Orlando, FL

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).

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.