The Best Orlando Travel Tips

Orlando is a dream vacation destination for many. Yet, with all the theme parks, cultural attractions, and restaurants, there are so many wonderful things to enjoy that a visit can be somewhat overwhelming. So, if you’re headed to sunny Florida any time soon, we hope these Orlando travel tips will be of service. They’re specifically geared towards first-time visitors, but if you haven’t been to Orlando in a while, a refresher couldn’t hurt!

Tips for Getting Around Orlando

• The primary means of getting around Orlando is going to be by car. If you’re from out of town you can rent one. Or if you’ve been road-tripping it, you can use your own.
• The Orlando airport can be a bit tricky to navigate, so read this guide to the Orlando airport for tips.
• Spending a lot of time in the International Drive area? There’s an affordable I-RIDE Trolley to get you around I-Drive and the major nearby resorts.
• If you will be using the I-RIDE Trolley, buy some of their unlimited ride passes. They’re a great deal and will save you from repeatedly buying single fares.
• Drivers—be wary of tolls! Because Orlando is surrounded by several major highways, you’re going to be racking up a bunch of tolls quickly. An EZ-Pass is a must to save you from paying the premium for using cash.

Tips for Places to Stay in Orlando

• If Disney is in your future, we recommend staying at one of their resorts. They have lodging options at a range of prices and it does make the experience richer.
• Alternatively, many travelers recommend staying in cheaper lodgings off the highway because you won’t be spending any time in your rooms at all.
• If you want to avoid driving around the city, then staying on I-Drive is a smart bet. You can use the I-RIDE Trolley and hotel shuttles to get everywhere. Bonus—you don’t have to pay for parking!
• For those travelers that won’t be visiting the major parks—or not visiting them much—then staying in Kissimmee is a nice option away from the crowds.

Tips for Dining in Orlando

• Restaurant Row is a convenient option for a bevy of different cuisines and restaurants at different price points, including some top family-friendly options.
• A truly memorable dining experience that’s perfect for the family is the popular Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. It’s considered a must-do by many Orlando visitors.
• Travelers with veg-forward diets might want to check out our guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Orlando for our top recommendations.
• Many of the city’s essential restaurants are found in Winter Park, so don’t be afraid to venture away from downtown for a delicious meal.

Things to do in Orlando

• For those who want to enjoy the full Orlando visitor experience, a day (or two) spent on I-Drive is a must.
• One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Kennedy Space Center. It’s definitely worth the drive out to Titusville. We strongly recommend arriving early in the day to beat the crowds and maximize your time.
• Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs are both fun destinations filled with shops, restaurants, and affordable things to do. And you don’t need to pay for park admission to check them out, either.
• If you’re headed to LEGOLAND Florida, don’t forget to bring mini-figures to trade within the park!
• The Milk District is a unique place to shop and dine that locals love and tourists don’t usually get to.
• The best place to encounter local wildlife without heading out into the Everglades is at Gatorland. They offer a lot of animal exhibits and shows for a very reasonable admission fee.

Save Money on Orlando Attractions

• Pick up a Go Orlando pass to save up to 50% on admission to the top attractions and activities.
• If you are planning on visiting one of the major theme parks, buy your tickets in advance. You can sometimes save more on admission and even get extra perks like coupon booklets.
• A fast-pass option is also a smart investment if you’re heading to Disney or Universal. You can buy them in advance and they often include nice extras like free attractions or rides.

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