The Traveller's Guide to Orlando, Florida

What images come to mind when you visit Orlando?  Do you imagine sparkling beaches, a bustling city centre or quick access to the Disney studios?  If so, you are correct in all three of these observations.  Orlando is one of the most popular cities on the eastern coast of the United States and thanks to its amenable climate, the sun normally hangs high in the sky.  It therefore stand to reason that millions of tourists from around the world choose to visit Orlando each year.  In order for you to be able to plan your upcoming holiday, let's take a look at some important logistical details before examining the top sights to include within your itinerary.

Flight Times and Travel Information

The main airport which caters to the entire region is Orlando International Airport.  It is found 10 kilometres from the city centre and there are numerous transportation options available once you arrive.  Some common methods include trams, above-speed railways, subway systems and buses.  It is also possible to rent a vehicle if you wish to see more of the surrounding region.  This airport catered to more than 42 million passengers in 2016 and this enabled it to be one of the busiest in the world.  Some of the major airlines which operate to and from here include:

American Airlines
British Airways
Delta Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Virgin America

The average flight time is just over 9 hours and if you choose a connection in a city such as New York, this could increase to between 10 and 12.

The Top Orlando Attractions

Walt Disney World is by far the most popular attraction within the Orlando metro area.  This theme park is actually comprised of Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center.  However, never believe that such a destination is for children alone.  Epcot Center itself offers a number of fun and engaging activities for the child in all of us.  If you are arriving here with your family, always make it a point to reserve tickets for Walt Disney World.

Speaking of theme parks, Universal Studios Orlando is the perfect option if you hope to get an up-close-and-personal view of all of your favourite films.  Daily shows, live concerts and movie-themed rides are only three of the options that you will have to choose from.  Much like Walt Disney World, you will save a great deal of money by booking tickets in advance (before you leave the United Kingdom).  There are also a number of hotels found within Universal Studios Orlando.

In terms of family-friendly attractions, nothing beats SeaWorld Orlando.  This massive aquarium is home to some of the most amazing species on the planet.  You can attend dolphin shows, look eye to eye with a killer whale and observe a host of other aquatic species.     

If you happen to wish to avoid the numerous tourists associated with the previous locations, you can always head over to the Harry P. Leu Gardens.  These botanical gardens are found on 50 acres of land and they are a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.  There is even an entirely separate area reserved completely for butterflies.  A day at the park has never been more appealing.

It would be remiss to fail to mention the beaches associated with Orlando.  As they are all very close to the city as well as to the major hotels, pristine strips of sand are literally just outside of your door.  Some of the best spots to examine are:

Cocoa Beach
Port Canaveral
Vero Beach
Clearwater

If you happen to arrive during the height of the tourist season, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.

When to Visit

While summers here can be humid, the main concern is the hurricane season (between June and late September).  If you have been hoping to avoid any inclement weather, it is best to plan your holiday for the early spring or the early autumn just to be sure.