Orlando travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

February to May and October to November have warm weather and lower humidity. June to September is hot and humid, with strong afternoon thunderstorms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and storms can disrupt travel in late summer and autumn.

Parks are busiest during school holidays, Christmas week, Thanksgiving week, spring break and summer. Crowds are usually lighter in January, early December and September, but opening hours and events change each year.

How many days you need

Four to five days is a common plan for two or three theme parks plus a rest day. Each of the big parks needs a full day. Disney World has four theme parks, and Universal Orlando has three theme parks, including Epic Universe, which opened in 2025, plus a water park.

Add a day for Kennedy Space Center, which is about an hour east by car, or a day at SeaWorld.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Orlando International (MCO) is south-east of the city, and the drive to the theme parks and International Drive depends on traffic. Options are rental cars, taxis, ride apps, shared shuttles and some hotel shuttles. The Brightline train has a station at the airport, with services to South Florida, but it does not stop at the theme parks. Epic Universe is about 13 miles from the station, so you still need a car or ride for the last part.

Orlando Sanford (SFB) is farther north and is used by some low-cost airlines. It is about 45 minutes to an hour from the parks.

Getting around

Orlando is built for cars. Public transport is limited, with Lynx buses and the I-Ride Trolley on International Drive. Many visitors rent a car or use ride apps. Inside Walt Disney World, free buses, monorails, boats and the Skyliner gondolas link the parks and hotels. Universal has walkways and boats between its parks and hotels.

Highways have electronic tolls. Ask your rental company how toll payments work. Parking at theme parks is charged.

Where to stay

Staying at a Disney or Universal hotel gives easy transport and sometimes early access to the parks. Lake Buena Vista is next to Walt Disney World and has many hotels. International Drive is central and has restaurants and attractions. Kissimmee and Celebration have larger houses and lower costs, but are farther from the parks, so check drive times before booking.

What to book in advance

Buy park tickets online before you travel. Popular Disney restaurants need dining reservations, which open some weeks ahead, so check the current window. Both Disney and Universal sell paid line-skipping options, so check what each includes and whether it is worth it for your dates.

Meet-and-greet experiences, character dining and special events can sell out. Kennedy Space Center offers rocket launch viewing, which depends on the launch schedule.

Common mistakes to avoid

Planning to visit four parks in three days. Walking and queues take more time than expected.

Staying far from the parks to save money, then spending hours in traffic.

Starting late in summer. Arrive at opening time and rest at midday.

Forgetting sun protection and water. Parks are large and shaded areas are limited.

Buying tickets from unofficial sellers. Use official sites or authorised partners.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The United States uses the dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants with table service, and tips for hotel staff and drivers. Large groups may have a service charge added.

The plug type is A and B, at 120 volts. Prices shown in shops do not include sales tax. Some hotels add a daily resort fee. Many visitors need an electronic authorisation or a visa before travelling, so check the official US government site.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Orlando