Orlando can be overwhelming if you’re visiting or moving here for the first time. Our reputation as the theme park capital of the world comes with a lot of uncertainties about where to go, what to expect, and how to get around. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a new resident, here are 6 things you need to know about Orlando.
1. There’s a lot to do beyond the theme parks.
Orlando is like a massive antique store. At first glance, all the flashy, expensive items are right up front. But if you explore beyond the surface, you’ll uncover plenty of hidden gems tucked away on the shelves.
Disney and Universal are a blast, but Orlando has so much more to offer. From quaint museums to lush parks and gardens, there’s something for everyone here. You can wander down nature trails, browse unique shops and art galleries, geek out at sci-fi conventions, get your adrenaline pumping with adventure sports, and more.
Orlando is also the perfect homebase to explore other incredible places in Florida. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach towns such as Tampa, Cape Canaveral, and St. Augustine.
While you might have to do some digging, Orlando and its surrounding areas are packed with endless activities waiting to be discovered. I’ve been a local for years and haven’t even come close to seeing it all. Embrace the possibilities! Your new favorite thing could be right around the corner.
2. Orlando is really spread out.
Orlando is notorious for its suburban sprawl, a product of its past. Orlando’s history is characterized by citrus groves, tourism booms, and the growth of the aerospace industry. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the city experienced a surge in growth as it tried to handle the influx of new residents and visitors.
The city continues to expand as thousands move here every year. We simply can’t build fast enough.
As a result, there’s a lot of distance between one place and the next. For example, Walt Disney World isn’t actually in Orlando. It’s in Lake Buena Vista, about 20 miles outside Orlando proper.
Suburban Seminole County is even further away from Disney. And we’re nowhere near the beach. Here are some approximate drive times on a weekday morning:
- Orlando International Airport to Disney World – 40 minutes
- Disney World to Universal Studios – 30 minutes
- Disney World to downtown Orlando – 35 minutes
- Downtown Orlando to Daytona Beach – 55 minutes
And because Orlando is so spread out…
3. Getting around Orlando is challenging.
Unless you’re staying on Disney property or you don’t mind splurging on Uber rides, you need a car.
“What about public transportation?” you ask. The local options have some major drawbacks. We have a bus system called Lynx, but it can take hours and multiple bus transfers to get across town.
We also have a rail system called Sunrail, but it doesn’t run on weekends. Plus, some Sunrail stops are inconveniently located, forcing riders to trek a bit to reach their final destination.
And if you do have a car, brace yourself for some truly heinous traffic. Driving on our much-hated main highway, I-4, is like a scene out of Mad Max.
And don’t think you’ll find relief once you exit the highway. Semoran Boulevard, Aloma Avenue, and other suburban roads can get crazy and congested too.
So when you find yourself stuck in traffic, make sure you have a good podcast or playlist to keep you sane. You’re an Orlando driver now.
4. The weather can get crazy.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, but it actually rains a lot here, especially in the summer. Like clockwork, thunderstorms typically hit around 3:30pm in the summer months.
And these aren’t little showers. They’re full-blown STORMS, complete with slashing rain, booming thunder, and violent cracks of lightning. Florida is actually one of the lightning capitals of the United States.
The silver lining is that these storms often pass as swiftly as they come. Just keep an umbrella in your car and check the weather forecast before making outdoor plans.
Speaking of storms, June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season in Florida. Orlando is landlocked, but we still get our fair share of storm damage and flooding. Be sure to finish your hurricane prep ahead of time, because the grocery stores are wiped clean once that storm is bearing down.
5. Orlando’s food scene is incredible.
When you think of Orlando food, you might picture chain restaurants and pricey theme park burgers. But Orlando’s culinary scene is actually top-notch. We’ve got James Beard Award nominees, MICHELIN Guide restaurants, and a growing focus on sustainability and local ingredients. Whether you’re looking to drop $15 or $150 on your meal, you can easily find something tasty.
Check out “Restaurant Row” in Dr. Phillips for a fancy night out, or hit up the Mills 50 District for some great Asian cuisine. We’ve got boba shops galore, taco joints for days, and all kinds of ethnic cuisines. Craving Ethiopian? Laotian? Peruvian? We’ve got it all. Even the suburbs have plenty of hidden gems.
Orlando also has a thriving food truck scene. This scene really exploded around 2009. Since then, it’s been dishing up everything from lobster rolls to arepas to Swedish meatballs.
Long story short, if you’re hungry in Orlando, there’s no shortage of delicious options.
6. It grows on you.
(Come on, I had to bring this to a heartwarming conclusion!)
It’s hard to pinpoint the moment it happens. Maybe it’s when you find those friends who feel like home. Maybe it’s when you’re outside, just enjoying the sunshine. Or maybe it’s when you stumble across that perfect little coffee shop with the lakefront patio.
But one day, it happens. You realize that despite all the bad traffic, crazy drivers, and wild weather…you kinda like it here.
Orlando is a unique, vibrant city with pockets of natural beauty and artistic charm. This city is many things, but it’s not boring. If you know where to look, you can find plenty of things to enjoy here.
And if you’re not there yet, maybe this blog can help. At least, that’s my hope.
Welcome to Orlando.