Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World
Orlando is the reason most British families come to Florida. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and dozens of smaller attractions create an unrivalled concentration of world-class entertainment. But Orlando has grown far beyond its theme park origins — there's genuinely excellent food, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty within easy reach.
The Theme Parks
Walt Disney World
The granddaddy. Opened in 1971, Walt Disney World is not one park but four, plus two water parks and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district. It covers approximately 25,000 acres — roughly the size of San Francisco.
Magic Kingdom — The classic. Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the evening fireworks. Essential for first-timers and families with younger children.
EPCOT — Two halves: Future World (rides and technology) and World Showcase (eleven country pavilions around a lagoon). The best park for food and drink — each country pavilion has authentic restaurants and bars.
Hollywood Studios — Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the headliners. Also houses Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.
Animal Kingdom — Part theme park, part zoo, centred on Pandora — The World of Avatar (Flight of Passage is the best ride at Disney, many argue). The Kilimanjaro Safari ride is surprisingly impressive.
Tips for UK visitors:
- Buy tickets in advance from a UK-based authorized Disney ticket seller — usually cheaper than gate price and you avoid currency conversion fees
- FastPass and Genie+ systems change frequently — research the current system before you arrive
- Plan for full days — you won't do a park justice in half a day
- The parks are enormous and you will walk 10-15 miles per day. Comfortable shoes are essential
- Bring ponchos (cheap ones from Poundland work perfectly) for rides and afternoon showers
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
The main Disney competitor, and many British families prefer it. Two parks (plus Volcano Bay water park) connected by the Hogwarts Express.
Universal Studios Florida — Movie-themed rides and attractions. Highlights include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Diagon Alley) and the new Velocicoaster-connected areas.
Islands of Adventure — The thrill-ride park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade), the Velocicoaster (one of the world's best roller coasters), and the Jurassic World area.
Tips for UK visitors:
- Universal Express (skip-the-line) is sold separately and is genuinely worth it during busy periods
- To ride the Hogwarts Express between parks, you need a park-to-park ticket
- The Harry Potter areas are extraordinary — allow several hours
- Universal CityWalk (the dining/entertainment district) is free to enter and excellent for evening dining
Other Parks
- SeaWorld Orlando — Marine life park with coasters. The Mako, Kraken, and Manta coasters are excellent
- LEGOLAND Florida — In Winter Haven (45 minutes from Orlando). Best for ages 2-12
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — About an hour from Orlando. Excellent roller coasters in an African-themed setting
Beyond the Parks
International Drive
"I-Drive" is Orlando's main tourist strip — a long road lined with restaurants, attractions, shops, and entertainment. It's tacky in places but has genuine gems:
- The ICON Park area (giant observation wheel, aquarium, Madame Tussauds)
- Excellent restaurants (both chains and independents)
- Outlet shopping at Orlando International Premium Outlets
- The I-Ride Trolley runs the length of I-Drive for cheap transport
Outlet Shopping
Florida has no sales tax on clothing (under $60 per item during tax-free weeks) and prices are generally lower than the UK. The main outlets:
- Orlando International Premium Outlets — Near I-Drive. Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and more at 30-70% off
- Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets — Near Disney. Similar brands, slightly more upscale
- The Mall at Millenia — Not an outlet but a proper high-end mall with Bloomingdale's and Macy's
Natural Florida
Escape the parks and discover the real Florida:
- Wekiwa Springs State Park — Crystal-clear spring feeding a natural swimming hole. 30 minutes from downtown Orlando. Canoe or kayak the Wekiva River through subtropical forest
- Blue Spring State Park — Famous for manatee viewing (November-March). Dozens of manatees gather in the warm spring waters. Stunning
- Airboat tours — Several operators on the outskirts of Orlando offer airboat rides through the Kissimmee marshes. Alligators guaranteed
- Merritt Island & Kennedy Space Center — About an hour east, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is extraordinary. Watch a launch if timing permits
Where to Stay
Disney Resort Hotels
Staying "on property" at Disney offers perks: early park access, free transport, and the immersive Disney bubble. Three tiers:
- Value (All-Star resorts, Pop Century) — Basic but clean, from about $100/night
- Moderate (Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs) — Larger rooms, themed pools, from $200/night
- Deluxe (Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village) — Premium, from $400+/night
Vacation Villas/Houses
The best value for families and groups. Rented houses with private pools, multiple bedrooms, and full kitchens. Areas like Kissimmee, Davenport, and Champions Gate have entire communities of holiday rental villas.
- Typically $100-300/night for a 3-5 bedroom villa with pool
- Far more space than a hotel room
- Cook meals to save on dining costs (but you'll want to eat out too)
- Book through established UK travel agents or trusted rental platforms
International Drive Hotels
Convenient for non-Disney activities and I-Drive attractions. Wide range of hotels from budget to premium.
Lake Buena Vista
Hotels just outside Disney property. Close enough for park access but often cheaper than on-property hotels.
Where to Eat
Chains Worth Visiting
Some American chains don't exist in the UK and are genuinely worth trying:
- Chick-fil-A — The cult chicken chain. Try the original sandwich
- Five Guys — American burgers done right (now in the UK too, but cheaper here)
- Cheesecake Factory — Enormous menu, enormous portions, enormous cheesecakes
- Publix — Not a restaurant but a supermarket. Their deli subs are legendary. "Pub Sub" is a Florida institution
I-Drive Dining
- Tin Roof — Live music and American Southern food
- Cafe Tu Tu Tango — Eclectic internationally-inspired small plates
- Tapa Toro — Spanish tapas and paella
- Nile Ethiopian Restaurant — Outstanding Ethiopian cooking
Disney Springs
Free-to-enter dining and shopping complex with some genuinely excellent restaurants:
- The Boathouse — Upscale American, waterfront, amphicars
- Morimoto Asia — Iron Chef Morimoto's Asian fusion
- Wine Bar George — Master Sommelier's wine bar with small plates
Practical Orlando Tips
- Weather: Hot and humid May-September (32-35°C). Pleasant November-March (20-27°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are daily June-September — they pass in 30-60 minutes
- Driving: Easy. Wide roads, good signposting. Toll roads everywhere — ensure your hire car has a transponder
- Water: Bring water bottles everywhere. Dehydration is the most common visitor health issue
- Crowds: Lightest crowds: mid-January to mid-February, early September. Heaviest: Christmas, Easter/Spring Break, Summer holidays
- Pharmacy: Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS are everywhere for any supplies you need
floriday.uk is an independent travel guide. Attraction information, opening times, and prices may change — always verify directly with venues before visiting.