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As one of the most popular family-friendly vacation destinations in the world, Orlando, Florida, is your one-stop shop for everything Walt Disney. In addition to Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center are just a few of the bevy of amusement parks and tourist attractions in the area that will thrill everyone from little kids to corporate-minded adults. Though it seems as though the theme park serpent has sunk its teeth into every part of the city, there are in fact still pieces of Orlando that have not been tainted with roller coasters and magic. This subtropical southern city also has a thriving music and arts scene, several museums, championship golf courses, a professional basketball team, world-class dining options, and a pulsating nightlife.
With a hotel in Orlando around every corner, it’s almost impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for. From hostels and motor lodges, to all-inclusive resorts and five-star hotels, Orlando has the second-largest number of hotel rooms in the country (after Las Vegas). The Grand Bohemian Hotel is a luxury five-star hotel far enough away from the hustle and bustle to give visitors the ultimate in peace of mind and relaxation. To be in the thick of it all, stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s conveniently close to all the fun and excitement, yet suited for the needs of both children and adults. For business travelers, try the Peabody Orlando Hotel, which caters to meetings and conventions.
For a city with countless tourists streaming in every day, Orlando’s restaurant scene is top notch. With 4,000 restaurants and counting, the word variety doesn’t seem to do it justice. A favorite among locals, Citrus Restaurant features regionally inspired American dishes like pan-seared grouper and duck tostados in an urban-chic atmosphere. For a touch of New Orleans Creole and Cajun cuisine, Emeril’s Restaurant offers the best of the celebrity chef right in Universal City Walk. For a popular lunchtime destination, Yellow Dog Eats is a general store-turned-café that serves up sandwiches and salads amongst old fashioned décor.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the largest and most used international and domestic airport in the region. Located just north of the city, Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a secondary airport which serves the area with more Europeans flights than Orlando International. Orlando is a sprawling city, and renting a car is the most convenient choice for getting around. The city also has a public transportation system, which includes the Lymmo Bus and I-Ride Trolleys, as well as taxi service throughout the Disney area.
Orlando is characterized by a humid subtropical climate. There are just two major seasons each year: June through September, which remains hot and rainy (otherwise known as hurricane season), and October through May’s dry season, which brings more moderate temperatures. July is Orlando’s hottest month, as well as most humid, with an average high temperature of 92° F (33.3° C). January brings out the year’s coldest temps, with an average high of 72° F (22.2° C) during the daytime. Though Orlando is without question a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the winter months, when the weather is warm and dry.
