Info on Orlando - Orlando City

When to go to Orlando

When you choose to visit Orlando can affect the cost and quality of your vacation. During seasonal periods when visitation is high, costs for travel rise, the competition for hotel rooms and dinner reservations heats up, and the crowds and lines at theme parks grow long. Weather is another important consideration, as there are certain times of the year when Orlando's subtropical climate can make your trip less enjoyable.

Orlando is a year-round destination, but the number of visitors varies seasonally depending on school vacation schedules, local events and festivals, and the weather. Also, the second-biggest convention center in the country is located here, and the number of business travelers in town for meetings can affect the availability and cost of airfare and hotel rooms.

Generally, the travel calendar can be divided into high, low, and shoulder seasons, although low season in Orlando isn't so much slow as just a little less busy.

High season: March to April, mid-June to mid-August, mid-December to early January
Low season: May, September, November to early December, January
Shoulder season: February, late May to mid-June, mid-August to August, October

Weather Information

In subtropical Orlando, average temperatures range from a low of 48 degrees in January to a high of 92 degrees in July and August. Year-round, rain showers are common but usually brief. The months of June through September are hot and steamy, with sudden, heavy thunderstorms occurring almost every afternoon. Bring light, moisture-wicking clothing and a raincoat or poncho for travel during these months. Other months are milder and drier, so pack layers, particularly for trips during November through April. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and an umbrella are musts for any trip.

If you're planning to come in the late summer or early fall, be aware that there's a chance you may encounter a hurricane or tropical storm. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with maximum activity occurring in September. After going years without experiencing much hurricane activity, Orlando was hit hard in 2004, with hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne causing park closures. NOAA is predicting another "above normal" season for 2005, so seriously consider buying travel insurance if you plan to go during this time.

Crowd Information

The theme parks swarm with visitors whenever kids are out of school: Spring break in March and April tends to be busiest, followed by the weeks around Christmas and New Year's, and then Memorial Day to Labor Day (peaking in July). You'll also see bigger crowds on weekends and other holidays when day-tripping Floridians pack the parks, and during special events such as the Walt Disney World marathon or Mardi Gras at Universal. At Disney, individual parks may be crowded on days when Disney resort guests get early admission.

Closure Information

Orlando doesn't slow down much—you can still visit water parks in January when it's 50 degrees out or spend Christmas Day with Mickey at the Magic Kingdom. However, during slower periods, theme park hours of operation are reduced; and in the winter, Disney closes one of its two water parks on a rotating basis for cleaning. Also, rides are more likely to be closed for maintenance when visitation is down. In September 2004, the major theme parks shut down completely for several days because of hurricanes, but most resorts remained open.

How To Save On Your Vacation

Seasonal hotel savings are fairly straightforward—you'll pay less when fewer visitors are in town. Overall, the most expensive time to stay is during Christmas week, followed by spring break. Expect high rates for stays over most other holidays and major local events as well. Rates at hotels that cater primarily to business travelers may be lower during the summer when convention bookings are lighter.

September sees the fewest tourists and lowest rates, but with hurricane season at its peak, other slow months such as January, May, and November (excluding major holidays) may be safer bets.

How to save on the top attractions

Each of the big three theme park resorts offers something different, and all are worth visiting—but you'll need at least a week to fit them all into one trip. If you're short on time and can only see a few attractions, a visit to Disney parks such as the Magic Kingdom or Epcot will give your family a taste of the classics. However, if you're traveling with thrill-seeking older kids or adults, you might make the action-packed Universal parks a priority. Or, if you love animals or are looking for a more laid-back theme park experience, consider making SeaWorld your first stop.

Information provided by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc..

Things to do in Orlando

Orlando attractions can be divided into two categories: the big three theme park resorts—Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando—and everything else. Despite high costs, the vast majority of visitors come to Orlando for the theme parks, so here you'll find details on the top experiences the parks have to offer and ways to save. But, if you're bold enough to sample some of Orlando's smaller attractions or venture out for a day trip to the coast, you'll also find recommendations and saving tips.

The major theme parks charge a hefty $60 per adult for single-day admission. However, you can substantially reduce the per-day cost of admission by taking advantage of a variety of special passes and discounts. Note that admission rates and special offers are subject to change, so check the theme parks' websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Walt Disney World Resort

For some, there's no reason to go to parks outside Walt Disney World Resort, because no place else packages high-tech rides, spectacular shows, endearing characters, wild animals, interactive experiences, and creative storytelling like Disney. There are four major theme parks on the property—the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—and all warrant at least one full day of exploration.

Magic Kingdom
Opened in 1971, Walt Disney's original Florida park is still the number-one theme park in the U.S., thanks in part to Disney's painstaking efforts to create fantasy worlds where Disney characters and storylines come alive. The park is divided into seven themed "lands," which encircle the iconic Cinderella's Castle: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown Fair, and Tomorrowland. Highlights include riding down rapids and waterfalls on "Splash Mountain," seeing Disney characters come to life during the "Mickey's PhilharMagic" 3-D production, and watching the "Wishes" fireworks display over Cinderella's castle.

Epcot
Of all the Orlando theme parks, Epcot offers the most innovative rides and adult-friendly attractions. The park comprises two distinct "worlds." In "Future World," you can experience high-tech rides and interactive shows, and in the "World Showcase," you can travel around the world through pavilions that feature food, entertainment, and architecture representing 11 different nations. Epcot highlights include riding the new simulated hang-gliding ride "Soarin'," racing up to 60 mph in a test car on "Test Track," and watching the "Dragon Legend Acrobats" in the China pavilion.

Disney-MGM Studios
This park is all about show business, featuring rides and shows inspired by movies, music, TV shows, and Hollywood itself. You can go behind-the-scenes to learn how animators create Disney cartoons, or compete in "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" to win a Disney Cruise vacation. Highlights include plummeting down the elevator shaft of the Hollywood Tower Hotel in the "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror," speeding down L.A.'s freeways on the "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster," and learning how filmmakers choreograph movie stunts at the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" and the new "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show."

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's newest theme park brings together animal attractions from realms of Africa, Asia, prehistory, and fantasy in a lush jungle-like setting. The 145-foot "Tree of Life" stands at the park's center and has four main regions surrounding it: "Africa," "Asia," "DinoLand U.S.A.," and "Camp Minnie-Mickey." Highlights include spotting exotic animals on a "Kilimanjaro Safari," singing along with cast members during the "Festival of the Lion King" theater production, and getting up close and personal with creepy crawly critters at "It's Tough to be a Bug!" 3-D experience.

Universal Orlando
Although Universal Orlando is lighter on theme-ing than its "magical" neighbor to the south, it offers bigger thrills and has a more compact, manageable layout. Its two theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, are big hits with older kids and teens, but even families with young children will find plenty of amusements.

Universal Studios
Like its counterpart in Hollywood, Universal Studios immerses visitors in the movies with rides and shows inspired by blockbuster films and TV shows such as "Jaws," "Revenge of the Mummy," "Shrek," and "Fear Factor." Highlights include the interactive "Men in Black Alien Attack" ride; "Terminator 2: 3-D," a show that combines a 3-D film with live stunts and special effects; and "Back to the Future. . .The Ride," which involves virtually traveling through time in a DeLorean time machine.

Islands of Adventure
Universal's newest park has the best collection of wild rides in Orlando. It's divided into five themed islands: "Marvel Super Hero Island," "Toon Lagoon," "Jurassic Park," "The Lost Continent," and "Seuss Landing." Highlights include "Dueling Dragons," the first dual coaster in the world; the Jurassic Park River Adventure, and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man" 3-D ride.

Sea World Orlando

Anheuser-Busch's 200-acre educational marine park lets you get up close with majestic and mysterious sea creatures such as killer whales, sharks, stingrays, and penguins. Of all the big theme parks, SeaWorld feels the most laid-back, but it also has some of the most entertaining shows and one of the best roller coasters in town.

SeaWorld has several different shows starring a variety of animals, but the sea lion and otters of "Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island" are the most fun, and the killer whales of "The Shamu Adventure" are the most awe-inspiring. Riding Kraken, Orlando's only floorless roller coaster, which has seven upside-down loops and reaches speeds of up to 65 mph is another park highlight. SeaWorld also offers visitors the chance to feed dolphins, sea lions, or stingrays at one of the designated feeding pools in the park. It costs $3 to $4 for a tray of fish or squid, but if you'd rather not pay, you can still touch the dolphins and rays and watch the sea lions.

Top five value attractions

Lower prices and local color await those who dare to head outside the theme parks, as the Orlando area has numerous fine museums, nature preserves, and other affordable attractions.

1. Gatorland
Once used as a film location for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," this 110-acre theme park and preserve displays countless Florida gators plus crocodiles, snakes, and other exotic critters from around the world. A boardwalk around the park's 10-acre breeding marsh allows you to see alligators and native birds in their natural habitat. Admission to Gatorland is $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages three to nine. You can save $2.50 on adult admission with a coupon that can be printed from the Gatorland website, or $4 when you show an Orlando Magicard. Gatorland is on Highway 441 in South Orlando.

2. Orlando Science Center
This science museum features exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the solar system, plus hands-on workshops for kids, planetarium shows, and giant screen films. The 7,000-square-foot NatureWorks exhibit is a not-to-be-missed attraction that displays plants and animals from Florida's ecosystems. If your timing is right, you might be able to witness a snake feeding—a sight that's not for the faint of heart. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 12, and $14 for seniors ages 55 and up or students with IDs. You can save $5 on admission if you visit after 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

3. Peabody Ducks
Following a tradition that started in the 1930s at the Peabody Orlando's sister hotel in Memphis, five mallards accompanied by an elegantly-attired Duck Master descend from their "penthouse" via elevator each day at 11 a.m. and then march down a red carpet and into the hotel lobby fountain. At 5 p.m., the same scene repeats itself in reverse when the ducks depart the fountain to retire to their quarters. While you're gawking at the spectacle, you can order a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and take some time to soak up the Peabody's opulent atmosphere. The hotel is located on International Drive. Free.

4. Harry P. Leu Gardens
If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, check out this 50-acre botanical oasis in downtown Orlando. The site features the meticulously restored 19th-century Leu House and acres of beautifully designed flower gardens. Highlights include one of the largest camellia collections in the U.S., the largest formal rose garden in Florida, and a butterfly garden. Entrance fees are $5 per adult and $1 per child in grade K through 12. Admission is free Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

5. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in the attractive, upscale town of Winter Park just north of downtown Orlando, the Morse Museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany artwork. You can see many fine examples of Tiffany's luminous glass windows, mosaics, jewelry, and lamps, plus a colorful Byzantine-Romanesque-style chapel he created for the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students, and free for kids under 12. All visitors receive free admission on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., September through May.

Theme park tours

Magic Kingdom tours
Go to the "backstage" of popular attractions and learn about the history of the park on one of four different Magic Kingdom tours. Programs last from two to five hours.

Epcot tours
Several separate Epcot tours let you experience the park in new and unique ways: Learn about the technology and design behind "Future World", ride a Segway around the "World Showcase", scuba dive in the "Living Seas," and more. Tours run from one to seven hours.

Disney's Animal Kingdom tours
Disney's Animal Kingdom has a "Backstage Safari" through the park's animal care and housing facilities and an architecture and design tour of popular attractions. Both tours last three hours.

Universal Orlando tours
Universal Orlando offers "VIP Tour Experience" of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure that include a guided walking tour and front-of-the-line access to the top rides and shows. One-day tours last from five to eight hours and may include one or both parks. A two-day, two-park itinerary is also available.

SeaWorld tours
Several different "Up Close" tours give you the chance to touch and interact with some of the park's creatures including penguins, sharks, dolphins, and rays. Programs run from one to six hours.

Active tours

Hot-air balloon flights
Orange Blossom Balloons runs sunrise balloon flights over the Orlando area every morning, weather permitting. Flights conclude with a champagne toast and breakfast. The entire program runs about three hours.

Airboat rides
Boggy Creek Airboats' tours glide through the swamps and waterways of the Central Florida Everglades at up to 45 mph. Half-hour day tours and one-hour evening tours allow you to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and other wild animals.

Rental car

Rental car companies located inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO) terminal include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, L&M Car Rental, and National. These companies have desks located inside the airport, where you start your rental process and then proceed a short walk outside to a parking garage where the vehicles are located.

Outside of the terminal are a variety of other rental car companies, who will provide a courtesy shuttle to their place of rental. These companies include Continental, Eagle, Enterprise, E-Z Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Orlando Auto Rental, Payless, and Thrifty.