Orlando Trip Planner
Why Visit Orlando: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Orlando for its vibrant attractions, as one review notes the excitement of theme parks combined with cultural landmarks. Highlights include visiting Walt Disney World and experiencing local arts districts. With Pilot, planning your organized, authentic trip is a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy every moment in Orlando.
Orlando travel photos
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What to do in Orlando
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🎢 Visit Universal's Islands of Adventure for thrilling rides. - 🐭 Explore Walt Disney World's iconic Magic Kingdom. - 🌊 Relax at the beautiful Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. - 📚 Discover Kennedy Space Center's awe-inspiring space exhibits. - 🍽️ Savor local flavors in the Audubon Park Garden District. - 🛶 Paddleboard at Wekiva River for a serene escape. Use Pilot to seamlessly create an Orlando itinerary with these highlights.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌆 Explore Winter Park for upscale boutiques and charming streets. - 🍽️ Delve into the culinary scene in the Mills 50 district. - 🎨 Stroll through murals and local art in Thornton Park. - 🛍️ Visit the Milk District for vintage shops and unique finds. - 🎢 Discover incredible attractions and experiences at International Drive. - 🚶♀️ Walk around Lake Eola for scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. Pilot can help find great hotel deals for your stay.
Discover the best food and drink
🍽️ Orlando boasts authentic Cuban sandwiches and vibrant food truck dishes. 🦞 Dive into fresh seafood, like stone crab and local shrimp. 🥘 Explore Floribbean cuisine, blending Caribbean flavors with Southern style. 🌮 Try Yellow Dog Eats for creative tacos. 🥞 Visit Se7en Bites for Southern comfort food. 🦐 Explore Morimoto Asia for upscale dishes. Pilot can help you map out your culinary adventure in Orlando perfectly.
In popular culture
- 🎬 Universal Studios Florida: Filming location for "Jaws 3-D" and TV shows like "SeaQuest DSV." - 📺 Walt Disney World: Featured in TV shows like "Full House" and the film "The Florida Project." - 🎥 Epcot: Part of the classic "Boy Meets World" when the characters visit Disney World. - 📹 "The Right Stuff": Portions filmed at the Kennedy Space Center, just east of Orlando. - 📷 Nelly's "Nellyville" album includes "Pimp Juice," mentioning Orlando. - 🎤 TikTok and Instagram highlight Orlando's iconic theme parks creating viral content.
Orlando at a glance
Start My AdventureWhat reviews say
- Reviews praise the theme parks but warn of tourist crowds. - Redditors suggest exploring local food scenes away from tourist spots. - Hidden gems include Leu Gardens and the Orlando Science Center. - Traffic can be overwhelming, plan extra time for travel. - Locals recommend winter for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. - Use SunRail for hassle-free public transport.
What reddit says
- Universal is a hit. People rave about Harry Potter World. - Disney parks are a must for families. - Try local food spots, not just chains. - Many suggest exploring Winter Park for a calmer vibe. - International Drive is busy but full of attractions. - Consider the Kennedy Space Center for a day trip. - Watch for afternoon thunderstorms during summer.
Travel tips and safety
- Orlando is lively. Explore neighborhoods like Thornton Park for local vibes. - Tip around 15-20% at restaurants. - Open container laws mean no drinking alcohol in public places. - Basic meal around $12. - Mid-range hotel averages $150/night. Orlando is generally safe. Consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Lynx buses are affordable ($2 single ride) but can be slow; great for exploring central Orlando. - SunRail is faster and covers the main corridor; more suitable for commuters. - Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available, generally $15-$30 for most trips. - Downtown and Winter Park are very walkable with unique local shops and dining. - Bike rentals available, perfect for trails like Cady Way or West Orange. - Pilot can help map out walking routes and transit schedules for efficient exploration.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget travel to Orlando costs around $70-$100 per day per person. This includes simple accommodation like hostels or budget motels ($30-$50), public transportation ($2 on Lynx), affordable meals at diners or food trucks ($10-$20), and free or low-cost attractions like Disney Springs or Lake Eola Park. - For a mid-range experience, expect to spend about $150-$200 per day. Stay in 3-star hotels ($80-$120), use rideshares ($10-$20), enjoy local dining options ($20-$40), and visit attractions such as Universal Studios or Kennedy Space Center ($50-$100). - Luxury travelers might spend $300+ daily. Accommodations at high-end resorts can range from $200+. Private transport, gourmet dining, and premium experiences like VIP theme park tours can add significantly. Remember, prices vary at different times of the year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
- 🎢 Start your day at Universal Studios for a thrilling morning. It's compact and you’ll get more on one ticket. - 🍽️ Head to Winter Park for lunch. Try Prato for Italian or The Ravenous Pig for local flavors. - 🚶♀️ Stroll Park Avenue for boutique shops and galleries. It's charming and manageable. - 🌸 Visit the nearby Harry P. Leu Gardens to unwind in nature. It’s peaceful and less crowded. - ⚖️ Balance your evening with Icon Park. Ride The Wheel for city views, then take your pick of spots for dinner. - 🎼 Check out a live show at Dr. Phillips Center if you can squeeze it in. The calendar is packed with varied options. Pilot can easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- ☔️ Check out the Orlando Science Center. It's engaging and perfect for a rainy day. - 🎨 Explore the Orlando Museum of Art. It's a wonderful place to get lost in creativity. - 🎮 Visit The VOID at Disney Springs for an immersive virtual reality experience. - 🍽️ Enjoy a cooking class at Truffles and Trifles. Learn something new and savor the results. - 🍿 Catch a film at the Enzian Theater, a local favorite showing indie and classic films. - 📚 Head to Barnes & Noble on East Colonial Drive. Grab a coffee and enjoy some relaxed browsing. - 🦖 Experience the indoor exhibits at the Orlando Natural History Museum. - 🎭 Check out a theater performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. - 🍻 Enjoy craft beer tasting at one of Orlando's renowned breweries like Tactical Brewing Co. - 🎳 Go for a fun game of bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Best time: March to May; temperatures around 15-29°C (59-84°F), comfortable and not too crowded - Avoid: Summer months; very humid, temperatures soar to 24-34°C (75-93°F) - Climate: Humid subtropical - Biome: Sand pine scrub - Weather in winter is mild, roughly 10-22°C (50-72°F) - Rainy season: June to September - Great for outdoor activities in spring and fall - Enjoy theme parks and nature walks comfortably in cooler months
How to find events during your stay
- To discover Orlando's cultural pulse, follow the local news provider “Orlando Weekly.” They offer detailed event listings and commentary: https://www.orlandoweekly.com - Keep an eye on social media. The Instagram handle @orlandodatenightguide often shares insightful posts about upcoming events in and around the city. - For seasonal festivals and local markets, trust "Orlando Sentinel." Their website has a dedicated section for events and happenings across Orlando: https://www.orlandosentinel.com - Visit "Bungalower," a hyperlocal news website. They frequently update about local happenings, from concerts to festivals: https://bungalower.com - Check out Visit Orlando's official site for a comprehensive calendar of events tailored for tourists and locals who love organized experiences: https://www.visitorlando.com - Look up "I Love Central Florida," a community-focused site where locals share upcoming events: https://ilovecfl.com Exploring these resources will connect you to the vibrant culture resonating throughout Orlando.
Before your trip, read the history
Orlando's journey begins long before it became a travel hotspot. Initially inhabited by Native American tribes like the Timucua and Seminole, it bears deep-rooted indigenous history. Founded in 1875 and believed named after a soldier, Orlando Reeves, its real development took off when the railroad arrived, turning it into an agricultural center known for citrus production. The city's history got a major boost in 1965 when Walt Disney announced Disney World, shifting Orlando into a global entertainment hub.You'll find layers of cultural and political history interwoven. Known for its warm hospitality, Orlando has leaned politically diverse over the decades, often serving as a bellwether in national elections. Historically, notable figures like Walt Disney and Charles Horn significantly influenced its growth. Consider visiting the Orange County Regional History Center to dig deeper into the local story. Orlando’s rich tapestry makes it an exciting destination, offering first-time visitors a journey through its enchanting past and vibrant present. All of these offer insight into why this city is a key spot in the heart of Florida.
