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Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the US, attracting nearly 75 million visitors each year.
While it’s true that Orlando’s most famous attractions are its theme parks, the city has more to offer visitors than just costumed characters and rides.
With a thriving performing arts culture, a growing culinary scene, charming neighborhoods, and endless sunny days, it’s easy to see why so many choose to visit Orlando.
But before you leave for Orlando, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Orlando, including:
- What are the costs for travelers?
- Things to know about culture and etiquette.
- What are the main attractions?
- How safe is it?
- Local food and drinks
- How good is the WiFi?
- Best times to visit
Ready? Here are the top 7 things to know before visiting Orlando:
Did you know… Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world, and many see it as synonymous with Walt Disney World; however, there were theme parks in the area long before the famous park opened in 1971. The city’s first theme park was Gatorland, which opened in 1949 and is still open today. The 110-acre park is now home to thousands of alligators and other animals, including crocodiles, snakes, birds, and bobcats. Visitors can also enjoy other activities in the park, such as zip lining over an alligator moat and an off-road adventure that gives riders an up-close view of some of Florida’s unique ecosystems.
1) Orlando Affordability
Prices in much of Orlando fluctuate with the seasons. However, regardless of when you travel, there are ways to save money.
Accommodation
- Average price of hotels: The current average rate for a night in a 3-star hotel in Orlando is $150, while an average 4-star hotel is $260.
- 5-star luxury hotels: On average, a 5-star hotel costs around $600 per night. However, there are more expensive options if you’re looking to splurge. For example, him Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has rooms ranging from $1,200 – $10,000 per night during the peak summer season.
- If you have a budget: Travelers on a budget can save on accommodations by visiting off-peak, staying out of the main areas, or booking a stay at a campground. There are cheap options available for around $100 a night.
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Food
- TO 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant. for two it costs about $80.
- For cheap food in a budget restaurant, expect to pay around $20.
- TO beer costs between $6-$7 and a cappuccino it’s about $4.75.
Transport
- Many visitors to Orlando choose to rent a car. Rates range from $55 to $100 per day.
- Visitors who want to travel between their hotel and one of the theme parks can often take advantage of free shuttles operated by the hotel. Please inquire before booking to see what options are available.
- taxi They are plentiful in Orlando. Fares start at $2.88 and are an additional $4 per mile traveled. Uber and Lyft both operate in the city and have rates comparable to taxis.
- He LYNX Public Bus System travels throughout Orlando and is an inexpensive way to get around. One-way rides are $2, while an all-day pass is $4.50 and a 7-day pass is $16.
2) Culture and etiquette in Orlando
Check this list before your trip! Here are some of the top Orlando dos and don’ts.
- DO NOT bring weapons to theme parks: Firearms, knives, and even toy guns are not allowed in most major theme parks.
- CHECK if smoking is allowed: Many of the theme parks only allow smoking in designated areas.
- DO NOT try to do it all in one trip: There’s a reason tourists return to Orlando time and time again: it’s impossible to see and do everything in one trip. Pace yourself and prioritize your top sights, but also give yourself time to relax.
3) Main attractions in Orlando
Here are some of the best things to see and do while exploring Orlando and the surrounding area:
- Theme parks – Most tourists choose to visit Orlando for the theme parks. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld are the most popular parks, and they regularly update and open new attractions. But visitors should know that there is more to Orlando than just the theme parks.
- Lake Eola Park – A tranquil lake in the heart of downtown Orlando with a mile-long walking trail that wraps around it. Visitors can also rent rowboats, go swan and bird watching, and even catch a concert in the amphitheatre.
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Titanic fans will enjoy a step back in time at this museum. Not only are over 300 original artifacts on display, but the exhibit also has full-scale recreations of many of the ship’s iconic rooms and features.
4) How safe is it for tourists?
Orlando is generally safe for tourists. However, there are still a few things visitors should keep in mind to stay safe during their visit:
- Beware of thieves: Pickpockets are common in Orlando, so be sure to be extra careful with your valuables.
- Choose your neighborhood wisely: While crime against tourists in Orlando is rare, certain areas are more prone to violent crime than others. Use extra caution if you are located west of the city center and check that your accommodation is in a safe neighborhood.
- Protect yourself: Orlando can get very hot during the summer, so be sure to drink plenty of water and bring sunscreen and hats so you don’t get dehydrated or sunburned.
- Take care of your drink: keep an eye on your drink at the bar, and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- DO get travel insurance: Travel insurance can help with health emergencies, as well as cover the costs of any travel mishaps during your trip to Orlando. For 5 great options, read more here.
5) Local food and drinks
Orlando is an amazing foodie city, thanks to its diverse population. Be adventurous and don’t let go without trying at least one of the following:
Food
- turkey legs – Did you go to Disney if you didn’t bite into a giant turkey leg like a ravenous carnivore?
- Cuban food – Orlando has a large Cuban-American population, so you’ll find great authentic Cuban cuisine throughout the city. Cuban sandwiches and chicken and rice are two popular dishes.
- fried crocodile – Crispy fried alligator meat that tastes similar to chicken.
- Dole Whip – A pineapple-flavored non-dairy parfait made with dehydrated pineapple juice.
Drinks
- Orange juice – best fresh-squeezed from locally grown Florida oranges
- rum runner – Florida’s official cocktail made with pineapple and orange juice, a blend of fruit liqueurs, light and dark rum, and grenadine.
6) How is the WiFi?
Using Ookla, an internet speed test service, average internet speeds in Orlando for April 2023 were 71 Mbps download and 8.68 Mbps upload.
7) Best time to visit
The best time to visit Orlando has a lot to do with your schedule. Most people visit from June to August, but expect high temperatures, large crowds, and inflated prices. If you plan to spend most of your time at the theme parks but want to avoid the crowds, then winter is a great time.
Just avoid Christmas and New Years or other school holidays as those are some of the most popular times. The off-season is also a less crowded time to visit: the weather is nicer and hotel rates drop.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
