Plan Your Visit | Orlando+

Planning Your Orlando Visit

Planning a trip to Orlando can feel overwhelming with so many attractions, accommodations, and activities to choose from. Whether you’re visiting for the theme parks, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, this comprehensive guide will help you organize your trip and make the most of your time in the City Beautiful. To simplify your planning, consider booking your travel through Expedia, where you can find great deals on flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

1. When to Visit Orlando

Orlando is a year-round destination, but the timing of your visit can significantly impact costs, crowds, and weather.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March–May): Enjoy mild weather and moderate crowds. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities and theme parks.
Fall (September–November): Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore.
Winter (December–February): Perfect for holiday events but busier during school breaks.

Peak Seasons to Avoid

Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and crowded with families on vacation.
Major Holidays: Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break are especially busy.

For the best travel deals during any season, check out Expedia to book early and lock in competitive rates.

2. How Many Days Do You Need?

The length of your trip depends on what you want to experience:

3–4 Days: Focus on one or two theme parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
5–7 Days: Explore multiple parks and local attractions such as ICON Park or Kennedy Space Center.
8+ Days: Add day trips to nearby beaches or cities like Tampa or Miami.

To maximize your stay and save money on accommodations, browse vacation packages on Expedia.

3. Where to Stay in Orlando

Orlando offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts or budget-friendly hotels close to the parks, there’s something for everyone.

Popular Areas to Stay

Lake Buena Vista: Ideal for Disney visitors with easy access to the parks.
International Drive (I-Drive): A central location with plenty of dining options and attractions like ICON Park.
Kissimmee: Great for families looking for vacation homes or budget-friendly stays near Disney.

For exclusive hotel deals in these areas, visit Expedia to find the perfect place for your trip.

4. Getting Around Orlando

Transportation options in Orlando vary depending on your itinerary.

Rental Cars

Best for flexibility if you plan to visit multiple locations or take day trips.
Be prepared for toll roads—consider using a Visitor Toll Pass to save money.

Public Transportation

The LYNX Bus System serves many parts of Orlando but may not be ideal for theme park hopping.
The I-Ride Trolley is a convenient option along International Drive.

Uber and Lyft are widely available and great for short trips within the city.

If you’re booking flights into Orlando International Airport (MCO), bundle your car rental with your flight on Expedia for added convenience.

5. Booking Theme Park Tickets

Save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Multi-day passes often provide better value than single-day tickets. Consider bundling tickets with hotel packages for additional savings. For example:

Walt Disney World offers discounted multi-day passes.
Universal Studios provides park-to-park passes that include access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

You can also find vacation packages that combine hotel stays and park tickets on Expedia.

6. Top Attractions in Orlando

Orlando is famous for its world-class theme parks, but there’s much more to explore beyond them. Here are some must-see attractions:

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World Resort: Includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
Universal Orlando Resort: Features Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park.
SeaWorld Orlando: A mix of marine life exhibits and thrilling roller coasters.

Beyond Theme Parks

Kennedy Space Center: Learn about space exploration at this iconic NASA facility.
ICON Park: Ride The Wheel for panoramic views of the city.
Gatorland: Dubbed the “Alligator Capital of the World,” it’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Find discounted tickets and packages for these attractions on Expedia.

7. Dining in Orlando

Orlando’s culinary scene offers something for everyone—from fine dining experiences to family-friendly eateries.

Top Dining Spots

Disney Springs: Home to celebrity chef restaurants like Wine Bar George and Morimoto Asia.
Restaurant Row: A stretch of Sand Lake Road featuring diverse cuisines.
Local Favorites: Visit Winter Park’s Prato or Se7en Bites in The Milk District for unique flavors.

For dining deals near your hotel or attraction of choice, browse options on Expedia.

8. Tips for Saving Money

Traveling to Orlando doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are some tips:

Book flights and accommodations early through Expedia.
Look for combo deals that include park tickets and hotels.
Take advantage of free activities like Disney Springs or Lake Eola Park.
Dine at restaurants offering “Kids Eat Free” promotions or cook meals if staying in a vacation rental.

9. Day Trips from Orlando

If you have extra time during your trip, consider these exciting day trips:

Clearwater Beach: Relax on white sandy beaches just 90 minutes away.
St. Augustine: Explore America’s oldest city with historic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos.
Tampa Bay: Visit Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium.

Plan your day trips easily by renting a car through Expedia.