Orlando: Travel Guide

Orlando at a Glance

Orlando is the most visited tourist destination in the United States, drawing over 70 million visitors annually. The city’s engine is its concentration of major theme parks — Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Legoland — but the metropolitan area of roughly 3 million people has a genuine urban core, a growing food scene, and natural attractions (springs, wildlife refuges, and lakes) that most theme-park visitors never discover. Understanding how the city is laid out makes a significant difference in managing both time and budget.

Getting There and Getting Around

By air: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country and handles direct service from most major US cities and many international destinations. The SunRail commuter train connects the airport to downtown Orlando, though it does not serve the theme park corridor directly. Rideshares and taxis from MCO to the Walt Disney World Resort area cost approximately $35–$55 as of 2026; to International Drive, approximately $25–$40.

By train: Amtrak’s Silver Star and Silver Meteor both serve Orlando’s downtown station (1400 Sligh Blvd), connecting to Miami (approximately 5 hours) and New York (approximately 20 hours). Brightline, a private high-speed rail service, opened its Orlando station at OIA in late 2023 connecting to Miami in approximately 3 hours; single tickets from approximately $30 as of 2026.

Within the area: The Walt Disney World Resort operates an extensive free internal transportation network (monorail, buses, boats, and the Skyliner gondola) within its properties. Universal Orlando provides free shuttle buses between on-site hotels and the parks. I-Drive (International Drive) is served by the I-Ride Trolley (approximately $2 per ride as of 2026) running the full length of the corridor. Renting a car is the most efficient option if you plan to visit multiple park complexes or explore beyond the tourist corridor.

The Lay of the Land

Walt Disney World Resort sits 20 miles southwest of downtown Orlando in Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee. It covers approximately 40 square miles and contains four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), two water parks, and over 30 resort hotels.

Universal Orlando Resort sits about 8 miles northeast of Disney on Universal Boulevard, with two main parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) plus the Epic Universe expansion that opened in 2025.

International Drive (I-Drive) is the tourist corridor connecting Universal to SeaWorld and Convention Center hotels. It is dense with restaurants, outlets, and entertainment venues.

Downtown Orlando (Orange Avenue and Church Street) is a genuine urban neighborhood with a night-life district, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and the Amway Center (NBA Orlando Magic). It is approximately 10 miles northeast of Disney.

Winter Park is a leafy, upscale suburb north of downtown with boutique shops, the Morse Museum (the world’s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art), and a pleasant Park Avenue restaurant strip.

Top Attractions (Beyond the Big Parks)

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — SR-405, Merritt Island. Approximately 50 miles east of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast. Admission approximately $75 adults, approximately $55 children as of 2026. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The largest attraction of its kind in the country — historic rockets, shuttle exhibits, and launch viewing opportunities.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art — 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park. The world’s most complete collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including the reconstructed Laurelton Hall chapel. Admission approximately $6 adults as of 2026. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 1–4 p.m.

Wekiwa Springs State Park — 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka (approximately 25 miles north). A freshwater spring with crystal-clear 68°F water for swimming and kayaking. Entry approximately $6 per vehicle. Open 8 a.m.–sunset.

ICON Park — 8375 International Dr. A walkable entertainment complex on I-Drive with the Starflyer (tallest swing ride in the world), free-standing restaurants and attractions, and the 400-foot Wheel. Individual attractions ticketed separately from approximately $15–$30.

Scenic Boat Tour, Winter Park — 312 E Morse Blvd. One-hour narrated boat tours through Winter Park’s chain of lakes, passing lakeside estates and Rollins College. Approximately $18 adults, $10 children as of 2026. Departures daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Where to Eat

The Ravenous Pig — 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park. The restaurant that put Orlando’s food scene on the culinary map. Gastropub format with serious ingredients; entrees approximately $24–$42. Reservations necessary.

Capa — 4600 World Center Dr (Four Seasons Resort, Disney area). A rooftop Spanish steakhouse with a wood-burning grill and views of Disney fireworks. Entrees approximately $50–$85. Dinner only.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare — 1103 N Mills Ave, Mills 50 District. Asian street food from multiple countries in a lively communal space; small plates approximately $8–$14. Very popular and does not take reservations; waits common on weekends.

Kabooki Sushi — 3200 S Orlando Dr, Semoran Boulevard. Long-standing Orlando sushi institution with imaginative rolls and a strong omakase option; rolls approximately $14–$22 as of 2026.

K Restaurant — 1710 Edgewater Dr, College Park. A neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant with a serious commitment to Florida-sourced ingredients; entrees approximately $28–$50. One of the best non-hotel restaurants in the metro area.

Bulla Gastrobar — 4100 Eastgate Dr, Dr. Phillips (near Restaurant Row). A Spanish gastropub with well-executed pintxos and a good wine program; shared plates approximately $10–$22.

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort — 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista. Orlando’s top luxury hotel, on Disney property with park views from upper floors. Rates approximately $600–$1,200 per night as of 2026.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel — 5601 Universal Blvd (Universal on-site resort). A full-service resort modeled on an Italian Riviera village, with early park access to Universal parks included. Rates approximately $300–$550 per night as of 2026.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando — 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln. An elegant full-service resort just outside Disney property with a championship golf course and one of Orlando’s better spas. Rates approximately $350–$650 per night as of 2026.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando — 325 S Orange Ave, Downtown Orlando. A 247-room boutique hotel in downtown with an art gallery in the lobby and a rooftop pool; rates approximately $180–$300 per night as of 2026. The best hotel option for travelers whose primary interest is the city itself rather than the theme parks.

Hyatt Regency Orlando — 9801 International Dr. A 1,641-room convention hotel on I-Drive with a large pool complex and direct connection to the Orange County Convention Center. Rates approximately $160–$280 per night as of 2026.

Rosen Inn International — 7600 International Dr. A reliable, value-focused option on I-Drive with free shuttle service to the major parks; rates approximately $80–$130 per night as of 2026.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: January through February and September through October offer the best combination of lower crowds and manageable weather. June through August is hot, humid, and the busiest season for domestic families. December holiday weeks are extremely crowded.

Theme park pricing: Walt Disney World single-day tickets start from approximately $109 and rise to approximately $189 on peak days as of 2026. Universal one-day tickets start from approximately $109. Annual passes are worth considering if you plan more than one visit per year.

Florida sales tax: Orange County sales tax is 6.5% on most goods; hotel stays are taxed at approximately 12.5% as of 2026.