Orlando

Travel Guide & Recommendations

Epcot, Walt Disney World

Orlando revolves around its theme parks, but getting around them well, choosing where to stay, and knowing what to expect from the weather makes the difference between an exhausting trip and a perfect vacation. Here are the essential tips for your family trip.

✨ What You Can't Miss

• 🏰Walt Disney World — Four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — plus two water parks, the most visited family vacation destination on the planet.
• 🎢Universal Orlando — Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the world of Harry Potter sit alongside cutting-edge attractions designed for all ages.
• 🐋SeaWorld Orlando — Marine life shows, roller coasters, and a conservation focus that combines fun with learning about the ocean.
• 🛍️International Drive — ICON Park and its wheel, outlet malls, mini golf, and restaurants side by side on the city's busiest tourist strip.
• 🌳Lake Eola & Winter Park — The Orlando that isn't about theme parks: swan-boat rides on Lake Eola, art galleries, and the charming streets of Winter Park.
• 🚀Kennedy Space Center — A little over an hour from Orlando, NASA's space center offers real rockets, simulators, and the chance to see a launch.

Lake Eola, downtown Orlando

🏘️ Where to Stay

• Lake Buena Vista / Walt Disney World: Disney-owned hotels with free transport to the parks and perks like early entry. Ideal if your trip is mostly Disney.
• International Drive: The most central area to combine Universal, SeaWorld, and Disney. Hundreds of hotels for every budget, restaurants, and outlet malls.
• Winter Park / Downtown Orlando: For those looking for something beyond the parks: tree-lined streets, galleries, good dining, and the Lake Eola atmosphere.

🚌 Getting Around

You'll need a rental car — Orlando is built around driving, and the parks and hotels are several miles apart. Within Walt Disney World, buses, the monorail, and the Skyliner connect parks and on-site hotels at no extra cost. The I-Ride Trolley covers the entire International Drive strip.