With sunny weather, great shopping malls, beautiful landscapes, and seven of the top theme parks in the world, there is a little bit of everything in Orlando, Florida. The world’s theme park capital is a top-rated destination, as it boasts the largest Disneyland in the Western hemisphere, with theme park attractions receiving regular updates. This means there will be a new ride or other attraction waiting for you every time you visit. So here is the only guide you will need for your next adventure in sunny Orlando.
What to Know Before You Go
Getting There
Once you reach Florida, there are a few ways to get around and see the city. Renting a car from a local rental service is the best way to visit popular attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios.
There are plenty of car rentals conveniently located around Orlando Airport. You can do your own research or ask your hotel to connect you to a trusted rental service. Another option is to use a cab or a service like Uber or Lyft. It can be difficult to find cabs in Orlando, so your best bet is to ask the concierge at your hotel or the airport information desk.
This is not to say that you can’t use public transport in Orlando. Disney offers its own bus service, which takes visitors from the airport to a few nearby resorts. In addition, many local hotels have shuttles that go to Universal Studios or Disneyland. Getting around by bus is the most affordable way to visit all the different theme parks in the city.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Orlando, Florida, is between March and May. It’s the time when you’ll find the most pleasant weather, ranging between 50-80 F on most days. However, the evenings will get chillier, so you might need to pack a light jacket.
Aside from the best weather, this is when you’ll also benefit from the best rates on travel and lodging. However, prices tend to be steeper during long holiday weekends and school recesses, so be sure to check the calendar for any potential long weekends that might be coming up.
Another good option is to visit Florida between September to mid-November. Again, you will get good weather and reasonable rates on accommodation and travel. However, the fall months are also the most active period of Florida’s hurricane season.
Where To Stay
Just a 3-minute drive from Universal Studios Orlando and the Universal Island of Adventure is Hotel Monreale Express I-Drive Orlando. When you are not out and about in the city, you can lounge by the outdoor pool or check out the nearby gift shops. The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Orlando, Disney World, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Are you looking for a more tropical feel to your vacation? Your best bet is the Polynesian Isles Resort in Kissimmee. It’s an ideal resort for families and couples with a private pool and brilliant BBQ facilities available on-site.
Those who prefer to tread off the beaten path will find plenty of Airbnb’s and other self-catered short-term lets to choose from in Orlando as well!
Getting Tickets
If you’re diligently planning your trip well in advance, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets before you arrive. Tickets are available online on the theme park websites, but you might find that your vacation bundle has tickets included!
If you want cheaper tickets, check out our vacation package deals. You’ll find the best offers on accommodation, flights, and access to theme parks. You might even get an early-bird discount if you book early!
Buying tickets on-site can get pricy depending on the day you are visiting. You can still get a reasonable deal on most weekdays, but don’t get surprised by ticket prices growing during weekends when theme parks are at their busiest.
3 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Visit
While visiting one of the many theme parks Orlando offers is magical enough on its own, there are a few ways to get the bang out of your buck. Here are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your next visit.
- Buy tickets beforehand!
Seriously, one of the best tips for any visitor to Orlando is to buy tickets online before visiting any of the popular theme parks. Getting your tickets from one of the third-party online ticketing platforms or through a travel agency can help save a lot of time you’d have to spend waiting in line.
- Arrive Early
There’s nothing like sleeping in on a vacation, but if you manage to get up early and reach the park before it opens, you will be ahead of the game. You will experience most of the park in the cool early morning temperatures, and you won’t have to worry about waiting in massive lines to get onto the most popular rides.
- Wear comfortable Footwear
The theme parks are great for meeting new people, but they aren’t the best place to make a risky fashion statement, as you will be walking a lot. Instead, make comfort your priority and wear comfortable shoes that won’t make your feet hurt.
Must-See Attractions
There are plenty of must-see attractions in Orlando, Florida. Here are some that you can’t afford to miss.
Walt Disney World Parks
Walt Disney World is the most popular family attraction in Orlando and has been the top spot for many years. Out of its four parks, the Magic Kingdom is the most iconic, attracting the highest number of tourists.
Universal Theme Parks
For those looking for a bit of variety, the Universal Theme Parks will be the best location. Film geeks can visit Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure to get a behind-the-scenes peek of their favorite films.
SeaWorld
The best place in Florida to visit and see aquatic spectacles is SeaWorld. This theme park is known for its massive aquariums, dolphins, whale shows, touch pools, and many other exciting rides!
Best Places to Dine in
Aside from having some of the best theme parks globally, Orlando also boasts plenty of brilliant restaurants and cafés.
An absolute must-visit spot is Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. The Wine Bar is super popular among locals and tourists alike, so make sure to book a table in advance. Aside from brilliant food, you can also choose between more than 140 wines from all over the world.
For simple but delicious Mexican food, grab a quick bite on the go at Hunger Street Tacos. While you’re here, it’s also essential to visit the Buttermilk Bakery – a breakfast staple in Orlando.
COVID Updates
While the city remains completely open, Orange Country Mayor Jerry Demings signed an executive order to declare a local state of emergency.
All residents and visitors are required to wear masks in indoor spaces, as Covid-19 cases are starting to go up.
Conclusion
Orlando is one of the best cities to visit in the world. It is the world’s theme park capital for a reason and consistently boasts new attractions for tourists. Hopefully, this guide will help you get the most out of your visit to Orlando.
