Orlando holidays: the parks, the planning and Florida beyond
The world's greatest concentration of theme parks, warm lakes with alligators and spaceflight an hour away. Orlando is built for families, and it rewards a plan.
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Lake Eola
Photo: Mick Haupt / Unsplash
Orlando, a city of parks
Eight in the morning, half an hour before the gates open, and you are already queuing with two children who barely slept for excitement. That is how Orlando days begin, and why those who plan get the most out of them. With four Disney parks, Universal and SeaWorld, nobody sees everything in one trip.
Orlando sits in the middle of Florida, about an hour from both the Atlantic and the Gulf coast. For the rest of the country, see our USA travel guide.
The parks
Walt Disney World
Four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) and two water parks. More in our Disney World guide.
Universal Orlando
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the newer Epic Universe, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread across several parks. See our Universal Orlando guide.
SeaWorld and Discovery Cove
Marine life, roller coasters and a day swimming among fish and rays.
How to plan
Choose your parks before you go. Three to five park days suits most families.
Build in rest days. An afternoon at the hotel pool after two park days saves the holiday.
Buy tickets and any queue-skipping passes in advance. Prices vary by date.
Arrive early. The first hour after opening has the shortest queues.
Day trips
Kennedy Space Center is about an hour east, and with luck you will catch a launch. Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic and Clearwater on the Gulf make good breaks from the parks. See our guide to the Everglades and Kennedy Space Center.
Good to know
You need a hire car in Orlando unless you stay at a Disney hotel and only visit Disney parks.
Many hotels add a resort fee. Check the total price.
Summers are hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms.
Most international visitors need an ESTA or a visa to enter the USA.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Our Orlando hotel guide picks hotels at Disney, Universal and along International Drive.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Frequently asked questions about Orlando
How many days do you need in Orlando?
A week allows four or five park days plus a couple of rest days.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
January to March and October to early December, outside the American school holidays.
Should I stay near Disney or Universal?
Stay near the parks you will use most. International Drive sits between the two and has the widest choice.
Do you need a car in Orlando?
For most visitors, yes. Distances are long and public transport is limited.