Destination guide

Orlando

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Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. Giant resorts, water parks and attractions fill the area, and the climate is warm for most of the year. It is built for families and for anyone who loves a big day out.

The parks are huge, so planning matters. Choose the parks you most want to see, and build in rest days.

How many days: 7

A week allows several park days and a rest day. Many families plan for around five days of parks, with a day off by the pool.

Park days are long and tiring. Plan an easy day in between, and avoid trying to do too much.

What to do in Orlando

Visit a major theme park
Disney World and Universal Orlando are the biggest names. Each has several parks, and each needs a full day.
Plan your days around the queues
Arrive early, use the official app to check wait times, and consider the paid skip-the-line options if they suit you.
Take a break at the pool
Most resorts have large pools, which are very welcome after a hot day in a park.
Visit a water park
Several large water parks offer a cooler alternative to the main parks. Good on a very hot day.
See the Kennedy Space Center
About an hour's drive away, with rockets, shuttles and exhibits. A good change from the parks.
Visit a nature spring
Nearby springs have clear water for swimming and kayaking. Manatees visit in winter.
Try an airboat trip
Airboats skim over wetlands, with alligators and birds. A short trip is easy to arrange.
Go to the beach
The Atlantic and Gulf beaches are about an hour away. A good option for a day away from the parks.
Take a break at a downtown lake
Downtown Orlando has parks, lakes and a lively food scene, away from the theme parks. A good alternative for an evening.
Eat and shop at a themed dining area
Both big resorts have dining and shopping areas that are free to enter. A good way to enjoy the atmosphere without a park ticket.

What to eat and drink

Theme park food
Park restaurants vary, and food is costly. Check which parks let you bring snacks or water.
American diner classics
Burgers, milkshakes and pancakes. Good for a family breakfast.
Barbecue
Slow-cooked meats with sides such as coleslaw and cornbread. Common in the south.
Key lime pie
A tart, creamy Florida dessert. Often served in restaurants.
Fresh citrus
Florida is famous for its oranges. Fresh juice is easy to find.
International food
Orlando has restaurants serving food from many countries. Look beyond the parks.
Casual local restaurants
Beyond the parks, Orlando has family-run restaurants serving Cuban, Vietnamese and Southern food.
Southern breakfast
Biscuits, grits and fried chicken are common in diners. A hearty start to a long day.

Getting around

A hire car is the easiest way to get around. Parks are spread out and free shuttles run from many resorts.

Ride-hailing apps and taxis are available. Costs add up for long trips.

The airport is about 30 minutes from the main resorts. Shuttle services run to most hotels.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot, humid and stormy, with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is mild.
  • The parks are busiest in school holidays and at weekends. Plan quieter weekdays if you can.
  • Buy tickets only from official sources or authorised sellers. Check what is included.
  • Wear sun protection, comfortable shoes and bring water.
  • Visitors from some countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official US government site.
  • Hotels outside the park gates can be much cheaper than on-site resorts, but allow for transport and parking.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Many parks keep going in rain, so pack a poncho.
  • Children get tired in the heat, so plan breaks and shaded rest times. Strollers and wheelchairs can usually be rented at the parks.

Where to stay in Orlando

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Walt Disney World & Lake Buena Vista

Four theme parks, Disney Springs and extensive resort transport make this the obvious base for a Disney-led trip. It suits families and immersive resort stays; prices run high and exploring the rest of Orlando without a car or rideshare is inconvenient.

International Drive & Universal

Universal Orlando, ICON Park, SeaWorld, restaurants and nightlife make I-Drive Orlando's densest all-purpose visitor corridor. It suits first-time theme-park trips and groups; traffic, commercial development and constant activity mean little local character or tranquillity.

Downtown Orlando & Thornton Park

Lake Eola, performing arts, sports venues, restaurants and bars give central Orlando a genuine city experience beyond the theme parks. It suits nightlife, business and repeat visitors; the major resorts are well south-west and family attraction density is much lower.

Winter Park

Park Avenue, lakes, museums and leafy residential streets give Winter Park a polished small-city feel north of Orlando. It suits couples and quieter longer stays; Disney is roughly 35 minutes away and the area lacks major theme-park nightlife.

Kissimmee & US-192

Hotels, villas, restaurants and family attractions line the US-192 corridor close to Walt Disney World, with Old Town adding evening entertainment. It suits families needing space and value; development is spread out and a car or hotel shuttle is usually far more practical.

Lake Nona

Public art, restaurants, sports facilities and a major medical and innovation district define this modern community close to Orlando International Airport. It suits business, wellness and arrival-night stays; theme parks are distant and the car-oriented layout offers little traditional sightseeing.

What it costs

A typical day in Orlando, per person, in pounds.

£102

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£278

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£815

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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