10 Things to Know and Do as a First Time Traveler to Orlando

Orlando is known as a world class travel destination and is visited by travelers from all over the world. The city offers a wide variety of entertainment, dining and lodging options. As a first timer in Orlando, you will be stunned by the variety of attractions and things to do in the city. Below you can find a few tips to make your vacation run more smoothly and efficiently while also saving money. These tips also contain insider secrets that only locals and just a few repeat visitors know.

Buy tickets in advance

In order to get the best deal, buy your theme park tickets online and ahead of time. There are 7 major theme parks in Orlando. Each offer different priced packages, depending on what you wish to do and any discounts that may be available at the time. Walt Disney World and Universal’s websites provide discounts to buy tickets in advance as well as bundling days together, this normally provides the cheapest option.

Stay on I-Drive

If you like being close to the action, without having to use the car in the evenings when in the local I drive area then look for a hotel on International Drive. I-Drive has just about everything, from budget motels to luxury resorts, all within walking distance from hundreds of attractions. I-Drive is viewed by many as the tourist center of the city – there are trendy restaurants, bars and many activities. Must-sees include the famous Orlando Eye, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure and Madam Tussaud's.

Free transport is available

Make use of the many complementary shuttles from the parks to the resorts and all over International Drive. Many resorts tend to partner with the theme parks to provide this to their guests. Reservations for the shuttles are often required 24 hours in advance - book as soon as you arrive and plan in advance

Dine with Disney, but book in advance

If the family wishes to dine with Disney Characters you will need to book up months in advance, DO NOT LEAVE IT TILL THE LAST MINUTE – plan early if this is a must-do for your family! This magical experience with all the Disney characters including Mickey come to the table as you eat. Character Dining includes singing and dancing, as well as plenty of photo opportunities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available at over 15 different Disney restaurants and can be booked online or over the phone.

Use FastPass

There are additional options available to jump the sometimes (not always) long park wait times. Choose to use a quick-queue pass. Walt Disney World’s Fastpass + allows you to choose up to 3 attractions free of charge. These choices are available to you 30 days before your park arrival. Many theme parks charge additional for the Express Pass option. It is an unlimited pass to many attractions and usually for both parks.

Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is a row of great restaurants. So when you need a dining options, just head over to Orlando’s Restaurant Row. This is a mile-long stretch with all types of cuisines to suit most price ranges.

Hit the beach

If you are a sun worshiper and are going to visit the beach while in the Orlando area, the closest one is Cocoa Beach, and that is about 45 minute’s drive away. It can be accessed from anywhere in the city via Toll Road 528. Or save the cash for the toll and select the AVOID TOLL option in Google maps, might be a little further to drive though! Free parking is available near the boardwalk as well as at Lori Wilson Park. If you use the toll road, expect to pay 3 separate tolls, totaling around $5 each way.

Visit NASA

Have you always wanted to see a rocket launch? Make use of the private shuttles heading to Kennedy Space Center every day. It’s home to NASA, the primary launch center for human space travel. The center is open all year-round allowing you to experience the launch complex and astronaut hall of fame. The space center is located about 45 minutes from Orlando and costs around $50 per person.

Shopping in Orlando

Shopping options in Orlando are abound just a few are The Florida Mall, the Mall at Millenia, and at least two different Premium Outlets, depending on how far you would like to venture. The “Florida Mall” has all the main brands, somewhere to eat with various cuisines, in a food court and all the large department stores. The Mall at Millenia is a bit more upmarket, offering the usual jewelry and fashion outlets. The 2 outlet malls, Vineland Premium Outlets and International Premium Outlets, feature year-round discounts and promotions. A must visit before the malls. Some hotels offer free transportation.

Free entertainment is possible

Entrance to Disney Springs or Citywalk Orlando is free of charge and these popular destinations have everything from stores and restaurants to free concerts and numerous photo-ops. Disney Springs is more for families with younger kids, while Universal Orlando is more suited for an adult night out. Both of these entertainment areas include a movie theater and mini-golfing.