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Orlando
Home to eight of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando — Theme Park Capital of the World — is the No. 1 family holiday destination and the most visited destination in the United States. An unparalleled mix of unique experiences create cherished memories for visitors, including legendary theme parks from Walt Disney World ® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld ® Orlando and LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort.
Orlando also boasts an array of world-class water parks, entertainment venues and an award-winning food scene encompassing more than 5,000 restaurants, plus shopping, sports, nightlife, and a burgeoning arts & culture community. And with more than 450 hotels, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any other destination in the world, from expansive resorts to uniquely themed hotels.
Information & Facts
Activities
Orlando hosts a wealth of annual events, including seasonal and holiday celebrations.
Visit Orlando’s full listing of events and free things to do in Orlando will help you easily plan your trip.
Climate
One of Orlando’s biggest draws is our year-round sunny, mild weather — it's in the Sunshine State, after all!
Sunshine and warm temperatures are hallmarks of an Orlando vacation, but keep in mind that afternoon rain is common during summer months.
Expect daytime highs around 69° F (21° F) from December through February, with June through September temperatures rising to 89° F (32° C).
Eating Out
Explore Unique Dining in Orlando
In Orlando, dining is all about sizzle that makes you go “ooh.” If you’re the type who can’t decide what to eat until you see it, head to one of Orlando’s expansive dining and nightlife districts, where you can choose from dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, local legends, global cuisines and lots of farm-to-table goodness. Many of our restaurants also offer open-air seating where you can enjoy their culinary creations under Orlando’s beautiful skies, as well as takeout, pickup and delivery options.
Our restaurants are also taking your safety seriously, implementing enhanced health and sanitization measures and following all federal, state and local guidelines, so you can enjoy the best of our dining scene with confidence!
Learn more: Healthy Travel & What’s Open
Disney Springs®
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort is a destination in its own right. Here, you’ll find dishes from around the world, innovative fusions and delicious counter-service options — not to mention the largest concentration of celebrity chefs in Orlando.
Learn more: Disney Springs
Not that you need a celebrity to have an unforgettable meal at Disney Springs. For instance, The Edison offers a robust mix of classic American cuisine, craft cocktails and unique entertainment, including burlesque on weekend evenings. It’s one of many imaginative Orlando eateries waiting for you exclusively at Disney Springs.
Universal CityWalk
Described as “The Epicenter of Awesome, ” Universal CityWalk offers restaurants, retailers and fun at the nexus of Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks. It’s also home to some of Orlando’s tastiest dining.
Learn more: Universal CityWalk
Two unforgettable choices are the steampunk-influenced Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and one-of-a-kind fusion at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. You’ll also discover several themed restaurants covering a range of cuisines.
International Drive and Restaurant Row
Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it on International Drive — and often at budget-friendly prices. For instance, at ICON Park™, dining options include Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, Tin Roof and Yard House. Nearby, Pointe Orlando is home to Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lafayette’s and Taverna Opa, among others. More great fare awaits in this area, including standalone eateries and hotel restaurants.
Learn more: International Drive
Just a short trip from International Drive, Orlando’s Restaurant Row district is a dining revelation in its own right. It features some of Orlando’s most acclaimed eateries, including Dragonfly — Robata Grill & Sushi, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and others.
Meet Orlando’s Celebrity Chefs
Orlando’s sensational dining scene includes numerous celebrity chefs — and you’ll find the lion’s share at Disney Springs. Current options include José Andrés’ JALEO and Pepe, Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Guy Fieri at Planet Hollywood and Chicken Guy!, Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Additionally, Master Sommelier George Miliotes holds court at Wine Bar George.
Learn more: Orlando’s Celebrity Chefs
Minutes from Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, fresh seafood is expertly paired with worldwide coastal cuisines at Todd English’s bluezoo. Closer to the Orange County Convention Center, you can experience Primo by Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, while Roy Yamaguchi brings his adventurous Pacific Rim flavors to Roy’s Restaurant on Orlando’s famous Restaurant Row. Got a sweet tooth? Stop by Carlo’s Bakery at The Florida Mall®, where you can sample creations from Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss fame.
Local Award-Winning Chefs
Orlando has a bevy of homegrown culinary geniuses who are ready to dazzle you with their skills and knowledge. For starters, we have a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chefs of the South” category: Brandon McGlamery of Winter Park’s Luma on Park and Prato, as well as Maitland’s Luke’s Kitchen.
Learn more: Orlando’s Top Local Chefs
Fellow James Beard Award nominees James and Julie Petrakis are the masterminds behind Winter Park’s The Ravenous Pig and Disney Springs’ The Polite Pig. And prior to joining Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar at Pointe Orlando, Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot earned James Beard Awards for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic Region, and Best Single Subject Cookbook in 2002. In 2020, Chef Norman Van Aken — the only Floridian on the prestigious James Beard list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage” — will open a new version of his long-running Norman’s on Restaurant Row.
Getting Around
Located approximately 20 minutes from International Drive — the heart of our tourism district — Orlando International Airport (MCO) works with more than 40 scheduled airlines to provide nonstop service from over 150 international and domestic destinations. What’s more, airfares at MCO are among the lowest of the 50 largest airports in the U.S.Also servicing the area is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). It’s located 18 miles northeast of Orlando, approximately 45 minutes from our tourism district. If you prefer rail travel, Amtrak provides service via its station in downtown Orlando, and Orlando’s commuter rail service, SunRail, connects key cities along our main corridor. In the coming years, Virgin Trains and the Florida High Speed Corridor will bring express-rail service to Orlando.
Once you’ve reached Orlando, you can choose from a robust selection of public transportation options and ride-share services. Or, hop on the fun and affordable I-Ride Trolley, which runs on and around International Drive and costs a maximum of $2 per ride. Several hotels in our tourism district also offer shuttle services to guests.
If you’re doing the driving, there’s no need to worry about getting lost, as several major highways offer convenient access to area attractions. If you need some help finding your way, our downloadable area maps are ready to guide you. Or, take advantage of Orlando Virtual Tour, a free service that invites you explore the destination before, during and after your arrival. It’s compatible with computers, tablets, mobile devices and even virtual-reality headsets.
Kids Attractions
When it comes to Orlando attractions, the fun starts on International Drive, aka I-Drive, which is close to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld® Orlando in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district. Here, you can enjoy rarefied views of Orlando from aboard The Wheel at ICON Park™ — a 400-foot-tall observation wheel. ICON Park also invites you to go even higher and much faster on Orlando StarFlyer, or explore wonders and marvels at Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, among other reasons to visit.
That’s just the start of everything I-Drive has to offer, as the action-packed district features imaginative spins on all manner of classic attractions — and some you’ve never even dreamed of. Enjoy amusement park rides at Fun Spot America. Exceed your need for speed Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and I-Drive NASCAR. And explore wonders and oddities from around the globe at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks, the latter of which is part of Pointe Orlando.
Also on I-Drive, you can test your wits by outsmarting seemingly unbeatable escape rooms at The Escape Game Orlando and Escapology. Or, skydive without jumping out of a plane courtesy of iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving. These and countless other one-of-a-kind adventures are waiting for you here.
Not that you need to stay on I-Drive to find unbelievable attractions in Orlando. One of our oldest attractions, Gatorland features an enthralling mix of real animal encounters and wild rides you won’t want to miss. For even more outdoor action, look into airboat tours at Wild Florida or Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides, among others. If you need more lift, zip-line adventures await at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, to name a few.
In other words, no matter what sort of thrill you’re seeking, Orlando has it
Language
Language spoken - English
Money
Restaurants
At full-service restaurants in Orlando and throughout the United States, tipping is customary at 15% to 20%.
Additionally, many Orlando restaurants assess an automatic tip of 15% to 18% for larger parties.
Shopping
From Luxury Brands to Discount Outlets, Orlando Has It All
Orlando is a shopper's paradise like no other. The sort of place where the world's most coveted brands compete for your attention in wondrous settings that are more theme park than retail center. A destination where browsing the latest fashions can lead to unexpected discoveries, from wands that unlock surprising secrets to artifacts of a fabled galaxy far, far away — and all within a 15-mile radius of our attractions.
Learn more: Orlando Insider Shopping tips
Orlando’s retailers are also prioritizing your peace of mind with robust health and safety measures designed to protect you and your family, including face-mask and social-distancing requirements and reduced guest capacity. As a result, you can shop with confidence.
Learn more: Healthy Travel & What’s Open
Not sure where to start your Orlando shopping spree? From elegant malls to factory outlets to bespoke boutiques in quaint neighborhoods, here's your guide to the best of shopping in Orlando.
Malls in Orlando
Hot trends and coveted designer brands are always in style at Orlando's premier malls, both of which are conveniently located close to the theme parks and International Drive.
Learn more: International Drive Shopping
Minutes from Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld® Orlando, The Mall at Millenia features luxury brands, complimentary valet parking and Wi-Fi, currency-exchange services, and more. You can also touch base with Visit Orlando representatives at this mall's concierge desk.
Central Florida's largest shopping center, The Florida Mall® is just 25 minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort and Orlando International Airport. It hosts a range of market exclusives like Crayola Experience, plus best-of-brand retailers.
Designer Outlets in Orlando
Orlando's tourism district is home to three expansive outlet malls that pair top brands with incredible value: Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando International Premium Outlets® and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®. Between the three, you can shop hundreds of designer and brand-name outlets that are packed with value and fashion.
Learn more: Discount Shopping in Orlando
Walkable Outdoor Shopping Districts in Orlando
Who says shopping isn't a sport? Get your steps in while snatching up unbelievable finds at walkable, shopping-focused districts throughout Orlando like Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring more than 100 retailers that range from noteworthy brands to Disney-themed shops, it also offers a wide range of dining and entertainment.
Learn more: Orlando Shopping for Adults
Described as “the Epicenter of Awesome, ” Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort has a unique blend of shops and boutiques. You can also enjoy themed restaurants, dance clubs and even a round of mini-golf.
Located in the heart of the attractions area, Pointe Orlando is another outdoor venue with retail, dining and entertainment choices, as is ICON Park™. And eclectic boutiques in Winter Park and downtown Orlando provide numerous reasons for shopaholics to venture out of our tourism district, including national brands, local favorites, antique stores, vintage clothing shops and more.
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