Orlando is a top destination for families, couples, and anyone hoping to escape the cold this winter. With plenty of fun attractions, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most-visited cities in the United States.
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, there are a few things you can do to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Here’s what we suggest:
Set a budget
Orlando is a super fun destination, but it can also be super expensive. Do yourself a favor and set a budget in advance. That way, you can break down your budget so you know how much you can afford to spend each day.
Make sure you eat breakfast before you get to the park since food is so expensive inside the park. Pack a few snacks, and you’ll be able to spend more money on souvenirs or a nice dinner out.
Rent a car
Honestly, Florida is just not a great place when it comes to public transport. I would highly, highly recommend car rental in Orlando. That way, you can walk off the plane, grab your luggage (if you checked it), and immediately pick up your car. Whether you want to go grab a bite to eat or take a nap in your hotel, you don’t need to wait for anyone else using the airport shuttle or pay for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
Hiring a car also gives you a lot more freedom. You can do whatever you want to do on your schedule- and you may even decide to take a road trip down to Miami for a few days, or check out the wildlife in Key West.
Book ahead
There are few things worse than planning to visit the theme parks, only to show up and realize you’re going to have to stand in line for an hour to buy tickets. These days, you can easily buy your tickets online in advance. That way, you can show up as soon as the theme parks open, and head directly to the rides that tend to have the longest lines later in the day. This will quite literally save you hours. It also means that you won’t be standing in line in the heat of the day when you really want to go on that ride you’ve been waiting to try for years.
This is another good reason to book a rental car in Orlando. If you rely on a hotel shuttle or public transport to get there, you’ll also be arriving right when everyone else arrives. If you have a car, you can show up right on time to be one of the first people inside the park- enjoying it during the cooler periods and without all the crowds.
Hack the parks
If you plan to visit the amusement parks, there are a few things you can do to make your day go more smoothly. First of all, arrive there 30 minutes before the parks open so you can avoid crazy lines and head straight to the most popular rides. Purchase your tickets in advance, and wear your most comfortable shoes (don’t forget sunscreen). Study the map in advance and choose the rides you definitely want to do, so you can tick them off first before the lines get up to an hour long.
See more than the parks
There’s no doubt that the theme parks are one of the big reasons to travel to Orlando, but there are many other things to see here too. Take a trip to Gatorland, visit the Kennedy Space Center, or head down south to Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Make sure that you add on a few days to relax and try out some of the great food that Orlando is so well-known for. But don’t try to fit too much into one visit- you can always come back.
