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Home > Features > Orlando > Tips
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Simon Calder's Orlando Report - Tips
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27.03.07 |
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Simon Calder, Travel Writer
After a long flight, negotiating Orlando's road network in a rental car can be highly confusing. It is better to get a cab from Orlando airport to downtown or your hotel (likely to be around $50). Alternatively, bus 11 runs every half an hour and costs just $1.25. There are also direct buses to International Drive.
If you are planning to see Orlando without a car, the city's Lynx bus network (001 407 841 5969; www.golynx.com ) is reliable and comprehensive. The free Lymmo bus operates on a circular route within the downtown area.
Tracey Redpath, Travel Counsellor
The I-Ride Trolley service on International Drive is cheap and really easy to use.
Arrive early at the theme parks if you want to take advantage of the FASTPASS that helps you skip the lines.
Ellie Kempster, Travel Counsellor
Did you know that there's a rodeo in Kissimmee every Friday night at 8pm with real cowboys, real animals and a children’s rodeo as well. It's not a theme park and when we were there we were the only non-Americans - hot dogs, burgers and a good night out. $18 for adults. $9 for children under 12.
Marie Kershaw, Travel Counsellor
Visit the FAO Schwartz toy store for some fab fun. Tony Roma’s (8560 International Drive) is the best rib restaurant on the planet.
Do the park rides in an anti clockwise direction - the crowds always go clockwise.
Vicky Dyer, Travel Counsellor
If you can, avoid the theme parks, especially the Disney parks, at weekends when they are busy with American visitors. Use the time for shopping or relaxing.
Allison Walker, Travel Counsellor
October is a good time to visit. I was there for three weeks and the weather was superb, in the 80s with only one day of rain and hardly any queues at the parks.
By November it is cold in the evenings and pleasantly not too hot during the day. In August the weather is extremely hot and humid.
I always recommend a villa with pool for families, especially when two or more families travel together. It is great to come back after a very busy day and let the kids unwind round the pool while you can prepare dinner or just drink a glass of wine round the pool with friends.
Check the opening times of the water parks because they can close sometimes during winter.
Paula Brown, Travel Counsellor
Shoppers will enjoy the Belz factory outlet which fills two huge buildings. It’s fab. I also recommend the big Florida Mall and the Mercado Village, which is good for handmade crafts.
Louise Cussans, Travel Counsellor
Buy your Disney and Universal souvenirs at the outlet shopping parks at the top of International Drive. They are less than half the theme park prices.
The end of November, just after Thanksgiving is a good time to visit. The sales are on, there are few lines in the parks and the weather can be sunny but not overpowering. It’s also a good-value time to fly.
Margaret Oldroyd, Travel Counsellor
The pick-up for car rental is much easier at Sanford airport, which is used by charters, than at Orlando International. However, the international airport is a much better experience.
Sarah Eltham, Travel Counsellor
If you have a water bottle, you can top-up with free water at the parks instead of buying expensive fizzy drinks. Dress casual - T-shirt, shorts and comfortable trainers.
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