Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Australia and the U.K. need a passport but usually do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Because the terms of the visa-waiver program are subject to change, it's wise to check with a U.S. Embassy prior to travel.
All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 220,186.
Languages: English, Spanish.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Jewish.
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 407, area code; 321,area code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
ATMs are everywhere. You'll find them in multiple locations within each theme park and at most convenience stores, supermarkets, malls and gas stations.
Money exchange services are located at the airport in both the A and B terminals just across from the TSA security check-in, at the Magic Kingdom ticket services offices and at many hotels.
State sales tax on most purchases is 6.5% in Orange County, 7% in Seminole County. Resort tax is 5%. Sales and resort taxes of 12.5%-13% are added to hotel bills depending on the county.
Waitstaff are generally tipped between 15% and 18% of the total bill. Hotel bellhops and airport porters are generally tipped US$1 per bag. Some taxis in Orlando operate by a flat fee, others by the mile. Either way, a tip in the neighborhood of 15% is expected.
The best time to visit Orlando is in the fall and spring. October is mild, comfortable and perhaps the most pleasant time of the year (except when a rare hurricane affects the coasts; still, a thunderstorm rolls in most afternoons during September and October). It is also the time of year when the parks are quietest, because kids are back in school. Early May is another option, because the weather's great, there is no threat of hurricanes and crowds are down because most kids are still in school.
Most people, however, end up visiting during the summer, and the tourist density increases noticeably—most people spend a good portion of their days waiting in lines. Summer highs reach into the low 90s F/30s C, but temperatures drop down to the low 70s F/20s C at night. The July-September rainy season brings almost daily—but brief—afternoon thundershowers (keep a small umbrella handy), but the rains help by cooling things down a bit.
Orlando is surrounded by lakes, which keep the humidity high year-round. If you're not used to it, you may find the combination of heat and 60%-75% humidity uncomfortable. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
Winter temperatures tend to be a little cooler in central Florida than in the southern part of the state, but it's not a bad time to visit. Expect infrequent rain during the winter months, when temperatures average around 50 F/10 C (sunny daytime highs will be in the low 70s F/20s C).
| Weather Forecast | Top  |
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| Pressure: | 1013.19998912 Millibars | | Dew Point: | 71 °F/ 22 °C | | Humidity: | 87% | | Visibility: | 6 Miles / 10 Kilometers | | Wind: | 4 MPH / 7 KPH ENE | | Comfort Index: | 86 °F/ 30 °F | | Last Updated: | 8/29/2008 10:00:00 PM |
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| SUN | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| OVERCAST | 87 °F
31 °C | 75 °F
24 °C | | MON | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| OVERCAST | 84 °F
29 °C | 77 °F
25 °C | | TUE | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| OVERCAST | 82 °F
28 °C | 75 °F
24 °C | | WED | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| OVERCAST | 86 °F
30 °C | 73 °F
23 °C | | THU | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| OVERCAST | 86 °F
30 °C | 73 °F
23 °C |
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| What to Wear | Top |
A mix of light, casual summer clothes and slightly fancier attire for evenings will serve you well in the Orlando area. In other words, shorts and tennis shoes are always in style. (Few restaurants require jackets for men.) In summer, be sure to take a hat with a brim and wear light, loose clothing. A couple of chilly days can be expected in winter, so it's wise to have at least a light jacket or coat. No matter when you visit, take a sweater or sweatshirt and be prepared for over-air-conditioned interiors at restaurants, malls and movie theaters.
The weather also dictates relaxed and informal dress in much of Orlando's business community, although suits do prevail in some corporate cultures. Generally speaking, it's better to err on the conservative side. Although jackets are not often required, you may encounter a high-end eatery that requires a jacket (but no tie); ask when reserving.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
Orlando International Airport, most hotels and many other public areas are now configured for Wi-Fi access, and so are many shops such as FedEx Kinko's and most Starbucks. Free Internet access is available at all Orange and Seminole county libraries. Nonresidents or visitors without library cards can buy US$5 PC passes to use the library's Internet.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
Orlando has several U.S. Post Office branches, including one downtown. Monday-Friday 7 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon. 46 E. Robinson, Orlando. Toll-free 800-275-8777.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
The Orlando Sentinel is the area's major daily newspaper. Its "Friday Calendar" lists local events and attractions as well as movie and restaurant reviews. Other newspapers from around Florida are available in vending machines in tourist areas.
The Orlando Weekly is the local alternative entertainment and news tabloid with listings of concerts, movies and nightclubs. Look for its distinctive red or white boxes, mostly at shopping complexes and bus stops. Orlando Magazine is a slick monthly with stories of local interest as well as a comprehensive listing of attractions, restaurants and concerts. It's available at most convenience stores.
Events and attractions in the Orlando area are spotlighted in See Orlando, which also has restaurant and entertainment information. Orientation publishes Orlando maps and lists restaurants and attractions; it's available at hotels.
Many of the Disney World resorts provide a weekly newsletter, given to you when you check in. These usually tell of special resort events (a nighttime animal watch at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, for example) as well as other special events across the property, in the parks or at Downtown Disney.
Pay phones are still the norm, though they're becoming more scarce with the abundance of cell phones. When dialing from your hotel, check fees for phone usage even if you are using a toll-free number. If using a pay phone to dial a local number, you'll need to dial the area code plus the number. Most convenience, drug and grocery stores sell international phone cards.
| Transportation | Top |
Cars play a big role in most Florida vacations: Those who don't drive to the state usually rent a vehicle on arrival. If you confine your stay to Walt Disney World Resort, you can get by without a car, but if you plan to hop between parks or to see other area attractions, you'll want wheels. Shuttle and taxi services are abundant, but a rental car is more economical.
Familiarize yourself with the area highways so you can figure out the best way to get where you're going. International Drive in Orlando continues to be difficult and time-consuming to navigate because hotels and attractions are so close together. Many convention and hotel guests choose to walk or take one of the I-Ride trolleys that stop along the street.
Walt Disney World Resort has its own internal transportation system that includes free buses, monorails and boats. A newer service, Disney's Magical Express Service may still be working out some of the kinks, but the idea is as follows: Disney Resort guests are sent personalized luggage tags. They check their luggage normally at their hometown airport, then the luggage magically appears in your room at your resort in Orlando. You don't have to retrieve your luggage from baggage claim—instead, you hop on the Walt Disney World Resort motor coaches and go. Same thing in the other direction: Your bags precede you to the airport, checked through to your final destination, and you can even have your resort print your boarding passes (domestic flights only). Pet carriers are not included. Luggage doesn't invariably find its rightful home at this point, but certainly Disney will fix any little bobbles in the system.
Universal Orlando Resort also has its own system, which shuttles between the hotels and parks. Taxis are easily available but can be expensive, even by New York City standards.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 12 mi/19 km southeast of the city, a 15-minute drive to downtown under normal traffic conditions. Security lines can be long; it's wise to plan ahead and allow ample time for check-in. Shuttle bus, and van and taxi services are located one level below baggage claim. Most airlines have convenient self-check-in kiosks located outside the ticketing areas. For airport information, call 407-825-2352. http://www.orlandoairports.net.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Most rental car agencies maintain branches at the airport but, if you're staying at Disney, the trip will progress seamlessly from the airport. Your luggage will be transferred directly to your room, and bus transportation is provided via motor coaches parked one level below baggage claim. Many other lodging providers also offer free theme park transportation and pick-up and drop-off services to the airport.
A cell-phone parking lot, located on the South Approach Road, about 1 mi/1.5 km south of the terminal building, is free for passenger pick-up. Shuttles wait for passengers to call then pick them up at curbside baggage claim. Terminal Garage Parking costs US$1 per 20 minutes up to a maximum of US$17 per day. Uncovered Satellite Parking costs US$4 for the first three hours, after which the daily rate of US$9 per 24-hour period applies. A free shuttle operates every 10 minutes between the three Satellite Parking Lots and the Orlando International Airport main terminal. Parking fees for both Terminal Garage Parking and Satellite Parking may be charged using American Express, MasterCard or Visa credit cards.
Other options:
Taxi stands are one level below baggage claim. A taxi to the International Drive/Convention Center area costs about US$32. Many hotels provide courtesy vans from the airport. Hotels near the airport request a phone call for pickup at baggage claim.
Commercial shuttles (Transtar Airport Shuttle, Fancy Transportation and Mears Transportation) operate from the airport to area hotels and downtown.
LYNX airport buses connect to downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, Florida Mall, Disney World and other places throughout the city, but it is not direct service, and with recent cutbacks in the service it's wise to consider alternative transportation. Lynx buses have stops at the end of both A and B sides of the terminal on the transportation level one floor below baggage claim. Bus pickup runs until 9 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on weekends. If you don't have much luggage and can endure the numerous stops, a bus can usually drop you close to most hotels for US$1.50 one way with free transfers for up to 90 minutes. Drivers cannot make change.
Heavy traffic and numerous crisscrossing highways make driving in the Orlando area challenging. Be sure to arm yourself with a good map and avoid traveling during rush hours—7-9 am and 4-6 pm—particularly on Interstate 4 north from downtown. The area's most traveled highway, I-4 runs southwest to Tampa and northeast to Daytona Beach. (Official signs say West or East.) I-4 provides access to almost any part of the city and its suburbs.
Most of the area's east-west highways are toll roads: The Beach Line Expressway skirts the airport on the north, and the East-West Expressway (or Highway 408) passes south of downtown. Tolls, which are collected often along the route, run US$0.25-$1.25. Keep plenty of change on hand. (The Beach Line is the best bet for traveling to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center or Cocoa Beach.)
Between the airport and attractions, use I-4 and its connection with the Beach Line Expressway to save time and money. The Greenway (Highway 417) also connects the airport with Disney World—though it may be less congested during busy times, it's a bit longer and far more expensive.
If you'll be spending time in downtown Orlando, there's usually space in one of the public parking garages—look for aqua-and-blue signs. Parking at most theme parks for cars costs US$8-$10 (RV rates are higher) per day, unless you are staying at a resort within the park.
Remember to turn on your car's headlights during rain and to wear seat belts—both are required by state law. All children age 5 and younger must be properly buckled up; children age 3 and younger must be in child-restraint seats.
| Public Transportation | Top |
I-Ride
This hop-on, hop-off trolley circles the International Drive area every 20 minutes and makes 77 stops at hotels, the convention center, outlet shopping malls, restaurants and popular tourist attractions. Given the amount of traffic congestion in the area, the trolley provides a fun, safe and inexpensive way of getting around. I-Ride buses run daily 8 am-midnight. Fare is US$1 adults, US$0.25 for seniors 65 and older and free for kids younger than 12 with a paying adult. Some hotels provide fare vouchers. Multiday passes can be purchased from the driver or online. http://www.iridetrolley.com.
Operates the public bus system that carries passengers throughout central Florida. When you see a sign with a purplish-pink paw print, you know you've found a bus stop. In addition to its regular routes, LYNX provides the free Lymmo buses that run through downtown. The International Drive resort area is served by the I-Ride Trolley. Regular LYNX buses run Monday-Friday 5:30 am-11:30 pm; weekend schedules vary. Lymmo bus service runs Monday-Friday 6:40 am-7 pm. Regular fare is US$1.50, but passes available by the day, week and month are a better deal. Exact change required. 78 W. Central Blvd., Orlando. Phone 407-841-2279.
Taxis line up at the convention center, airport and larger hotels. Otherwise, order taxis by phone—cab drivers may or may not respond to being hailed on the street. Local companies include Ace/Metro Cab (phone 407-855-1111); Diamond Cab Company (phone 407-523-3333); Star Taxi (phone 407-857-9999); Town and Country Transport (phone 407-828-3035); and Yellow Cab (phone 407-699-9999).
Offers service between sunny California and sunny Orlando three times a week. Other trains to and from northern cities stop in Orlando seven days a week. There is also daily service from New York City and points along the East Coast. Amtrak also offers its popular Auto Train, which transports passengers and their vehicles and features the comfort of bi-level Superliner sleepers, a diner and a lounge. The Auto Train runs daily between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, leaving each town at 4 pm and arriving at its destination at 8:30 am the next morning. 1400 Sligh Blvd. (about a mile/kilometer from downtown), Orlando. Phone 407-425-9411. Toll-free 800-872-7245. http://www.amtrak.com.
| For More Information | Top |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Top |
Visitor information about the area southeast of Walt Disney World. 1925 E. U.S. Highway 192, Kissimmee. Toll-free 800-333-5477. http://www.floridakiss.com.
The bureau provides numerous maps and tourist information, and it also books meetings and lodging in the area. A free Orlando Magic Card is available from the bureau that offers discounts at participating hotels, restaurants, rental car companies and attractions. 6700 Forum Drive, Suite 100, Orlando. Phone 407-363-5872. Toll-free 800-972-3304. http://www.orlandoinfo.com.
Visitors' most commonly asked question is what to do after they've seen the theme parks. The center provides answers to any questions and also sells discount tickets. It is operated by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. You can also visit the Web site http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com for a copy of the International Drive Resort Area Official Visitors Guide, along with maps and booklets of discount coupons. Daily 8 am-7 pm. 8723 International Drive, Suite 101, Orlando. Phone 407-363-5872. http://orlandoinfo.com.
Information about Disney World is available 24 hours a day by phone or on the Web site. Phone 407-939-6244. http://www.disneyworld.com.
