Orlando is a major Florida destination, popular with families for its many amusement parks and other fun attractions. Besides the biggest parks а Walt Disney World (comprised of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center) Disney’s MGM Studios, and Universal Studios and its affiliated Islands of Adventure а there are countless smaller amusement parks, animal parks and themed dinners to keep you entertained. Having a rental car in Orlando, therefore, is a must.
Getting there
Visitors will find more package flights to Orlando than any other US destination and the city’s international airport regularly receives transatlantic flights as well as connections from US cities and plentiful national travel deals. The airport is 14.5kms southeast of the downtown area by car rental, and there are regular shuttles available. Amtrak trains arrive in Orlando from the south, from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and from the north, from Atlanta and the rest of the eastern seaboard, as well as New Orleans and many other southeastern destinations.
By rental car to Orlando from Atlanta, take I-75 south to the Florida Turnpike to I-4 west. From points northeast, take I-95 south to Daytona Beach and I-4 west. From Chicago, take I-65 south to Nashville, then I-24 south to I-75, then south on the Florida Turnpike to I-4 west.
Key attractions
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom comprises of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland; it is filled with roller coasters, hourly action shows, street buskers, and endless Disney characters. Disneyеs Epcot Center is home to Future World, a combination amusement and educational park, and World Showcase, a re-creation of 11 countries. Disney’s MGM Studios is known for its 3D rides, as well as the terrifying Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Universal Studios allows visitors a sneak peek into the world of movie-making, with attractions such as Terminator 23D, Back to the Future, and Earthquake – The Big One. Also a major attraction, Orlando’s Seaworld is an amazing animal park filled with leaping dolphins, comical sea lions and talented orcas among others.
Out and about
Just outside Orlando, Fantasy of Flight offers a look at the yesterday, today, and tomorrow of aviation and also has a simulator outfitted with the sights, sounds and motion of a WWII combat plane. Farther afield but well worth the drive, the Kennedy Space Center attracts two million people a year to its gallery of space flight, packed with real spacecraft and scale models. NASA has traditionally launched its spaceships from Cape Canaveral, near the Kennedy Space Center. All these make car rental a popular option in Orlando.
Leisure options
Orlando has an array of good, although expensive, themed dinners. Medieval Times offers guests the opportunity to stuff themselves on barbecued spare ribs, herb-roasted chicken, soup, appetizer, potatoes and dessert in an 11th century atmosphere while knights mounted on Andalusian horses joust in the arena. Arabian Nights is a classy dinner-show experience, including Wild West trick riding, chariot races, slapstick comedy and bareback bravado. Pirates Dinner Adventure includes a full-size ship in a massive lagoon. Online you will find national deals on travel to Orlando.
Safety
Orlando is a tourist city, and there are lots of people waiting to scam the tourists. Beware of scam artists and pickpockets, and remain alert at all times. We highly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Orlando.