Where to Stay in Orlando: 5 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Orlando and not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered!

Orlando is enormous and has a lot of traffic, so choosing the right area will save you a TON of time. Of course, most visitors are here for the theme parks, but where you should stay really depends on which ones you’re planning to visit and how much of the city you want to explore.

We’ve spent plenty of time in Orlando, so we know that location can make a huge difference to your trip. Whether Disney is the main event or you’re planning to split your time between several parks, we’ll help you find the best base and hotels for your budget.

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Orlando 

Orlando is huge and very spread out, so there really isn’t one clear winner in terms of the best place to stay. It really depends on what you’re most excited about!

Whatever you’re planning on doing, renting a car is a good idea, as it will give you the most flexibility. Just bear in mind that Orlando has a lot of traffic, and parking is expensive.

If you’re planning on sticking to just one resort area, using rideshares and hotel shuttles can also work well. For the shuttles, you sometimes need to reserve a seat and pay an additional fee, particularly if you’re heading to Epic Universe. Meanwhile, the I-RIDE Trolley is a great way to travel along International Drive.

Orlando is very much a family destination, so make sure to book your accommodation early for school vacations and holidays. And when we say “early”, we’re talking at least 6 months in advance, but preferably closer to 12!

• Lake Buena Vista – Best for visiting Walt Disney World – Stay here for easy access to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, with lots of family-friendly resorts nearby. Buena Vista Suites Orlando is a large, modern resort with free parking and great reviews.

• Universal Orlando Resort – Best for visiting Universal Orlando – This is the most convenient area for spending several days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Surfside Inn and Suites is a popular resort that offers free shuttles to the parks.

• International Drive – Best for a mixed theme-park trip – I-Drive is a handy central base if you want to combine theme parks with restaurants, shopping, and other Orlando attractions. Holiday Inn Orlando International is a great hotel right on the doorstep of Universal Studios.

• Kissimmee – Best for great-value family stays – Kissimmee is a good pick for families and groups looking for more space and better value, especially if you’re happy to drive to the parks. FantasyWorld Resort offers a fun stay with a lazy river, water slides, and shuttle services to the top theme parks.

• Downtown Orlando – Best for culture & nightlife – Stay Downtown if you want restaurants, bars, museums, and a more local city feel rather than being surrounded by theme parks. Hampton Inn & Suites is a clean and contemporary hotel that offers comfort at a great price.

Where to Stay in Orlando

Lake Buena Vista

BEST FOR VISITING WALT DISNEY WORLD

Pros

• Very convenient for Walt Disney World and Disney Springs
• Lots of family-friendly hotels, often at lower rates than Disney-owned resorts
• Many hotels offer scheduled transportation to the parks

Cons

• Less convenient for Universal Orlando
• Very touristy

Lake Buena Vista is the best area to stay for Walt Disney World! Well, other than inside Disney Resort itself, of course, but that gets expensive FAST. And this area sits right by the resort anyway, with a huge choice of spacious, family-friendly hotels, many of which offer shuttles to and from the park. It’s a great way to stay close to the action without paying Disney hotel prices.

Disney Springs is the biggest attraction in the immediate area. This huge open-air complex has more than 150 restaurants, stores, and entertainment options, and it’s free to enter. It actually began life as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village back in 1975, long before becoming Disney Springs as we know it today.

The city of Lake Buena Vista itself is tiny, but its history is closely tied to Walt Disney World. It was established in 1967 as the City of Reedy Creek before being renamed Lake Buena Vista in 1969.

One thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to drive or use rideshares to visit Universal Orlando or other parts of the city. But if Walt Disney World is your priority, Lake Buena Vista is perfect!

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek – $$$

If you want a luxury resort experience close to Disney, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is perfect. It’s tucked away within the Bonnet Creek resort area, so it’s nicely removed from Orlando’s busiest roads while still being right next to Walt Disney World.

There’s a lot to keep families entertained here, too, including five outdoor pools, two lazy rivers, two kids’ splash parks, mini-golf, and a walking trail. Adults aren’t forgotten either, with a spa and four restaurants on-site, while the resort fee includes shuttle transportation to the Disney parks and Disney Springs.

Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night, although rates can rise considerably during busy periods.

Alternatively, the Walt Disney World Dolphin is hard to beat if location is your priority, since you can walk or take a boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Guests also get select Disney Resort benefits, so this is one of the closest alternatives to staying at a Disney-owned hotel.

We also love Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort if you want somewhere that feels like a vacation in its own right. Its enormous lagoon-style pool has waterfalls, caves, and a waterslide, so kids will love it, plus the hotel offers complimentary daily transportation to Disney.

Buena Vista Suites Orlando – $$

For families looking for more space without paying luxury resort prices, Buena Vista Suites Orlando is an amazing pick. Every room is a suite with a separate bedroom and living area, which is VERY welcome when you’re sharing a room with kids for several nights!

It’s also just 1.5 miles from Disney, and a complimentary scheduled shuttle runs to the parks and Disney Springs. Breakfast and self-parking are included too, so there are fewer extra costs to worry about once you arrive.

Rooms typically start from around $160 USD per night, making this fantastic value for a family-friendly suite so close to Disney.

If Buena Vista Suites is fully booked, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando offers excellent value just half a mile from Disney Springs. A hot breakfast, evening food and drinks, and transportation to all four Disney parks are included, and there’s no resort fee either.

For longer stays, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is another fantastic choice, with spacious one- and two-bedroom villas that come with kitchens or kitchenettes and their own washers and dryers. There are several pools and plenty of resort activities too, so it’s perfect if you want some downtime between park days.

Pestana Orlando Suites – $

If you’re trying to keep accommodation costs down, Pestana Orlando Suites offers impressive value for such a central location. The suites are spacious, and some sleep up to six people, so we think this is a great budget option for families and groups.

There’s an outdoor pool and gym for downtime, plus a shuttle service to Disney. Universal, Disney, and the Orange County Convention Center are all within around a 15-minute drive, so this is also a handy choice if your Orlando trip isn’t entirely focused on one resort.

Rooms can start from around $100 USD per night, although breakfast and some other extras depend on the rate you book.

Another great-value option is Blue Tree Resort, where the apartment-style units come with kitchens and separate living space. There are four heated pools, and free scheduled transportation runs to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld, which is pretty impressive at this price point!

We also recommend Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott if you’d prefer a simple, dependable hotel over a resort-style stay. Breakfast is included, rooms have useful extras like microwaves and mini-fridges, and scheduled transportation is available to select Disney parks.

Universal Orlando Resort

BEST FOR VISITING UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Pros

• The most convenient base for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
• Huge choice of hotels
• Easy access to CityWalk for restaurants, bars, and entertainment

Cons

• Epic Universe is on a separate campus, so you’ll still need transportation to get there
• Less convenient if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at Disney

If Universal is the main reason for your Orlando trip, staying around Universal Orlando Resort makes life SO much easier. You’ll be close to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk, with a huge choice of hotels surrounding the resort. There are options for every budget, and many of them offer scheduled park shuttles to make it easy to get to the fun stuff.

Universal Studios Florida was actually the first park to open here back in 1990, followed by Islands of Adventure in 1999. The resort has grown enormously since then and now has four theme parks, including Volcano Bay and the much newer Epic Universe.

CityWalk sits between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, so it’s really convenient for grabbing dinner or drinks after a day in the parks. Some nearby Universal hotels are even connected to the main resort by walking paths, water taxis, or complimentary shuttles.

The big thing to know is that Epic Universe is on a separate campus from the original parks. If that’s high on your list, check exactly where your hotel shuttle goes before booking, as you may need to drive yourself there instead, or find a separate bus or rideshare.

Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – $$$

If you want the full Universal resort experience without staying at one of the expensive hotels on-site, Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is perfect. This Caribbean-inspired resort sits right within Universal Orlando, with complimentary water taxis and shuttles making it incredibly convenient for getting to CityWalk and the main parks.

The hotel is really an attraction in its own right, with a huge outdoor pool and four restaurants, plus water slides, fire pits, and more! Guests also get Early Park Admission at select Universal parks and attractions, which can give you a very useful head start on the crowds! Rooms can start from around $350 USD per night.

Alternatively, Universal’s Aventura Hotel has a much sleeker and more modern feel, plus a rooftop bar with fantastic views over Orlando. You’ll also get Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation, and there’s even a dedicated walking path to Volcano Bay.

Surfside Inn and Suites – $$

For a more affordable stay that still comes with the benefits of a Universal hotel, we think that Surfside Inn and Suites is an amazing pick. It has a fun beachy theme and the standard rooms sleep up to four, while the two-bedroom suites can accommodate six people and come with a kitchenette, which is perfect for families.

You’ll still get Early Park Admission, plus complimentary transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando. There’s also an outdoor pool and plenty of casual food options on-site, so this gives you lots of the convenience of a resort stay without the luxury price tag. Rooms typically start from around $150 USD per night.

If Surfside Inn is fully booked, Drury Inn & Suites Orlando offers fantastic value, with free hot breakfast, evening food and drinks, and parking included. There’s also a complimentary scheduled shuttle to all of the Universal parks, including Epic Universe.

We also like Hotel Landy if you want something with a bit more personality than a standard chain hotel. It’s less than three miles from Universal and has a heated resort-style pool, hot tub, and complimentary theme park shuttle.

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal – $

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable base close to the parks, Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal is a brilliant budget pick. It’s just minutes from both the original Universal resort and Epic Universe, so the location is VERY convenient for the price.

The hotel is modern and straightforward, with an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, restaurant, and mini-fridges in the rooms. Best of all, there’s no resort fee, which helps keep the overall cost of your stay down.

Rooms typically start from around $80 USD per night, making this one of the best-value stays near Universal.

Another affordable option is Four Points by Sheraton, which sits less than a mile from Universal and has an outdoor heated pool and kids’ splash pad. It’s also a Universal Partner Hotel, so guests can use complimentary transportation to the resort.

Finally, TownePlace Suites is particularly good for families or longer trips because its spacious studios and suites come with full kitchens. Breakfast is included too, plus you’re within walking distance of Orlando International Premium Outlets and just minutes from Universal.

International Drive

BEST FOR A MIXED THEME-PARK TRIP

Pros

• Great all-round location for visiting several different Orlando theme parks
• Lots of shops and restaurants
• The I-RIDE Trolley makes it easy to get around much of the area

Cons

• I-Drive is very long, so some hotels are much better located than others
• Busy and touristy, with heavy traffic

If you want to split your time between several different theme parks, then staying along the International Drive is probably the best all-round choice. This busy entertainment corridor puts you close to SeaWorld and within easy reach of both Universal and Disney, while giving you a HUGE choice of hotels at different price points.

There’s also loads to do without setting foot inside a major theme park. ICON Park is one of the biggest attractions, with the 400-foot Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, restaurants, bars, and more. Meanwhile, I-Drive is also packed with outlet shopping, mini-golf, dinner shows, and family attractions. ICON Park itself opened in 2015 and has since become one of the landmarks of the area.

Getting around is relatively straightforward thanks to the I-RIDE Trolley, which runs throughout the International Drive area and has more than 100 stops. However, don’t assume you’ll be able to walk everywhere! I-Drive stretches for miles, so we definitely recommend checking exactly where a hotel sits before booking, especially if there are particular parks or attractions you want to prioritize.

Hyatt Regency Orlando – $$$

If you want an upscale resort that’s well placed for exploring different parts of Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando is a fantastic choice. It sits right on International Drive, minutes from Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld, so you won’t be committing yourself to one particular theme park resort. You can enjoy them all!

But it’s not just about the parks. The hotel is a full-on resort in its own right, with an enormous Grotto pool and a full-service spa. There’s even a Topgolf Swing Suite and plenty happening around the pool, so you could happily spend a chilled-out day here between theme park visits.

Rooms typically start from around $260 USD per night, although there’s also a resort fee to factor in on top of that.

Alternatively, Rosen Plaza Hotel has a brilliant central location and doesn’t charge a resort fee, which is always a win! There’s a heated pool, six restaurants and lounges, and complimentary scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando.

We also love Hilton Orlando if you want another full-on resort experience, complete with a lazy river, waterslide, spa, and multiple pools. It’s also just one mile from Epic Universe and offers complimentary transportation to several major Orlando attractions.

Holiday Inn Orlando International – $$

For a comfortable mid-range stay right in the heart of I-Drive, Holiday Inn Orlando International is an amazing pick. It sits directly across from ICON Park, putting loads of restaurants and attractions within easy reach, while Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld are all just a short drive away.

There’s a large outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant where kids under 12 eat free, and complimentary parking, which helps keep costs down. The hotel also runs free scheduled shuttles to Universal, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, although you will need to reserve these in advance.

Rooms can start from around $150 USD per night, making this excellent value for such a central location.

If Holiday Inn Orlando is fully booked, another great option is Embassy Suites by Hilton, especially for families who appreciate having more space. Every room is a suite, and you’ll get a made-to-order breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, plus free shuttles to Disney, Universal, and Epic Universe – that’s a lot for the price! 

Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa is another ideal option if resort facilities are a main priority, with seven heated pools, a spa, mini-golf, and the huge Treasure Cove Water Park on-site. Just bear in mind that water park admission isn’t included with most room rates, so check what your booking includes!

Mai Hana Hotel and Suites – $

If location matters more to you than fancy resort facilities, Mai Hana Hotel and Suites is a brilliant budget choice. It’s just a short walk from ICON Park, and despite the low price, there’s an outdoor pool, a gym, and scheduled shuttles to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Plus, you get free parking, which is great if you’re hiring a car, so for a cheap I-Drive hotel, you’re getting a LOT of practical perks here.

Rooms can start from around $100 USD per night, including breakfast, although there is a $20 USD per night resort fee. But even with that factored in, it’s still one of the best value hotels on International Drive! 

If Mai Hana is fully booked, Hotel Monreale Inn & Studios has an equally handy location directly opposite ICON Park. It also offers modern rooms and studios with plenty of space and an outdoor pool.

Finally, TRYP by Wyndham is especially worth considering if SeaWorld is high on your list, since it’s only around a mile away. The rooms feel modern, and there are family suites available, plus you’ll get free parking and access to a heated outdoor pool.

Kissimmee

BEST FOR GREAT-VALUE FAMILY STAYS

Pros

• Great-value hotels and villas
• Excellent for families and larger groups
• Plenty to do beyond the major theme parks

Cons

• Very spread out, so having a car makes life much easier
• Further from the major theme parks

Kissimmee is a great option if you’re traveling as a family or group and want more space for your money. It’s known as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World,” and it boasts everything from affordable hotels and condo resorts to huge villas with multiple bedrooms and private pools. That makes it particularly appealing for longer trips and multigenerational vacations, because you don’t need to try and squeeze the whole family into one hotel room!

It’s worth knowing that Kissimmee is a BIG area rather than one compact neighborhood, and many of the hotels we recommend are clustered around Highway 192 and the Lake Cecile area. A car is definitely useful here, especially if you’re planning to visit several different theme parks.

There’s plenty to do locally too. Old Town has retro rides, shops, live music, and its famous classic car cruises, so it’s a lot of fun to explore. Then you’ve got Kissimmee Lakefront Park, which is lovely for walking and fishing.

Celebration is also nearby and is well worth a wander for its pretty lakefront, restaurants, and small-town feel. It was originally developed by the Walt Disney Company, so even your non-park days can have a little Disney connection!

Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes – $$$

If you want loads of space without sacrificing the fun of staying at a resort, Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes is perfect. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes sleep up to 10 people, and each one has its own screened patio and private hot tub, so this is perfect for bigger families or groups.

You still get plenty of proper resort facilities, including a zero-entry pool, two waterslides, an arcade, tennis and pickleball courts, and an on-site bar and grill. Plus, Old Town is within walking distance, and Disney is only around five miles away, so the location is excellent for enjoying everything Kissimmee has to offer.

Townhomes typically start from around $250 USD per night, although the larger properties cost more.

FantasyWorld Resort – $$

For families who want plenty to do between theme park days, FantasyWorld Resort is an amazing pick. This sprawling family resort has two pools, a heated lazy river, two huge waterslides, a splash pad, mini-golf, playgrounds, and loads of organized activities, so kids definitely won’t be getting bored here!

The accommodation is made up of spacious vacation townhomes, making this a much more comfortable option than squeezing everyone into a standard hotel room. Scheduled transportation to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld is also included in the resort fee, which is really handy if you don’t want to drive to the parks every day.

Townhomes typically start from around $180 USD per night, although there is a nightly resort fee to factor into your budget.

Alternatively, Hilton Vacation Club Polynesian Isles is a quieter option with one- and two-bedroom suites, two outdoor pools, tennis courts, and plenty of space to relax. Disney is only around a 10-minute drive away, so it’s especially handy if you still want to spend several days in the parks.

We also like Star Island Resort and Club if resort facilities are a priority, with two pools, mini-golf, tennis, basketball, a spa, and regular evening entertainment. There are suites and villas that can accommodate up to eight guests, so it works particularly well for larger families.

Palazzo Lakeside Hotel – $

If you’re looking for an affordable hotel rather than a big vacation rental, Palazzo Lakeside Hotel offers fantastic value. It sits right on Lake Cecile, so it feels a little more peaceful than some of the hotels along the main road, while still putting you within easy driving distance of the theme parks.

There’s an outdoor pool with cabanas, a kids’ play area, and complimentary continental breakfast and parking, so you get quite a lot included for the price. We also love the lakeside setting, which gives this budget hotel a bit more character than your average no-frills stay.

Rooms can start from around $80 USD per night, making this one of our favorite low-cost stays in Kissimmee.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, Magic Moment Resort & Kids Club is a really fun alternative, with a kids’ club, playground, pool, themed kids’ rooms, and plenty of family activities. Hot breakfast, parking, and a theme park shuttle are included too, which makes it excellent value.

Finally, Seasons Florida Resort works well if your main priority is simply keeping accommodation costs low. It’s a straightforward family-friendly base near the major Central Florida attractions, and it’s pet-friendly too if you’re bringing a four-legged family member along!

Downtown Orlando 

BEST FOR CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE

Pros

• Best area for nightlife and live music
• Great sports and performing arts scene
• More of a local city feel than Orlando’s theme-park districts
• Walkable around Lake Eola, Church Street, and the downtown core

Cons

• You’ll need to drive or use rideshares to reach the major theme parks
• Not the best choice if Disney or Universal is the main focus of your trip

Downtown Orlando is definitely the best place to stay if you want to experience more of the city beyond the theme parks. It has a much more urban feel, and there’s a lot going on, from sports games at the Kia Center to live music performances and theatre shows at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It’s a great choice if you’re coming for a concert or a basketball game! 

There are also lots of buzzing restaurants and bars to check out around here. Lake Eola is the heart of downtown, and it’s also one of the nicest places to spend a more relaxed morning away from the parks. The lake is surrounded by a walking path that’s just under a mile long, and you can rent one of the famous swan-shaped paddle boats and hit the water. It’s also nice to just grab a coffee here and enjoy the skyline views.

The downside is that the theme parks aren’t as convenient from here. Universal Studios is a 15-minute drive away without traffic, or you can use the #38 buses to get there in around 40 minutes, for just $2 USD per person. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is at least a 20-minute drive outside of rush hour. You can rent a car, but if you’re only spending a few days at the parks, rideshares might work out cheaper once you’ve factored in those hefty parking costs.

The Delaney Hotel – $$$

If you’d prefer a boutique hotel over one of Orlando’s huge resort hotels, allow us to introduce you to The Delaney Hotel. It’s a family-owned hotel with just 54 individually styled rooms and suites, so it feels much more intimate than most places you’ll find elsewhere in the city.

Another big selling point is Delaney’s Tavern, the hotel’s popular New American restaurant and bar, which serves everything from breakfast to weekend brunch and cocktails. The hotel sits just south of the main Downtown core, so it’s a good choice if you want easy access to the city without having to deal with too much noise at night.

Rooms typically start from around $300 USD per night, although you can sometimes find them for less outside busy periods.

Alternatively, Embassy Suites by Hilton has a much more central location just minutes from Lake Eola, with restaurants and entertainment all around you. A cooked-to-order breakfast and evening drinks reception are included in the price of your stay, and there’s an outdoor pool too.

We also love Aloft by Marriott if nightlife, concerts, or shows are high on your list. It sits directly opposite the Dr. Phillips Center and within walking distance of the Kia Center, plus there’s an outdoor pool and lively bar back at the hotel.

Hampton Inn & Suites – $$

For a dependable mid-range stay close to Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites is an amazing pick. It sits just south of the city center in the SoDo District, with the Dr. Phillips Center and the Kia Center within about a mile of the hotel.

A hot breakfast is included every morning, and there’s an outdoor pool for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service, making it a convenient option if you’d rather not drive into Downtown every time.

Rooms typically range from around $140–$260 USD per night, with breakfast included in the rate.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is another great option if you want to be closer to the heart of Downtown, with bars and restaurants within walking distance. The rooftop pool has city views, and you get a free hot breakfast each morning.

We also recommend Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, especially if you’re coming to Orlando for a concert or sporting event. Its complimentary shuttle runs within a three-mile radius and covers Downtown attractions, which is a huge bonus, while the hotel itself has recently renovated rooms and an outdoor pool.

The EO Inn – $

If you want to stay right by Lake Eola without spending a fortune, The EO Inn is a brilliant budget pick. This small boutique hotel is housed in a restored 1920s building right where Thornton Park meets Lake Eola, with dozens of restaurants, cafés, and bars within walking distance.

The location couldn’t be better here, as you can walk to Lake Eola Park in about a minute and explore Downtown without constantly relying on a car. Parking is free too, which is a particularly nice bonus in this part of Orlando.

Rooms typically start from around $180 USD per night, making this excellent value for such a central location.

If The EO Inn is fully booked, DoubleTree by Hilton gives you more of a traditional full-service hotel experience just north of the city center. There’s a sky-deck pool and restaurant on-site, and you’ll be around a mile from central Downtown and the Orlando Science Center.

Related Read: Once you’ve picked your Orlando hotel, head over to our Orlando itinerary to see how we recommend making the most of your time here.

Top Activities in Orlando

Hopefully, you’ve found an area and hotel that suits your trip, because now it’s time for the fun part! We found that there’s SO much more to Orlando than theme parks, so here are some of our favorite activities when you’re ready to explore beyond Disney and Universal.

• Visit the Kennedy Space Center – This full-day Kennedy Space Center tour was such a cool day out, and we would definitely come back! It takes care of transportation from Orlando, leaving you free to explore NASA’s exhibits, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and even experience a simulated rocket launch.

• Ride an airboat through the Everglades – This Everglades airboat tour was our FAVORITE tour near Orlando! We skimmed across the wetlands while our guide pointed out alligators, bald eagles, wild boars, and even a roseate spoonbill, before exploring the wildlife park afterward.

• Kayak through Rock Springs – We loved escaping the Orlando heat on this clear-bottom kayak tour through the gorgeous blue-green waters of Rock Springs! We paddled beneath the trees, spotted turtles, fish, and birds, and even jumped off a hidden platform into the cool spring water.

• See Orlando from a helicopter – We LOVE helicopter rides, and this private helicopter tour gave us a completely different perspective on Orlando! We soared over Old Town, Fun Spot, and The Big Orange, with views stretching toward Walt Disney World and some of its most recognizable landmarks.

• Get hands-on at WonderWorks – This WonderWorks experience is perfect when you want something fun away from the theme parks (and Florida heat!). With fast-access tickets, you can head inside the famous upside-down building to brave 74 mph (119 km/h) winds, lie on a bed of nails, tackle a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, play Laser Tag, and more.

Related Read: Want even more ideas? Our guide to the best things to do in Orlando covers all of our favorite activities, tours, and experiences in one place.

Thanks for reading!

Orlando has given us some pretty memorable adventures, but choosing the right place to stay can make a HUGE difference to your trip! Lake Buena Vista is our favorite, but whether you want to be close to Universal, central on I-Drive, save money in Kissimmee, or experience Downtown, hopefully this guide has made finding the perfect Orlando base much easier.

If Orlando has you dreaming about your next trip already, check out more of our USA travel blogs for tried-and-tested tips, tours, and itineraries. Or keep scrolling for more of our favorite adventures!

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