Overview of Orlando

The most famous resident of this central Florida city is Mickey Mouse, the cartoon creation of animated movie tycoon, Walt Disney, whose vision has turned Orlando, and the adjacent Lake Buena Vista and Kissimee areas, into the world's busiest, biggest and best-known concentrated tourist Mecca. Disney bought up land in the area with the aim of establishing his dream theme park back in the 1960s. He died before the first park, the Magic Kingdom, officially opened in 1971, but his legacy has taken root and is still growing. Currently the Disney empire in Orlando includes four theme parks, dozens of smaller attractions, thousands of hotel rooms and holiday apartments, hundreds of restaurants and snack bars and even two cruise ships.


It is not only the Disney dazzle that draws visitors to Orlando. There are other attractions here too, like Universal Studios and Sea World, all adding to the maelstrom of thrills and pleasure palaces that this city is now renowned for. Just a trip down attraction-rich International Drive is a mind-boggling experience.

Whats included in Orlando

Shopping in Orlando

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities for travellers in Orlando and with luxury department stores and upscale boutiques to antique shops and farmers markets, shoppers will have a hard time deciding where to begin. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to major shopping destinations too - what more could a woman ask for?


Start off at one of the largest single-storey malls in the United States, the Florida Mall, which features more than 250 stores including Macy's Sears, JCPenney, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as an outdoor shopping plaza where shoppers can enjoy all those sunny days. The Festival Bay Mall on International Drive is home to stores, a skate park, and a theatre, the Waterford Lakes Town Center is an open-air mall featuring large chain stores, small shops, restaurants and even IMAXDigital, and the Mall at Millenia boasts designer names like Betsey Johnson, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.


Antique hunters need look no further than Orlando's Antique Row on Orange Avenue in downtown where a wide variety of collectables can be found, while bargain hunters should head over to Flea World in Sanford and Osceola Flea & Farmers Market in Kissimmee where collectively more than 2,600 wholesale dealers can be found providing everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to old books, leather goods, jewellery, souvenirs and beachwear.


Of course the main souvenirs in Orlando are anything Disney or NASA-related so be sure to pick up your caps and t-shirts from the gift shops before you leave.

Dining in Orlando

Floridian food is a melting pot of flavours, spices and taste sensations owing to the state's geographic position and visitors to Orlando will notice that restaurants boast old American classics as well as fusion cuisine with strong Caribbean and Spanish influences. From fast food to fine dining, Orlando has it all.


Home to 'Floribbean' cuisine which incorporates flavours and styles from the neighbouring Caribbean islands, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago and even the American Deep South, dining out in Orlando is an experience for the senses where lemongrass, ginger, scallions and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya and mango are combined with gentle flavours of almond, rum, key lime and coconut milk in many dishes and red curries and seafood can be found on most menus.


Peppered around the city, many of Orlando's restaurants cater to younger children and dines will find kids' menus at most eateries. Head to International Drive for the trendiest restaurants in town, or spend some time in Downtown Disney or Universal's CityWalk where loads of restaurants cater to the tourists. With so many options and types of cuisine, diners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Orlando.

Orlando Nightlife

While known primarily for its family-friendly theme parks, there is plenty of nightlife in Orlando to satisfy even the most avid partiers. Universal CityWalk is a good place to start for first-time visitors, as the clubs, shops and restaurants are close together and always buzzing, as well as Downtown Disney West Side and Pleasure Island (also called Hyperion Wharf). Locals prefer the many bars and clubs along International Drive, Orange Avenue and in downtown Orlando however. Wall Street Plaza has a number of slick lounges and bars as well.


There are plenty of options if you're looking for live music and theatre as well. The Orlando Centroplex has two performing arts centres, and the Cirque de Soleil is stationed semi-permanently in Downtown Disney West Side. A less formal and more interactive theatre experience is to be had at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, or you can catch local stand-up comedy at Fat Fish Blue.

Whats included

Orlando Attractions

Famed for one of the United States' most popular attractions, Walt Disney World, Orlando boasts other noteworthy attractions besides the justifiably iconic Magic Kingdom.


Head a little further into this Floridian city to discover Universal Studios where its two theme parks, an entertainment complex and film sets will keep visitors on the edge of their seats. Visiting during the summer? Wet 'n Wild is a must for cooling off while Sea World has earned itself repute as one of the best marine parks in the world for more than 25 years and is not to be missed.


Florida's second most popular attraction is the Kennedy Space Centre at nearby Cape Canaveral, where visitors can walk through a giant model of the new International Space Station, view authentic rockets and marvel at all the original artefacts from the moon landing.


The Orlando Museum of Art is a must for lovers of fine arts, while adrenalin junkies should make a pilgrimage to the NASCAR Daytona Speedway. For something a little stranger, look no further than the Orlando Odditorium where exhibits of weird and wonderful things, amassed over a period of 40 years by explorer Robert Ripley, can be viewed.


Travellers planning on doing lots of sightseeing might think about buying an Orland Go Card which grants free entrance to various attractions as well as provides a full-colour guide book for as many days sightseeing as you'd like in a three, five or seven day options. Go Cards are available at the Official Visitor Centre or Festival Bay Mall.

Orlando Kids Attractions

The home of Mickey Mouse, it goes without saying that Orlando is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United States for families travelling with kids. With plenty of sunshine and boasting such attractions as Sea World, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a children's playground and very often tops the list of places kids would most like to visit.


Universal Studios is great for older kids too as there are plenty of thrilling blockbuster-themed rides to enjoy as well as games and other interactive activities to enjoy, while the 'littlies' can enjoy a Fieval's playground, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster and a 'Day in the Park with Barney' a live stage production for little ones to sing along to their favourite songs. Kids will also love a visit to Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve that is nicknamed 'the Alligator Capital of the World', where thousands of crocodiles and alligators can be viewed from a boardwalk suspended above the marshy swamps below.


Take the little ones to Water Mania or Wet 'n Wild to cool off in the hot Floridian sun, take them on a historic and educational tour of the Kennedy Space Centre, spend the day hiking and picnicking in the Turkey Lake Park, check out what's happening round Lake Eola or simply let the kids run around in the nearby playground while you take a breather.


With all these options and more, kids will have a fabulous time on holiday in Orlando, but parents should note that during the spring and summer months the main tourist attractions and theme parks are heaving with visitors and a better time to visit Orlando may be during the slightly cooler months of autumn or winter.

Flights to Orlando from Ireland

There are regular direct flights to Orlando from Ireland with Aer Lingus


The average flight time from Dublin to Orlando is 8-9 hours.



CityBreakUSA is a trading name of Platinum Travel who are fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland (Licence number TA0634)


As we are a fully service Travel Agent we would be delighted to arrange your holiday from start to finish including flights, transfers, accommodation and general advice.


Most of our special offer package prices already include flights, However, if you have already booked your flights we can also tailormake a package for you to just include accommodation and anything else you may require.

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport is a quick drive from downtown Orlando and just a few minutes from key attractions such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Disneyworld. It is the 29th busiest Airport in the world and the second busiest airport in Florida.


The airport is easy to navigate and has a wide selection of shops and restaurants as well as loads of other passenger amenities. Many domestic and international airlines offer flights to Orlando International Airport, making it a great gateway to the sunshine state.


Location
The airport is situated nine miles (11km) southeast of Orlando.


Getting to the city
Public transport facilities are to be found on the Ground Transportation Concourse on Level 1 of Terminal 1. Lynx buses numbers 11, 41, 42 and 51 depart every 30 minutes, between 5:30am and 11:30pm, for downtown Orlando, the trip taking about 40 minutes and costing $1.50. Many hotels provide free shuttles for guests. Taxis are available on Level 1 on both the A and B sides of the Main Terminal, and may carry up to 9 passengers with metered rates. Cruise passengers may also check with their cruise line, as some offer direct transfers to the port.


Time
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).


Contacts
Tel: +1 407 825 8463.


Car rental
Numerous major car hire companies are represented at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar and National.


Airport Taxis
Taxis are available on Level 1 on both the A and B sides of the Main Terminal, and may carry up to 9 passengers with metered rates. Trips to downtown Orlando take approximately 20 minutes and cost $35.


Facilities
Passenger services at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange, information centres, Internet kiosks and postal services. There are a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops, including duty free. The Kennedy Space Center, Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World all have their own branded shops. Facilities for the disabled are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.


Parking
Orlando International Airport has a number of parking options ranging from the Express Pick-up/Drop-off lot, which charges $1 for the first 2 hours and $5 per hour thereafter. Terminal Top parking lot and the Terminal Garage have rates of $2 for 40 minutes and $1 for each additional 20 minutes. The daily maximum is $17. The two economy lots, serviced by regular airport shuttles, cost just $10 per day.


Departure Tax
None.


Website

www.orlandoairports.net


Airlines
Flights to Orlando International Airport can be booked on local operators such as JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and AirTrans Airways. International carriers offering flights to the sunshine state include British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Swiss International Air Lines.


Internet
Internet kiosk and wi-fi are available in both terminals.


Business Lounges
United Airlines and Delta both have lounges at Orlando International Airport. Also, the Hyatt Regency Hotel has a great business centre on level 3 of Terminal B.

Prices and Departure Dates for Orlando

Transport

Anyone staying at a Disney resort or official Disney hotel need have no qualms about getting around the Orlando magic kingdom. An unlimited free transportation network runs throughout, with buses, monorails, ferries and water taxis connecting all the parks and attractions before, during and for a couple of hours after opening hours. The I-Ride Trolley operates exclusively in the busy International Drive resort area; the fare is $1 per ride, and various passes are available. Those wishing to take a break from the world of Disney and travel elsewhere are advised to hire a car, particularly as during peak holiday seasons, buses are likely to be crowded. Mears Transportation runs a bus service covering all Orlando's surrounding attractions, even as far away as Busch Gardens in Tampa. Taxis queue for passengers in front of most of the resorts in the area; they can also be ordered by telephone. Fares tend to be high, however.

Escorted Tours forOrlando offer

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If there is something in particular you are looking for please phone 01-8535000 or email info@escortedtoursusa.ie or complete our enquiry form with your requirements and details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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