Orlando
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Tampa
United States27.95°N 82.46°W · 30 m
Overview
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Beyond the parks, discover downtown, wilderness, museums, theaters, and historic towns with vibrant dining and nightlife.
Languages: English
Why go?
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Beyond the parks, discover downtown, wilderness, museums, theaters, and historic towns with vibrant dining and nightlife. Centrally located in Florida, about an hour from each coast.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary gateway, with Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) as a secondary option. Amtrak's Silver Star and Silver Meteor serve Orlando railway station, and Brightline connects to Miami. Greyhound and Flixbus provide intercity bus service from various cities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city is best navigated by car. SunRail provides commuter rail within the region, with connections at Orlando Health/Amtrak station. Taxis, shuttles, and rideshares are widely available from airports and hotels.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Spring (March-April) offers dry, clear days with highs in the 80s°F – ideal for visiting. Summer (June-September) is hot and humid with daily thunderstorms. Autumn varies, and winter can bring occasional cold fronts. Snow is extremely rare.
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Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hotels under $100 to luxury resorts over $200 per night. Most hotels cluster around International Drive and near theme parks. Many offer free internet and shuttle services to attractions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Dining options range from steakhouses to ethnic cuisine, especially around CityWalk and Disney Springs. Local favorites include Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ, Cuban restaurants, and inexpensive Vietnamese and Chinese eateries. Beer and cocktails are widely available; nightlife centers on downtown's Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue.
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Things to do
Theme parks dominate: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Gatorland. Cultural attractions include the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, and Harry P. Leu Gardens. Sports fans can watch the Orlando Magic (NBA) or Orlando City SC (MLS). Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the UCF Arboretum and numerous golf courses.
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Safety
Avoid areas like Parramore District, Orange Blossom Trail north of Sand Lake Road, and Pine Hills. Never leave valuables in cars; always lock hotel doors. Summer thunderstorms can be severe, and extreme heat makes leaving children or pets in parked cars lethal and illegal.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Ten-digit dialing is required for all calls (area codes 407, 321, 689). Many large hotels offer free internet access to guests. Public pay phones are increasingly rare.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Budget hotel rooms start under $100 per night. Inexpensive meals at ethnic restaurants cost around $10-15. Theme park tickets are expensive (e.g., Gatorland $30, SeaWorld $80-170). A daily backpacker budget could be around $100-150 including accommodation.
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Day trips
Walt Disney World (35 min southwest) is a multi-day destination. Cocoa Beach offers surfing and the closest beach. Cape Canaveral hosts the Kennedy Space Center. Daytona Beach is known for NASCAR and beaches. Other options include Winter Park, Kissimmee, and Tampa.
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Go next
From Orlando, head west to Tampa and St. Petersburg, east to the Space Coast and Atlantic beaches, or north to Ocala National Forest. Miami and the Florida Keys are a few hours south via the Turnpike.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Addition Financial Arena
The teams representing the enormous University of Central Florida (UCF) compete in NCAA Division I sports as members of the Big 12 Conference. The campus has heavily invested in athletics facilities, with the most notable examples being the football team's marker
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe
This extravagant, 2,000-seat Catholic church has become a tourist attraction thanks in part to the millions of Catholics from around the world who visit it and the rest of Orlando every year. Keep in mind, though, that it is not a parish and therefore it cannot perform weddings, funerals, or baptisms.
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Two courses: 18 holes, over 7,205 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity); 9 holes, over 3,409 yards with a par of 36 (Private Non-Equity).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Blue Martini
Blue Martini is a very high end martini bar. People can enjoy live entertainment at the bar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Country Club of Orlando
18 holes, over 6,591 yards with a par of 72 (Private Equity).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Dezerland Park Orlando
Automotive-themed indoor mall with a go-kart race track in the center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Discovery Cove
A unique companion to Sea World, it is often sold out as admission is limited to 1000 guests per day, but it does include all your equipment, food, drink and a 30-minute interaction with the dolphins in the water.
Recorded price: $150-400 when buying online
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Disney Springs
Formerly Downtown Disney, the area has been transformed into an upscale mall and dining destination on Disney's property.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Area codes 407, 321, 689; ten-digit dialing required. Most hotels offer free WiFi.
Culture
English primary; Spanish spoken. International visitors welcome.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink.
Language
English is primary; Spanish spoken by many. Multilingual staff at theme parks and hotels.
Local transport
Car recommended; rideshare and shuttles available.
Money
US dollar. Credit cards widely accepted.
Safety
Avoid Parramore District, Orange Blossom Trail north of Sand Lake, and Pine Hills. Never leave valuables in cars.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink but may have a sulfuric or metallic taste; bottled water is recommended for sensitive palates.
Weather
Summer (Jun-Sep) has daily thunderstorms; spring (Mar-Apr) is driest. Extreme heat: never leave children/pets in parked cars.