Orlando Insider Tips | Explore the theme park capital of the world.

Orlando is located in the Orange County of Florida and is one of the biggest and best-known tourist magnet’s for thrill seekers in the world. The most famed attraction Disney World Florida draws in millions of tourists a year making it the most popular amusement park worldwide...

Theme Parks:

Disney World Resort The flagship Disney World resort encompasses four theme parks; The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney Animal Kingdom, Disney World Florida and two water parks; Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard beach, Disney World Florida is described as a magical fantasy where dreams come true.

Disney’s water resorts Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach enclose amazing waterslides, surf pools and 6 foot waves, just a snippet of the profuse fun-filled activities available for the whole family to enjoy. Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk offer fine dining, shopping complexes, live music, street performances and exciting shows; with such a wide spectrum of entertainment the whole family will be spoilt for choice.

Check for maintenance closures before you travel and look at the park calendar to see if there are any parades, live entertainment shows or fireworks while you’re there. Get to the park early to avoid as many queues as possible, enjoy every minute to the fullest.

Universal Orlando resort consists of two theme parks; the first being Universal Studios, literally a jump into your TV screen featuring numerous attractions, rollercoaster rides and live shows based on famous films and TV programmes. The park is separated into seven different zones; Production Central, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, World Expo, Woody Woodpecker's Kid zone and The Lagoon. Universal's Islands of Adventure is the second theme park in the resort, home to some of the world’s greatest rollercoaster rides and log flumes; it is known as one of the top theme parks ever.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the newest attraction of Universal’s Islands of Adventure and has created a tourism boom in the park. See the recreation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; shop in Oleander’s where Harry brought his first wand; dine in the Three Broomsticks and enjoy a butter beer and even buy a packet of Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

With such huge demand to see new attractions, it is advised you purchase two-day tickets in order to fit everything in, if you plan on visiting more than twice save some money and buy an annual pass.

Sea World Orlando The marine life theme park, also a zoological park is a great attraction for water and sea life lovers. The park has an abundance of attractions for all ages; featuring Kraken, the biggest rollercoaster in the Orlando, opportunities to swim with dolphins, snorkelling with tropical fish, face to face experiences with sharks and days’ worth of rapid water rides. Remember to choose performance seats wisely; sit near the front and you’re guaranteed to get drenched.

Gatorland The wildlife preserve and theme park Gatorland is located on the South Orange Blossom Trail. Featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, animal aviaries and petting marshes, Gatorland is the idyllic attraction for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. Arrange to visit around feeding times to see some action and don’t miss out the scary alligator wrestling shows.

How do I get around?:

Cars are pervasive in Orlando as it’s easy and comfortable to get around in your own vehicle; car rental companies are abundant in Orlando, the city known as the Car Rental Capital of the World. Don’t forget your driving licence and remember driving is on the right in the car and on the road.

Bus services are frequent and reliable. The extensive system has over 60 different bus routes and it will cost you just $2 a ride.

Taxis are expensive and quite to come by as many people have their own cars or use public transport systems.

Unlimited transport services are available inside the magic kingdom for those staying in the Disney World resorts. Buses, monorails, ferries and water taxis connect all the parks and attractions; available during the park opening hours as well as a few hours prior and after opening times.

Nightlife:

Away from the theme parks, Orlando boasts a thriving nightlife. Downtown Orlando has a great quantity of nightclubs, restaurants and bars; the town comes alive at night with the sights and sounds of a fresh, vibrant metropolis.

Eating in Orlando:

With so much to choose from, Orlando offers an abundance of restaurants with great international food styles. Try anything from Chinese, tapas, Cuban, Asian and even fondue for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Other useful tips:

If you’re in one of the abundant theme parks, eat lunch during shows and performances to miss out on the crowds and long queues.

Never leave children or animals in parked cars. It is illegal as extremely high temperatures can cause death.

Fast pass tickets in theme parks are a great idea as the theme parks are hugely popular and queues can get very long.

If you are travelling with toddlers, save some money and take your own stroller to the theme parks instead of paying to rent one.

Tipping in Orlando is an American custom. Most people leave 10-15% extra in restaurants, 20% in taxis and a few dollars for maids and concierge services.