Where’s Orlando Florida: A Visitor's Guide to America's Theme Park Capital

(Last Updated On: April 15, 2024)

Are you looking for a vacation in the sun? If you were considering the United States then it is highly likely that Florida has come up in your searches and more specifically Orlando. Let’s take a look at where’s Orlando in Florida.

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So Where’s Orlando Florida?

Orlando is a city located in the U.S State of Florida. Orlando is located in the central region of Florida and is the County seat of Orange County. It is a major tourist destination for visitors from across the world due to the very warm weather and a variety of major tourist attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

To the East of Orlando you will find the Atlantic ocean making up Florida’s coastline and to the West the Gulf of Mexico.

Other Major Cities and Locations Near Orlando Fl

Orlando is 75 miles north east Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. It is also 50 miles west of Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.

Orlando Florida Map

Helpful Florida Information

Orlando Florida Facts

Orlando is also known as The City Beautiful.
It is the 79th largest city in the United State’s.
Many consider Orlando the theme park capital of the world.
Orlando and central Florida is semi tropical.
It is Florida State’s largest inland city.
Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention complex in the United States and competes with Las Vegas. The convention industry is a big part of the City’s economy.
Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes. Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is actually a giant sinkhole and is 80 feet at its deepest point.
Orlando has one of the world’s largest McDonald’s

Weather in Orlando Central Florida

The average annual high temperature is 83 F and the average annual low temperature is 63 F. Summer is extremely hot and humid, rarely missing an afternoon thunderstorm. Winters are still mild with sunny, comfortable temperatures.

Orlando’s driest months are usually mid October, November, December, March and April. June and July are the two wettest months and the Central Florida rainy season generally runs late May to mid October.

Getting to Orlando

There are several ways to travel into central Florida and Orlando from the United States or internationally.

Flying into Orlando Florida

Most visitors fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). MCO – Orlando International Airport is the primary airport for tourists and visitors and is located in the south east Orlando area.

Sanford International Airport is located in a nearby suburb and serves as a secondary airport.

There is also the Orlando Executive Airport, located near downtown Orlando which serves executive jets, general small aircraft aviation, and flight schools.

Getting to Orlando by Train

Train travel to the city of Orlando Florida is offered through Amtrak on CSX A line; the only railroad to service the Orlando area.

Driving to Orlando, Central Florida

There are several options for driving into Orlando; Interstate 4 (I4) starts north in Tampa, Florida travelling through Orlando and ends at Daytona Beach.

There are several toll highways available for driving into Orlando:

East-West Expressway (Toll 408),
Central Florida Greenway (Toll 417)
Beachline Expressway (Toll 528)
Daniel Webster Western Beltway (Toll 429)
John Land Apopka Expressway (Toll 414)
Florida’s Turnpike (Toll 91)

Major Orlando Attractions

One of the main reasons travelers visit Orlando is for its theme parks, which include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Legoland. Each park offers a different experience and a chance to immerse yourself in a different world of adventure. In addition to theme parks, visitors can enjoy water parks like Aquatica, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Volcano Bay. Other attractions include the Kennedy Space Center, ICON Park, and Gatorland. For outdoor enthusiasts, Orlando offers beaches, nature parks, and golf courses. Lets take a look at some of them.

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World resort is located on Lake Buena Vista just outside of Orlando with easy access to the city and Orlando International Airport. Disney World offers a large selection of Disney resort hotels all that are easily accessible for the parks and Orlando city too.

Walt Disney World is more than one park and offers guests four theme parks, two water parks and its own shopping and dining district called Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney).

Walt Disney World Parks

Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Blizzard Beach – Water Park
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Water Park

Universal Orlando Resort

Located close to Downtown Orlando and again with good access to Orlando International Airport, Universal Orlando Resort offers two theme parks, one water park and its own shopping district called Universal City Walk. Universal Resort offers a variety of hotels for you to stay at during your vacation and within close distance to the parks.

Universal Parks

Universal Studios Florida
Islands of Adventure
Volcano Bay – Water Park

Sea World Orlando

Sea World also found in Orlando City is a theme park full of big thrill ride roller coasters and up close marine animals. Also part of the Sea World group is the Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove which offers such experiences as swimming with Dolphins and tropical fish.

International Drive

International Drive offers a wide variety of hotels, dining and nightlife as well as connecting Sea World to the Universal Orlando resort area. I Drive as it is also known offers tourists so much to do from shopping and theme parks to dining and night time entertainment.

International Drive Orlando — Icon Park – Orlando

Orlando is a beautiful city that is definitely worth seeing. Compared to other major cities Orlando Florida has such a variety of experience to offer visitors and is located close to other places and attractions worth visiting such as Daytona beach, Cape Canaveral and Miami.

Accommodations in Orlando

When it comes to accommodations, Orlando has something for every budget and style. Visitors can choose from a wide range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. The Disney World area, International Drive, and Lake Buena Vista are the recommended areas to stay in Orlando. To find the best deals on accommodations, travelers should research and book in advance.

Pool time during our Florida vacation — The kids enjoying the pool during one of my past vacations in Florida

Dining in Orlando

Orlando offers a diverse range of cuisine, from local delicacies to international favorites. There are restaurants that cater to all budgets, from fast food to fine dining. Some of my recommended fun restaurants you can find here. To save money on dining, travelers should explore local eateries and cafes, and also look for special deals and discounts.

Getting Around Orlando

To get around Orlando, travelers have several transportation options, including car rentals, taxis, shuttles, and public transportation. It is advisable to research and book in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Traffic and parking can be a challenge, especially around the theme parks, so it is important to plan accordingly.

Helpful Things to Know

The best times to visit Orlando are during the off-peak season (September to November and January to March) when the crowds are thinner, and the weather is pleasant.
To experience everything that Orlando has to offer, visitors should spend at least five to seven days.
The theme parks are open year-round, although some attractions may close for refurbishment.
Visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the theme parks.
The cost of parking at the theme parks ranges from $20 to $45 per day.
Besides theme parks, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, and also explore the city’s museums and galleries.
Orlando is a great place for a family vacation, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities.
Orlando is approximately 235 miles from Miami.
During the summer, Orlando is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is not possible to fully see all the theme parks in one day.

Where’s Orlando Florida: A Visitor’s Guide to America’s Theme Park Capital