A Tourists Guide To Orlando

One of the most popular family destinations in the USA, Orlando Florida is a great place to go with kids because of its wealth of amusement parks and great weather. There are also the beaches and wildlife if you get bored of rollercoasters and sea lion shows! Orlando is a very popular US destination both for Americans and for people from all over the world, especially the UK.

Best Time to Travel

Most people choose to visit Orlando during the summer months of June to August, where temperatures are 26-27C on average. Whilst December to February is unlikely to get higher than 20C and is 16-17C on average, possibility of rainfall is higher during the summer, although at no point is it likely to impede on your holiday.

Amazing Attractions to See

Orlando is chock full of attractions and resorts, the most notable being Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort (comprising of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, a nightclub and restaurant complex), and SeaWorld Adventure Park. All of these attractions are parks in their own right and will include places to eat and shop. There are many hotels linked to Walt Disney World so if its your main reason for going its worth looking out for special offers on room rates.

If youve always wanted to swim with the dolphins you can buy tickets for Discovery Cove, a companion site to SeaWorld where you are able to spend time in the water. Be warned, tickets are limited to 1000 and sell out fast.

If youre trying to avoid the crowds a visit to downtown Orlando might be one to try, as most of the theme parks are based outside the city. There youll find several gardens and parks including the Arboretum of University of Central Florida (free admission), the Harry P. Leu Gardens ($7), the Historic Bok Sanctuary ($10 admission), and the World of Orchids (free). If art and culture is more your thing then there are plenty of museums including the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Centre.

Exquisite and Delicious Restaurants

There are a wide variety of places to dine in Orlando and most are reasonably priced although its worth noting that the chain restaurant is ubiquitous and sometimes hard to avoid. If youre looking for something local try Bubbalous Bodacious BBQ if you like your meat from a grill and Luma on Park for their extensive wine list. The Everglades Restaurant and Jacks Place both offer a gourmet dining experience if youre looking to sample some fine dining.

Going Places in Orlando

Car hire in Orlando is widely available and is relatively standard in pricing, with an economy car for a week costing $120 on average. Whilst public transport is good, a bus ride will cost you $2 on any of the 60 routes available, Orlando is a fairly spaced out city so its recommended that you hire a car if youre looking to travel to different attractions.

Orlando has an international airport, from which several shuttles run to various points, prices range from $18-26 depending on your destination. If youre staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel there is a complimentary shuttle available (advanced booking is required if you plan to use this service). Public transit from the airport is also at option, with journeys costing $2 and picking up every half an hour at the Landside A Terminal (north), Level 1.