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Serving more than 100 cities worldwide, and handling 31 million passengers a year, this is the city’s busiest airport. Forty scheduled airlines use it: the major domestic carriers include Delta, American, Northwest, US Airways, America West, and Southwest. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Iberia, and Saudi Arabian Airlines are some of its international carriers. Check the website (see Useful Addresses) for information and maps to make sure you don’t spend more time there than you need to. The airport is located about a 30-minute drive from Walt Disney World – if traffic is good.

Orlando’s second airport, used primarily by international flights, is around an hour’s drive from the Disney resorts. It is far smaller (used by just 1.2 million passengers per year) and promises a less crowded, less hectic start to a vacation.

Situated just three miles (5 km) from the city’s business center, Orlando’s original airport is today used by private charters for both business and pleasure travelers.

Canadians only need some kind of photo ID and proof of residence to travel to the US.

Citizens from the UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries may visit for up to 90 days without a visa if they have a valid passport. Other nationals should apply for a visa from their local US consulate or embassy well before they travel. For the latest information check on-line (www.state.gov).

Two Greyhound bus terminals and four Amtrak rail stations (including Sanford’s Auto train terminal) serve the Orlando area. Tickets are rarely much cheaper than those for equivalent journeys by air.

Consolidators buy bulk airline seats (and occasionally rooms) to sell at cheaper prices. Try 800-FLY-CHEAP (800-359-2432; www.1800flycheap.com). Packagers sell full or partial packages that can include flight, room, rental car, and theme park tickets. Some parks have their own; or try www.vactionpackager.com.

Theme park crowds are thinnest from the second week in September to the third week in November, the first two weeks of December, mid-January to mid-March, and late April through the third week of May. These are the periods when most American children are in school, although weekends are always busy.

Heat and humidity can be oppressive in summer, when temperatures easily hit 90°F (32°C) and lightning is another summer threat. High pollen counts in spring can make life hell for allergy sufferers and hurricane season is from August to November.

Most major car rental companies have offices at or near both major airports, as well as in town. Many also have shuttles serving the Amtrak and Greyhound stations. Most agencies offer special deals via their websites (see Useful Addresses) or packagers. Local maps are provided, and staff can help plan the route to your hotel.

The city’s major north– south artery is Interstate Highway 4 (Hwy I-4), which connects the main tourist areas. The Bee Line Expressway (Hwy 528) is an east–west tollway useful for reaching the Kennedy Space Center. Most main roads suffer gridlock during rush hour (7–9am and 4–6pm daily).

Mears shuttle buses travel from Orlando International Airport to hotels (the price varies according to distance), and around the tourist areas, including the Kennedy Space Center. Quick Transportation offers the same service, and can carry up to six people but offers personalized pickup and takes you straight to your destination.

Some hotels offer an airport shuttle service, and many offer transport to and from theme parks and other attractions several times per day. The service is usually free of charge to the parks nearest them, or available for a small charge to get to the others. Inquire about services when booking or planning your vacation.

Taxis can be an economical way to get around for groups of four or five people. The fares from Orlando International and Orlando Sanford International airports to Walt Disney World are around $40 and $110 (plus tip) respectively. Extra charges apply at nights, weekends, and on public holidays. Cabs are easily found at airports and major hotels – otherwise call (see Useful Addresses), as they are not that easy to flag down in the street.

Disney’s free transportation system (monorail, buses, water taxis, and ferries) means you can save money by not renting a car and paying for gas and parking. It’s best for guests who will spend most of their time with Mickey. But the circuits are set in stone and it can sometimes take an hour to reach some destinations in the resort.

This service is a convenient and cheap way to get from A to B along the Universal, Sea-World, and International Drive corridor. Trolleys run every 15 minutes, 7am–11:30pm daily, and make 54 stops. Exact change is required.

Other than walking or cycling, Orlando’s public bus system is the least popular way for most visitors to get around: buses can be frustratingly slow. Bus stops are marked with a paw print. Exact change is required.

The least economical but most luxurious way to get around is by limousine – an option for travelers who want to be pampered and who have deeper pockets.

Billed as “the official destination marketing organization for Orlando”, this group provides an impressively comprehensive service. Their website is outstanding, offering up-to-date information and on-line booking, while the office can provide maps, directions, and answer questions.

Focusing on the south of Orlando, this organization offers an excellent web-site and an office stocked with hundreds of brochures from area attractions.

The sole major daily newspaper in town is notoriously conservative in political matters, but the Friday edition carries an excellent arts and events section called the Calendar. There’s an online version too (www.orlandosentinel.com).

O-Town’s primary “alternative” paper is this free weekly, which carries excellent and extremely detailed club and arts listings. The columnists – all good, some hilarious – know the local scene intimately. The paper’s website (www.orlandoweekly.com) offers all the articles as well as terrific search capabilities for movie and music listings. The paper is available in restaurants, shops, clubs, convenience stores, and street boxes all over town.

This free bi-weekly newspaper is the voice of Orlando’s extensive gay and lesbian community. Not particularly radical, it offers splendid coverage of arts and events and is the best resource for clubs, shows, and more for the community. Available at gay-friendly businesses and in street boxes. There’s also an online version: www.watermarkonline.com.

This “lesbigay” community center is the city’s clearinghouse for gay community information, ranging from art openings to health alerts. The organization regularly sponsors a variety of cultural events around town.

This is Orlando’s own version of CNN – a 24-hour cable news channel devoted to O-Town. It is probably most useful to visitors for the weather update that runs every ten minutes (1:01, 1:11, 1:21, etc).

As well as national media superstar and controversial presenter Howard Stern’s syndicated show (weekday mornings), the schedule of this radio station is filled with local talk radio personalities. All offer an interesting window into Orlando’s current state of mind.

The area’s best public radio station is best known for intelligent hourly news. The rest of the day offers light classical music – useful for calming down frustrated drivers in I-4 road jams (see Rush Hour on I-4) – with weekends turned over to syndicated public radio shows.

Disney’s most complete but expensive tour is ideal for guests who have to know what makes things tick. The seven-hour visit explores the inner workings of Epcot technology, the art of animation at Disney-MGM Studios, and the Magic Kingdom’s underground operations hub.

A useful, four-to-five hour Magic Kingdom taster tour for guests who’d like to see what’s on offer before they really get started. It gives a basic park orientation as well as a glimpse of some of the usually hidden high-tech magic.

This three-hour tour offers a closer view than most park guests get of Epcot’s multi-cultural treasures.

Kids love this two-hour scavenger hunt in Disney World’s most child-friendly park, the Magic Kingdom. Characters also meet guests at the end of the tour.

Both Disney and Universal offer VIP tours – at a price. Disney’s lets guests create their own itinerary, which could take in one or more parks, meals, golf, spa treatments, and more. The tour includes reserved show seating but not front-of-the-line access to rides. Universal’s five-hour fixed tour offers line-cutting privileges at up to eight rides and shows.

A fascinating three-hour tour through some of the finest landscaping in the theme-park world, as Disney horticulturists describe the gardens and growing techniques used at Epcot.

It’s hard to beat Disney’s Christmas celebration.This three-hour tour gives guests a front-row look at how the four theme parks and Fort Wilderness Lodge resort are transformed into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a candlelight procession and Epcot’s massed choir. This tour is guaranteed to get visitors into the holiday spirit.

During the summer, SeaWorld offers several day programs to suit all budgets. The camps are divided by age from pre-school through 8th grade (13 yrs) and are designed to help kids better understand the marine animal world. There are family sleep-over programs, too.

This is an hour-long tour of SeaWorld’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts (see SeaWorld’s Rescue & Rehabilitation Program). The tour goes through critical-care and quarantine areas, as well as laboratories and surgical units.

Shops in theme parks keep the same hours as the parks. Malls and outlets are usually open from 9 or 10am until 9pm Monday to Saturday and at least noon to 6pm on Sunday. Shops outside the main tourist areas tend to open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday.

With the exception of groceries and some medications, all purchases in Orlando are subject to a 6 per cent state and local sales tax.

Look for winter-wear bargains from March through April, and summer bargains from August to October as the seasonal stock changes. In August, with the approach of the new school year, there are good buys on kids’ clothes. The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, with huge pre-Christmas sales attracting hordes of shoppers.

Outlet stores sell last season’s fashions at discounted prices. Shoppers who know the suggested retail prices of the goods they seek will be able to tell what is – and what isn’t – a bargain. Some stores promise as much as 75 per cent discount and some actually deliver. Others don’t. The big players here are the Orlando Premium and Belz outlets (see Orlando Premium Outlets, Belz Factory Outlet World, Belz Designer Outlet Centre).

Apart from cheap T-shirts, stuffed animals, and baseball caps, Orlando does have some more original souvenirs. These include Florida oranges, alligator meat and leather products, and manatee memorabilia.

If you have bought more souvenirs than you can carry home, why not ship them? Disney and Universal parks, resorts, and shops can make the arrangements, usually via United Parcel Service (UPS). Do-it-yourselfers must take their packages to UPS (call 1-800-742-5877 for the nearest center) or the US Postal Service ( 1-800-275-8777).

Disney (www.disneyworld.com) allows guests to buy tickets online, saving on time waiting in line, but they must be picked up in person. Universal (www.universalorlando.com) mails online tickets to buyers; buy at least five weeks in advance. Sea-World’s online service (www.seaworld.com) lets buyers print out their tickets and, when they arrive at the park, go straight to the turnstiles, where they are verified.

Disney’s Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets are valid for four to seven days. Both include unlimited entry to the four parks; the Park Hopper Plus tickets also include entry to other Disney attractions. The discounts aren’t great, but you save time waiting in line. Universal (which also offers a separate two-to-three-day pass for Universal Parks only), SeaWorld, Wet and Wild, and Tampa’s Busch Gardens have joined up to offer the unlimited access, 14-day FlexTicket.

Disney (FastPass) and Universal and SeaWorld (Express) offer a system that cuts out the long wait for the most popular rides and shows. Just slide your ticket through the turn-stile to get an allocated time for your visit. When it’s time, simply go to the particular attraction’s designated entrance to take your place.

The Orlando/Orange County CVB’s (see Orlando/Orange Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau) Magicard offers $500 worth of discounts on accommodation, car rentals, attractions, meals, shopping, and more. It also offers deals that combine rooms with attraction and theme park tickets. Each card is valid for up to six people, and it’s free. Allow four weeks for delivery.

Many hotels and motels offer freebies such as continental breakfasts, evening hors d’oeuvres, and newspapers. Their coupon racks are stuffed with two-for-one and other special deals on meals and attractions. For those without a car, most hotels have free or lowfee shuttle services to the parks.

The Sunday travel sections in many major US newspapers lure people to Orlando with offers of coupons, cheap fares, and package deals. Once here, read the Orlando Sentinel (especially Friday’s Calendar section), as well as the free papers available on street corners and in hotel lobbies, all of which feature lots of discounts and offers. (see Brochure Racks).

Travelers can save big by booking a room with a kitchen, kitchenette, or even just a microwave and refrigerator. Apart from Walt Disney World properties, most accommodation is close to supermarkets or delicatessens, some of which deliver for a small fee.

Theme-park prices for refreshments are 30–50 per cent higher than what people pay outside the parks. The parks prohibit coolers (containers for keeping food and drink cool), but guests can bring their own bottled water and snacks. Some parks have fountains, but the water in Central Florida does not taste particularly sweet.

It’s often unnecessary to eat three big meals a day, particularly in the hottest months of the year. If you want to skip, or go light on, lunch, you can eat well – and cheaply – before and after your theme-park visit by having a low-priced, allyou-can-eat, buffet breakfast and an early-bird dinner (see Tips on Eating & Drinking).

Orlando is chock-full of fast-food outlets. The city also has an abundance of very well-priced Family Restaurants. Most have kids’ menus, which can be even cheaper at lunchtime.

The cultural crowd isn’t left out of the discount mix. The city’s CVB (see Orlando/Orange Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau) regularly has half-price tickets, including those for opera, ballet, music, and theater. The tickets are for same-day performances, and while information is available by phone, the tickets must be picked up in person.

People who really want to stay at Disney World, but can’t afford the prices, can find the cheapest rates at the All-Star resorts (see Disney’s Value Resorts). Rack rates (those anyone can get without a discount) are extraordinarily reasonable and kids also stay free. But be warned: rooms at these “value” resorts are very cramped.

Disney restaurants don’t take reservations. In their place, they use what they call a priority seating system. Callers are given a time to arrive; when they turn up, the next available table is given to them (as opposed to a table being held open). Note that all restaurants inside Disney parks, except Animal Kingdom’s Rainforest Café, require park admission.

Whenever restaurants accept reservations, make them – especially in the main tourist areas of I-Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and along Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Not having a reservation can mean waiting two hours for a table during prime dining time, usually 6–8:30pm. Some restaurants refuse to seat diners who have not reserved in advance and upscale eateries may be unable to accommodate you unless you reserve far ahead.

Wait staff expect a tip of at least 15 per cent. Those who are particularly helpful may deserve 20 per cent; you may want to give just 10 per cent to those who aren’t. Some restaurants now add tips to the bill, so check before paying.

New laws passed in Florida mean that all restaurants are now nonsmoking establishments. If you want to smoke while you drink, you have to find a bar where eating is only incidental to drinking. If you aren’t sure, just smoke outside.

There are several modestly priced, all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets around town (especially on I-Drive and in Kissimmee). For a handful of dollars, you can fill your stomach and save money by eating a light lunch or skipping it altogether.

Some value restaurants offer cut-rate meals when business is slow, which is usually 4–6pm Mon–Fri. These early-bird deals are usually advertised outside and are offered in the free coupon books found in hotel lobbies and tourist attractions. Many of these restaurants also offer 2-for-1 drink specials during these times.

Many upscale restaurants are not only hard to get in to at dinnertime, but the menus are very expensive. The lunch menu might have fewer options, and portions tend to be a little less generous, but the prices are lower. To save money – and your digestive system – consider eating your main meal at midday and eating lighter at night.

Some restaurants that don’t normally offer meat- and seafood-free options are happy to fix vegetarian dishes, with prior warning. Disney restaurants go one step further and provide for a variety of other needs, including kosher, fat- or sugar-free, plus lactose intolerance and allergies. Give 24 hours’ notice.

Many bars (and restaurants) have happy hours, usually from 4–7pm, when drinks are often two for the price of one. They sometimes serve special hors d’oeuvres as well.

Heat and humidity during the summer season (June to mid-September) can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink at least two quarts (two liters) of fluids (preferably water) each day, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and airy clothes. Not only does too much sun result in nasty burns, but it can also cause sun poisoning. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor. And as much as Disney and Universal want to erase blood-sucking flies and mosquitoes, they can’t, so remember to use insect repellent in summer.

This is the number to call for emergency health matters and for immediate police or fire assistance.

Ask at your hotel or resort reception for the nearest hospital. Make sure you have some kind of insurance, otherwise hospital costs can be crippling. All of the major parks have first-aid clinics for minor ailments.

Most pharmacists are happy to give you first aid advice, as well as advice regarding how to take medicines. Most pharmacies are not open 24 hours, but pharmacists will usually give advice over the phone so call a Walgreens or a CVS Pharmacy, which are usually open 24 hours. (see Useful Addresses).

House calls are a thing of the past in most US cities, but the tourist areas in Orlando have two services that make house and hotel-room calls. Doctors on Call Service and Centra Care In-Room Services cover most of the areas from Downtown south to Disney and Kissimmee.

Centra Care (affiliated with the Florida Hospital) has walk-in clinics scattered throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties (see Useful Addresses). These clinics can handle minor emergencies (broken limbs, cuts requiring stitches, and fevers), but not life-threatening situations, for which you should call 911.

Several drug stores sell over-the-counter and prescription drugs around the clock (see Useful Addresses). Additional pharmacies, with regular hours, are listed in the Yellow Pages.

This nationwide, toll-free service helps people to find the nearest suitable dentist. The telephones are answered 8am–8pm Monday–Friday; the automated answering service informs callers of the website then puts them on hold to speak to an operator. Those who prefer to choose for themselves, or anyone needing 24-hour aid, should use the Yellow Pages (or (see Useful Addresses)).

This 24-hour hotline can and has saved lives. Operators can help deal with a problem, summon rescuers, and answer questions. But, don’t overlook 911 for any emergency situation.

Orlando’s recent growth has created a problem for telephone companies. Local numbers are a 10- digit number – the area code (Central Florida’s is 407), plus the seven digit number. If calling a number with a different area (or toll-free) code, dial 1 before the code and phone number. To make calls overseas, consider buying a phone card.

Internet cafes (see Useful Addresses) offer email and internet services for varying prices. Public libraries offer free access to the internet.

Disney, Universal, and larger hotels have multilingual staff who speak Spanish, French, German, and, in some cases, Dutch, Japanese, and other languages. They also have information printed in these languages. The Orlando/ Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and USA Tourist have multilingual websites.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has five post offices in the Orlando area. Opening hours vary, but they are usually 9am to 5pm week-days, although some open Saturday mornings as well. Drugstores and hotels often sell stamps, but they are slightly more expensive than those sold at post offices. Mailboxes, which are blue, are on most main streets and in hotels. Most major hotels also have daily collection services.

Most hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops accept American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Some also take Carte Blanche and JCB cards. US dollar denominations of American Express, Thomas Cook, and Visa traveler’s checks are widely accepted with ID.

Dollar notes come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Coins in circulation are of 1 cent, 5 cents (a nickel), 10 cents (a dime), and 25 cents (a quarter) value. One-dollar and 50 cent coins exist but are very rare. Currency exchanges are based at all the airports, major branches of banks, and near guest services or guest relations in all major theme parks.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are located at almost all bank branches, in all major theme parks, major shopping malls, some hotels, and at airports. Most also accept withdrawals on American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. There is a $1.50 to $3 advance charge for cards not affiliated to that particular bank. It’s often cheaper to use a debit card, but not all debit systems are supported by US banks; check the symbols on the ATM to see if yours is one that is accepted.

Most Central Florida banks are open 9am to 4pm weekdays (to 6pm on Friday). A few branches also open Saturday mornings. Most have ATMs with 24-hour access.

International money transfers can be sent to more than 101,000 Western Union agents and offices in 187 countries. They can also arrange international telegrams.

Florida’s beaches are usually well supervised by lifeguards, but still keep a close eye on young children and stick to areas where you can see the lifeguards. The same goes for rivers and pools.

Outside city limits, county sheriff’s offices (see Useful Addresses) are the primary police agencies: in Central Florida they are in Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. For traffic and highway-related matters, call the Florida Highway Patrol. For coastal issues, see the Florida Marine Patrol.

The coast is usually hit hardest by hurricanes, but Central Florida is also affected. Hurricane season is from August to November. If caught in one, stay inside, away from windows, and have lots of water, canned food, and a flashlight to hand. For more tips and up-to-date forecasts, see the Hurricane Weather Center.

Always keep car and hotel-room doors locked. Before driving, ask the rental-car company, your hotel’s front-desk staff, or the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corp for the safest and most direct route to your destination. Don’t let strangers change your currency, and when paying for anything, check you’ve been given the correct change before leaving the premises.

Smart travelers leave valuables at home. If you do bring watches, jewelry, or other items of value, keep them in a hotel safe. The safes in hotel rooms should only be used for less valuable items. It’s also advisable to carry credit cards or traveler’s checks rather than large amounts of cash.

Orlando doesn’t have the same crime rate as many cities, but it has its share of thieves who prey on the unsuspecting. At night, avoid badly lit areas (especially Downtown’s westside, south of Colonial Drive), and at all times be wary of pickpockets.

Nothing frightens a parent or guardian more than turning away for a moment only to find their child gone. It happens every day in Orlando’s theme parks. To help staff reunite familes, children under seven should wear tags with their name, hotel, and a contact number on it. When any member of your group gets lost, find a park employee for assistance.

Florida law requires seat belts to be worn by the driver and all passengers over the age of three. Children three years and under must ride in a car seat – most rental-car agencies can provide them. Those who don’t heed the seat-belt law risk a fine of $50.

In a word: Don’t. In the best case, it can be costly. In the worst case, it can be deadly. Florida strictly enforces this law. Violators risk time in jail if convicted of a drink-driving offense. Have a designated driver in the group, skip alcohol for the night, use public transport, or grab taxis. Police are known to survey bars to see who is drinking, then wait outside until drinkers get in a car to drive off, when they are tested.

The Orlando/Orange County CVB’s Mature Travelers Guide offers nearly $300 worth of discount coupons for seniors. It also reviews places that may appeal to them.

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is America’s most vocal group for the elderly, but it doesn’t forget there’s room for fun. The website’s travel articles are available to the public, but only members find out about AARP’s travel deals and discounts. Membership costs are minimal.

This educational travel organization sends people 55 and over on courses (usually for a week) all over the world. The choice of courses in Orlando is astounding, from travel photography to politics and philosophy. Stay at retreats, hotels, or campsites.

Knowing that a lot of seniors come to Orlando with their grandkids, Disney occasionally offers discounted packages. Most include three nights in a Disney hotel, multiple-day tickets to the parks, and a range of goodies for the kids, such as dolls and autograph books.

This service leases more than 20 wheelchair-accessible houses and villas in Davenport, a 15 minute drive southwest of Disney. They have three to six bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, accessible showers, and equipped kitchens. Many have pools fitted with lifts.

The local franchise for Walker Medical & Mobility Products rents wheel-chairs and three-wheel rechargeable electric scooters, including ones for people weighing more than 375 lbs (170 kg). They all fit into Disney’s transport vehicles and can be taken apart to fit into cars. The company delivers to local hotels and houses.

The free Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities details special needs services, including: accessibility in parks; Braille directory locations; special-needs parking; wheelchair and electric-cart rentals; audio tours; and translator units for the deaf. They are available at Guest Services in all the theme parks or at Disney hotels’ front desks.

Universal’s parks and hotels have the following services: audio guides; wheelchair and scooter rentals; and telecommunications devices for the deaf. A free booklet is available from Guest Relations at park entrances and resort front desks.

SeaWorld provides a Braille guide, plus a written synopsis of its shows and telecommunications devices for the hearing impaired. Most of its rides and shows are accessible. It rents wheelchairs and scooters. A small guidebook is available at Guest Relations.

It’s very easy to get lost in crowded theme parks. If that happens, find a park employee (they’re usually in uniform) and ask for help. Kids seven and under should wear tags bearing their name, hotel, and a contact number. Older kids and adults should pick a place inside the park to meet if they become separated.

Height restrictions mean that some younger children may not be able to go on certain rides. The theme parks usually have a program that lets one parent ride while the other tends to the kids in a special waiting area. Then the second parent can go on the ride: it might not be so much fun riding by yourself but at least you don’t have to wait in line again.

All the major theme parks offer stroller rental. There are also excellent nursing facilities, often with free formula provided. Diaper changing tables can be found in women’s and some men’s restrooms, and diapers are available free of charge at Universal’s parks.

Theme parks are tiring at any time of year, but excessively so in summer, when even standing in line can be exhausting. Plan regular breaks at air-conditioned venues (best visited around midday, when it’s hottest outside), or “splash areas”.

Bring snacks for energy and don’t forget water. The parks have a few drinking fountains, but bottled water is very expensive.

Take a change of clothes to the theme parks, if not for yourself then for the children. Apart from water rides where you might expect to get wet, kids enjoy running through “splash areas” to cool off, and drying off naturally might not be possible. A rain poncho is smart year round, since Florida has rainy spells in both summer and winter.

Disney parks tend to have few health and height restrictions, although Disney-MGM Studios is a little restrictive. Universal’s parks can be more limiting for younger kids, especially Islands of Adventure (with warnings on nine of the 13 major rides), but like Universal Studios, it has a dedicated kids’ area. SeaWorld has height restrictions on a couple of rides, while at Discovery Cove, you must be at least six years old to swim with the dolphins. Non-swimmers can still join in, but obviously can’t enjoy the full experience.

Most of the more expensive and dressy restaurants discourage young diners either by failing to provide children’s menus or with outright bans on anyone under 17 years of age. However, most restaurants have some kind of kids’ menu, usually in the $4 to $6 range. Some also provide distractions such as crayons and coloring-in placemats.

Disney lures families with children to a dozen of their restaurants to charge exorbitant prices for eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner with humans dressed in Disney character costumes. Universal also has one “character” restaurant, and there are some similar set-ups outside of theme parks. (see Dining with Disney & Universal Characters).

All the parks are packed during school breaks (late Jun–late Aug; late Dec–early Jan; mid-Feb, and Easter), since that’s when locals hit the parks with their kids. Summer is the worst, since not only is it crowded, but it’s also brutally hot. The least crowded months are November plus early and late February.

Don’t spend every waking minute in Orlando’s theme parks, because burn-out is inevitable. Make sure you take time to see Central Florida’s natural attractions (see Day Trips West), Smaller Attractions, and Museums.

It might seem smart to hit the theme parks as soon as they open, but it is not always the best plan. Kids who arrive early tend to collapse by 2pm and are a mess the rest of the day. Instead, take it easy in the morning and head for the parks in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures are cooler and the parks take on a magical glow under the lights.

Relax. It’s a vacation. There are no prizes for those who joylessly cram every single ride at their chosen theme park into one day. Make plans, but be flexible. Don’t attempt to do everything on your list, and maybe save a few things for the next visit.

In general, theme-park food is bland and overpriced, so don’t waste your main meal of the day on it. Instead, at Universal, check out the eateries on Citywalk (see NBA City); while at Disney, visit one of the excellent resort dining options, where you’ll find that high-end restaurants offer great value. Parks allow same-day re-entry on single tickets – just be sure to get your hand stamped before leaving.

There are a lot of offers floating around Orlando that sound too good to be true. If someone promises free or heavily discounted tickets, ask “What’s the catch?”, especially if they’re promising a Disney ticket. Most are timeshare salespeople trying to get you to “buy” a week’s holiday for the next 20 years. In some cases they have legitimate tickets, but most of the time you have to endure hours of sales pitches. Usually, such properties are overpriced.

Ladies should consider one-piece suits at water parks since most of the best rides can quickly rip off a bikini top. Alternatively, wear a T-shirt over the bikini for added protection. Guys, for reasons not necessary to elaborate upon here, should avoid Speedos altogether.

Lynx buses might appear to be everywhere, but don't set your schedule by them, especially for longer trips. They stop frequently, are notoriously slow, and are generally ignored by locals.

The area of Downtown south of Colonial Drive and west of I-4 is not a particularly safe place to wander around. Avoid it. But if you are going to a destination here, including the Greyhound Bus station, call a cab.

Hotels have an assortment of hidden add-ons that can come as a surprise when you get the bill. Charges for the mini-bar and pay-per-view movies are always inflated. But the Sales Tax and bed tax can really add to the bill. Orange County, including the theme parks, I–Drive, and downtown Orlando, adds five per cent bed tax; Osceola County, which includes Kissimmee, adds 6 per cent; and Seminole County, which includes Sanford (see Rivership Romance), adds a 3 per cent tax. Don’t forget to factor in these extras when determining your vacation budget.

These are the rates no one should agree to pay for a room! They’re the walk-in-and-ask rates anyone can get without a coupon or package, and without asking for a discount or special deal. They’re used in this book to provide a guide price, but don’t settle for them. Insist on a better deal – it is almost always possible.

Many properties charge more for a room that has a view of anything other than the parking lot or the building next door. Before you pay, consider how much time you will want to spend in your room.

The main benefits are proximity to the parks, access to the free Disney transportation system (see Tips on Getting Around Orlando), preferred tee times at Disney golf courses (see Golf Courses), and an easy way to break up the day by returning to base for a midday nap or swim.

Rates at Disney World Resorts are about 30 per cent more than comparable accommodation on the outside, the transportation system is slow, and if you don’t have a car and don’t take cabs, you tend to be stuck with Disney, including at meal times.

Orlando has almost 107,000 hotel rooms. Most tend to be functional budget options, but there are plenty of upscale choices, too, from lavish resorts to one-off B&Bs and boutique hotels.

In addition to making independent reservations or dealing directly with Disney or Universal resorts, vacationers can use reservations networks to book rooms. Central Reservation Service (CRS), Orlando.com, and Vacation Works are three of the more popular ones.

A different approach is to take a seven-day land-sea package that includes a stay at any one or more Disney resorts plus a Caribbean cruise.

Most Orlando properties go the extra mile to make sure kids are treated like royalty. In fact, most let kids under 17 stay free with accompanying adults. Holiday Inn Family Suites (see Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort) and Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort offer more than the usual child-friendly amenities.