What many visitors think of as Orlando, is actually Lake Buena Vista, the Orlando suburb that lies at the heart of Disneyworld. Visitors from around the globe flock to this destination to experience the magic that is Disney in the form of Animal Kingdom, Fort Wilderness, Epcot, MGM Studios, and the park that started it all: the Magic Kingdom. Additionally there is Downtown Disney, three water parks, Pleasure Island, five championship golf courses, Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, a racetrack and restaurants to satisfy anyone’s taste. All of these wonders have become synonymous with Orlando, and, indeed, have made the young city of Orlando the world’s most popular vacation spot.

The area enjoys year round mild weather. There are no “snow days”!!!. If you are trying to avoid the crowds, the period from the Sunday after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas tends to be the least crowded. Christmas and spring vacations, and of course, summer, when school is out, are all popular seasons for the Lake Buena Vista/ Orlando area. Summer can be very warm and humid. Shorts are acceptable wear at all of the major attractions and at most restaurants. Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy one of the numerous water theme parks in the area. Jump in and cool off, the water’s fine!

Orlando itself is a city of great beauty. Summer rains and the warm climate produce lush vegetation. Palm trees, pines, and oaks draped with Spanish moss provide nature’s decoration. Brick-paved streets add a gracious touch. Landscaped gardens display a profusion of flowers and exotic plants. Orlando is in the midst of central Florida’s lake country and is surrounded by numerous parks offering hiking, biking, and water sports. Outdoor living is great for the whole family, but be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen for those sunny Florida days.

Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum, and Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden are just a few of the outstanding local cultural attractions. The nationally recognized Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, the Orlando Opera Company, Orlando Philharmonic, and the Southern Ballet Theatre are just a few of the seasonal favorites. Numerous other attractions are within an easy drive of Orlando, including the Disney World Resort, Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios, Orlando Speedworld Speedway, and others.

Dinner theaters provide a unique form of entertainment. There are a variety of venues including a Pirate adventure, Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, (complete with horses), a Dixie Stampede, and even a Sleuths’ Mystery. What a great way to relax and unwind after an invigorating day at the parks.

Shopping in the Orlando area has as much variety as the local attractions. Souvenirs and mementoes for the family and for friends back home are easy to find. Outlet centers and factory stores abound and offer some of the best bargains in town for everything from shoes and clothing to household appliances and fine china. Shopping areas in Orlando and Kissimmee are popular for their fun environments, such as the Disney Village Market Place and Old Town in Kissimmee.

Whatever brings you to the area, whether business or leisure, Orlando provides an unforgettable setting.

At every Disney attraction, there is an opportunity to see the world through a child’s eyes. That look of amazement each and every time a Disney character makes an appearance or a child takes that exciting ride for their first time, is an experience to remember and to cherish. The wonders of Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, and Kissimmee are magical, and in these enchanting places, everyone gets to be young and carefree.

Local Seasons:

Orlando enjoys a year round warm climate. The winter is popular with many tourists as the temperatures average in the low-mid 60’s F, making it the perfect time to enjoy the numerous sites and attractions which make up this number 1 tourist destination in the world. In the spring, fall and winter, it is usually less crowded with the exception of spring break and when large convention groups are in town. Summer is the season for Orlando as a result of children being off from school. This includes not only visitors from the United States but worldwide as well. Summer can also be very warm and humid, so be sure to dress accordingly. Shorts are acceptable wear at all of the major attractions and most restaurants. It is also the perfect time to enjoy one of the numerous water theme parks in the area. Jump in and cool off, the waters fine!

How to Get There:

By Air:

Orlando International Airport
407/825-2001
Offers direct or nonstop service from 60 U.S. cities and two dozen international destinations, serving more than 30 million passengers on the average annually. All major car-rental companies are located at or near the airport.

An Alternative: Orlando Sanford International Airport
407-585-4000
Is much smaller than the main airport, but it has grown a bit in recent years. The airport has most of the major car rental desks on site. Mears Transportation shuttles also serve it.

Airport Transportation
Orlando International is 25 miles east of Walt Disney World and 20 miles south of downtown. At rush hour (7-9am and 4-6pm), the drive can be a torturous hour or more; at other times, it's about 30 to 40 minutes.

Driving to Walt Disney World

To get from the airport to the attractions, take the North exit out of the airport to Highway 528 West. Follow signs to I-4; it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to Walt Disney World if the traffic isn't too heavy (double or worse in rush hour or when there's an accident). When you get to I-4, follow the signs west toward the attractions.

By Car:

Heavy traffic and numerous crisscrossing highways make driving in the Orlando area challenging. Be sure to arm yourself with a good map and avoid traveling during rush hours—7-9 am and 4-6 pm—particularly on I-4 north from downtown. The area's most traveled highway, I-4 runs southwest to Tampa and northeast to Daytona Beach. (Official signs say "West" or "East.") I-4 provides access to almost any part of the city and its suburbs.

By Bus:

Greyhound Bus Terminal
555 John Young Parkway, Orlando
407-292-3424

By Train:

Amtrak
1400 Sligh Blvd. (about a mile from downtown), Orlando.
407-425-9411or 800-872-7245

Getting Around:

Most of the area's east-west highways are toll roads: The Bee Line Expressway skirts the airport on the north, and the East-West Expressway (or Highway 408) passes south of downtown. The Bee Line is the best bet for traveling to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center or Cocoa Beach.

Between the airport and attractions, use I-4 and its connection with the Bee Line Expressway to save time and money. The Greenway (Highway 417) also connects the airport with Disney World—though it may be less congested during busy times, it's a bit longer and far more expensive.

Cars play a big role in most Florida vacations: Those who don't drive to the state usually rent a vehicle on arrival. If you confine your stay to Walt Disney World, you can get by without a car, but if you plan to hop between parks or to see other area attractions, you'll want wheels.