Orlando Travel Guide
Orlando, Florida is one of the most popular resorts in the United States, and a fantastic place to visit for a family vacation. The region is home to some of the most famous attractions worldwide. Cheap flights to Orlando will bring you close to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and many other world famous sights. Orlando is not just for children though; there are plenty of activities in the area for all members of the family to enjoy.
With a wide range of excellent restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, and superb nightlife options for adults, there is something for everyone in Orlando. Many people choose to take a vacation to the Sunshine State in December, but cheap flights are available all year round.
There are so many places to choose from in the Orlando area. The Gold Coast is famous for its stunning beaches and superb diving conditions, and it is certainly worth hiring a car to take a trip to the likes of Cape Canaveral – famous for space rocket launches and the fascinating Kennedy Space Center. The beautiful vista that is Cocoa Beach boasts unrivaled beaches that are very popular. The Florida Keys also draw in many visitors and can be easily reached through the many cheap flights offered. While you’re there, visit Key West and enjoy its laid-back feel and Caribbean vibe.
The availability of cheap flights to Orlando means you can spend your vacation anywhere in Florida, from the beautiful cities of Tampa and St Petersburg to the delights of glamorous Miami—one the most electric cities in the United States. The unique experience of taking an airboat ride across the swamps in the Everglades is not to be missed and the amazing wildlife and scenery you’ll find there stand in direct contrast to Florida’s bustling, lively cities.
Getting to and around the city of Orlando
How to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the city center?
A former military base, McCoy Air Force Base (MCO) was redeveloped to create one of the world’s busiest international airports, in order to serve one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Distance to the city center is 6 miles southeast of Orlando.
Once your flight to Orlando lands, the AGT train station will transport you to either Terminal A or Terminal B for Baggage Claim A or Baggage Claim B respectively.
Once you’ve picked up your luggage, you’ll find all shuttle vans and buses, taxis, and rental car services on the Ground Transportation Level, which is Level 1. The local metro system, LYNX, also runs services between the airport and Orlando.
It’s around $2 for the local bus to anywhere but Disney and Walt Disney World, which is $4. A shuttle bus is $19-28 per person for a one-way trip, $31-48 for a round trip, and a taxi is likely to cost anything between $33 and $75, depending upon your destination.
If you’re staying in one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels in Orlando, there is the pre-bookable shuttle bus service, Disney’s Magical Express, that will transfer you from the airport for free, which the kids are sure to love. It will also take you back to the airport for that last touch of Floridian magic at the end of your holiday.
Getting between terminals
For baggage claim, you’ll need to be in terminal A or B and the AGT train can get you there. Terminal A and terminal B are in the same 525ft-wide building, so you can walk between them on Level 3 of the building.
Hints and tips
- The LYNX bus to Downtown Orlando via routes 11 and 51 is only $2 a ticket
- The Wi-Fi is free throughout the airport and there are 18 complimentary charging points in the airside terminals (charging points are in abundance in the main terminal)
Tips for your stay in Orlando
- Make a sightseeing planbefore you get off your flight to Orlando—there are so many possibilities. Purchase theme park tickets online to avoid standing in line at many of your favorite attractions. If you need to buy tickets after you arrive, get to the park an hour before it opens to stand in line for tickets.
- Check out the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau website. It provides international guides and maps, advance ticket sales, including Magicards, links for booking hotel rooms and transport, information on Orlando nightlife, and restaurants, as well as links to goings-on at the theme parks in and around Orlando.
- Tobeat the crowds at Disney World, use the FastPass system to schedule a ride time rather than wait in line. For all parks, start at the far end of the park and work your way back to the entrance. Also, go to the big rides first so you miss the mid-afternoon rush.
- Other attractions you might want to visit are Wet N’ Wild, Orlando’s most popular water attraction; the Kennedy Space Centre, just an hour’s drive from Orlando; and Busch Gardens, also an hour’s drive from Orlando.
- Orlando is hot and muggy in the summer and mosquitoes and no-see-ums (tiny bugs with a big bite) love that weather. Make sure to pack or pick upinsect repellent, especially if you’ll be near the water.
- Don’t forget to pack or pick up sun lotion with a high SPF rating (30 or higher), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Finding Flights from Orlando
Heading out of town? CheapFlights has you covered with great deals on flights all over the world. United, American, Delta, Southwest and all the other major carriers also fly out of the city, so you have lots of options.
Check out these routes leaving Orlando International Airport:
Cheap flights from Orlando to Las Vegas
Cheap flights from Orlando to Myrtle Beach
Cheap flights from Orlando to Washington, DC
Cheap flights from Orlando to Dublin
With all of the Disney and Universal Studios fans visiting year round, the airport can get quite busy, especially in summer and during school breaks. Give yourself plenty of time to clear security before your flight. The airport offers plenty of parking options, or you can take public transportation to catch your flight. If you ride SunRail, take the bus from Sand Lake Road SunRail station to reach the airport.
