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Language

English is the official language of the United States. However, the country is a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures, especially in the large cities. Many different languages can be heard while travelling around Orlando, a city that is made up of a diverse spectrum of people. The most common language spoken here, other than English, is Spanish as Orlando has seen an influx of Hispanics over the last few decades.

Currency

Visitors will need to convert their money to US dollars, the local currency. Most credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost. Exchanging currency can be done easily in any of the numerous banks throughout Orlando. ATMs are available throughout the city; however, there may be transaction fees associated with using an ATM with a foreign-issued card. As is the case whenever travelling abroad, you should notify your bank of your travel plans, especially if you plan on using your ATM or credit card.

Visas

Visitors arriving from the United Kingdom as well as other nations on the visa-waiver list including France, Spain, Japan and Germany do not need a visa in order to enter the United States for up to 90 days. While these visitors don’t need a visa as such, they must apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval online for a fee before travel.

Climate

One of the things that makes Orlando such a popular destination is its year-round sunny, mild weather. Central Florida maintains a comfortable average annual temperature of about 22°C. Even though Orlando officially has four seasons per year, it really only enjoys two major seasons. From May until September, the weather is typically hot, humid and rainy. October through April typically sees less frequent rainfall and mild, comfortable temperatures. During the summer months, the temperatures average 32°C; however, with the humidity, it often feels even hotter. It is also during these summer months that Orlando experiences the majority of its annual rainfall, accompanied by significant thunder and lightning. 

Main Airports

The main airport in Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is the second busiest airport in the state of Florida after Miami International Airport. A secondary airport in the area is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is located in nearby Sanford, Florida. Both of Orlando’s airports offer direct flights to London-Gatwick and Manchester year-round.

Flight Options

When travelling from the United Kingdom to Orlando, there are a number of viable options. Both Orlando International and Orlando Sanford International airports offer direct flights from London-Gatwick and Manchester to Orlando year-round, with Sanford offering low-cost flights. It is also possible to connect with the UK through another major US airport, such as Miami International.

Travel Advice

It is best to avoid travelling to Orlando and its many theme parks during American school holiday periods as the parks tend to get crowded with long queues. During the off season (October and early November), cheaper flights can be found. Orlando Sanford International Airport services low-cost airline Monarch, but the location of this airport is not as convenient as Orlando International Airport.

Other Transport Options

As a major destination in Florida, Orlando is served by not only flights but Greyhound buses from locations all over the country. Amtrak offers train service into the city from other points in the country including Miami and New York. It is also possible to self-drive here from other cities across the US thanks to the country’s excellent network of highways.

Overview

Shuttle service to the various theme parks and tourist attractions is available when staying in one of the resorts or major tourist hotels. This is the best way to get around if the theme parks are your main objective. However, if you wish to stray away from the main tourist attractions, renting a car is the best option. Taxi service is another viable, albeit expensive, option, with cabs readily available from the airport and in the downtown areas of the city, but many tourists rely on the city’s efficient bus and trolley networks.

Bus

The LYNX bus system covers the entire city of Orlando, including Universal, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld. Bus stops are clearly identified by the Lynx paw symbol. Costs for adult one-way tickets are reasonable, with the fare including one free bus transfer valid for 90 minutes. Downtown, the Lymmon free bus service operates a useful circuit from 06:00 to 22:00 or midnight at weekends. Orlando also has an efficient, although limited, trolley system that takes visitors along Universal Boulevard and International Drive. The service runs from 08:00 to 22:30 daily. Fares are cheaper than LYNX rates and children under 12 ride free.

Taxi

Travelling around Orlando by taxi can be expensive, yet cabs are often a convenient option for short rides. There are hundreds of taxi firms to choose from; however, some are unlicensed so it is best to ask your hotel for a recommendation.

Car

The best and most convenient way of getting around Orlando is to hire a car. Renting a car is easy as there are many convenient locations with both international and local depots. Prices are very reasonable when hire is booked in advance for multiple days. Driving in the area is not a challenge for experienced drivers. It is best to carry change in the car for using the area’s tollways.

Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world thanks to its abundance of activities and attractions. By far the most popular attraction is the world famous Walt Disney World Resort. This enormous entertainment centre features four theme parks, two water adventure parks, 32 resort hotels, five golf courses, a wedding pavilion, the Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney. 

SeaWorld is another popular place to visit. This marine adventure park includes amazing shows featuring various aquatic animals such as dolphins and whales; thrilling rides such as the Kraken rollercoaster; and up-close animal encounters featuring dolphins and stingrays. Once known only for its marine animal shows, the park has added rides to enhance its appeal.

Universal Studios Florida is one of the newer entertainment options, having opened to the public in 1990. Since its opening, it has made a name for itself by featuring an array of movie-themed rides and attractions that put visitors up close and personal with some their favourite Hollywood movies and television shows. The 3-D rides virtually place visitors in some of the most exciting scenes from their favourite movies. For a more traditional theme park experience, visitors can head right next door to Islands of Adventure, which is equipped with a rollercoaster and other rides designed to thrill and excite.

If visiting during the hot summer months of central Florida, a trip to one of the water parks offers welcome reprise from the sun. One of the most exciting water parks is Wet ’N Wild, featuring water slides, a wave pool and kids’ pools. The park is open year-round, with the pools heated seasonally, and is an excellent place to enjoy Florida’s normally sunny weather.

Aside from its world famous theme parks, Orlando offers a few other interesting landmarks for those willing to venture beyond Walt Disney World. Titanic The Experience is centrally located among the tourist attractions of International Drive. You can explore the full-scale re-creation of the ship in an hour-long guided tour that includes the viewing of more than 200 artefacts and an opportunity for visitors to experience the same cold temperatures felt on that fateful night.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not offers a collection of oddities from various points in history. Even the Bavarian-style building itself is an oddity and was built to give the illusion that one side has disappeared into a sinkhole, a form of natural depression that has notoriously plagued Florida’s infrastructure.

The Orlando Museum of Art may not be on the top of many itineraries of those visiting Orlando, but it’s worth spending a lazy (rainy) afternoon perusing the works that are on display. Some of the pieces are pre-Columbus Meso-American, while others are 19th century American and African art.

Orlando Speedworld shows off a variety of race cars travelling at incredible speeds, manoeuvring around sharp curves, uphill and downhill. The track also has crash and skid events for the crowd to cheer on. This is a perfect place to spend the day for those who have a need for speed.

With a limited selection of rides, Epcot is not the same sort of theme park which is usually associated with Orlando. The focus of this themed park which is part of Walt Disney World is technology and world cultures. Future World explores technology and its potential role in the future. World Showcase is just that; a showcase of world cultures and cuisines from 11 countries around the world. Epcot is popular for its edu-tainment.

With so many visitors coming from all over the world, Orlando does not fail to keep everyone entertained. One of the most popular and most convenient entertainment venues is Universal City Walk, an entertainment complex where there are many options all under one roof and within walking distance of each other. The options here are vast and range from movie theatres, top restaurants and live bands of various music genres, to karaoke and sports bars. There is something for everyone in this entertainment complex.

International Drive is a famous strip in Orlando where visitors from all over the world converge. On this strip, you will find several bars where you can have a drink while enjoying an entertaining environment. Icebar Orlando is a cool, hip spot featuring 50 tons of sculpted ice and drinks served in glasses made of crystal ice. When it’s time for things to heat up, head to the Fire Lounge for music, dancing and unique cocktails. 

Also located on the famous International Drive are a host of establishments such as piano bars featuring duelling piano shows and live bands. High-energy fun where the band takes requests of your favourite songs and then encourages the crowd to sing and dance along makes for a great night out.

When in the mood for a few laughs, try out a comedy club for some comic relief. Such clubs are great environments to grab a bite to eat and then enjoy the ramblings of some of the biggest comics from across the country. Many of these clubs feature full bars and full menus, making them ideal settings to eat, drink and laugh the night away.

Just as there is a vast choice of entertainment options in Orlando, the same can be said when it is time to appease the palate with mouth-watering cuisine. The United States is a melting pot of cultures and this isn’t lost on its restaurants, especially in a culturally diverse, tourist-based city like Orlando.

There are cuisines to be sampled from all over the world and dining options are seemingly available at every turn. It is easy to find American, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and a host of other cuisines. Take a stroll along the Universal City Walk and let your nose lead the way as it is tempted by food choices coming from one restaurant after another.

Florida is known for its barbeque and there are plenty of restaurants specialising in this cuisine all through the city. These restaurants range from moderately priced establishments like Tony Roma’s to the inexpensive Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ chain. Sample a wide variety of barbequed meats accompanied with sides vegetables, potatoes and macaroni and cheese prepared the southern way.

When looking for entertainment to accompany your dining experience, try one of the dinner shows. Some of the dinner shows offer moderately priced, family fun for all ages, featuring magic, comedy and a great deal of audience participation. The menu options at these places are basic, usually offering pizza, popcorn, beer, wine and soda, but whatever is lacking on the menu is more than made up for on the entertainment side.

For an entertaining dinner show that includes a pricier, more delicious meal, sit in at one of the mystery dinner shows. Guests mingle with characters as they try to solve an exciting who-done-it mystery. 

    Beach

    Those desiring sun and fun at the beach will have to travel about two hours east of Orlando to either Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach. Both offer sunny beaches and white sand, and a host of water sports to choose from. Though these destinations are close enough for a daytrip, those wishing to stay the night will easily find accommodation near the beach. Many of the hotels are located directly off the beach and include their own private entrances to the beaches.

    Romance

    Though Orlando is known for being a family holiday destination, there are plenty of things here to attract romantic couples. Once such attraction is the World of Orchids.  Opened in 1993, this nursery features a stunningly beautiful selection of orchids.  You’ll also find a rainforest conservatory featuring plants, waterfalls, birds and fish.  This is truly a beautiful and romantic experience.  Another excellent experience for couples is a romantic dinner with American River Cruises. You’ll have access to a full menu as you and your partner take in the sights of the St. John’s River aboard a three-deck cruise ship.

    Family

    When looking for family fun, Orlando is one of the premiere locations in the world. Everything you encounter from the moment your plane lands screams family fun and everything in between. Orlando is hands down the most exciting destination for an unforgettable vacation with the family, with its many theme and water parks pulling in the crowds. Choose between a Walt Disney World break or a day out at Wet ’N Wild; the choices for kid-friendly days out here are endless.

    Adventure

    There are a number of adventurous activities for visitors to partake in. Bungee jumping, waterskiing and swimming with aquatic animals such as dolphins are all easy to arrange. However, when visiting central Florida, no adventure vacation is complete without a tour of Florida’s swamplands. There are plenty of tours offered where you ride an air boat in alligator-infested swamp water. For an added thrill, try taking one of these tours in the dead of night when you’ll be able to observe, first-hand, the nocturnal activities of the alligators.

    *Terms & Conditions sample rates displaying above are for the travel period from 17 February 2014 till 24 February 2014. (Sample air/hotel packages above include accommodation plus roundtrip air for travel during the noted time period. Sample air/hotel package prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. Sample air/hotel package prices include taxes and fees. Airfares are based on lowest available fare for sample travel dates and are subject to change. Air/Hotel package prices vary by date, departure city, and availability. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and minimum stay may apply.