Orlando Travel Guide [2024]
Updated: April 18, 2024
AAA Travel Editor, SMS
Table of Contents
Going to Orlando without a plan is like going to the beach without sunscreen — it’s technically possible, but you probably shouldn’t attempt it, especially if it’s your first trip. Known as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is home to several world-famous theme parks, championship golf courses, award-winning spas and resorts and so much more, which is why it’s one of our top travel destinations. If you visit without a plan, you’re sure to miss out on something great, either because you didn’t know about it or you couldn’t get in at the last minute.
We’ve been helping AAA members plan trips to Orlando for decades, and we’re sharing our knowledge with you in this comprehensive travel guide. We’ll help you figure out every step of your trip, from how to get there to what to pack and everything in between.
How To Get to Orlando
The best way to get to Orlando depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re anywhere in the Midwest or on the East Coast, you can easily get to Orlando by car, but visitors from the Western United States will probably want to book a flight to avoid multiple days in the car.
By Car
Out-of-state visitors can get to Orlando by taking either I-75, which runs north-south along the Gulf Coast to Tampa, or I-95, which runs north-south along the Atlantic Coast to Miami. Then cut to Orlando using I-4, which runs east-west through Orlando or Florida’s Turnpike (State Road 91), a tollway that runs north-south from Florida City to Miami.
By Air
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is conveniently located in Orlando, about 15 minutes from most major attractions and downtown Orlando. More than 10 airlines, including Southwest, Delta, United and American, all provide service to Orlando, and the airport is large but easy to navigate. However, the airport sees 54 million travelers annually and can get pretty congested during the peak travel season.
Once you arrive, you can take a cab or rideshare to your hotel, but be prepared to spend upward of $40, especially during peak times. Most hotels and resorts offer free or paid shuttles to and from the airport, but you’ll want to call your hotel or resort for details. If you prefer to drive yourself, the Orlando airport has several major rental car agencies, including AAA partners Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar Car Rentals.
You can also fly into the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Located about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando, it services smaller regional airlines and private planes, but you may find a cheaper flight there than to the main airport.
By Train
If you live along the Eastern Seaboard, you can also take an Amtrak train to one of four Orlando train stations. The Orlando and Kissimmee stations are both about 35 minutes from Walt Disney World.
Two trains service Orlando: the Silver Meteor Train and the Silver Star Train, both running from New York City to Miami. The train ride duration depends on where you start, but expect a 22-to-23.5-hour ride from New York to Orlando. The trip takes longer than driving, but it’s more comfortable and is a great option if you want to avoid flying.
Tickets start at $100 for a one-way coach ticket, but increase based on the type of ticket you want and your starting point.
By Bus
You can also get to Orlando by bus. Several bus services, including Greyhound and Megabus have routes through Orlando. Ticket prices and duration vary based on your origin point.
Getting Around Orlando
Car is the best way to get around Orlando. While a public transportation system exists, traveling from one attraction to another often requires multiple transfers or takes a while.
Driving in Orlando
One of the best things about Orlando is that the road systems developed around the major attractions as they were built, so it’s easy to get to them. But due to the large number of tourists during peak travel season, you’ll probably run into traffic. Expansion construction is also year-round, leading to road closures and traffic delays.
Downtown Orlando is fairly easy to navigate, with a grid system built around the two main thoroughfares: Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue. Several streets are one-way, so pay careful attention to signs as you drive.
International Drive is the main artery of the tourist area. As a result, it’s Orlando’s busiest road, both in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, so be prepared to take it slow.
Public Transportation in Orlando
Orlando has several public transportation options for tourists and residents. Before hopping on, check routes, schedules, fares and other important information.
LYNX Bus Service
The primary bus provider for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, LYNX bus lines run to almost every major attraction in Orlando, but you may have to transfer lines on your journey, depending on your starting point. Operation times vary by route, so check the schedule to avoid being stranded.
LYMMO Downtown Circulator
This bus service provides free transportation within downtown Orlando, including International Drive and Orlando International Airport. You can drive downtown, park your car in one of the city’s parking garages for the day and then explore using the LYMMO service.
I-Ride Trolley
If you’re exploring the restaurants, shopping and attractions on International Drive, take the I-Ride Trolley. The trolley runs daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week, and fares start at $2.
Commuter Rail Services
Orlando has three commuter rail systems that can take you outside Orlando for day trips.
- Amtrak: You can catch an Amtrak train in Orlando to more than 15 Florida destinations, mainly along the East Coast.
- Brightline: The express high-speed intercity passenger train connects Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami and has begun operations.
- SunRail: The commuter service operates Monday through Friday, with one-way fares starting at $2 and round-trip fares at $3.75. It travels a 49-mile route with 16 stations between DeBary and Poinciana.
Parking in Orlando
Prices for parking in Orlando depend on where you are and the type of parking you use.
If you’re heading downtown, privately owned parking facilities vary widely, but city-owned parking facilities have the following rates:
- Parking garages:
- Start at $2 per hour
- Pay a flat $8 fee if you arrive between 5:30 and 7 a.m. and leave before 5 p.m.
- On-street metered parking:
- $1 per hour
- Free between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., on Sundays, and all city holidays
- Surface lots:
- $2 per hour
- $10 for a weekend/event rate
You may be able to find some free parking spots along Park Avenue in Winter Park, but they fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
See a list of all city-owned parking garages to locate the garage nearest your destination, or contact the City of Orlando Parking Division at 407-246-2155 or via email at parking@orlando.gov.
Theme park parking also varies widely. The good news is that most theme parks have plenty of parking. The bad news is that the cheaper the parking, the farther you’ll have to walk to the entrance. Some hotels and resorts offer complimentary shuttle service to the major theme parks, so ask before you book your stay.
Here’s what you can expect to pay at the major theme parks:
- Walt Disney World: Starts at $25 per day
- Universal Studios Orlando: Starts at $27 per day
Best Time To Visit Orlando
The best time to visit Orlando depends on why you’re traveling and your goals. The busiest times are the summer when kids are out of school and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when people come to Orlando to celebrate the holidays.
If your goals include saving a few bucks or avoiding the crowds, it’s best to go during off-peak travel times: January through mid-February or September through Thanksgiving. School is usually in session during these times, so people with kids are less likely to take a vacation. Watch out for three-day holiday weekends like Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, since families may choose to travel to Orlando for a long weekend. You’ll also want to avoid Halloween since both Disney World and Universal Studios have special Halloween-themed events that tend to draw crowds.
If you want the best weather for your trip to Orlando, aim to travel from March through May. The weather will be perfect for spending the day exploring Orlando’s attractions: highs in the 80s with lows in the 50s and lots of sunshine with low humidity. September through November also has decent temperatures, but it’s hurricane season, so you risk canceling your trip at the last minute. December through February is also a good time to visit as long as you don’t mind skipping the water rides and wearing a light jacket since the highs will only be in the low 70s.
Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando’s main attractions are its theme parks, earning it the nickname “The Theme Park Capital of the World.”
Disney World
With more than 58 million visitors annually, Disney World is one of the main reasons people travel to Orlando. With its own restaurants, shops and attractions, the Disney World campus is essentially its own small city.
Experience the classic Disney magic in Magic Kingdom, soar through Pandora at Animal Kingdom, tour the Star Wars universe at Hollywood Studios and eat and drink your way through the world in Epcot. Meet your favorite characters, scream on heart-pounding rides and enjoy nightly fireworks shows.
Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll also need to make reservations for entrance to the parks. Avoid long wait times with Lightning Lanes and Genie+ (which replaced the Fast Pass).
- Cost: $109 to $189, depending on park and date, but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
- Duration: Most people spend one day per park
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has three distinct parks: Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay, its water park. There are currently more than 30 rides to enjoy, with a new park, Epic Universe, expected to open in 2025.
Harry Potter fans can shop in Diagon Alley and break out of Gringotts, ride the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade, get a wand and take a forbidden journey through the Hogwarts grounds. Experience Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs on one of its two themed rides, immerse yourself in the world of The Mummy or team up with superheroes like Spiderman and the Hulk. There’s plenty for kids to do, too, with themed lands including Dr. Seuss, Woody Woodpecker and Minions.
- Cost: Starts at $80, depending on the park and day, but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
- Duration: 1-5 days
LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND, located about an hour outside of Orlando, has three parks: LEGOLAND, Peppa Pig Theme Park and LEGOLAND Water Park. The entire campus is 150 acres filled with more than 50 rides, shows, restaurants and other attractions for families to enjoy. Unlike other theme parks on this list, LEGOLAND is specifically tailored to children 12 and under, so teens and adults may not find as much to do as they would at other theme parks.
- Cost: Starts at $84 depending on the park and day, but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
- Duration: 1-3 days, depending on how many of the parks you want to visit
Fun Spot America Theme Park
Fun Spot America combines the thrill rides of an amusement park with a carnival midway to create a unique experience that offers something for everyone. Escape the heat in the arcade or the Funhouse, or beat the heat on bumper boats. Play carnival games and ride carnival favorites like a carousel or the Ferris wheel.
If you prefer thrills, check out Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster or the World’s Second Tallest SkyCoaster. There’s also a splash pad for kids to cool off and a small wildlife oasis where you’ll find alligators and other reptiles and birds.
- Cost: Starts at $59.95 plus tax, but you can purchase Orlando tourist passes to combine admission with another attraction (starting at $64)
- Duration: 1 day
Things To Do in Orlando
Plenty of things to do in Orlando don’t require stepping foot in a theme park. Here are a few.
Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando’s Theme Parks
Want to escape the Orlando crowds? Try flightseeing! See Orlando from above on a helicopter night tour. Your pilot will point out highlights, such as Walt Disney World, Universal and The Orlando Eye at ICON Park, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at. If you fly during one of Magic Kingdom or Epcot’s nightly fireworks programs, you’ll have the best view in the city. Regardless of when you go, you’ll have unique photos of Orlando from an angle most people never get.
- Cost: $125
- Duration: 15 to 40 minutes
Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park
Take a self-guided tour in your car through the 170-acre Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. You’ll see more than 150 animals from around the world, including zebras, giraffes, American bison and more. Get some amazing photos as you travel the gravel paths through the safari park, and then leave the car behind to walk through Gator Park, where you’ll see more than 200 additional animals, including Crusher, the biggest alligator in Osceola County.
- Cost: $34
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
If you love laughing and magic, the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks Orlando is a must while you are in Orlando. The 90-minute show is one of Orlando’s longest-running dinner shows. You can expect a blend of audience participation, magic and improv, which is 100 percent family-friendly, making it a great indoor activity if you’re traveling with kids on a rainy day. Enjoy unlimited pizza, salad and beverages (including beer and wine) while you watch. The show runs every night but sells out frequently, so buy your tickets in advance.
- Cost: $36
- Duration: 1.5 hours
Where To Stay in Orlando
There are plenty of places to stay in Orlando, but here are a few of our favorites.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Orlando, FL 32821
AAA designation: Four Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
AAA discount: Save at least 5 percent and earn Hilton Honors points
Rates: Starting at $227 per night
Great for: Resort lovers
Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Universal shuttle service: No
If you want to stay as close as possible to Disney but want to avoid a Disney resort, book a stay at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Without leaving the property, you’ll be able to see the fireworks from the evening shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom in the distance.
Nestled on a 482-acre nature preserve, you’ll be in a bubble of serenity while still close to all the action. Float the 3-acre lazy river after a long day of meetings or theme park rides, hop over to the neighboring 18-hole golf course at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or relax in the spa.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
AAA Designation: Five Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
Rates: Starting at $1,105 per night
Great for: Walt Disney World visitors
Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, for a fee
Whether you’re traveling with children, on a romantic getaway or in Orlando on business, stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World for a luxurious vacation close to one of the best attractions in Orlando.
The 26-acre campus is a short complimentary shuttle ride away from Walt Disney World. Play golf at the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club or spend a day at Explorer Island, the resort’s 5-acre water park with a lazy river, splash pad and two water slides. (Don’t worry, they also have an adults-only pool if you want to relax.)
End the day enjoying a delicious dinner at Capa Steakhouse, the resort’s Michelin-star restaurant, while taking in the fireworks shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Address: 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
AAA Designation: Three Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
Rates: Starting at $201 per night
Great for: Families
Disney shuttle service: No
Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort transports you back to a 1950s Florida hotel with all the modern amenities. It’s a themed budget resort with 1,500+ rooms decorated in mid-century modern decor. The campus includes a food court, a lazy river, two zero-entry swimming pools and an on-site bowling alley.
But the best perk is Early Park Admission, which grants you access to Universal Studios’ two theme parks and water park one hour earlier (with valid theme park admission).
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Address: 4012 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32837
AAA designation: Five Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
AAA discount: Save on your booking and earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Rates: Starting at $391 per night
Great for: Spa services
Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary with the resort fee, but reservations are required 24 hours in advance
Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, complimentary with the resort fee, but reservations are required 24 hours in advance
Not everyone comes to Orlando for the theme parks — some come to relax and recharge. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando for ultimate relaxation.
Kids can spend the day at the Ritz Kids room while you enjoy the world-class spa or hit the championship golf course. You can even preserve trip memories by booking a session with the photography concierge.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is eco-certified, and its organic garden and resident bees supply the food for the resort’s seven restaurants and the spa’s honey, herbs and CBD. The spa also uses citrus from local orchards.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Address: 325 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
AAA designation: Four Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
AAA discount: Save 5 percent or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Rates: Starting at $207 per night
Great for: Art and jazz lovers
Disney shuttle service: No
Universal Studios shuttle service: No
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando offers a unique boutique experience in the heart of downtown Orlando. The recently renovated hotel features an art collection of more than 150 pieces.
Catch a performance in the Bosendorfer Lounge, the hotel’s jazz bar, with a cocktail and a light meal, or enjoy dinner at The Boheme restaurant. The Poseidon Spa offers relaxing massages and other treatments to help you recover after a long day trekking across theme parks, or stop by the rooftop pool.
Best Western International Drive-Orlando
Address: 8222 Jamaican Ct., Orlando, FL 32819
AAA designation: Approved
AAA discount: Save at least 5 percent and earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program
Rates: Starting at $111 per night
Great for: Budget travelers
Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Stay in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district at the Best Western International Drive-Orlando. The hotel is a Disney Official Ticket Location Hotel, which means you can purchase your Disney theme park tickets from the concierge. There’s also a complimentary hot breakfast to fuel up before exploring International Drive or taking a shuttle to the major theme parks.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Orlando, FL 32821
AAA designation: Four Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best
AAA discount: Save up to 10 percent and earn Hilton Honors points
Rates: Starting at $378 per night
Great for: Romantic getaways
Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary
Universal Studios shuttle service: No
Book a romantic getaway at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located in Bonnet Creek, a residential area near Walt Disney World. Despite being surrounded by other hotels and the Disney campus, you feel like you’re in a peaceful oasis.
Get a couples massage at the on-site spa or enjoy a romantic evening at the Bull & Bear restaurant. Enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning before heading to the theme parks, or relax at one of the two pools.
Note: The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is undergoing a phased remodel during 2023, and some features may be unavailable. Contact the hotel for more information.
Where To Eat in Orlando
Whether you’re standing in line at theme parks or spending the day on one of the area’s many lakes, you’re sure to work up an appetite in Orlando. Grab some curbside pickup, takeout or delivery to eat in your hotel, or check out one of our recommended restaurants.
Victoria & Albert’s
Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone number: (407) 939-3862
Chef: Matthew Sowers
Reservations: Required
Type: New American, fine dining
Dress code: Semi-formal/formal
AAA designation: Five Diamond
Price: Starting at $300
The most exclusive dining experience in Disney World and one of the best restaurants in Orlando is Victoria & Albert’s, the restaurant in the Grand Floridian Hotel. It only serves a maximum of 43 guests each night, so book your reservations up to 60 days in advance.
Choose to eat in the Dining Room with live harp entertainment, or opt for the romance of Queen Victoria’s Room, which only seats four couples. You can also eat at the Chef’s Table and watch the chef prepare your meal. All guests must be at least 10 years of age, and semi-formal/formal wear is required.
The Boathouse
Address: 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone number: (407) 939-2628
Chef: John Shaw
Reservations: Suggested
Type: Seafood & steak, fine dining
Dress code: None
AAA designation: Three Diamond
Price: Starting at $35
Located at the end of The Landing at Disney Springs, The Boathouse lives up to its name, with boat decor and stunning views of Lake Buena Vista. The menu includes fresh seafood, a raw bar, steak, pasta and more casual options like tacos and burgers. There’s plenty on the menu to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Visit the three outdoor bars where you can see harbor manager flag ceremonies during the day or enjoy live entertainment from 8 p.m. to midnight. The restaurant has a relaxed vacation vibe, and you’ll see a mix of people fresh from a day at one of the theme parks alongside people straight from the office.
Café Tu Tu Tango
Address: 8625 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
Phone number: (407) 248-2222
Chef: Eduardo Sierra
Reservations: Suggested for dinner
Type: Small plates
Dress code: Casual
AAA designation: Three Diamond
Price: Starting at $6
Located on International Drive, Café Tu Tu Tango has an artistic and eclectic vibe, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Order several of their tapas-style plates to share with the table and enjoy daily drink and food specials Monday through Friday. Despite its eclectic vibe, it’s still very kid-friendly.
View artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece as a unique souvenir of your trip) while you eat. And if there’s an artist in residence, you can even watch them create their work. There’s live entertainment every day, ranging from belly dancers to tarot readers to musicians.
STK Orlando
Address: 1580 E. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL 32830
Phone number: (407) 917-7440
Chef: James O’Donnell
Reservations: Suggested
Type: Steak, fine dining
Dress code: Smart casual
AAA designation: Three Diamond
Price: Starting at $24
STK Orlando describes itself as a modern steakhouse slash chic lounge in Disney Springs. There’s a live DJ mixing music to craft the perfect energy for your visit. The restaurant has four main dining areas (first-floor patio, first-floor lounge, second-floor casual and second-floor patio) and two bars where you can enjoy craft cocktails before your meal.
The menu includes steak, seafood and more. They also serve brunch on the weekends. While STK Orlando has a kid’s menu, the overall vibe makes it a better option for adults. Save STK Orlando for a date night without the kids for the best experience.
Le Cafe de Paris
Address: 5170 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Phone number: (407) 293-2326
Chef: Claude Wolff
Reservations: No
Type: French
Dress code: Casual
AAA designation: Approved
Price: Starting at $11
Le Cafe de Paris is a small French cafe owned and run by Claude and Chantal Wolff that serves breakfast and lunch. Enjoy delicious French pastries, omelets, soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads — perfect for a quick bite before you tackle your day.
They also blend their Columbian, Costa Rican and Ethiopian coffee locally. If you like it, you can sign up for their coffee club and they’ll ship it to you monthly so you can keep enjoying your vacation after you get home.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
Address: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 84, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone number: (407)545-6867
Chef: Chris Christini
Reservations: Suggested
Type: Northern Italian
Dress code: Business casual
AAA designation: Four Diamond
Price: Starting at $25
If you want Italian food, the best place in Orlando is Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, which has been serving authentic Italian food for over 40 years. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients (including olives from Christini’s farm) and pairs beautifully with the extensive wine list. While reservations aren’t required, the restaurant is only open from 5 to 11 p.m., so a reservation will help you avoid a long wait for a free table.
Hot Dog Heaven
Address: 5355 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32807
Phone number: (407) 282-5746
Reservations: No
Type: Quick serve
Dress code: Casual
AAA designation: Approved
Price: Starting at $4
Since 1987, Hot Dog Heaven has been serving authentic Chicago-style hot dogs to Orlando. They purchase all their hot dogs from Vienna Beef Co., a Chicago-based company that’s been smoking all-beef hot dogs since 1893, so you know they’re authentic. They offer three dozen hot dog options, including Southern, New York and Chicago, in regular and jumbo sizes.
Be sure to check the hours for the day before you go. Hot Dog Heaven’s limited hours and popularity means you’ll probably have to stand in line, but it’s worth it.
5 Orlando Photo Spots
Orlando is filled with stunning scenic places that practically beg you to take a photo. Whether you’re looking to take an updated family photo, snap professional engagement photos or just take a selfie that proves you were there, check out our list below.
- Main Street USA with Cinderella’s Castle: Every step you take in Disney World brings you a new spot to photograph, but since we can only have one on this list, we’ll go with the obvious: Cinderella’s Castle. After all, you need evidence that you made it to the Happiest Place on Earth.
- Diagon Alley at Universal Studios: Don’t miss the chance to take a photo in Diagon Alley with Gringotts Bank in the background. Raise your wand high and use rapid fire to catch the exact moment the dragon breathes flames into the sky.
- The Orlando Eye: Grab stunning photos of the Orlando skyline from one of the cars of The Orlando Eye, once known as the Wheel at ICON Park. From 400 feet in the air, you’ll see all the lakes, theme parks and other attractions that make Orlando unique. For the best photos, ride at sunset to capture that magic golden hour light!
- Lake Eola Park: Wander through the tree-lined paths, stop next to the fountain or pose with stunning art installations at Lake Eola Park. It’s the perfect spot for engagement and wedding photos.
- The Orlando Museum of Art: The Orlando Museum of Art is home to stunning contemporary art pieces, but its modern architecture and sculpture garden are the perfect background for unique photos.
Orlando Day Tips
One of the best things about Orlando is its central location. You can easily take a day trip to anywhere else in the state with a rental car or a quick trip on Amtrak.
Clearwater Beach
On a developed barrier island near Tampa, you’ll find the famous white sugar sand of Clearwater Beach. When you get tired of the sand, head to Pier 60, where you can use telescopes, get a snack at the snack bar, play on the beach playground or fish. Take Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, a two-hour tour of the Intracoastal Waterway with a crew of pirates who will entertain your kids with interactive games, face paint and a dance party. There’s also an aquarium, several museums and the Alligator Discovery Center nearby.
- Cost: $100 for transportation to/from the beach and tour guide
- Duration: 12 hours
Kennedy Space Center
A 45-minute drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center makes a great day trip for Orlando visitors. While it will take closer to two days to see every exhibit, you can see a significant portion in a single day. Meet a real astronaut at the Universe Theater or explore the Astronaut Hall of Fame. You can also explore NASA’s plans for traveling to Mars and see how you stack up against recruits.
- Cost: $156
- Duration: 1 day
St. Augustine
Head up the Atlantic Coast to St. Augustine and spend the day exploring the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Stroll through the cobbled streets and colonial Spanish neighborhoods and enjoy a meal at one of the promenade cafes. Wander around the Castillo de San Marcos, where costumed guides will tell you about the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
- Cost: $84
- Duration: 10 hours
Swim With Manatees
Spend a morning snorkeling with a manatee! Travel an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Orlando to Crystal River, the Manatee Capital of the World. You’ll leave early in the morning, and once you arrive, you’ll take a boat up the Crystal River into the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where you can snorkel with manatees. Afterward, have lunch in Homosassa State Park and explore before returning to Orlando.
- Cost: $98 + wetsuit rental (required)
- Duration: 8.5 hours
Orlando on a Budget
Orlando is often a pricey vacation destination — all those theme park admissions add up fast, after all! Here are a few tips for a budget-friendly trip to Orlando.
- Take advantage of your AAA membership discounts. Your AAA membership is a great tool for saving money in Orlando. As a AAA member, you can:
- Save up to 30 percent on tickets to popular attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
- Save on hotels when you stay with one of our preferred lodging partners.
- Save on rental cars.
- Save on nonalcoholic beverages and food at Hard Rock Cafe and Landry’s restaurants.
- Travel during off-peak times. Avoid peak travel seasons, when hotels, attractions and restaurants raise prices to coincide with demand.
- Choose your hotel wisely to utilize amenities. Look for hotels with amenities that will help you avoid some costs, like:
- Free parking
- Shuttles to theme parks
- Complimentary breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bring your own snacks and drinks. The fastest way to balloon your budget is by buying drinks and snacks at attractions. Most places will let you bring a backpack with snacks and reusable water bottles. If your hotel has a free breakfast, you’ll only need to pay for lunch and dinner every day.
- Redeem credit card points, airline miles, hotel reward points and more. Redeem points for free or reduced-price hotels and flights. Even if you can’t cover the cost of the entire trip, you’ll be able to offset some of the costs to help you stay on budget (or pick up a few souvenirs).
Orlando Traveling Tips
For many people, a trip to Orlando is stressful. Many trips are years in the making, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details of a “perfect trip” and forget to enjoy the moment. Here are a few tips to help you have the best trip to Orlando.
- Purchase tickets and make reservations as soon as possible. There’s so much to do in Orlando, and all the options can get overwhelming. Many theme parks and other attractions book up early, and reservations are usually required at popular restaurants. Plan as much as you can in advance to ensure you’ll be able to see everything you want to see.
- Stay in the right location. If you’re only going to one theme park, stay as close as possible at a hotel offering a shuttle to the park. Stay on International Drive, the main tourist district close to most of Orlando’s attractions, if you aren’t planning on hitting the theme parks.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Even if it’s not hot, remember to put on sunscreen since your skin can still burn when it’s cool outside.
- Be prepared for rain. It will likely rain at least once during your visit, so come prepared. Carry a lightweight rain jacket, poncho or umbrella for surprise showers. You’ll still be able to do most things on your list even in the rain, but be flexible if lightning occurs.
- Take frequent breaks. A trip to Orlando may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that doesn’t mean you need to schedule every moment. Allow yourself plenty of time for each activity so you don’t have to rush. (Multi-day theme park tickets help with this — plus they’re cheaper per day than one-day tickets.) Find time to sit in the shade and relax, or alternate outdoor activities with indoor ones to get out of the heat.
- Explore beyond the theme parks. Most people travel to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but Orlando has much more to offer. Consider spending a day or two outside the parks to appreciate downtown Orlando or explore its unique natural beauty.
What To Pack for Orlando
What to pack for Orlando depends on what time of year you’re traveling.
Basic Items To Pack for Orlando
Regardless of the season, you’ll need to pack the following items:
- Comfortable shoes
- Umbrella
- Backpack
- Portable phone charger
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Toiletries
- Medications
- First-aid kit (especially Band-Aids for blisters)
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Undergarments
- Swimming suit (many hotel pools are heated and can be used year-round)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Casual clothing
- One or two dressy outfits (with shoes!) for nice dinners or shows
- Tickets and other travel documents
- Entertainment and reading material for flights and downtime
Spring and Fall Packing List for Orlando
If you’re headed to Orlando in the spring or fall months, you’ll need the following in addition to your basic items:
- Light jacket or sweater
- A mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts to layer
- Waterproof shoes
- Costumes (if you’re traveling at Halloween)
Summer Packing List for Orlando
Orlando summers can be brutal, so make sure to throw the following items in your luggage:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Water
- Beach towel
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Sweat-proof makeup
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Shorts
- Hand-held fan or cooling towel
- Light-colored clothing
- Moisture-wicking clothing
- More clothes than you think you’ll need (you’ll either sweat or get trapped in the rain and need to change into something dry)
Winter Packing List for Orlando
Many people opt to travel to Florida in the winter because the winters are so mild.
- Lightweight hoodies
- Thick socks
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Tennis shoes
- Cardigans
- Gloves, scarves and hats for evenings
Plan Your Orlando Vacation With AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Orlando trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.