The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Orlando, Florida

Having visited Orlando three times in the past few years, I’ve learned a few things about how to navigate. I’ve learned which attractions are worth your hard-earned cash and which are just meaningless distractions until you get to the “real” entertainment. For many people, coming to Florida is a big experience, a once-in-a-lifetime excitement, especially for families with kids or those who are young at heart. Here is a basic list of some “do’s” and “don’t’s” if you’re planning to visit the Orlando area.

DO:

Do stop at the Florida Visitor Center and look for coupons and pamphlets concerning Orlando (oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to try a complimentary glass of real Florida orange juice).

Do try to see one of Orlando’s famous dinner theatres, but make sure you’re going to enjoy the food and atmosphere first. Those who are in love with the idea of seeing a joust at the Medieval Times might not love eating with their fingers like their distant ancestors.

Do make sure to bring your own refreshments if paying Disney’s prices isn’t on the agenda. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, try one of many wonderful international restaurants offered at EPCOT’s World Showcase. Taking water bottles eliminates the need for chlorinated drinking water.

Do get a hotel off the beaten path, not very far from the main attractions, but far enough away that noise and traffic won’t be a huge distraction. The only bad part of this plan is that by the time buses to Disney get to your hotel, they may be totally filled up with guests from the more popular hotels. Standing on a bus with people pressed together in all directions is not a pleasant experience.

Do stop by at least one of the major theme parks. Most people would find it very disappointing to get to Orlando and not see any of these popular attractions. Choose carefully: Animal lovers will go bananas for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, film enthusiasts should enjoy Universal Studios, those with a taste for adventure and world culture can’t miss EPCOT’s World Showcase, and kids and adults who love rides and shopping won’t want to miss Disney World. Don’t plan to visit all parks at once unless you have a long time to spend in the area; there’s too much to see.

Do look for little, out-of-the-way places where there’s likely to be less foot traffic (unless, of course, crowds and chaos are appealing). The reconstructed Medieval Village located at the Medieval Times Dinner Theatre is a great choice. Visit when there’s no one else around (or just eat quickly and step outside before anyone else has the same idea!) It really is like stepping back 800 years. Orlando’s Titanic museum, dedicated to the famous disaster of 1912, is a nice historical attraction.

Now, the DON’TS:

Don’t spend more time on International Drive than is absolutely necessary. If you *have* to go down this way, try to avoid the “high tides” of traffic. This is not a good place to be lost and confused.

Don’t drive into downtown Orlando without a map. This is a HUGE place and separate from the main attractions. It’s best to either take a bus or make sure to memorize the route you’ll be taking.

Don’t forget long sleeves. Yes, I said “long sleeves.” Orlando can be chilly at certain times of the year. One time I visited, it felt like early spring and, instead of standing in blistering heat as one expects in Florida, I stood there shivering. Florida’s weather changes quite often. A thunderstorm can turn into a huge squall and then be gone again in half an hour.

Don’t buy tickets without making sure they’re valid first. Don’t get tricked into listening to hours-long seminars only to find there’s no reimbursement after all. If you want to get tickets or make reservations online, just make sure all the proper information is available.

Don’t allow family members to go off in all different directions unless there is adequate communication. The big attractions in Orlando, especially the theme parks, are full of thousands of people at any given time and it’s easy to lose track of loved ones.