Orlando Travel Guide: Getting There, Getting Around, and Where to Stay in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is the world capitol of sunshine and family fun. Millions of people are drawn to visit Orlando every year because of its theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Sea World. Orlando is also a popular vacation spot because of its proximity to beaches such as Daytona Beach and the white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico

Getting to Orlando

By Air

Most major US airlines serve Orlando International Airport (MCO). Direct flights are easy to find from most major US cities. And, because of the competitiveness between carriers to Orlando, there are often times great bargains. Discount carries such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue serve Orlando and often times have the best deals.

There are also several non-stops flight from international destinations, too. Virgin Atlantic offers several flights daily from the UK direct to Orlando. Lufthansa offers a direct flight from Germany.

By Car

If you're driving to Orlando, you'll find it well-served by its location half way between Daytona Beach and Tampa on I-4. The Interstate runs east to west connecting to I-95 on the east coast of Florida and I-75 on the west coast. Additionally, the Florida Turnpike (a toll road) runs directly through Orlando.

By Train

Amtrak serves Orlando with a station in downtown Orlando. Several trains stop in Orlando daily.

Getting Around Orlando

Orlando is a very large metropolitan area. Although there public transportation in the form of bus service, or LYNX as it is known, a car is recommended since Orlando is so spread out. Rental cars are available from most national rental companies in the Orlando International Airport.

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can make use of the internal transportation system at Walt Disney World for free. The buses, monorails, and boats will take your from your hotel to the Disney theme parks.

Also, staying at a Walt Disney World entitles you to use Disney's Magical Express service. This is a free bus from the Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort as well as service back to the airport at the end of your stay. They'll even take your bags to your room for you so you can step off the bus and into one of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Where to Stay in Orlando

Walt Disney World

Within Walt Disney World there are many options for accommodation. From camping at Fort Wilderness campground to luxury all the way at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, there's something for every budget.

International Drive

The International Drive resort are (or more commonly referred to as "I Drive") is several miles long and is in between Universal Studios and Sea World. It is about five miles from Walt Disney World.

Many hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions are located along I Drive. If you're looking for somewhere affordable with lots of things to do, I Drive is a good place to stay. Running the length of I Drive is the I Drive Trolley, a trolley service that runs several times an hour up and down I Drive.