Orlando and the Parks

From Left to Rihgt Scenic view of a lakefront mansion, Winter Park; Kids playing with an interactive exhibit at Orlando Science Center; The TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand U.S.A., Disney’s Animal Kingdom®

LEGO® pirates at the entrance to Pirates’ Cove, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world, with Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and the water parks making the city a family-oriented fantasyland. But it has a lot more to offer. International Drive is chock-full of kid-friendly attractions and good restaurants, and sports fans will delight in the spectacular basketball arena at the Amway Center. With so many sights spread out over the city, it is best to hire a car to get around.

SEE MAP

1. Walt Disney World ® Resort

2. Universal Studios Florida ®

3. Universal’s Islands of Adventure ®

4. SeaWorld ® , Aquatica, and Discovery Cove ®

5. Icon Orlando

6. Crayola Experience

7. International Drive

8. Gatorland

9. Orlando Science Center

10. Loch Haven Park

11. Downtown Orlando

12. Winter Park

13. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours

14. LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort

The Lowdown

Getting there and around Air Fly to Orlando International Airport (www.orlandoairports.net) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (www.orlandosanfordairport.com). Bus Greyhound (1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) has a station in Orlando. Red Coach (1 877 733 0724; www.redcoachusa.com) has terminals near Orlando International Airport and downtown. Megabus (1 877 462 6342; us.megabus.com) has a terminal 10 miles north of the airport. See Walt Disney World Resort® for trans-portation across parks. Train Amtrak (1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) has stations in Orlando and Winter Park. SunRail (www.sunrail.com), the north-south commuter train has 12 stations. Car Rentals, such as Enterprise (www.enterprise.com) and Avis (www.avis.com) are located at the airport and across Orlando. Ride shares Lyft (www.lyft.com) and Uber (www.uber.com) are also available.

Visitor information Orlando Visitor Center, 8723 International Dr, Orlando, 32819; 407 363 5872; www.visitorlando.com

Supermarkets Publix (www.publix.com) is the premier super-market with outlets throughout the region. The upscale organic food chain Whole Foods (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) also has branches in Orlando and Winter Park. Markets Downtown Orlando Farmers’ Market, located near Lake Eola, offers seasonal produce, ethnic foods, and local crafts and artwork every Sun.

Festivals Walt Disney World® Marathon (Jan). Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts; www.zorafestival.com (Jan). Universal Studios Florida® Mardi Gras (mid-Feb–Apr). Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival; www.orlandofringe.org (May). Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival (Feb–May). Seaworld® Viva La Musica; www.tinyurl.com/SWViva (Apr–May). Disney® Star Wars™ Weekends (May–Jun). Universal® Summer Nights (Jun–Aug). Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Sep–Oct). Universal® Halloween Spooktacular (Oct). Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival (Aug–Nov). LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Christmas Bricktacular (Dec). Universal® Grinchmas (Dec). For festivals across Walt Disney World®, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-events. For Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure® festivals, visit www.universalorlando.com/Events/Year-Round-Events.aspx.

Pharmacies Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) and CVS (www.cvs.com) are the two major pharmacies in the region; some of their branches in cities are open 24 hours.

Restrooms All major attractions, shopping malls, and gas stations have public restrooms.