatile meeting spaces, and a commitment to sustainability. The OCCC’s central location on International Drive makes it easily accessible and close to HOtels, dining and entertainment!

Hotels near Orange County Convention Center:

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll find a range of options to suit any budget and preference:

  1. Hyatt Regency Orlando
    • Located directly across the street from the OCCC, the Hyatt Regency offers luxury and convenience. With spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and several on-site dining options, it’s perfect for business travelers and families alike.
  2. Rosen Centre Hotel
  3. Another top choice, the Rosen Centre Hotel, is connected to the OCCC via a covered walkway. It features modern rooms, a large pool, multiple dining venues, and a renowned spa.
  4. Hilton Orlando
  5. Just a short walk from the convention center, the Hilton Orlando combines comfort and style. Enjoy amenities like a lazy river, multiple pools, and various dining options.
  6. Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
  7. For those looking to combine business with leisure, the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld offers easy access to both the OCCC and SeaWorld. The hotel provides spacious rooms, a water park, and multiple dining choices.

Restaurants

The dining scene around the OCCC is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes:

  1. The Capital Grille
    • Located on International Drive, this upscale steakhouse is known for its dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and extensive wine list. It’s an excellent choice for a business dinner or a special night out.
  2. Maggiano’s Little Italy
  3. For a taste of classic Italian cuisine, head to Maggiano’s. This family-style restaurant offers hearty pastas, flavorful sauces, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for group dining.
  4. Taverna Opa
  5. Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious Greek fare at Taverna Opa. Enjoy traditional dishes like gyros, moussaka, and baklava, accompanied by live music and dancing.
  6. Bahama Breeze
  7. For a more relaxed dining experience, Bahama Breeze offers Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical drinks. It’s a great spot for unwinding after a busy day at the convention center.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, the area around the OCCC offers plenty of options:

  1. ICON Park
    • Just a short drive away, ICON Park is a must-visit entertainment complex featuring The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel offering stunning views of Orlando. The park also includes Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
  2. Pointe Orlando
  3. This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex offers a mix of upscale and casual dining, shopping, and nightlife. Catch a movie at the Regal Pointe Orlando 4DX & IMAX theater or enjoy live music at B.B. King’s Blues Club.
  4. Universal Orlando Resort
  5. Located a few miles away, Universal Orlando Resort provides endless fun and excitement with its theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for an immersive experience.
  6. SeaWorld Orlando
  7. For marine life enthusiasts, SeaWorld Orlando offers thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live shows. It’s an ideal destination for a family outing.

USA–>France–>Netherlands–>Belgium–>France–>USA

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Couples, Family, Informative, Portraits, Styled Photography Session, Travel, Weddings.

Well.  I did THAT and then some!  What an wedding photography adventure I had on the Northern Europe Extravaganza/wedding thrown in for good measure! Many Many opportunities to photograph for 12 days.  My camera never left my shoulder if I wasn’t sleeping or bathing!!! Late nights, wine, champagne, cheese, bread, croissants and jam to last me at least two more weeks! I can now drive a stick shift on European highways and not even hit a Frenchman on a rocket disguised as a motorcycle!  However, I didn’t escape  the Utretch police.  I mean really, the bus lane is so uncluttered! Why not drive there?   We all had a great adventure.  Ate some fantastic food.  Saw some incredible countryside.  Met some of the kindest people who helped us find our way in Paris!  If I could give anyone advice on one thing to take with you on a trip, it would be a portable cell phone battery charger.  The walking Nav app is awesome, but drains your battery very quickly.  Then you can’t communicate with your friends on where to meet because you can’t find them at the designated spot…this might have happened.  More than once. Cell data plan would be good as well.  If you can find a Starbucks with free wifi, you can use an App called WeChat to text for free.  Free WiFi is not as available as it is in the US…We are all a little addicted, people! **4 year update edit>>>Use Facebook Messenger or look into getting a Simcard for your phone when you arrive;)

That being said, thank you to the fantastic people in Utretch, Netherlands for being so welcoming.  We Americans so appreciated your hospitality and fell in love with your beautiful city.  I think I want a bike with a bell now 🙂

Cheers!

 

 

 

Grab it now…The Wedding Adventure Begins.

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Travel, Weddings.

I am sitting in the Delta Sky Lounge for my 7 hour layover in Cincinnati, OH while awaiting my overnight flight to Paris France.  It is very exciting as I will be photographing a wedding in the Netherlands on May 31, 2014!  Following this is a wedding tour from Amsterdam, through Belgium and ending with a 3 day shoot in Paris. 12 days of photography! Truly a wonderful opportunity as an American photographer who is in love with travel and the adventure it brings!  The first time I was in Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle…sigh.  I know that may sound hokie, but most Americans see Paris as romantic and have a slight love affair with the city.  When I walked into Notre Dame Cathedral, I was struck silent and even now thinking of it, my eyes well with emotion.  Silly, right?

I suppose I am like many Americans.  We tend to stay put over here on our continent hardly venturing from our region except to go on a business trip or perhaps a ski trip. When we get the opportunity to travel abroad and see the cities we learned about in World History, we tend to get a little overwhelmed with excitement.  It is like finally meeting an old friend–one you have only seen in photographs. One that is centuries old.

On this trip, I have the privilege to record through photography, one of the most important events in a couple’s life—their wedding. It takes place in Utrecht, Netherlands and then their “Northern European Extravaganza” trip with family and friends the following week ending with (at this photographer’s request) an iconic photo with my old friend, the Eiffel Tower 🙂

Here’s to love.  Here’s to adventure. Here’s to opportunity.  Grab it now, people.

Cheers!!

Dana