Gator's Dockside - Melbourne

When you're on vacation in Central Florida and you make the trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach via the BeachLine, a good place to eat is Gator's Dockside., on Wickham in Melbourne.

Gator's Dockside is a Florida-style restaurant that features all kinds of food from burgers and fries to steak, seafood, and a variety of appetizers including Florida's specialty - gator tail. Enjoy over 30 television screens and drinks from a full service bar. I took the family there today and we enjoyed it immensely. The food, atmosphere, and service were awesome. The manager visited us and remained visible the whole time. Even though it's hot here in the summer, some folks like to sit outside and relax with a drink.

Pricing is affordable and keeping families in mind they have a great kids menu. They also have a gluten-free menu. This restaurant just opened on June 29th, so it has the "new car" smell to it but it also has a festive, lively image which makes it a fun place to eat. Enjoy!

The Orlando Eye

(photo copyright of Merlin Entertainment Group)

 The Orlando Eye is a 400 foot tall Ferris wheel structure which has glass observation gondolas instead of carriages. Located on International Drive, Orlando, in the heart of the largest tourist corridor in the United States, the Eye stands high above everything around it. From the top one can view the City of Orlando, citrus groves, and the Space Coast along with the Atlantic Ocean (on a clear day).

Tickets start at just $20.00 per person but there are several options that bundle it with other attractions such as Orlando Sea Life, Madame Tussaud's Museum, and LegoLand.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at the website. Handicapped accessible and security friendly, the Orlando Eye is a great experience beyond the theme parks. Due to it's structure and design, bad weather is a well-monitored concern but notices are given and tickets are honored at later dates. Take a ride and the kids will love you for it. Welcome to Orlando, Florida!