Orlando United States

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, the theme park capital of the world! Located in central Florida, this vibrant city is a top destination for tourists from all over the globe. With its countless attractions, delicious food scene, and warm weather year-round, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to Orlando every year.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Orlando, including the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, where to stay, transportation options, and valuable tips to make your journey even more enjoyable.

Places to Visit

Orlando is home to numerous world-famous theme parks, water parks, and other attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Theme Parks

  • Walt Disney World: A massive resort featuring four separate theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
  • Universal Orlando Resort: Comprises two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
  • SeaWorld Orlando: A marine-life theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and animal exhibits.
  • LEGOLAND Florida: A colorful theme park designed for kids aged 2-12.

Water Parks

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach: Two water parks offering lazy rivers, wave pools, and thrilling slides.
  • Universal’s Volcano Bay: A highly-themed water park with innovative attractions and experiences.

Other Attractions

  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: A NASA facility turned museum showcasing space exploration history and technology.
  • Gatorland: A theme park and wildlife preserve featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles.
  • Orlando Science Center: A science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant screen theater.

Activities

From outdoor adventures to indoor thrills, Orlando offers an array of activities for all interests:

Outdoor Adventures

  • Airboat tours: Explore the Florida wetlands and spot wildlife like alligators and birds.
  • Kayaking or paddleboarding: Rent equipment and navigate through Orlando’s lakes and waterways.
  • Hiking and biking: Discover the city’s many trails, such as the West Orange Trail and the Little Big Econ State Forest.

Indoor Fun

  • Escape rooms: Challenge yourself in immersive, themed environments like The Escape Game Orlando.
  • Virtual reality experiences: Enter futuristic worlds at places like VR Studios or Nomadic.
  • Indoor skydiving: Feel the rush of freefall without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

Where to Eat

Orlando’s culinary scene is more diverse than you might expect. Here are some top recommendations:

Breakfast and Brunch

  • The Coop: A fried chicken and waffle joint with multiple locations.
  • Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: A local favorite serving up fluffy pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches.

Lunch and Dinner

  • The Polite Pig: A barbecue haven with mouth-watering meats and sides.
  • The Ravenous Pig: A gastropub offering creative burgers, salads, and entrees.
  • Morimoto Asia: A pan-Asian restaurant created by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Sweet Treats

  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop: Indulge in decadent chocolate treats and sundaes.
  • The Creamery: Artisanal ice cream made with fresh, local ingredients.

Where to Stay

From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels, Orlando has accommodations for every traveler:

Luxury Resorts

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: A deluxe Disney property with upscale amenities.
  • Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: An Italian-themed resort offering elegant rooms and suites.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hyatt Regency Orlando: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, multiple pools, and a fitness center.
  • Rosen Shingle Creek Resort: A lakeside property featuring comfortable rooms, golfing, and outdoor activities.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Red Lion Hotel Orlando - Kissimmee Maingate: An affordable hotel with basic amenities near Disney World.
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs Area: A budget-friendly option with free breakfast and shuttle services.

Things to Know

Before your trip, it’s essential to be aware of the following:

Weather

Orlando has a subtropical climate with hot summers (June to August) and mild winters (December to February). Be prepared for sudden rain showers during the summer months.

Safety

As with any popular tourist destination, petty theft and scams can occur. Stay vigilant, keep valuables secure, and avoid engaging with suspicious individuals.

Crowd Calendar

Plan your park visits according to crowd calendars, which forecast attendance levels based on school vacations, holidays, and special events.

Transportation

Getting around Orlando is relatively easy:

Rental Cars

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO): Rent a car from the airport or nearby locations.
  • Car sharing services: Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in Orlando.

Public Transportation

  • Lynx Bus System: An affordable way to travel within the city, with routes connecting major attractions.
  • SunRail: A commuter train service linking Orlando to surrounding cities.

Tips and Tricks

To make your Orlando adventure even more enjoyable:

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Buy tickets online for theme parks, water parks, and other attractions to avoid long lines at the gates.

Plan Your Park Days

Create an itinerary to maximize your time at each park, considering factors like crowd levels, ride closures, and special events.

Pack Wisely

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and light clothing suitable for Orlando’s climate.

Take Breaks

Don’t overexert yourself; take regular breaks to rest and recharge throughout the day.

Other Things of Interest

While not essential, these additional tips can enhance your Orlando experience:

Character Dining

  • Chef Mickey’s: A Disney character breakfast buffet at the Contemporary Resort.
  • Universal’s Character Breakfast: Meet beloved characters from Universal franchises like Minions and Scooby-Doo.

Special Events and Festivals

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: A spooktacular celebration at Magic Kingdom during the Halloween season.
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Savor global cuisine, drinks, and live music from late summer to fall.

Conclusion

Orlando, Florida, is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-prepared to plan an unforgettable trip to the theme park capital of the world. Remember to stay informed about weather, safety, and crowd calendars, and don’t hesitate to try new experiences, indulge in delicious food, and take breaks to recharge.

Happy travels to Orlando!