Orlando, FL

Travel Guide

Orlando which includes a sunset, a pond and a city
Photo provided by Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando featuring marine life and interior views as well as a couple
The Wheel at ICON Park™ showing rides and a square or plaza
Photo provided by Visit Orlando

Orlando is a vibrant playground where enchanting theme parks, shimmering lakes and lush landscapes create unforgettable moments for adventurers of all ages.

When you catch your first glimpse of Cinderella Castle rising above Walt Disney World® or Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Florida™, it’s clear you’re visiting Orlando – a city where magic is woven into every experience. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando invites you to stroll along serene lakes, discover vibrant entertainment along International Drive, and soak in breathtaking views from The Wheel at ICON Park. Downtown pulses with creativity, from the captivating exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art to the lively nightlife along Church Street. In Orlando, magic isn’t just found in the parks – it’s in every corner of the city.

Best time to visit Orlando

  • Spring (March to May): Balmy weather and generally lower prices make spring one of the best times to visit the Orlando area. The city’s many gardens are in bloom and there are plenty of outdoor festivals.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer Orlando trips let kids live their dreams during school vacation. Longer days mean you get plenty of time for exploring the theme parks.
  • Fall (September to November): Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and some rain. Check forecasts and plan indoor and outdoor activities to match conditions.
  • Winter (December to February): The holiday season in Orlando and its theme parks feature sparkling lights, and some of the country’s warmest winter weather.

How many days to spend in Orlando

Plan five to seven days to visit Orlando if you’re coming primarily for theme parks, as each exciting attraction is a full-day event. If one park is enough, you can easily fill three days enjoying Orlando’s non-themed activities, like an Orlando Magic (NBA) game or relaxing at Leu Gardens.

The vibe of Orlando

Orlando, Florida, radiates a magical vibe, where nearly every visitor is on vacation, soaking in the theme parks, blue skies and warm hospitality. At Walt Disney World® and Universal Studios Florida™, team members transform into expert magicians, crafting unforgettable moments – children wide-eyed as they meet their beloved cartoon characters, teens thrilled by heart-pounding rides and parents savoring the joy on their kids' faces. The magic extends beyond the parks to the Kia Center, literally, where the Orlando Magic team lights up the basketball court, energizing the crowd. Surrounding lakes and charming small towns offer fairy-tale settings, while the enchantment lingers well into the night at the many bars and restaurants crafting flavorful foodie magic.

What is Orlando famous for?

Orlando is famous for being theme park central, drawing millions globally to nine major theme and water parks. And it’s not just kids who love the rides, characters, fireworks and unusual foods. Put yourself in the movie worlds of Harry Potter and the Minions at Universal Studios™ or dress as a character for the Walt Disney World® Marathon in January. Speaking of sports, the NBA’s Orlando Magic make their home here and MLB’s Detroit Tigers hold spring training in nearby Lakeland. Ooh and aah at Disney’s Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks or head downtown to the Museum of Art during the day and buzzing bar scene at night. All this happens in Orlando, where both the temperatures and the local hospitality are extra warm.

Events in Orlando

Parades, fireworks and live entertainment are daily Orlando events, as theme parks deliver special memories for every visitor, no matter when they arrive. Major cultural happenings include Winter Park’s Sidewalk Arts Festival (March), the Florida Film Festival (April) and Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May). Sports fans can enjoy the college football Citrus Bowl (January), Detroit Tiger baseball spring training (February-April) and Silver Spurs Rodeo (February and May). Eclectic events include MegaCon (February), with comedy and cosplay, and Orlando Beer Festival (November). October brings Orlando Pride while Orlando Museum of Art stirs up holiday spirit with the Festival of Trees (November).

Top attractions in Orlando

Among the best things for first-timers to do in Orlando are, naturally, spending several days at Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios Florida™ and the city’s other theme parks. Orlando also offers thrilling performances at the Dr. Phillips Center in the heart of downtown, check out the line-up to see what’s on. Well worth the drive of less than one hour, Kennedy Space Center provides awe-inspiring stories of explorers and exhibitions of equipment from U.S. space exploration.

Some of Orlando’s best things to do for couples include days at the theme parks. Recapture your youth with rides, souvenir shopping or water slides. Your relationship can soar to new heights with a hot-air balloon ride, helicopter tour or ride on the observation wheel, the Orlando Eye at ICON Park. Leu Gardens and Winter Park’s boutiques, cafes and farmers market create a relaxing and romantic day trip.

Among the best things to do in Orlando for families are visiting Disney's Magic Kingdom® and Hollywood Studios®. Kids will be over the moon to experience thrilling rides, loveable characters and themed entertainment. Add EPCOT® to explore global cultures, space, nature and the future. Beyond the parks, ride the I-Trolley along International Drive for putt-putt golf, go-karting, escape rooms and arcades.

Spend a week or two in this family-friendly city to enjoy Florida’s warm sunshine. Visit a different theme park every day. 

Where to stay in Orlando

International Drive showing landscape views

International Drive District

Visitors to International Drive rave about its breathtaking beach views, exciting theme parks, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Aquatica or The Orlando Eye at ICON Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

International Drive District
Universal Studios Orlando featuring signage, a city and night scenes

Florida Center

While visiting Florida Center, you might make a stop by sights like Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida.

Florida Center
Magic Kingdom® Park showing rides and interior views as well as a couple

Bay Lake

4.5/5(2,826 area reviews)

Home to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and one water park, this city offers endless entertainment, including Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses.

Bay Lake
Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando

4/5(769 area reviews)

Orlando's historic core boasts art galleries, retail, restaurants, and nightclubs, with attractions like Lake Eola Park, Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, and performing arts theaters, all accessible via public transportation.

Downtown Orlando
Reunion which includes golf and landscape views as well as a small group of people

Reunion

The waterparks and pristine golf courses are top of the list for many visitors to Reunion. A stop by Reunion Resort Golf Course or Jack Nicklaus Course might round out your trip.

Reunion
Default Image

Windsor Hills

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Windsor Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Mystic Dunes Golf Club and Island H2O Live!.

Windsor Hills
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
4 out of 5
5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL
$84 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$95 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (6,436 reviews)
"Excelent hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
4 out of 5
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL
$195 nightly
The price is $219 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$219 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,353 reviews)
"Great location and stay"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Marriott's Grande Vista
Marriott's Grande Vista
4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL
$103 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$116 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,602 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Marriott's Grande Vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Village at Parkway
Vacation Village at Parkway
3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,448 reviews)
"Awesome love it"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,180 reviews)
Exceptional Stay
"We stayed here for 4 days, and it was truly one of the best experiences we've had in a long time. The property is very well maintained, and everything felt clean, comfortable, and welcoming from the moment we arrived. One of the highlights of our stay was the breakfast – there were plenty of delicious ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
4 out of 5
8113 Resort Village Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,935 reviews)
"Nice hotel terrible elevator experience you have to wait 30 for the elevator. Housekeeping doesn’t have a service elevator so they have to use the guest elevators. This is a major inconvenience"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Food in Orlando

Orlando food specialties take advantage of Central Florida’s citrus harvest and seafood catch. Try lobster, conch or grouper. Key lime pie makes a good accompaniment as a dessert. Cool off with citrus spritzes and rum cocktails, especially refreshing in the warm climate. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (August to November) lets you taste your way around the world. When you visit Orlando, you have opportunities to dine at nearly a dozen Bib Gourmand restaurants ranging from steakhouses to Vietnamese and Szechuan food. Create your own food and drink adventures in Downtown Orlando and Winter Park, or join an organized food and art tour.

Nightlife in Orlando

Orlando lights up after dark, with most nightlife venues concentrated downtown. Orlando Magic basketball games happen at the Kia Center; on other nights you might find major pop star acts. Try bar hopping near the Church Street Station or settle in for trivia or live music at Motorworks Brewing. Nearby, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has hundreds of evening productions ranging from Broadway and ballet to comedy and orchestra. Clubs with line dancing, salsa or other dance styles are scattered around town. If you can’t stay away from theme parks during your Orlando visit, go to Walt Disney World®’s Magic Kingdom® to watch nightly fireworks above Cinderella’s Castle.

Shopping in Orlando

From princess gowns to cuddly stuffed animals and high-end fashion, Walt Disney World Resort® has hundreds of places to shop at the four parks. You don’t need an admission ticket for shopping, dining and entertainment at Disney Springs®, including summer evening drone shows. Similarly, pick up magical wands and chocolate frogs inside the Universal Studios™ Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ or outside at Universal CityWalk. Find fashion items from the latest trends to luxurious classics at Mall at Millennia. Bargain hunters can float between Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and Orlando Outlet Marketplace during an Orlando trip.

Getting around Orlando

When visiting Orlando, getting around by car is the most efficient way to travel between theme parks and other attractions in the wider area. If you’re staying in Disney accommodations, you can often use transportation by bus, shuttle, monorail or ferry between lodgings and theme parks. For other Orlando travel, LYNX buses and rideshare services work well. Walking isn’t common except inside attractions and downtown.

Orlando currency and budget

For many, an Orlando trip is jam-packed with activities charging admission, so you can expect higher-than-average vacation costs. Plan on spending $280-$360 USD per person per day for accommodations, food, local transportation and sightseeing. Some attractions offer bundled admission and lodging pricing. For tipping, 15%-25% on meals and drinks is common. Here’s what you can expect to pay on everyday expenses:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $25.00 USD 
  • A pint of draft domestic beer = $6.00 USD 
  • A medium cappuccino = $5.00 USD
  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $85.00 USD

*Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

Reviews of Orlando

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13766
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
11415
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
2687
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
323
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
192
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Not as fun as it used to be. You must wear mask and wait in lines to enter stores.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great restaurants and shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A lot to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Front Desk staff cant ask for me.. you'll great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Resident.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I had been to Orlando several times before it is a great place to visit. This time it was just a layover stop so I didn’t leave the airport area until my next leg of my trip

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