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Orlando is easy to visit but easy to underestimate: the airport is huge, the heat is real, and the theme parks have their own rules about tickets and timing. These Orlando travel tips cover airports, transport, money, and safety so you spend your trip in the parks, not untangling logistics. For hotel specifics, jump to the where to stay in Orlando guide.
Orlando Travel Tips: Airports and Getting Around
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway, about 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the theme parks. It has three terminals (A, B, and the newer Terminal C), and a free tram links the main terminal to the gates. Budget carriers like Allegiant and Sun Country use Orlando Sanford International (SFB), 45 km (28 miles) north. A taxi or ride-share from MCO to the I-Drive area runs US$40 to US$60, and the trip takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Mears Connect shared shuttles to the Disney area start around US$16 per person.
Renting a car is useful but not essential; most hotels near the parks run free shuttles, and a rental adds US$15 to US$35 a day in tolls and US$30 to US$50 per park day in parking. The I-Ride Trolley covers International Drive for US$2 a ride, and the SunRail commuter train links downtown to Winter Park and Kissimmee for US$2 to US$4. Our Orlando neighborhoods guide maps which areas need a car.
Orlando Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Visas
The currency is the U.S. dollar, and cards are accepted everywhere, including parking meters and food stalls. Tipping runs 15 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, US$1 to US$2 per drink at bars, and US$2 to US$5 per day for hotel housekeeping. Many visitors from Europe and Asia can enter under the Visa Waiver Program with a US$21 ESTA approval, but travelers from Brazil, India, and China need a full B-2 visa, so check before booking. The best time to visit Orlando page explains how peak-season pricing on flights and hotels works.
Orlando Travel Tips: Health, Safety, and Weather
Orlando’s tap water is safe to drink, and sunscreen is non-negotiable from March to October, when the UV index regularly hits 9 to 11. The main weather risk is the June-to-November hurricane season, covered in our Orlando weather by month article; storms are forecast days ahead, so they rarely surprise anyone. Tourist areas are safe and heavily patrolled, but lock valuables in the trunk and avoid walking alone late at night on the quieter stretches of Highway 192. Emergency services use 911.
Orlando Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days do I need in Orlando? Four full days covers one Disney park per day plus one Universal day; five to seven days lets you add SeaWorld, a water park, and a rest day. The Orlando overview maps the whole trip.
- Which Disney park is best for young kids? Magic Kingdom, followed by Animal Kingdom; skip EPCOT if you have toddlers.
- Do I need to buy park tickets in advance? Yes. Disney and Universal use dynamic date-based pricing, and popular dates sell out, so buy online weeks ahead.
- Is Orlando walkable? Not between attractions. The parks are spread across a wide metro, so plan a car, hotel shuttle, or ride-share budget.
- When is hurricane season? June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk in September and October.
If you are deciding between the parks and the city, the things to do in Orlando list ranks them by budget, and the Orlando events and festivals calendar shows what is on during your dates.
Suggested Hotels in Orlando
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Set on 500 lakeside acres, this five-star resort pairs an 18-hole golf course, a 40,000-square-foot spa, and 11 restaurants with daily shuttles to the theme parks. Best for couples and golfers who want a luxury escape that still reaches Disney and Universal. Check rates and availability
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Located inside the main terminal at MCO, this hotel puts you steps from the security checkpoint, ideal for early flights and one-night layovers, with a rooftop pool overlooking the runways. Best for travelers with an early departure or a short connection. Check rates and availability
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
This budget mainstay on south International Drive offers three pools, an on-site sports bar, and a location beside Pointe Orlando’s restaurants, about 15 minutes from Disney Springs. Best for budget travelers who want a solid base between the parks and the convention center. Check rates and availability
