The Ultimate Orlando FAQ

When is the best time to visit Orlando?

Orlando enjoys great weather all year round, so there's rarely a bad time to go! If you'd like milder temperatures, April to June and September to November tend to be more comfortable than the height of summer. Travelling outside UK school holidays (such as Easter, half-term, the summer break and October half-term) usually means quieter parks, since the school terms in the US don't line up with ours.

What is the weather like in Orlando?

Orlando has a subtropical climate, so afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. These showers tend to pass quickly, and the sunshine usually returns soon after. August can feel especially hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing, and remember that Orlando stays considerably warmer than the UK even in winter.

Which Orlando airport is nearest to the theme parks?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closer of the two, at around 25-30 minutes' drive from Walt Disney World Resort. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is further out, typically 45-60 minutes' drive depending on traffic and which resort area you're staying in.

Should I fly to Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport?

Both airports work well if you're hiring a car in Orlando, so it can come down to which route gets you the best flight deal. Sanford is mainly served by leisure carriers on charter-style routes from the UK, while MCO has a wider choice of scheduled airlines and is the better choice if you'd like the shortest transfer time.

What should I wear to the Orlando theme parks?

Orlando's parks involve a lot of walking, so comfortable, well worn-in shoes make a real difference. We'd also recommend quick-drying clothing for the water rides, a hat and sun cream for the Florida sunshine, and a light waterproof for sudden summer showers.

Do I need to carry ID on me to get into the Orlando parks?

It's not compulsory, but it's a good idea to carry photo ID (a driving licence or a copy of your passport) in case it's needed, particularly if you look under 35 and plan to buy alcohol. US venues routinely ID anyone who appears under that age, whatever their actual age.

Do I need to hire a car in Orlando?

It's not essential. Many hotels run complimentary shuttles to the theme parks, Universal and Disney both offer transport around their own resorts, and Orlando's rideshare and taxi options are widely available. That said, a hire car gives you the most flexibility if you'd like to explore beyond the main resort areas.

What is the I-Ride Trolley?

The I-Ride Trolley is a bus service covering the International Drive area, on two routes (the Red Line and the Green Line), linking hotels, shops and attractions along I-Drive. It's a handy option if you're staying in that area rather than on Disney or Universal property. You can find more information on the I-Ride Trolley routes and timetables here.

What time does the I-Ride Trolley operate?

The trolleys run daily from 8am to 10:30pm. If you're relying on it to get back to your hotel late in the evening, aim to be at your stop by around 10:15pm to be sure of catching the last pick-up.

How much does it cost to take the I-Ride Trolley?

A single cash fare is $2.00 per ride for adults, $1.00 for children aged 3-9, and $0.25 for seniors 65+, with under-3s riding free. Drivers can't make change, so you'll need the exact fare in cash if you're paying as you go. You can purchase these passes online before you go.

How do I get from the airport to my Disney hotel now that Magical Express has ended?

Disney's complimentary Magical Express service closed in 2022 and hasn't been replaced with a free equivalent. You can now choose between paid shared shuttle transfer services, Minnie Van transfers (for guests at Disney Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa hotels), rideshare apps, or renting a car - we'd recommend booking your preferred option in advance.

How do I get from a Disney hotel to Universal Orlando Resort?

There's no direct transport link between the Disney and Universal resorts. The most straightforward options are a rideshare, a taxi, or driving yourself if you have a hire car.

How many parks are there at Walt Disney World Resort?

There are four Theme Parks - Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom - plus two Water Parks, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach.

How big is Walt Disney World Resort?

Walt Disney World Resort covers around 47 square miles, roughly the size of San Francisco, so it's well worth planning your days rather than trying to see everything at once.

What is Lightning Lane, and do I need it?

Lightning Lane is Walt Disney World's current paid skip-the-line system, which replaced the old FastPass+ and Genie+ services. There are three options:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass - book several attractions in one park through the day
• Lightning Lane Single Pass - a one-off booking for the most in-demand headline attractions
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass - unlimited access to Lightning Lane at one park for the day

All are optional add-ons booked through the My Disney Experience app.

Do I need to book Lightning Lane in advance?

You don't have to, but booking ahead is worth considering for the most popular attractions, particularly during busier periods. Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections can typically be made up to seven days ahead for Disney Resort hotel guests, or from 7am on the day for everyone else.

What is My Disney Experience?

My Disney Experience is Disney's official planning app. You can use it to book Lightning Lane, make dining reservations, check ride wait times, view show and parade times, and manage your park tickets, all in one place.

What is Disney Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is Disney's unlimited digital photo package, covering every Disney PhotoPass photo and video taken during your trip so the whole family can be in the shot, not just the ones who didn't have to hold the phone. You can download and keep everything captured during your visit.

What's included in Memory Maker?

Memory Maker covers unlimited digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from over 100 locations across the four theme parks, including selected ride photos, Character dining photos and Magic Shots (playful digital effects added to your photo), plus a discount on printed copies.

What are MagicBands, and do I need one?

MagicBand and MagicBand+ are Disney's wearable devices for park entry, Lightning Lane and PhotoPass, though you can also use a physical card or the My Disney Experience app on your phone.

What is Early Theme Park Entry?

Early Theme Park Entry gives Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests 30 minutes' early access to any of the four theme parks, every day of their stay. It replaced the old Extra Magic Hours programme, and guests staying at Disney's Deluxe Resorts also have access to Extended Evening Hours on select nights.

Where can I meet Disney Characters?

Disney Characters host scheduled meet and greets around the parks rather than wandering freely, so you'll usually find them in themed locations tied to their story. Check the My Disney Experience app for locations and times, or read our guide on how character meet and greets and Character Dining work.

When are the Walt Disney World parks quietest, and when are they busiest?

Weekdays in January, February, September, October, November and early December (outside the Christmas season) tend to be the calmest. Weekends in May, the whole of June and July through to mid-August, plus the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas periods, are consistently the busiest times to visit.

How much do Walt Disney World tickets cost?

One-day, one-park tickets for 2026 range from around $119 to $209 per adult, depending on the park and the date, with multi-day tickets working out cheaper per day the longer you stay. For a rate for your exact travel dates, see our Walt Disney World tickets page.

How long do you need at Magic Kingdom?

Most guests spend at least one full day at Magic Kingdom, though many prefer a day and a half to two days to take in the rides, parades and fireworks without rushing. A flexible multi-day, park-hopping ticket makes it easy to return if you don't manage everything in one visit.

How much does it cost to park at Magic Kingdom Park?

Parking is priced in three tiers:

• Standard Parking (car or motorcycle): $35 per day
• Preferred Parking (closer to the entrance): $50-60 per day, varying by season
• Oversized Vehicle Parking (RV, camper, coach): $40 per day

Once you've paid, your parking pass is valid across all four Theme Parks that day if you're park hopping. Note that you'll actually park at the Transportation and Ticket Center rather than right outside the park, then take the free monorail or ferry across Seven Seas Lagoon to the gates.

What are the Magic Kingdom opening hours?

Hours vary by season and by event, so it's worth checking the official Walt Disney World calendar before you travel.

How can I book tickets for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed evening event held on select nights from August to October, with prices varying by date. You can find dates and booking details in our Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guide.

Are Christmas events at Magic Kingdom included in my ticket price?

Some festive touches, such as seasonal decorations and selected entertainment, are included in standard park admission. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (with its own Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade), is separately ticketed and priced by date. We offer Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets directly - see our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party guide for dates and booking details.

How long do you need at Disney's Animal Kingdom?

Most guests allow a full day, with an early start recommended if you'd like to see the animals at their most active, before the Florida heat sets in.

How much does it cost to park at Disney's Animal Kingdom?

The parking rates are the same across all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks: $35 a day for standard parking, from around $50-60 for Preferred Parking closer to the entrance, and $40 for oversized vehicles such as RVs or coaches. It's complimentary for Disney Resort hotel guests and most Annual Passholders, and your pass carries over to the other three parks that day if you're park hopping.

What are the Disney's Animal Kingdom opening hours?

Disney's Animal Kingdom typically opens earlier and closes earlier than the other three theme parks, around 8am to 6pm, though exact hours vary by season and by event, so it's worth checking the official Walt Disney World calendar before you travel.

Can I bring food into Disney's Animal Kingdom?

Yes, outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are generally permitted, though glass containers and alcohol brought from outside the park aren't allowed.

How long do you need at EPCOT?

Most guests spend a full day at EPCOT, and it's easy to spend longer if you're visiting during one of its seasonal festivals, thanks to the additional food, entertainment and pavilions in World Showcase.

How much does it cost to park at EPCOT?

Standard parking costs $35 per day for cars and motorcycles, the same rate that applies across all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Preferred Parking, closer to the entrance, runs from around $50-60 depending on the season, and Oversized Vehicle Parking (RVs, campers, coaches) is $40 a day. Parking is free for Disney Resort hotel guests and included with most Annual Passes, and once you've paid, your pass is valid at all four parks that day if you're hopping between them.

What are the EPCOT opening hours?

EPCOT typically opens at 9am and closes around 9pm, though exact hours vary by season and by event, so it's worth checking the official Walt Disney World calendar before you travel.

When is the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

The festival runs across spring each year, transforming EPCOT with character topiaries, garden displays, outdoor food kitchens and a live concert series. The most recent festival ran from 4 March to 1 June, 2026. Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.

How long do you need at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

A full day is typical, especially if you'd like to explore both Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land without feeling rushed.

How much does it cost to park at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Parking is priced the same way across all four Walt Disney World theme parks: $35 a day for standard parking, from around $50-60 for Preferred Parking closer to the entrance, and $40 for oversized vehicles such as RVs or coaches. It's complimentary for Disney Resort hotel guests and most Annual Passholders, and your pass carries over to the other three parks that day if you're park hopping.

What are the Disney's Hollywood Studios opening hours?

Disney's Hollywood Studios typically opens at 8:30am and closes around 9pm, though exact hours vary by season and by event, so it's worth checking the official Walt Disney World calendar before you travel.

What should I wear to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach?

Traditional swimwear, such as one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis and swim trunks, is required at both parks, along with water-resistant sunscreen. Swimwear with buckles, rivets, zippers or exposed metal isn't permitted on the slides, as it can damage the fiberglass chutes, and jeans or wetsuits aren't allowed on the major thrill slides, including Slush Gusher and Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach.

Are there other water park rules to know about?

Clothing needs to provide full coverage and stay securely in place, so thong-style bottoms, sheer fabrics and swimwear with offensive language aren't permitted. Water shoes are a good idea to protect your feet from hot pathways, and diaper-age children are required to wear swim diapers or plastic pants in all pool areas.

Are both Disney Water Parks open all year?

Disney typically operates only one of its two water parks at a time, alternating seasonal closures for refurbishment, so it's worth checking the live Disney calendar to see which is open on your travel dates before booking. When open, both parks typically run from around 10am to 5pm, though exact hours vary by season.

Do I need to pay for parking at the water parks?

No, parking at both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach is free for all guests, with no pass or hotel stay required, unlike the four main theme parks, where standard parking costs $35 a day.

How many parks are there at Universal Orlando Resort?

There are now four: Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay water park, and Universal Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025.

What is Universal Epic Universe?

Epic Universe is Universal's newest theme park, built around five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. It's the most significant addition to Orlando's theme park landscape in years, and well worth planning extra time for.

How close are the parks to the Universal hotels?

Universal's on-site hotels sit within walking distance or a short water taxi ride of the parks and Universal CityWalk, and most also include complimentary transport.

Can I buy a skip-the-line pass for Universal Orlando?

Yes, Universal Express Pass lets you use a shorter queue at participating attractions, with Unlimited Express Pass giving repeat access all day. For a deeper look at whether it's worth the outlay, check out our Universal Express Pass Explained guide.

Is Halloween Horror Nights included in my Universal ticket?

No, Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed evening event held on select nights each autumn. You can purchase Halloween Horror Nights tickets here.

How much do Universal Orlando tickets cost?

One-day tickets for 2026 start from around $119-124 for Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, from around $139 for Epic Universe, and from around $80 for Volcano Bay, with multi-day and park-to-park tickets reducing the average daily cost. For exact pricing on your travel dates, see our Universal Orlando tickets page.

How many parks make up SeaWorld's Orlando-area attractions?

Four: SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove and the Aquatica water park.

How long do you need at SeaWorld Orlando?

Most guests spend a full day taking in the rides, shows and animal habitats.

How do I get to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from Orlando?

Busch Gardens sits around 70 minutes' drive from Orlando via the I-4. Some ticket packages include shuttle transport from Orlando, so it's worth checking what's included when you book.

Does Discovery Cove sell out?

Yes, Discovery Cove limits numbers to around 1,300 guests a day to keep the experience relaxed, so it regularly sells out, especially in peak season. We'd recommend booking well ahead to avoid disappointment.

Can I take food into Discovery Cove?

You won't need to; all Discovery Cove tickets are all-inclusive, covering breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks throughout your visit.

How long do you need at Aquatica?

Most guests spend a full day enjoying the waterslides and lazy rivers.

Can't find the answer to your question?

If we haven't covered what you're looking for here, get in touch with our team of Orlando experts who are on hand to help with anything from ticket recommendations to itinerary planning!