A comprehensive guide to planning your trip to Orlando.
Estimated read time: 32 minutes
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Orlando isn’t a single compact resort - it’s a sprawling region with different areas, especially around Walt Disney World. The Disney parks themselves are located in Lake Buena Vista (and adjacent Bay Lake), a city created for the Walt Disney World Resort. Here you’ll find the vast Disney property, including four theme parks and two water parks spread across about 40 square miles. Just south of the Disney estate lies Kissimmee, a tourist-friendly area in Osceola County filled with hotels, villa rentals, restaurants, and smaller attractions along the US-192 highway (Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy). Staying in Kissimmee offers a mix of excitement and relaxation – you’re minutes from the Disney action, but also have plenty to do right in town.
Lake Buena Vista, by contrast, is essentially inside the Disney bubble – it’s home to Disney’s own hotels, Disney Springs shopping district, and Disney-run amenities. It’s a great choice if you plan to focus on the Disney parks (and even other theme parks like Universal or SeaWorld are within a 20-minute drive). Kissimmee and the nearby Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs area are immediately surrounding Disney World and are the main hubs for visitors. Other nearby areas include International Drive (a bit further north near Universal Studios) which is known for its many restaurants, shops, and attractions. But for a Disney-centric holiday, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are the prime locations to know.
International Drive (I-Drive) is a popular area for those also visiting Universal or SeaWorld; it’s slightly farther from Disney, roughly 15–20 minutes drive north. One UK traveller notes that if you’re not a huge Disney fan, staying on I-Drive can be ideal – walking distance to Universal and lots of cheaper places to eat with a lively atmosphere. However, for a Disney-focused trip, I-Drive might be less convenient.
Choosing when to go to Orlando can make a huge difference in your experience. Generally, Central Florida enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Here are key factors by season:
UK School Holidays vs US Holidays: A big consideration for UK visitors is timing around school breaks. Orlando’s busiest times correspond to when both UK and US holidays overlap – for example, Easter and mid-summer. If you’re traveling with kids and bound to school dates, you might lean toward Easter (cooler weather than summer, but very busy) or late August (hot but slightly quieter crowds towards end of summer). October half-term is another popular UK time; crowds in late Oct are moderate and Halloween season is fun, just book popular events early. If you don’t have children or can go term-time, aim for low season: late Jan–Feb, early May, September, or early Nov. Not only will the parks be quieter, but you’ll likely save money on flights and hotels during these off-peak periods.
Florida Weather Quick Facts: Orlando has over 300 days of sunshine a year, but also a distinct rainy season. The driest months are Oct–April – you’ll get lots of blue-sky days in winter and spring. The rainy season is roughly June through September, when humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent (usually in late afternoon). Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho if visiting in those months – storms blow through quickly, and afterwards the sun often returns. Summers also bring the risk of severe thunderstorms with hail or lightning, so always take shelter when you hear thunder (Florida storms are no joke!). Hurricane season runs June–Nov, but Orlando’s inland location means it’s uncommon for a storm to directly hit – you’re more likely to experience a day of heavy rain from a dissipating tropical system than a full hurricane. Keep an eye on the forecast during autumn travel, but don’t be too alarmed; the theme parks have excellent protocols for severe weather if needed.
Finally, consider special events when planning dates. Disney and Universal run popular events like Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival in spring, Food & Wine Festival in late summer/autumn, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in winter, etc. If those interest you, you might time your visit to catch them (just note some events like holiday parties require separate tickets and can affect park hours). Conversely, be aware of US public holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving late November, Labor Day early September) which can draw domestic crowds. Planning around these factors will help you pick the ideal time for your Orlando adventure.
The Orlando area is served by two main airports that UK travellers use:
For most travellers, Orlando International (MCO) will be the arrival point. It has two main terminals (A/B and the newer Terminal C). From the UK you’ll arrive into A/B or C depending on airline (BA and Virgin currently use Terminal C for many flights, which is very new and efficient). After landing, you’ll clear U.S. immigration – ensure you have your ESTA visa waiver approved online at least a few days before travel. Baggage claim is straightforward and there are plenty of signs in English and helpful staff.
Flight Tips: Flying direct is the easiest, and you can get direct flights from London (Heathrow or Gatwick) and Manchester, and seasonally from cities like Glasgow or Belfast via charter. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are the two main full-service airlines on the London–Orlando route, often offering daily service. TUI Airways offers direct flights from various UK regional airports as part of their holiday packages, but as mentioned these may land at Melbourne airport (~70 miles from Orlando) now. Typical economy return fares can range from £400–£800 per person depending on season – expect the higher end in summer or Christmas, and the lower end in off-peak times. Flight duration is around 9 hours going west (UK to Orlando) and a bit under 8 hours on the overnight return (thanks to tailwinds). Most flights depart the UK in the morning and arrive Orlando late afternoon local time. Time difference is 5 hours (Orlando is GMT-5, Eastern Time). That means if it’s 3pm in Orlando, it’s 8pm back in the UK. You’ll likely feel jet-lagged on arrival (it’ll feel like late night to you), but excitement usually keeps you going! On the return, you typically take an overnight flight and arrive UK early morning.
Many UK visitors choose to hire a car for an Orlando holiday, as it offers the most freedom to explore and is often the quickest way to get around. Orlando is very car-oriented – public transport exists (more on that later), but a car gives you door-to-door comfort, especially if you’re staying off Disney property.
At Orlando International (MCO), all the major car rental companies have desks and garages on-site at the airport. This includes Alamo, Enterprise, National, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, and others. Based on customer reviews, top-rated companies at MCO for service and reliability include Alamo, Enterprise, National, and Avis. These tend to offer good customer service and a smooth experience, though sometimes at a slightly higher price than budget agencies. Alamo is particularly popular with UK travellers – it often rates highly for its skip-the-counter service (you can check in online in advance and go straight to the garage to choose your car) and generally hassle-free returns. Enterprise and National (sister companies to Alamo) also focus on customer service. Avis and Hertz are long-established brands; Hertz’s fleet and service are usually solid, though Avis/Budget can be a mixed bag. Some Brits report long queues or pushy upsells with certain budget companies – for example, Budget’s desk at MCO is known to have had long waits and aggressive sales for add-ons. To save holiday time, it can be worth paying a bit more for a company known for efficiency.
At Sanford Airport (SFB), car hire is also available from firms like Alamo (which traditionally served charter flights), Enterprise, National, and others. The selection is smaller than MCO, and you may have to take a short shuttle from the terminal to the rental car lot at Sanford. If you fly into Melbourne (MLB) with TUI, that airport also has major car hire companies but, again, fewer choices on-site.
Recommendations: For a smooth experience, Alamo is often recommended by repeat Orlando visitors (many UK travellers book via the dedicated “Alamo Brits” website or UK brokers for inclusive rates). Alamo’s self-service kiosks and the ability to choose your own vehicle from the category you booked is a nice perk. Enterprise/National also allow Emerald Club members to skip the counter (National’s Emerald Aisle lets you directly pick a car if you’ve enrolled). If you prefer a one-stop comparison, consider using a UK booking site or broker that packages all the necessary insurance – companies like Rentalcars.com, Holiday Autos, or Virgin Holidays (if booking a fly-drive) will quote an inclusive price. Always ensure you have full insurance (CDW, liability, etc.) either in your rate or via a third-party policy, as the US rentals don’t automatically include the same coverage as UK ones.
When renting, remember the cars are automatic transmission (so no clutch to worry about). Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in the US, which takes a short adjustment if you’ve never done it – but Orlando’s roads are wide and well-marked, so most people adapt quickly. You’ll likely pick up your hire car directly at the airport. MCO’s car rental garage is directly across from the terminal – very convenient after a long flight.
Costs: Petrol (“gas”) is cheaper than in the UK (roughly $3–$4 per US gallon, which is about £0.80 per litre as of 2025), so fuel costs for a week’s driving are reasonable. Car hire rates vary, but budget around £25–£40 per day for a mid-size SUV or standard car when booking in advance. This usually includes basic insurance; if not, you’ll want to add a zero-excess insurance option. Many UK travellers prepay for a fully-inclusive package to avoid any hard-sell at the desk. If offered toll road packages at pickup, know that Florida has many toll roads. You can either opt for the rental company’s toll program (convenient but often with a service fee), or use the Visitor Toll Pass (a scheme at MCO where you can borrow a toll device for free and pay actual tolls only). For short visits, the rental’s own toll pass is easiest, but for longer stays the Visitor Toll Pass or just paying cash/credit at toll booths works fine (note: some tolls are electronic-only in Orlando, so some solution is needed).
Parking at Disney and Universal parks costs about $25–$30 per day for standard parking, so factor that in. Disney resort hotel guests get free parking at the parks (as of current policies). At hotels and villas, parking is generally free or included (some hotels on International Drive may charge a small parking fee).
In summary, hiring a car provides the freedom to go wherever, whenever – useful if you plan to visit various parks, go shopping, or drive to the coasts. Just be prepared for Orlando’s traffic peaks (I-4 can jam up during rush hour or when parks close). Navigation is easy using sat-nav or smartphone maps. Pop on the air conditioning, tune into a local radio station, and enjoy cruising between adventures!
The Orlando area offers hundreds of accommodation options, but they generally fall into a few categories geographically: on-site Disney resorts, off-site hotels in Lake Buena Vista, villas and hotels in Kissimmee, and further afield options (like International Drive or villas in Davenport). Here’s an overview of the main areas and their pros/cons for different travellers:
Walt Disney World has a collection of Disney-owned resorts (and a few officially partnered hotels) that are located within the Disney property. These range from budget-friendly “Value” resorts (like Disney’s All-Star Resorts and Pop Century) up to luxury “Deluxe” resorts (like the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, etc.), with moderates in between. The key benefit of staying on-site is convenience and Disney immersion: you’re as close as possible to the parks, and Disney provides all transportation within the resort (buses, monorails, boats, and Skyliner gondolas depending on your hotel). On-site guests also get perks like Early Theme Park Entry (typically 30 minutes early access to parks each day) and the ability to book certain ride reservations earlier. The theming at Disney hotels can be wonderful – it’s a continuation of the park magic back at your hotel. For families with young kids or anyone wanting midday breaks, staying on-site makes it easy to hop back to the hotel for a rest and a swim, then return to the parks in the evening. Safety and service are top-notch, and many resorts have character meals or entertainment on-site.
However, the big drawback is cost. Disney hotels are expensive for what you get in terms of room size/amenities (you’re paying for location and Disney perks). Even the small Value resort rooms can be over £150 a night in peak season, and Deluxe resorts often £400+ a night. Another consideration: standard Disney rooms tend to be smaller than many off-site hotel suites or villas, and most have two queen beds (or one king) – fine for a small family, but a bit cramped for larger groups. You also won’t have a full kitchen (except in Disney Vacation Club villa units), so self-catering is limited. That said, the convenience can outweigh these factors, especially for first-timers or those not renting a car, since you can rely on Disney transport and stay in the bubble.
“Lake Buena Vista” in hotel terms often refers to the area around Disney Springs and the Hotel Plaza Boulevard, just outside the Disney parks but still right on Disney’s doorstep. There are numerous non-Disney hotels here (such as Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Wyndham, Drury Plaza Hotel, etc.) that are actually walking distance to Disney Springs and a very short drive or shuttle ride to the parks. These hotels can be a great middle-ground: closer to Disney than Kissimmee, often offering shuttles to the Disney parks, but priced lower than Disney’s own resorts. Some are even “Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels” which get limited Disney perks (like early entry). You’ll find familiar brands (Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, etc.) with amenities like pools, restaurants, and larger family suites in some cases.
Staying in Lake Buena Vista hotels means you might not need a car every day – many provide free shuttles to Disney (check the schedule; some are hourly), and being near Disney Springs means lots of dining and shopping options at your doorstep. It’s a convenient area for those who want to be close to the magic but also want a bit more space or a different price point. For example, one highly-rated option is the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area, which offers free breakfast and shuttles, and is a short walk from Disney Springs. Off-site LBV hotels like these often have resort fees, so factor that in, but even then they can be good value compared to Disney hotels.
Pros: Close proximity to Disney (5–10 minute drive), many dining options at Disney Springs, often larger rooms or suites available, and typically cheaper than Disney-owned resorts. Cons: You’ll pay for transport or rely on shuttles (not as continuous as Disney’s), you don’t get all Disney resort perks (though early entry is extended to some partner hotels), and the theming is generic compared to Disney hotels. Also, if you want to visit Universal or other parks, LBV is a bit further out than staying on I-Drive (but still quite doable via I-4).
Kissimmee is a broad area south and west of Disney. It’s known for a huge range of vacation homes (villas) and affordable hotels, making it very popular for families and large groups from the UK. If you’ve ever thought of renting a villa with a private pool, this is where you’ll likely find it. Areas like Emerald Island, Windsor Hills, ChampionsGate, Davenport (technically Davenport is adjacent to Kissimmee) have entire neighborhoods of 3-8 bedroom villas often rented out to holidaymakers. The advantage of a villa is obvious: tons of space, multiple bedrooms, your own kitchen and pool, and often a very good price per night when split among a family or group. A villa in Kissimmee can be cheaper than a tiny Disney hotel room, especially for longer stays. For example, one UK family noted their Kissimmee villa was far cheaper than a Disney hotel, letting them enjoy other attractions and self-cater some meals by stocking up on snacks to take into the parks. If you have a rental car, staying in a villa is straightforward – most are 15–30 minutes drive to Disney depending on location.
Kissimmee also offers many mid-range hotels, motels, and resorts, often along Highway 192. These can be great for budget-conscious travellers. You’ll find everything from basic motels to family resorts with pools and waterslides. Prices are generally lower due to slightly longer distance (e.g. a Kissimmee hotel might be £80/night vs £150 on-site Disney). Many are very family-friendly and used to hosting UK guests. Some well-known ones include the Ramada or Holiday Inn clubs, Margaritaville Resort (a newer resort with its own entertainment complex), and countless others. Old Town Kissimmee area has a cluster of hotels plus entertainment (fun fair rides, go-karts, and weekly classic car shows).
Pros of Kissimmee: Cost savings and space. It’s ideal for large families or groups – you can get a 4-bed villa and split the cost. Self-catering is easy with full kitchens (great for picky eaters or saving money on meals). The atmosphere is more laid-back suburban – you can escape the Disney bubble if you want a day off. There are tons of restaurants, from cheap buffets to popular chains (everything from Cracker Barrel country cooking to British pub-style eateries) along 192, usually with free parking and kids welcome. You’re also closer to some other attractions like Medieval Times dinner show or nature parks in Kissimmee.
Cons: You will almost certainly need a car if staying in a villa or off-site in Kissimmee. While some hotels offer shuttles, the distances mean public transport or walking isn’t practical for park days. Traffic on US-192 and I-4 can add time to your trips (staying west of Disney in Kissimmee near the Animal Kingdom side can be as little as 10 minutes drive, but staying further east in Kissimmee could be 30 minutes out). Also, you lose the on-site Disney perks and the 24/7 Disney theming – when you leave the park, you’re in a normal American town setting (which some might actually prefer to decompress). For adult couples or first-timers who want maximum Disney immersion, Kissimmee might feel too far removed. But for many repeat visitors, the value of a villa or cheap hotel is unbeatable.
In summary, families with young kids or first-time visitors who want convenience often love staying on Disney property despite the cost. Large families or those on longer holidays often opt for Kissimmee villas or condos to have room to spread out and save money by self-catering. Couples or adults might enjoy a Disney hotel for the romance and ease, or a nice off-site hotel in Lake Buena Vista to be close but with a bit of distance from the kiddie chaos. There’s no one “best” area – it depends on your priorities (budget vs convenience vs space). Many repeat UK guests actually swear by renting a villa in Kissimmee for the comfort of a “home away from home” and a private pool after long park days. Others can’t imagine losing that Disney magic and prefer a Disney resort where the themed music and service is always around. You can’t go wrong as long as you know the trade-offs.
While Disney (and Universal) parks are the main draw, the Orlando area is packed with other attractions and activities to enjoy on rest days or evenings. Here’s a look at some fun things to do beyond the theme park turnstiles:
Orlando has a knack for theming everything, and that includes mini-golf courses! Mini golf is a favourite pastime for families on a non-park day or after dinner. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is a popular option – there’s one in Lake Buena Vista and one on I-Drive, both with elaborate pirate ship theming, caves, and waterfalls. Another great choice especially for Disney fans is Disney’s own Fantasia Gardens mini-golf (near Epcot hotels) or Winter Summerland mini-golf (near Blizzard Beach water park). These Disney mini-golf courses have creative themes (Fantasia Gardens has musical obstacles themed to Fantasia, Winter Summerland has a Santa-in-the-sand vibe) and are open to everyone (around $14 per adult, and often free vouchers are given if you’re on a Disney package). Over by Universal, Hollywood Drive-In Golf at CityWalk offers two movie-themed courses (one sci-fi, one haunted). Wherever you go, it’s a fun way to spend an evening.
Beyond mini-golf, you’ll find countless go-kart tracks, arcades, and small attractions along the tourist corridors. In Kissimmee’s Old Town area, check out Fun Spot America – it’s a small amusement park with carnival rides, go-karts, and even a few decent roller coasters. The best part: admission is free, you just pay per ride or get an armband, so it’s a low-commitment outing. It’s known for a giant SkyCoaster (if you’re brave) and family rides without the hefty price of the big parks. Plus, Old Town next door has nightly entertainment and on weekends the famous Classic Car Cruise (vintage cars parade) which gives a lovely Americana vibe.
For themed dinner shows, two long-running hits are Medieval Times in Kissimmee – a full medieval jousting tournament show with dinner included (chicken dinner eaten with your hands, naturally) – and the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure on International Drive, featuring pirates, acrobatics, and swashbuckling stunts during your meal. These can be a hoot for kids (though a bit cheesy for adults, but that’s part of the fun). Often you can find discounted tickets through coupon books or online. Another quirky attraction: Gatorland – an old-Florida style park/zoo showcasing alligators and crocodiles (and even gator wrestling shows). It’s in south Orlando, about 20 minutes from Disney, and is reasonably priced for a half-day outing.
Central Florida is a shopper’s paradise, especially if you’re looking for bargains on American brands. Top of the list for many UK visitors are the Orlando Premium Outlets. There are two main outlet complexes: one on Vineland Avenue (very close to Disney, technically in Lake Buena Vista) and one at the north end of International Drive (near Universal). The Vineland Premium Outlets is just a few miles from Disney Springs and features over 160 stores, including Disney’s own outlet store (Disney Character Warehouse) where surplus Disney Parks merchandise is sold at a discount. You’ll find brands like Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Michael Kors, Levi’s – basically a who’s who of retailers, often at 25-70% off retail prices. Do go early or on a weekday if possible; they get extremely busy with tourists and finding parking can be competitive. The International Drive Premium Outlets (on International Dr./Oak Ridge Rd) is similar in size and store lineup – great if you’re in that area. Either outlet mall can yield some serious bargains on clothes, trainers, handbags, and more.
Besides outlets, Orlando has some fantastic shopping malls. The two highlights are the Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia. Florida Mall (south of the airport) is a huge traditional mall with over 250 stores, including department stores like Macy’s and JC Penney, plus an enormous dining pavilion. It also has unique spots like the M&M’s World, Crayola Experience, and an American Girl store – fun for kids. Mall at Millenia (near Universal) is more upscale, with beautiful architecture and stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and high-end luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc.). Even if you’re not buying Prada, it’s a nice place to stroll in air-conditioned comfort and maybe have a cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory there. For electronics or general goods, there are big-box stores like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart scattered around (the Walmart on Vineland Road near Disney is almost a tourist attraction itself, where Brits load up on American sweets and souvenirs at low prices!). One tip: Publix and Walmart sell Disney-branded merchandise (like T-shirts, autograph books, etc.) often cheaper than in the parks – great for souvenirs.
And of course, we must mention Disney Springs for shopping. Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is Disney’s own shopping, dining, and entertainment district – entry is free. You’ll find the World of Disney store (world’s largest Disney store) for all your Mickey merchandise, plus shops like LEGO Store, Uniqlo (with cheap Disney-themed shirts), Disney’s Days of Christmas (holiday décor year-round), and high-end boutiques. Even if you’re not buying, it’s lovely to walk around Disney Springs in the evening – there’s often live music, and the atmosphere is lively.
Once you venture outside Disney property, you’ll discover hundreds of restaurants to satisfy any craving. In the tourist areas, most eateries are very family-friendly (high chairs, kids’ menus, the works). Popular family restaurant chains that British visitors often enjoy include Olive Garden (casual Italian-American with endless breadsticks), Cheesecake Factory (massive menu and desserts, at Mall at Millenia), Bahama Breeze (Caribbean-inspired grill with live music often – great island vibe and tropical cocktails), Miller’s Ale House (lively sports bar/restaurant with reasonably priced pub fare – a hit with families and groups), and Texas Roadhouse or LongHorn for steaks. For something uniquely Floridian, try a 4 Rivers Smokehouse for BBQ (a local chain serving Texas-style barbecue – delicious brisket and pulled pork). It’s casual and good value (with several locations within 20 minutes of Disney). If you’re craving Tex-Mex, Chuy’s is a fun Tex-Mex chain known for good food and quirky decor. And let’s not forget the classic American diners like Denny’s or IHOP – they’re everywhere and open late, perfect for midnight pancakes or an affordable breakfast.
For those missing a taste of home, there are a few British pubs (for example, Ye Olde Falcon in Kissimmee or Rose & Crown at Epcot if you’re in the park!). But part of the adventure is trying American favorites. Fast food drive-thrus are abundant – Chick-fil-A (chicken sandwiches), Wendy’s, McDonald’s, etc., all available if you fancy. And yes, they do have Nando’s in Orlando now (at Lake Buena Vista), in case you need peri-peri!
In terms of nightlife and adult-oriented venues, outside Disney you’ll find more options for a late night out. Disney Springs itself has some great bars and lounges – for example, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Indiana Jones-themed bar), Wine Bar George (fantastic wine selection and small plates), and The Edison (a steampunk-themed restaurant/bar with live entertainment in the evenings). These are open to all (no park ticket needed) and make for a nice date night or grown-up evening while still on Disney property. There’s also House of Blues at Disney Springs which hosts concerts and has a separate bar/restaurant – often with live bands. Disney Springs generally winds down by midnight, though.
If you’re looking for a more lively nightclub scene or extended hours, head to Universal CityWalk or I-Drive. CityWalk (at Universal Orlando) has several bars and clubs – for instance, Rising Star karaoke bar (with a live band), Pat O’Brien’s dueling piano bar, and a nightclub called Red Coconut Club (sometimes rethemed seasonally). CityWalk venues are typically 21+ at night and open until 2am. On International Drive, you have places like Howl at the Moon (piano bar), Mango’s Tropical Café (Latin music/dinner show/club), and even an Ice Bar where the whole bar is made of ice. There are also comedy clubs and smaller music venues. Keep in mind, you’ll need a taxi or rideshare back as these areas are a drive from Disney/Kissimmee.
For a chilled evening, consider exploring Sunset Walk (at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Kissimmee) – this is a newer dining and entertainment complex with restaurants, live music on weekends, and a dine-in movie theater. It’s a bit of a local secret still, so not as crowded as Disney Springs. Options there include casual eateries (BurgerFi, Ford’s Garage, Estefan Kitchen for Cuban) and bars, often with outdoor seating and music.
Craft Beer & Breweries: If you enjoy a pint, Orlando’s craft beer scene has grown. In downtown Kissimmee, there’s a brewery called Sunrise Brewery, and up towards Orlando there’s Crooked Can Brewing in Winter Garden (a lovely town to visit on a farmer’s market day). These might be out of the way for a Disney-centric trip, but worth noting for beer enthusiasts with a car.
In short, you will not go hungry or bored outside the parks. Whether it’s mini-golfing among pirates, hunting for deals at an outlet mall, or relaxing with a margarita at a tiki bar, the Orlando area caters to all ages beyond just Mickey Mouse. It’s great to plan a couple of “off day” activities into your itinerary – not only do you avoid theme park fatigue, but you also get to experience a bit more of what Central Florida has to offer.
While having a hire car is common, it’s not the only way to navigate Orlando. If you prefer not to drive, there are several transportation options to get you from place to place:
Tip: If skipping the car, plan your hotel choice carefully – somewhere with good shuttle service or within walking distance of dining will make your holiday much smoother. For example, staying at a Disney resort means you can use Disney transport to the parks and Disney Springs freely. If off-site, maybe choose a hotel next to a cluster of restaurants so you’re not isolated (many areas of 192 have sidewalks and lots of eateries within a short walk).
Finally, don’t forget the free transport perks if staying on-site: Disney resort guests not only get park buses but also options like monorails (for Magic Kingdom/Epcot resorts) and the Skyliner gondolas (from some resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Even if you have a car, sometimes it’s nice to use Disney transport to avoid parking fees or to let everyone have a beer at Epcot without a designated driver. You can also use Uber/Lyft on Disney property for resort-hopping or getting home after late nights (just be aware of where ride pickups are).
Overall, it is entirely possible to do Orlando without driving. Thousands do it, especially those staying in the heart of the magic. Just allow some extra time in your schedule for waiting on shuttles or rides. Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the back of an Uber, you’ll get around O-Town just fine.
Happy travels! Orlando offers an incredible experience, especially for Disney lovers, and a bit of planning and savvy know-how (as provided in this guide) will help UK visitors feel right at home even when Mickey Mouse is telling them to “have a magical day.” Enjoy every moment, from the first glimpse of Cinderella Castle to the last bargain scored at the outlet mall. Orlando is ready to welcome you – have a brilliant holiday!
Guide Updated: 31 December 2025