Orlando holidays

Orlando holidays

Deals from £486 per person

A destination like no other, Orlando is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Take your holiday to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water theme park, spectacular on-site hotels and more, it’s days and nights of endless fun for every member of the family.

Experience white-knuckle rides, fairy tale fantasies, awe-inspiring shows and incredible shopping malls all in one fun-filled holiday to Orlando. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, opt for a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Bustling International Drive is known for its bars, shops and restaurants, while scenic Kissimmee is the place to kick back after a busy day at the parks.

Things to do

Kids will want to head straight for Disney’s Magic Kingdom® where they can meet their favourite characters and watch one of the brightly coloured parades. Enjoy a buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Fancy travelling the world? At Disney’s Epcot, pick up a World Showcase Passport and get a stamp at each of the 11 international pavilions. Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse is renowned for its delicious food. Try the rich and creamy cheddar cheese and bacon soup followed by a succulent steak.

There’s something for all ages at Universal Orlando Resort. Immerse yourself in the next generation of blockbuster entertainment at Universal Studios Florida™. Journey through legendary worlds of incredible heroes at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™. And enjoy the thrills and relaxation of a tropical paradise like no other at Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park.

Theme parks

Orlando is well known for its world famous theme parks and attractions, with more than 50,000 acres in the region covered by amusement parks.

The Universal Orlando® Resort has two amazing theme parks, top notch onsite hotels and unique dining and entertainment. Here you can explore such attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, where you can shop in Diagon Alley and have a butterbeer in the wintery setting of Hogsmeade. Whizz around on rollercoasters and have a splash adventure in the waterparks.

Close by is Walt Disney World Resort where it’s not only Mickey Mouse that can be found, magic runs through the resort making unforgettable memories.

The whole family can have fun on the rides and attractions, enjoy the thrill of the waterparks and wave pools at the exciting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Watch the parades and shows and even get the chance to meet all of the much loved Disney characters.

Culture

Creativity oozes out of Orlando’s famous theme parks and vibrant city. Visit the museums and art galleries to explore the exceptional local art scene. As a destination Orlando mixes tradition with modern entertainment with classic theatre performances and independent film festivals. The Amway Center is the Downtown hotspot for entertainment as it hosts events ranging from sports, like basketball, to live concerts and shows. Orlando is also a fantastic place to shop, with several top notch shopping malls and discounted outlets in the area.

Food

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the diverse array of food to sample from around the world. Whether you want fast food, or sophisticated dining, Orlando is home to some of the finest cuisine with celebrity chefs often visiting. For an experience with a flare of fun with the family, have a dinner and show or head to Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood. Feast your eyes on the movie props and memorabilia that lines the walls whilst tucking into a scrumptious steak, fresh seafood or classic American desserts.

Nightlife

Orlando is a vibrant, contemporary destination for families and groups looking to soak up the feel good atmosphere. This means that there’s lots of spectacular after dark entertainment for you to choose from. The city is home to a variety of pubs, bars, comedy clubs and Downtown nightclubs where you can dance till the early hours and some even host live music.

If you are travelling with the kids then a dinner and show is ideal. You’ll find that there are also lots of nightly events happening in the world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for other popular Florida destinations including: Central FloridaInternational Drive | Lake Buena Vista | Universal Resort Orlando | Walt Disney Resort

Map of Orlando

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30 ℃

Average temperatures in the early 30s (°C).

View live forecast

8-9 hours

The main airport near Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is 19km south-east of Orlando. Sanford Airport (SFB) is 43km north-east of Orlando.

Orlando is best for...

Families: See the kids’ faces light up as they meet their favourite Disney characters at Walt Disney World Resort.

Movie fans: Be a part of your favourite films and TV shows at Universal Orlando™.

Shoppers: Pick up a bargain at Orlando Premium Outlets® and pick up souvenirs at Downtown Disney®.

Fast facts for Orlando

Language: The language spoken in Orlando is English.

Currency: The currency used in Orlando is the American Dollar ($).

Local time: Orlando is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Orlando International Airport. The transfer time to Orlando is 1 hour.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Orlando is 9 hours.

Tourist information: Further Orlando tourist information can be found at https://www.visitorlando.com/EN-GL/UK/.

Visa and health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Orlando.

Minimum booking age: For many hotels in the USA, including Orlando, you'll need to be 21 years old or over to be able to check in.

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Getting around Orlando

By hire car: The best way to get around Orlando is by hire car. Be aware that you’ll come across a number of toll booths during your holiday, and finding a parking space outside major tourist hotspots can be a challenge.

By trolley bus: If you’re staying near International Drive, you’ll be able to use the convenient and reliable I-Drive trolley bus service which serves the surrounding area.

By bus: Walt Disney World Resort runs bus services between their hotels and theme parks.

Events in Orlando

Halloween: There’s a real buzz in the theme parks during the run up to Halloween. Step right into some of the most pulse-pounding moments in horror history at Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights™, America’s premier annual Halloween event.  Walt Disney World Resort holds kid-friendly Halloween parties. Dress up as your favourite Disney character and munch on sticky toffee apples as you watch the fireworks display.

Christmas: Disney’s Magic Kingdom® turns into a winter wonderland at Christmas time. Crisp white snowflakes descend on the park as Santa joins Mickey Mouse in a festive parade.

Orlando weather

Temperature: Average temperatures in the early 30s (°C).

Best time to visit Orlando: Spring or autumn when you get all that lovely Florida sunshine but without the intense heat.

Orlando weather is hot and humid during the summer. At this time, try to avoid the theme parks in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Winters are mild, but remember to bring a light jacket if you’re planning to venture out in the evenings.

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