The greater Orlando area is relatively safe. There are a handful of neighborhoods that carry some risk. Tourists are unlikely, however, to venture into the Parramore Street area. South Orange Blossom Trail is the closest thing Orlando has to a red-light district, and it's probably best avoided. The tourist corridor south of downtown is very well-lit at night. Tourists need not worry that they are special targets, though there are always reports of pickpockets and petty thefts. If you've parked your car in one of the many lots spread out in the area, consider hiring one of Orlando's convenient pedicabs to take you back to your car. They can readily be found waiting outside bars and restaurants throughout the city.
The usual safety precautions are generally best, such as locking car doors and your hotel room. Check with your hotel's concierge or the front-desk staff before visiting unfamiliar areas of the city. Most theme parks are safe, but don't leave your valuables unattended while you are resting between rides. Lock all valuables in the trunk of your car or rental vehicle.
In an emergency, dial 911.
The most common health problems you might encounter in central Florida are sunburn, dehydration and blisters. Be wary of any ant mound you might encounter, as Florida's fire ants inflict nasty stings and affected areas swell up and fill with infection quickly. For more serious issues, there are several topflight hospitals and plenty of physicians in the area, including Centra Care walk-in medical centers found throughout the state.
If you find yourself in need of a hospital, Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital (9400 Turkey Lake Road; phone 407-351-8500) offers full emergency room services, as does Florida Hospital Orlando (601 East Rollins St, Winter Park; phone 407-303-6611). If you are staying in Kissimmee, the closest medical facility is Osceola Regional Medical Center (700 W. Oak St., Kissimmee; phone 407-846-2266).
Both CVS and Walgreens operate 24-hour pharmacies in the Orlando area. Check locally for the one nearest you and for the location of the nearest hospital, emergency room or walk-in clinic. Some hotels, such as the Peabody Orlando, have physicians on call who make "house" calls.
People with disabilities are always welcome at the tourist corridor, and there are many provisions for helping them enjoy their stay. Transportation facilities are also available, although they may require some prior planning.
LYNX Transportation Authority offers A-Plus Link bus service designed primarily for those with special needs. Call a day in advance: 407-841-2279. Wheelchairs are available for rent at the major theme parks, and you can also rent walkers, wheelchairs and scooters from Care Medical Equipment, which offers free delivery to Disney or other major resorts (phone 407-856-2273 or toll-free 800-741-2282; http://www.scooterrental.com).
Disney's Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities is available at guest-services locations throughout the park. To request an advance copy, call 407-934-7639, or send a written request to Walt Disney World Guest Communications, Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
For stays elsewhere, Yvonne's Property Management offers some handicapped-accessible homes that have full kitchens, pools with lifts and accessible showers. Many cost less than US$200 a night. Phone 877-714-1144.
Do use sun protection even on mild days. The sun at this latitude catches many visitors unaware. Savvy Floridians apply sunblock right after their morning showers. Be aware that it's possible to get a bad sunburn twice as fast while in the water. Use waterproof sunblock and reapply often, even on cloudy days. There have been serious illnesses and even deaths reported at the water parks in the past couple years. Being in and out of water all day may mask the symptoms of heat prostration and hyperthermia. Make sure you and your children stay hydrated and take time to get out of the sun.
Do allow extra time when going anywhere on Interstate 4, where congestion, road work or accidents can cause delays that last for hours. Keep a good supply of change on hand for toll roads, which abound in central Florida. International Drive is another extremely congested road, especially during morning and afternoon commute times. Take Universal Boulevard or other alternate routes when possible.
Don't pick up pretty snakes (the lovely, red-and-yellow-banded coral snake is deadly) or allow children to put botanicals in their mouths. Some of the most beautiful and common landscaping plants, including oleander and lantana, can be harmful. Also, do not kick small mounds of dirt: the Florida fire ant has a nasty bite that leaves welts for days.
Don't let the pixie dust fool you. Orlando is such a happy, carefree, family destination that criminals hope you'll let your guard down. Take the same precautions you would anywhere.
