Orlando and Disney World – Themed Park Complex
Orlando is the most attractive tourist destination in Florida and one of the most sought-after in the USA and the world. The sleepy city at Florida's heart turned into a tourism empire with the opening of Disney's Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney developed an impressive series of theme parks in the city under the name Disney World, followed by other big companies like Universal, Lego, and SeaWorld, which opened their own massive theme parks. Large resort hotels, motels, countless restaurants, and malls were opened in and around the theme parks. Today, the whole area is considered the liveliest entertainment spot in the USA all year round (winter in Florida is dreamy!).
How many days are needed for a trip to Orlando and Disney World?
For a trip to Orlando, including the major theme parks, you need at least five days to a week, depending on the number of parks you plan to visit.
11 Must-See and Do Things in Orlando and Disney World
- Meet Mickey at Disney World's Magic Kingdom
- The giant golf ball at the entrance to Epcot Park
- Disney's vibrant downtown (Disney Springs)
- The unique transportation at the Disney World Resort, like the monorail or skyliner
- The amazing rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure
- Swim with dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando
- Stroll among the rides and Lego blocks at Legoland
- Meet alligators at Gatorland
- Sail into Florida's wild nature at Lake Toho
- The excellent museums in downtown Orlando
- The enormous bell tower in the heart of Bok Tower Gardens
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What is Orlando?
Orlando today is probably the most popular vacation destination in the entire U.S. On an average year, around 75 million visitors arrive in the city, coming all year round to visit some of the most important and largest amusement parks in the world.
Today, about 300,000 people live in Orlando, and in its large metropolitan area, which includes many commercial amusement parks, there are more than two million. The city's economy is almost exclusively based on tourist traffic, in terms of both hospitality and employment in the big amusement parks.
- When talking about tourism in Orlando, it's not about the somewhat dull downtown, but about the incredible economic boom that Walt Disney created in the city.
- The enormous resort he established south of the city, in Lake Buena Vista, turned Central Florida into a legendary tourist destination.
- Disney opened the Magic Kingdom in 1971, and since then the city has developed at a rapid pace, with Disney developing three theme parks and countless attractions in a massive resort complex, as well as the opening of Universal's parks, which have also become very popular.
- Additionally, east of the city on the Atlantic coast, what is known as the Space Coast began developing in the early 1960s. The Air Force Station at Cape Canaveral became the launch site for NASA's American space program.
- As part of the boom, the small town of Daytona Beach on the outskirts of the Orlando metropolitan area in the north, became the most prestigious place for American NASCAR car races by the late '50s.
Map of Orlando and Its Surroundings
How to Get to Orlando and Disney World?
How to Fly to Orlando and Disney World?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Orlando's major airport caters to the city's almost legendary tourism traffic. Orlando has become one of the most crowded and popular vacation destinations in the U.S. due to its incredible variety of theme parks, led by Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
The airport is well-connected with all major ports in the USA and quite a number of destinations in Europe. You can get directly to Orlando via transfer from several European destinations like London or Frankfurt. The airport is just a twenty-minute drive from Lake Buena Vista and Disney's downtown, and about twenty minutes from Universal's competing resort.
How to get to Orlando and Disney World by car?
- Orlando is a car city. Even if you arrive by plane, it's nearly impossible to explore the city and its surroundings without renting a car.
- Orlando is connected with the south and developed part of Florida via the Florida Turnpike. The turnpike shortens the travel time from Miami to Orlando, beginning north of West Palm Beach and crossing Florida diagonally.
- The I-95 highway runs along the Atlantic coast. To reach Orlando, take the exits near Cape Canaveral and drive west.
- The I-4 highway connects Orlando (and the resorts of Disney World and Universal) with the large metropolitan area of Tampa – Saint Petersburg on the Gulf Coast of Mexico
When to Visit Orlando and Disney World?
- Thanks to Florida's great weather, you can visit Orlando and the theme parks all year round
- The most comfortable time to visit Orlando and its surroundings is in the spring when it's not yet too hot and humid, and the daylight hours are longer
- Winter in Florida is probably the most perfect weather in the Western world. Winter temperatures are simply pleasant, around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and there's not much rain. Staying in Orlando in winter is dreamy
- Unlike the pleasant winter, summer in Florida is quite tough. The summer temperatures are high and the humidity is just terrible
- In summer and fall, significant tropical storms can also occur, including occasional hurricanes that significantly impact the Atlantic coastline
- Nevertheless, it's definitely worth visiting Orlando even in the peak of summer, just be aware of the weather conditions and if there's a forecast for a significant storm, simply skip it
How to Plan a Trip Itinerary in Orlando and Disney World?
Travel Itinerary Around Orlando
- A large portion of those who visit Orlando come specifically for the Walt Disney World Resort (or Universal or both), in a package deal that includes flight + hotel. Such deals are very common among Americans coming for family vacations to Florida's number one destination
- Orlando can also be combined into a Florida trip, the city is a 3 and a half hour drive from Miami and about an hour and a half from Tampa Bay
- Close to the city are several major attractions including the Space Coast, where NASA's space launches occur from Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. It's highly recommended to visit both on your Orlando trip.
Orlando Itinerary
The highlight of the Orlando trip is undoubtedly the massive Walt Disney World Resort featuring four themed parks:
Also, don't miss the two Universal themed parks:
It's highly recommended to plan your days at Disney World Resort based on the time allocated for your trip.
While it's worthwhile to visit all four themed parks, if you have to skip one or two, they should be Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
- A visit to Magic Kingdom and Epcot is a must!! Even if you're without kids (you still need to visit Magic Kingdom) or traveling as a family (Epcot is still highly attractive for children)
- It's highly recommended to spend your evenings in Downtown Disney, now known as Disney Springs, and Disney's BoardWalk
- If you have additional days, it's highly advisable to visit the resort's water parks. These are massive facilities with numerous attractions, reminiscent of the theme parks but with swimsuits
- It's a good idea to combine your visit to Disney World with other attractions in Orlando, primarily the Universal Resort
- A visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is very worthwhile and significantly preferable over visiting Disney World's less significant theme parks (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios)
- Near Disney World, there are a number of competing theme parks such as the popular SeaWorld Orlando and the LEGOLAND Resort in Winter Haven to the west. Gatorland, the crocodile-themed park, is one of the unique attractions in the area
- In downtown and the northern part of the city, there are several good museums, such as Loch Haven Park Museums and Winter Park Museums.
- South of Orlando, there's an impressive array of nature reserves such as Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) south of Kissimmee, Kissimmee Lake State Park, and the unique Bok Tower Garden.
Everything You Need to Know About Staying in Orlando and Disney World
The most touristy part of Orlando, naturally, is the park corridor from Universal Orlando Resort towards Lake Buena Vista, where the enormous Disney World Resort is located. This stretch, along the I-4 highway, is packed with an insane number of accommodations – ranging from luxury holiday resorts to simple but remarkably efficient and affordable motels. A large portion of those visiting Orlando stay close to Disney World.
- Within the Disney World Resort, there are nearly 40 hotel resorts and vacation hotels where you can sleep and have breakfast with Mickey Mouse
- These resorts are connected with the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and are part of the park experience
- Surrounding the area, there's a big variety of accommodations – standard American hotels and motels in Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and Orlando
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Where's the best place to stay at Disney World?
Here are the 5 areas we think are best to stay in Disney World:
- Disney Resort Orlando Hotels – Breakfast with Mickey and a monorail straight to Magic Kingdom
- Four Corners – Best resorts (not Disney's)
- SeaWorld Orlando Area – Great resort hotels not far from the park
- Lake Buena Vista South – Good motels at affordable prices
- Old Town Amusement Park Area – Closest to Disney World at motel prices
Map of Accommodation Areas in Disney World
Accommodation and Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort
Within the Universal Resort complex, there are a few excellent hotel resorts. While staying at the resort is not as grand as Disney's resorts in Disney World, Universal's hotels, though fewer, offer a wonderful lodging experience.
Outside the resort area, there are two large sections of hotels and motels right next to the park:
- On the opposite side of the I-4, in what is known as Sand Lake, there is a vast array of motels from some of the best American chains. These are the most cost-effective accommodations near the park, featuring some pretty decent hotel facilities.
- Adjacent to Universal Resort itself, to the east along Major Boulevard, there is a line of much more luxurious and upscale hotels and resorts. These accommodations are right next to the theme parks.
There are plenty of hotels and motels south of the Universal Resort heading towards Disney World, such as near the large water park, SeaWorld Orlando. Disney World is just a fifteen-minute drive south, with many motels and hotels between these two major resorts.
Staying between the two parks allows you to visit both during your stay.
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Everything There is to See and Do in Orlando and its Surroundings
Walt Disney World
Not many places in America compare to Disney World for the ultimate travel and vacation experience for both kids and adults. In the resort's four themed parks, Walt Disney crafted the perfect holiday experience, allowing the whole family to dive into a world of fantasy.
This is the perfect place to enjoy with the kids at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Park, some of the largest and most famous theme parks in the world. Around them, countless water parks, hotel resorts where you can have breakfast with Mickey Mouse and Pluto, entertainment spots, and restaurants that are part of the experience, and lots of fun and enjoyment in the ultimate American experience.
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Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom, as we know it, is the brand of Disney's theme parks. The park is bustling with families and visitors all year round, coming to experience the perfect fantasy concocted by Walt Disney. The park is based on the original Disneyland, but the park at Disney World is larger and more developed than the facility in Anaheim, California.
This is the perfect place for a trip with kids, where you can meet all your favorite Disney characters and ride all the iconic attractions. The heart of the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle, one of Disney's most famous landmarks.
Click here for the complete guide to visiting the theme park Magic Kingdom at Disney World…
Epcot Center
The Epcot theme park at Disney World is the second most popular park in the Disney park complex in Florida. While the Magic Kingdom caters to young children, Epcot Center is aimed at an older audience, from teenagers to adults (there's even local alcohol in each country's pavilion).
This is a park full of activities and attractions that, in typical Disney fashion, reveal the big world around America and the world we live in.
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Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the place for kids to meet the animal world under Disney's nearly fantastical filters. In the green jungle-filled space, there are plenty of attractions related to the tropical animal world, including those from Africa and Asia, along with many great amusement rides.
In the park, you can go on a safari to see large African animals, pet farm animals in a petting zoo, or walk around the great apes and wildlife of Southeast Asia. Aside from the animals, you can also take a journey through the forests of Pandora, the fantastical world from the movie Avatar.
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is the third theme park established at the Walt Disney World Resort. In this amusement park, you can enjoy all the fun and creativity of films produced by Disney and its subsidiary Pixar. The park is filled with attractions related to Disney characters, both historical like Mickey Mouse and contemporary like the characters from Toy Story.
The leading franchise in the park is, of course, the hysterical hit Star Wars. George Lucas's iconic film series has a large number of popular attractions in the park.
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Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is a huge entertainment destination located just north of Disney World Resort. It's the second most popular vacation spot in Florida after its long-standing competitor. The resort features two famous themed amusement parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
The parks are filled with rides and tons of memorabilia related to the giant production company. The resort also offers accommodations, a large and popular themed water park, and of course, its own little downtown for evening entertainment.
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Tickets for the themed parks of Universal Orlando Resort
Click here to purchase two-day tickets for both themed parks…
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Click here to purchase the Universal Explorer Ticket (Both themed parks + Volcano Bay water park)…
What is Universal Orlando Resort?
- Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida, opened in 1990 following the Disney World tourism boom
- This park has always been Disney World's biggest competitor alongside the two parks of that era – Magic Kingdom and Epcot
- With Disney World's expansion, Universal also decided to develop the theme park into a huge resort featuring evening entertainment, a water park, and hotels. Additionally, the resort's second themed park, the fantastic Islands of Adventure, was opened
- The park is located slightly north of Disney World towards central Orlando.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is a large theme park located slightly west of Orlando, Florida. It is the larger of the two theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort, the main competitor of Disney World in the city.
The park is full of attractions and amusement rides related to Universal films, including roller coasters, 3D and 4D movies, and a wide array of experiences for kids and families. There are many entertainment and dining spots around, meet-and-greets with famous movie characters, activities, and play areas.
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Universal's Islands of Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park that brings amusement rides for all ages together with all the popular Universal and other companies' franchises. The park consists of eight sections that cater to both children and teenagers.
The park features beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Dr. Seuss's fantasy world, Jurassic Park, and more. There are extreme rides alongside those suitable for little kids, game areas, shows, restaurants, and memorabilia shops.
Click here for all the information on visiting the Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park…
Orlando – All the Information About Attractions in the City and Surrounding Area
Greater Orlando is one of the most popular vacation and travel spots in all of America. The city only developed rapidly after the mid-20th century, partly due to the opening of the Air Force base in Cape Canaveral for space launches and primarily because of the opening of Disney World's theme park.
Today in Orlando, there's a vast mix of themed amusement parks, including Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld, and more. In Orlando itself, you'll find a host of intriguing museums, and to the south, towards Kissimmee, there are plenty of wonderful natural sites showcasing the best of Floridian nature, including the old Gatorland, the place to see alligators.
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Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast East of Orlando
Cape Canaveral is a central hub of American technology. It is a combined base of the U.S. Air Force and NASA from which rocket launches are conducted, carrying satellites today and previously the space shuttle program.
The launch experience is something special and attracts a large number of visitors. Besides that, the coastline is dedicated to the space program, with museums and historical artifacts of rockets, aviation, and spacecraft. Surrounding it are stunning nature reserves and great beaches for surfing, like the legendary surf town of Cocoa Beach.
Daytona Beach – A tour in the car racing city
Daytona Beach is a popular resort city located along the long sandy coast of a barrier island. Over the years, the city has become a beloved vacation spot in the developing area between Orlando to the south and Jacksonville to the north.
When the headquarters of the prestigious American NASCAR race was established in the city in the mid-fifties and the racetrack was opened, Daytona Beach experienced a tourist boom and today is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Florida. Along the coast are resort hotels that are very popular among students during spring break.
Sports and Entertainment Events in Disney World and Orlando
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic basketball team is the only representative of the city of Orlando in the major leagues of American sports. The team is named after the Disney park – the Magic Kingdom. Over the years, it has been home to some huge NBA stars, headlined by Shaquille O'Neal who opened his successful career there.
The team plays at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando, which seats 17,000 spectators. You can combine an NBA game during your visit to the city's theme parks, offering a great evening activity.
Address of the Magic's home stadium: 400 W Church St, Orlando
Click here to purchase tickets to a Magic game on the NBA website…
Shopping in Orlando
As befits a desirable tourist destination, Orlando is networked with shopping centers.
- The most central area, featuring the legendary outlet of ‘International Premium Outlet', is located on International Drive, named after the wide avenue. The outlet can get very crowded on weekends and during peak tourist seasons (late December – early January). Nonetheless, it boasts almost all the brand names and typically has many sales and excellent prices. It's very central and accessible.
Another interesting shopping center is Disney Springs further south. It's a shopping center that combines attractions, mostly sculptures and structures from Disney movies. People come to Disney Springs more for the experience than the prices. It's a very pleasant place to stroll around with the kids, grab an ice cream, have a coffee, or a light meal while everything around is as beautiful and well-kept as befits Disney's legacy.
History of Orlando?
- The settlement in Orlando began in 1843 around the United States Army post at Fort Galin.
- In 1856, the settlement became a city, and in 1857 it was named Orlando after a military man named Orlando Reeves who was killed during the Seminole Wars.
- Before the American Civil War, which raged from 1861 to 1865, the area was surrounded by lakes. Due to Orlando's tropical climate, the swamps became a center for cotton and cattle cultivation, and afterward, it became a leader in citrus cultivation. Hence, the county where Orlando is located is named Orange County.
- The establishment of Cape Canaveral in the 1950s brought a new population and economic development to the area.
- The opening of Disney World about 30 km south of Orlando led to a population explosion and unprecedented economic development of the city.
- Today, tourism, exhibitions, and conferences held in the city form the basis of its economy. Additionally, there is a space industry in the city due to its proximity to Cape Canaveral, and citrus and related industries remain an important part of the city's economy to this day.
Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting about 75 million tourists in 2018!! The two main attractions in the city are Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort by Universal Studios. These two have drawn additional experiential parks, most of which are located along International Drive, a street 18 kilometers long, lined with the majority of Orlando's tourist sites. In other words, it's called Orlando's Tourist Strip.
