Orlando

Orlando Travel Guide

When traveling to Orlando, there are numerous activities and attractions to consider. Below is a guide to help you plan your visit, featuring renowned theme parks, dining, entertainment, and relaxation spots.

Where is Orlando?

Orlando is a city located in the central region of the state of Florida, in the southeastern United States. It is in Orange County and is known for its numerous theme parks, entertainment venues, and convention center. The city is situated in a region characterized by a subtropical climate, numerous lakes, and flat terrain. Orlando is well-connected by roads, and it is served by the Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country.

Best Time to Visit Orlando

The best time to visit Orlando depends on your preferences for weather, crowd size, and events, but generally, the best times are during the less crowded and milder weather periods of late winter and early spring, and in the fall.

Late Winter to Early Spring (February to April):

• Weather: Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels.

• Crowd Size: Moderate crowds, especially if avoiding Spring Break periods.

• Events: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival usually occurs during this time.

Fall (Mid-September to Mid-November):

• Weather: Cooler temperatures and lower humidity than summer months.

• Crowd Size: Generally lower, especially on weekdays and after Labor Day.

• Events: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Halloween events at various theme parks.

Things to Consider:

• Crowds: The parks are usually most crowded during school vacation periods, holidays, and special events.

• Pricing: Hotel and ticket prices may be higher during peak tourist seasons and lower during off-peak times.

• Weather: Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with a higher chance of rainfall, while winter (December to February) can be cooler, especially in the evenings.

• Hurricane Season: Runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak risk of hurricanes in August and September.

How to get to Orlando

By Air:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary airport serving Orlando. It's well-connected, with numerous airlines operating flights from various international and domestic destinations.

• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another option, located further from the city center, primarily serving charter and lower-cost airlines.

By Car:

• Orlando is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as I-4 and Florida’s Turnpike passing through the city.

Getting Around Orlando

• Rental Car: A rental car is the most convenient mode of transportation, given Orlando's sprawl and the distance between attractions.

• Shuttle Services: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to major theme parks and attractions.

• Public Transportation: LYNX operates routes throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas; SunRail offers a commuter rail service running through several counties in the Greater Orlando area.

• Rideshare/Taxi: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, as are traditional taxi services.

• Biking/Walking: Some areas, like downtown Orlando, are walkable, and bike-share services are available, but given the distances and the hot climate, these are not the most practical means of transportation for most tourists.

• Theme Park Transportation: Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have their internal transportation systems, including buses, boats, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner, available for guests staying at their resorts or visiting their parks.

Top Attractions in Orlando

Theme Parks

• Walt Disney World Resort: Home to multiple theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's a must-visit.

• Universal Orlando Resort: Offers Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay, perfect for thrill-seekers and Harry Potter fans.

• SeaWorld Orlando: Famous for its marine life exhibits, thrilling rides, and live shows.

• LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Great for families with young children who enjoy LEGO-themed rides, shows, and builds.

Cultural Attractions

• Orlando Science Center: Features various science exhibits and live programming suitable for all ages.

• Orlando Museum of Art: Offers a range of exhibitions showcasing local and international art.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Located just an hour away from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is absolutely worth a day trip, especially for those with an interest in NASA and space exploration. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and promising future of interstellar travel through a wealth of exhibits and shows. Marvel at the Space Shuttle Atlantis display and deepen your understanding of the universe and humanity's quest to explore it.

Outdoor & Recreational Activities

• Leu Gardens: A tropical oasis featuring a variety of plant species, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

• Lake Eola Park: Located in Downtown Orlando, you can enjoy paddle boating, outdoor concerts, and a weekly farmers’ market.

• Wekiwa Springs State Park: Perfect for hiking, canoeing, and swimming in the natural springs.

Shopping

• The Mall at Millenia: Offers a luxury shopping experience with a variety of high-end stores and dining options.

• Orlando International Premium Outlets: Find discounted items from popular brands at this large outdoor outlet mall.

Dining and Entertainment

• ICON Park: A one-stop entertainment destination with restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions like The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel.

• Disney Springs: Offers a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including live music and specialty stores.

• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Home to Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, and other live performances.

Where to Stay in Orlando

When staying in Orlando, you have a plethora of options catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Here are several areas and options to consider:

Near Theme Parks:

• Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: Ideal for Disney visitors, offering convenience, themed accommodations, and early access to FastPass+ reservations.

• Universal Orlando Resort Hotels: Great for Universal visitors, offering early park access and other perks.

• Lake Buena Vista Hotels: Close to Disney parks and offers a range of accommodations from budget to luxury.

• International Drive Hotels: Centrally located near various attractions, dining, and shopping options, with accommodations ranging from budget to upscale.

Downtown Orlando:

• Staying downtown offers a different vibe, with proximity to local restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

• Options range from boutique hotels to well-known chains.

Kissimmee:

• Offers a variety of accommodations, typically more budget-friendly, and is close to Disney World and other attractions.

Luxury Resorts:

• For those seeking upscale accommodations and amenities, consider luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Orlando or The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Numerous budget-friendly hotels and motels are scattered throughout Orlando, offering basic amenities and convenient locations.

Tips:

• Book Early: Especially if visiting during peak seasons or special events, book accommodations well in advance for the best rates and availability.

• Consider Location: Staying closer to the attractions you plan to visit can save travel time and transportation costs.

• Check for Perks: Staying on-site at theme park resorts often comes with added benefits like early park access and transportation.

• Vacation Packages: Look for packages that may include accommodations, park tickets, and other perks at a discounted rate.