The insider’s guide to the magically queer side of Orlando

Jeremy Singh, known online as @jeremythetea and anointed by his devoted following as the “Fashion Fairy Godmother,” has built a community of more than one million followers around something genuinely rare: a singular point of view.

A queer Black creative who lives his fantasy out loud, Jeremy is celebrated for elaborate, meticulously crafted looks that sit at the crossroads of high fashion and Disney magic. Think full character transformations, dreamy silhouettes, and the kind of detail that stops you cold mid-scroll. And yes, the dazzling smile and the tight abs don’t hurt either. Views in the thousands? Try millions.

Jeremy moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend UCF, and he never left. Over the years, he’s woven himself into the different corners of the city’s community and found his people along the way. He lives his life authentically, both online and off, and no one is better suited to show you the Orlando that exists beyond the theme park gates.

GayCities chatted with Jeremy to get his insider take on everything from the best drag shows to the tastiest spots in Orlando. Let’s dive into his recommendations below.

People think Orlando is “just theme parks.” What are they getting wrong?

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Orlando has a lot of theme parks, sure, but it’s so much more than that. We’ve got concerts, the arts, entertainment, and genuinely fun nightlife. The queer scene here is sprawling too, with several noteworthy clubs and queer spaces, major events, and incredible drag. We literally just had the latest winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race come out of our city.

My advice for any queer traveler visiting for the first time? Orlando has a bigger LGBTQ+ scene than it may appear to on the surface. You just have to know where to look.

Are there events worth planning a trip around?

Definitely. We’ve got several noteworthy LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, and they are genuinely worth planning your trip around. There is Gay Days and One Magical Weekend that happen in the spring and are loads of fun. Then in October, we have our annual Coming Out with Pride celebration, which lines up with National Coming Out Day and brings the whole community together downtown. If you can time your visit around any of these, do it. You won’t regret it.

And if you want to tap into Orlando’s creative side, the Orlando Fringe Festival is one of my favorite yearly pop-ups. It takes over downtown Orlando with hundreds of theatrical performances, productions, and entertainment acts. It’s always the best time, full of fantastic niche shows.

Where do you go dancing?

When it comes to dancing, Southern Nights Orlando is the place to go. Honestly, it has the best music, the biggest dance floors, and such a good crowd. They’ve got nightly drag shows that keep the energy going all night, and the bartenders are genuinely some of the sweetest people. It’s one of those spots where you walk in not even feeling it and somehow end up staying until close.

If you want something more low-key, SAVOY is such a vibe. It’s one of Orlando’s most iconic LGBTQ+ bars near downtown, and what I love about it is how much is going on without it ever feeling like too much. There are four different spaces, the Starlite Room, the Ivanhoe 1915 craft bar, the main bar, and an open patio, so you can kind of move around and find your mood. Drag, karaoke, themed nights, craft cocktails, entertainment pretty much every day of the week. But it still stays chill. You can actually hear your friends, enjoy a good drink, and just exist. Perfect for a night when you’re not trying to sweat through your outfit.

Where do you find the best drag?

You’ll find the absolute best drag at the Renaissance Theatre Company. They put on major seasonal drag productions and have a really fun themed night every Wednesday called “Off the Record.” It’s also RuPaul’s Drag Race-winner Myki Meeks‘ home bar.

Honestly, the Renaissance feels incredibly “me.” It’s that mix of drag, theatre, camp and pop culture that I feel like I am. I’ve seen some of the best drag in the city there, and they really lean into production value with their themed nights.

And if you want drag with your eggs and mimosas, Outpost Neighborhood Tavern downtown has a drag brunch that is so good. The staff is genuinely some of the nicest in the city; the vibe is warm and welcoming, and the performers are so talented. It’s more intimate than a big production show, which I love. It feels like brunch with your most fabulous friends, and honestly, that’s the best kind of drag experience there is.

What other events or hotspots are on your radar?

I have to shout out GirlTheParty at Southern Nights. It’s a sapphic event every Saturday, headed by my friend Ivy, who leads the Les Vixens troupe, and they’re all so talented.

And for cocktail lovers, the Enchanted Rose over at Disney’s Grand Floridian is my go-to. They have a delightful lavender fog cocktail that I adore, and the whole place has a classy, whimsical aesthetic.

Where should visitors stay?

It depends on the vibe you’re after. If you want over-the-top whimsy and maximalism, the Art of Animation or Pop Century Resorts may be your speed. If you’re chasing that true Disney getaway feel, my recommendation is always the Polynesian Village Resort. It’s beautiful, and I love relaxing on the little beaches over there.

For photos and content, I often find myself at Pop Century, where different areas are themed to different decades. Or the Four Seasons Orlando for that air of luxe and class.

Where do you shop for vintage and costume inspiration?

As an avid thrifter, I constantly visit the Goodwill and Plato’s Closet near me. They’re great places to find unique items and get costume ideas.

Where do you eat?

For a casual brunch, my friends and I head to our local First Watch. But if we’re doing a special occasion, Plancha at the Four Seasons Orlando is the spot. Incredible Cuban food, great atmosphere, and a fabulous bottomless mimosas option.

My favorite queer-owned restaurant is Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen over at Disney Springs. The menu is Southern comfort food, and Chef Art’s Chicken & Doughnuts make me weak.

The Cowfish over at Universal CityWalk is a fave spot for my friends and me. I know burgers and sushi sound like an insane combination, and believe me, I thought the same the first time I went. But the food HITS, and the burgushi is actually everything.

For dessert with personality, I celebrated my 26th birthday with my mother this year at the Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk. It’s absolutely beautiful in there. A bit pricey, but pure whimsy and great for pictures.

Is there a cozy cafe where you like to plan your day?

My roommate and I used to do productivity Tuesdays, where we’d bring our work to a local coffee shop. One of our faves was XO Coffee Shop in Kissimmee. It’s half cafe, half tattoo parlor, and honestly such a vibe. The staff is always nice, and we even spotted Joey Fatone there once.

What’s your favorite hidden gem?

Arcade Monsters over near I-Drive is probably my favorite. It’s this massive arcade that feels very ’90s inside, where you pay $20 to play all the games all day. They’ve got pinball, skee-ball, bowling, you name it. And the Twister game gets real close.

What’s the one place you always bring out-of-town friends?

If it’s fall, I take all my friends to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. It’s where you’ll find me every night from the end of August to early November — along with, like, everyone else in Orlando. It’s a cultural event here, with people dressing like it’s the horror Met Gala, trading bracelets and having a grand ol’ time.

What do you hope people take away from experiencing Orlando through your eyes?

Orlando is truly such a beautiful city with a bustling queer scene and a place for everyone. It’s a little Disney magic, a little arts and culture, and a whole lot of camp. I’ve loved living here for the last eight years, and I hope everyone gets to see it for the diverse, vibrant hub I’ve come to call home.

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