Best Time to Visit Orlando

By Sarah Harris

A popular entertainment hub, Orlando draws in millions of visitors each year. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from iconic theme parks to fantastic cultural amenities, you’ll never be bored here. Whether you’re taking a selfie outside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Disney World, making a splash at Aquatica, or strolling through the winding walking trails of Kraft Azalea Garden, the City Beautiful promises a vacation to remember. But with so many draws also come some drawbacks – big crowds, high heat, and heavy price tags. If you’ve never visited before, you might just be wondering when it would be the best time to go. Thankfully, that’s what we’re here for! Keep scrolling to read through our comprehensive overview of when to make your way to Orlando!

November - December

Image of Cityscape, Urban, City, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Condo, Housing, Water, Waterfront, High Rise,

Sure, the first thoughts that come to mind when you think of Orlando are sunny blue skies and high temperatures. But for those who are looking to beat the heat, the holidays are a great option. Though you’ll be miles more comfortable, the major attractions are still likely to be pretty busy (this is the holiday season, after all). Still, there’s a reason that so many are drawn towards visiting during this time of the year – during these months, the popular sites pull out all the stops for the holidays - and quite frankly, it couldn't be more magical. Some top things to do during this time of the year include:

  • Disney Very Merriest After Hours - This event includes four hours of holiday festivities, including Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, as well as an exciting stage show. And as if that wasn’t enough, on select nights you can catch captivating ‘’snowfalls’’, transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland.
  • International Festival of the Holidays - A fantastic celebration of culture, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays rings in the merriest time of the year with a global celebration of Christmas. Don’t miss out!
  • Dazzling Nights - Thousands of lights bring Harry P. Leu Gardens to life purely for our enjoyment. Enjoy live music and interactive elements in this wonderful seasonal dreamland.

October

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Neighborhood, Alley, Path, Person, Walking, Metropolis, Handbag, Shoe, Downtown, Shorts, Sidewalk, People,

While the City Beautiful is enjoyable any time of the year, we especially love October. Though hurricane season isn’t quite over yet by this point, temperatures are a little lower than in the summertime, making it great for visiting outdoor attractions. The major plus of visiting during October is, of course, Halloween. If you’re anything like us, your favorite holiday incites total fear - and luckily, Orlando knows how to do it right. Of course, the theme parks go all out for this one – so much so that it’d be rude not to check them out. As for nightlife, the best Halloween events take place downtown. And for those who like to play it cool, you’ll find a lot of interesting and crafty festivals cropping up all across the city. Additionally, you can get great value on accommodation and activities during this time of the year. Some of the best things to do during October include:

  • Oktoberfest – Who doesn’t love an Oktoberfest? Held each year in Avalon Park, this traditional Bavarian festival has a beer garden, live music, and plenty of food to go around. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a festive afternoon in Orlando.
  • Disney After Hours Boo Bash – Held each year at Magic Kingdom, this three-hour-long event features seasonal entertainment, exclusive culinary offerings, and more. Don’t forget to dress up!

January - February

Image of Water, Waterfront, Lighting, City, Urban, Nature, Night, Outdoors, Person, Metropolis, Fireworks, Photography, Handbag, Downtown,

Another good time to visit Orlando is at the start of the year. If the city’s famous tropical weather is what concerns you about making the trip, then this is the coolest time to go. With lowered temperatures and drier weather, the period between January and February is an especially great choice for those who are planning to visit a lot of theme parks. We recommend packing clothes which you can layer with, since it can get pretty chilly in the evening, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. This is also a prime period to explore the city’s most iconic sites since it’s during the school term, and the area will be less crowded. Though there aren’t any holidays during these months, Orlando is one of those places where there is a lot happening all year round. No matter what you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic!

September

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Urban, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Flag, Female, Woman, Hat, City, Bag, Handbag, Shoe,

If crowds are your enemy, we recommend going in September. Sunseekers and adrenaline junkies alike will love this period since it's still hot-hot-hot, but without all of the hustle and bustle compared the that of peak tourist season. Since schools are back into action the first week of September, you’ll find that even the city’s most popular attractions are much quieter. We recommend packing summery clothing since it’s still likely to be warm and humid during September. Because it’s low season, this is one of the more affordable times to visit Orlando. Around this time of the year, you’ll be able to find some great deals for hotels, events and dining. Whether you’re travelling as a large group, a couple, or a solo traveller, September is a fantastic option for those looking to explore all of the city’s main draws. Some of our favorite things to do in September include:

  • Fairy Doors Exhibit – Throughout the month of September, Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibit. At the event, you are tasked to spot the intricate wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees.
  • Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival – Kick back and relax at Lakeridge Winery with a wide variety of culinary offerings from local artisan vendors and of course, plenty of wine to go around!
Image of Photography, Tree, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Pants, Walking, Backpack, Bag,

Orlando is truly a special place to visit. Boasting spectacular theme parks, wondrous nature attractions, and interesting cultural institutions, there’s never a shortage of awesome things to do here. To make the most out of your trip, it’s important to have structure. Remember – there's no single perfect time to visit, only a time that’s right for you. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Continue reading

Blog

5 Days in Orlando

With so much to see, do and experience in sunny Orlando, it should come as no surprise that the city is one of America’s top tourist destinations. The best things to do in the area run the gamut – from out-of-this-world fun to greatly educational. Those seeking a little adventure are sure to find it here – with famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios right at your fingertips, you’ll never be bored. Or, how about soaking up the sun at Orlando’s unique nature reserves? If you still have time to venture downtown, make sure to check out the fantastic cultural institutions in the area and grab a bite at some of the city’s best restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find something for you. Still, don’t worry if it's all a little bit overwhelming – that's what we’re here for! If you’re planning to make the visit, check out our list of the best things to do in the area. Let’s get started! Day 1 - See The Sites Travelling can be exhausting for many, which is why we’re starting off with something a little more low-key. If you’re looking for a relaxed day trip to kick off your vacation in the City Beautiful, look no further than the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. As fascinating as it is engaging, this museum works to present a comprehensive view of space travel and aviation for a broad audience. The center is divided into ‘’Mission Zones’’, each focusing on different areas of space travel – from the Race to the Moon to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, this place has all the bases covered. Still, if you’re coming to step into the shoes of a real astronaut, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps the institute’s biggest draw, the institute’s Shuttle Launch Experience recreates a rocket’s takeoff into orbit. Offering a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend our first afternoon in the city. Come evening time, we recommend checking out Universal CityWalk where the fun never stops coming. Drawing in the crowds all throughout the year, this popular tourist attraction is known for providing world-class entertainment, shopping and dining options of all kinds. Before grabbing a bite to eat, we recommend checking out some of the fun activities available; challenge your friends and family with a game of minigolf, catch a movie at the Cinemark theater, or even partake in a spot of karaoke – the choice is yours! This walkable entertainment district also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and dinner shows to choose from to keep everybody happy. Whether you’re looking for elevated American fare or easy quick service options, you’re sure to find it here. Great for those travelling with family, there’s a little something for everybody here. Day 2 - Hit the Theme Parks Of course, you can’t visit Orlando without checking out Magic Kingdom. Quite possibly the most famous theme park in the world, this legendary stop is not only a major part of the city’s identity, but plays into American identity as a whole. Bringing iconic Disney productions to life for generations, this place is often billed as ‘’the happiest place on earth’’ - and with good reason. To prepare for visiting, we recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes – and bringing lots of sunscreen! With over 40 rides, attractions and shopping destinations to choose from, there’s a whole lot to see here in just one day. Don’t worry about fitting it all in – just make sure you get to see your favorites! Remember to take some snaps to capture those great memories whilst you’re there. We recommend staying at the park until the evening time, since Disney runs a spectacular firework show over its famous Cinderella Castle – trust us when we say that you won’t want to miss it! Day 3 - Take a Break After a tiring day at the theme park, you might just be looking for something a little bit more relaxing. Well, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Tucked away just south of the city, this hidden gem is the perfect place to take in the natural wonders of the area and enjoy a peaceful hike. With over 12, 000 acres of flatwoods and swamplands to be explored, you could easily spend an entire day here. Located on Everglades National Park, the site exhibits an entirely unique ecosystem currently found nowhere else on earth. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy over 1, 000 species of plants and animals, including 70 species of butterfly, 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 151 species of bird. Exceptionally serene and fascinating to explore, the place offers the perfect respite from the city. Day 4 - Try the Classics Now, you can’t go to Orlando and only visit one theme park. That’d be nuts, right? But how do you choose which one to make your way to next? Well, we kind of let the people do the work for us here. Standing as the most popular amusement park outside of the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios is a long-time favorite choice for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for all film and pop culture lovers, the park is famed for its fun entertainment industry theme. Universal is made up of eight different areas, each with their own unique theme. There’s a lot of ground to cover here – but we’re sure you can handle it! Exploring the park, you’ll find over 40 rides, attractions and live shows to choose from. No matter what your favorite flick may be, you’re sure to find something that’s right up your alley. Living up to its name, this place truly offers an entertainment experience that everybody can enjoy. Day 5 - Wind Down Enjoy the last day of your vacation by exploring the downtown area of the city. The historic center of Orlando presents an entirely different energy that’s definitely worth getting into. Forever lively and thriving with cultural activity, this place presents a great mixture of popular tourist attractions and hidden treasures at your disposal. If it’s museums that you’re after, then you won’t have to look too far – the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum and Wells' Built Museum will be right within walking distance. Or, if you’re a lover of the performed arts, the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment across a wide array of genres. Aside from what the area has to offer in the realm of culture, the neighborhood is brimming with great shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars to be discovered. Offering something a little different from the typical Orlando tourist experience, we love this spot for its ’'live like the locals’' vibe. Maybe five days doesn’t seem like a lot – but with the right amount of planning, you should be able to fit in everything, your way. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Relaxing Things to do in Orlando

Orlando can most certainly be a lot of fun, but what do you do when you need a break from all the chaos? Well, that’s what we’re here for! As one of the most popular tourist destinations within the United States, the city is often recognized for its famous amusement parks. Still, the area has just as much to offer for those who want to relax. For nature lovers and those who like to stay active, the area’s beautiful green spaces are an absolute must-visit. If you’re a culture vulture, be sure to check out some of the fantastic museums in the city. And for artsy types, there’s no better place to be than the Orlando Theatre. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, follow our guide to the best relaxing things to check out in Orlando during your stay. Whatever you decide to do, we’re sure it’ll be great! Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In a city with so much buzz, this quiet and serene oasis is the perfect place to appreciate mother nature in all its glory. Situated on the Everglades National Park, the preserve offers the special chance to view a completely unique ecosystem not currently found anywhere else on the planet. Walking along the trails, you’ll be able to view over 1,000 plants and animals all prospering together. Whether you’re looking to take a quiet moment of contemplation or just soak up the natural wonders of Orlando, this hidden gem should rank at the very top of your itinerary! When it comes to relaxing things to do in Orlando, we love nothing more than a visit to the park. Thankfully, the city has much to offer in the realm of open spaces, with Lake Eola Park being one of our favorites. Located right in the center of downtown Orlando, this peaceful expanse has long been a popular draw for locals and visitors alike. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, this beloved urban landscape is a fantastic respite from the city, with beautiful flower beds and spectacular views of the Orlando skyline. For the perfect afternoon out, take time to feed the swans or enjoy a pedal-powered boat ride across the gleaming waters of the lake. What more could we possibly ask for? Get Cultured If your ideal relaxing day out is a trip to the museum – don't worry, we’ve got you covered. The perfect stop for all artsy types, the Orlando Museum of Art seeks to preserve, present, and interpret art for a wide audience. In its impressive collection, the museum holds over 2,400 objects including Contemporary Art, American Art, and that of the Ancient Americas. Walking through the institution, you’ll be able to view everything from fine art and modern sculpture to classical paintings and more. In the past, the gallery has premiered artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Georgia O’Keeffe. Well curated and displayed with much to see, this place is well worth the trip. For some downtime in the evening, why not check out the Orlando Theatre? Over its many years of operation, this place has stood the test of time by providing world-class entertainment to the community. If you’re looking to catch a line-up of theater productions, such as plays, comedy, and music, you couldn’t be anywhere better. Here, you’ll be able to find everything from fantastic dramas and side-splitting stand-ups to animated musicals and concerts, all under one roof. The theater has been host to many famous performers in the past, including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Kevin Hart. A total hub of entertainment and culture, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend an evening out in the city. Try Something New When visiting a new area, there’s no better way to explore the local culture than through its markets. Open early every Saturday morning on the busy streets of Orlando, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to soak up the sun. We love this spot for its outstanding selection of fruit and vegetables. Still, the real attraction here is the market’s wide variety of food vendors, made fresh as you go. Each week, the crowds queue up for chicken pot pies, Jamaican patties, freshly popped kettle corn, and Kombucha. In addition, you can browse the stalls for locally produced honey and cheeses as well as jewellery and original art. Whether you just want to grab a quick bite, or maybe get to know the city a little bit better, this place provides the perfect relaxing cultural experience. Grab your punnets and don’t forget your sunscreen for the next item on our list. Orlando is well-recognized for its beautiful weather, and with that of course comes some wonderful fruit farms to be enjoyed. Quintessentially Florida and totally idyllic, the Showcase of Citrus is probably one of the more unique ways to take a breath. Situated just downtown from the city, this large working orchard covers over 2, 500 acres of land and over 50 varieties of citrus to be enjoyed. Standing out from other outdoorsy attractions in the city, this place welcomes visitors onto its premises to pick their own fruit and admire the beautiful scenery. We love this place because it truly encapsulates the nature of Orlando. The theme parks. The crowds. The heat. All this craziness can make Orlando seem like a stressful vacation spot, but we promise you that there is refuge amidst the hustle and bustle. The City Beautiful showcases a wonderful blend of outdoorsy attractions and urban places of interest, – from its wonderful viewing world-class pieces at the Orlando Museum of Art to walking the trails at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, you’ll never run out of calming things to do in the area. Whether you’re a foodie, a creative type, or just looking to take in the city, you’re certain to find something to suit your tastes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Orlando alternatives
Blog

10+ Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

O-town offers so much more than rides and rollercoasters! You've got unique museums, magic shows and adventure golf, to name a few. And if you fancy getting your nature fix, find out how you can explore the Everglades on a thrill-seeking airboat tour.
Lindsay Eagan

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

    Thick check Icon