Orlando Travel Guide & Must-Know Tips For The BEST Trip!

Hey there thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers. Welcome to the Epic Guide to Orlando, where the magic happens both in and out of the theme parks. My name is Brandon, and whether you're here for roller coasters, the enchanting castles, or the vibrant culture, I've got you covered. And after you learn about my recommendations for Orlando's best places to stay, things to do, restaurants, and more, I promise you that you will have a better Orlando vacation. Then, coming up later in the video, I share with you my secret on finding when are the best times to visit Orlando based on the crowd levels. Now here's a fun fact about Orlando that you probably did not know. Did you know that when you combine the number of vacation rentals in the hotel rooms, there's no other place in the world that offers more places to stay than in Orlando? Which brings me to my first of many must-know travel tips throughout the video. Planning your lodging is the most important part, not to mention the most time-consuming part of your Orlando vacation. You want to find that perfect spot that offers good reviews, that isn't going to bust your budget, and one that's close to the attractions that you want to enjoy. So before I share with you my top recommended hotels and resorts, I wanted to share with you a few vacation rentals that I personally recommend checking out. Are you ready for the ultimate luxury family vacation? Look no further than this stunning 7-bedroom vacation home that's located in Kissimmee. Managed to the finest detail by Badgerland Vacation Homes, you're going to find the perfect balance of fun for adults and kids because this home provides the ideal setting for your family's dream vacation. This 3,900-square-foot home sleeps up to 16 people, making it the perfect retreat for large families or groups. Adults can enjoy the private pool, while the kids can get lost in the sea with the pirate ship locked. They will also love the Star Wars room and spending time with Anna, Aloof, and Elsa, or have some friendly competition in the Mario and Sonic arcade. The best part is that you're located just 15 minutes away from the magic of Walt Disney World and close enough to Universal and SeaWorld and everything else Orlando offers. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of interstate 4 traffic, making your commute to the parks a breeze. Located at the highly acclaimed Windsor at Westside Community, for free, you can enjoy the Community Lazy River, the heated pools, the hot tub, the arcade, the multi-sports courts, the kids' flash pad, restaurant, and more. Book now with the link in the description and prepare to make magical memories with your family in this incredible luxury vacation home. Another great vacation rental that I recommend checking out is Breeze Villa. Located at the beautiful Solterra Resort, just 20 minutes away from Walt Disney World, Breeze Villa offers luxury convenience and resort-style amenities. This spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home accommodates up to 11 guests. You will have access to a stunning clubhouse, resort-style pool, Lazy River Fitness Center, and tennis courts. Experience a magical Orlando vacation with modern comforts in a peaceful and serene setting. Once inside this beautiful rental, you will love relaxing in the upgraded living room. You will also enjoy that 3 out of the 5 bedrooms offer their own ensuite, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for your family. The kids will love bunking in the Minion and Mickey themed rooms or playing at the impressive game room. The private pool that now offers a newly upgraded patio space is always a win after the hot days walking around the theme parks. You will also enjoy the following amenities when you stay here. A great barbecue grill, a home phone with free international calls, free Wi-Fi, and smart TVs are located in all the rooms and the house is within walking distance of the clubhouse amenities. And you can save 5% off your booking and you can save 5% when booking this rental by using the code TRAVELGUIDES2025. This vacation rental is known as the Disney Dream and you will love this house located right at the beautiful and gated Winster at Westside Resort. Just minutes away from Walt Disney World, you will find a spacious house that comfortably accommodates 12 guests. After checking out the pictures of this rental, I realized what I love most about this Disney themed spacious home is all the amenities that come with it. For example, while most rentals make you pay to heat your private pool, not at the Disney Dream. And trust me, that right there is going to save you hundreds of dollars during your stay. Because visiting Orlando in January and February are always great times to visit. This beautiful vacation home offers an amazing kitchen that includes an air fryer and everything else that you need to save some money by cooking instead of eating out every day. You're going to find five bedrooms, three that feature king-sized beds, and two cute themed bedrooms for the kids. A great loft area in this rental is stacked with essentials like free Wi-Fi, baby items such as a crib, high chair, and even a stroller. Also, you will enjoy the free water park and lazy river that's only a five minute walk from the house. Now, if you would rather go the hotel and resort route, then here's my list of the top recommended ones. And since I know you're looking at ways to save some money, I wanted to share this money savings tip with you. Before you book a room at any hotel or resort in Orlando, you really need to check out planning.com. If you're like me and you think Orlando is filled with overpriced hotels usually, then you're really going to love this website. Planning is a new hotel booking site that offers up to 40% discounts compared to other third-party sites. All you have to do is create a free account and then you'll have access to these great deals. You can also check out more of my recommendations and visit the site by clicking the link in the description of this video or scanning the QR code on your screen. The site is super easy to use and you can explore over 2 million hotels worldwide. So if you are like me and you like to find that great deal, then I recommend checking out planning. I'm going to divide these hotel and resort recommendations into three different categories. The first category includes my recommendations for the Disney property, and then I'll share my recommendations for the Universal Hotels, followed by the hotels and resorts that are not located on either property, but are still close enough to the theme parks. When you stay on Disney property, you enjoy a wide range of great benefits, and my top three picks would be the Disney's Port Orleans Resort, featuring a 4.7 out of 5 rating. What I love most about this resort is its laid-back atmosphere in the pool area. Travel tip, one really cool thing about staying here is that you can take the ferry boat to nearby Disney Resorts and even Disney Springs. Disney's Riviera Resort, featuring a 4.8 out of 5 rating. Europe's inspiration for this newer resort is simply amazing. Staying here is highly recommended from the two pool areas overlooking the water to the beautiful rooms inside. The Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring a 4.7 rating. This resort is so unique, it is hard to go wrong. The rooms are great, but the views overlooking the safari and the animals are even better. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that any Disney fan should have. Heading over to the Universal Orlando area to showcase my top three picks, starting off with the Royal Pacific Resort, featuring a 4.5 rating. I love this hotel, and not only is it the closest one to Islands of Adventure, but because of its laid-back feel and the theme of it. Not to mention, but when you stay here, everyone in your room gets a free Universal Express Pass to enjoy at the parks. All you need to do is purchase your park tickets, and then you can enjoy skipping all the lines. Grand Helios. Now even though this hotel is not open yet, it's gonna be fascinating. And if you've ever wanted to stay at a resort that overlooks the world's most epic theme park, then congratulations, you just found the perfect spot. This hotel is simply breathtaking, and will become one of the best resorts in all of Orlando when it opens. Just imagine waking up and looking out and seeing an epic universe right in front of you. Talk about a speechless moment. Coming in with a 4.4 out of 5 rating is Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This is the most affordable hotel within walking distance of CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios. Kids and adults love Cabana Bay. Trust me on this. The pool areas offer hours of fun, and all of the other fun amenities here make this vibrant retro hotel special. Travel tip. The good news is that no matter your budget, style, or preference, you will find a hotel in Orlando. Starting off, my three non-theme park resort recommendations would be Marriott's Harbor Lake, featuring a 4.7 rating. This resort is located right down the street from SeaWorld Orlando, and offers a tucked away setting full of relaxing family-friendly fun and a wonderful staff. Conrad Orlando, featuring a 4.3 out of 5. This brand new Hilton property is located at the ever so impressive 1,100 acre Evermore Orlando Resort. This hotel offers spotless rooms and suites that provide lovely balconies. But the main reason why I recommend staying here are the amenities. Look at this massive 8 acre lagoon where you can swim all day in. This lagoon also offers paddle boarding, kayaking, a water slide, zero entry points, and more. Vacation Village at the Parkway, featuring a 4.2 rating. This resort offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites. It also features 7 heated pools, 7 hot tubs, 3 nature trails, 22 barbecue grills, and so much more. This place offers so many great amenities and you really can't beat the price. With so many new things to see and experience in Orlando, there are tons of reasons to visit this awesome city in 2025. But the biggest reason is, obviously, Universal Studios Epic Universe. This new theme park is a game changer and will change Orlando forever. Featuring 4 theme portals that cater to everyone. Go surround yourself in Super Nintendo World and experience the Donkey Kong themed roller coaster. The How to Train Your Dragon themed portal will be one of the most popular ones with the experiences that capture the essence of dragon flight. Then you have the Dark Universe, a gothic realm that explores Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's experiments. And lastly, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ministry of Magic. The all new immersive Harry Potter themed area. All of these themed portals surround Celestial Park, which is home to some of the best theme park restaurants you're ever going to experience. And you'll also get to ride the largest roller coaster that's going to be opening up in Florida in 2025 and most likely 2026, and that is Stardust Racers. So many theme parks, so many things to do, which brings me to, how many days do you need? And honestly, it's Orlando. This is why I recommend staying in Orlando at least five full days, hopefully a week if you're able to. I always advise allowing yourself as much time as possible so you're not going to be rushed. Now, if you plan on spending your time at Universal, then three full days would be great for just those parks. If you're visiting Disney, then I would recommend four full days. But do not sleep on Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa, and SeaWorld Orlando, because all these other parks are awesome and offer fantastic rides, attractions, and great things to do, and are all located within an hour's drive. Getting to and from Orlando. Orlando is easily accessible by car, and the Orlando International Airport is located less than 20 minutes from the theme parks. Travel tip. Did you know that there's actually another airport that is located 30 minutes north of OIA? This is the Orlando Sanford International Airport, and I've flown in and out of here a few times. Therefore, I recommend checking out this option for pricing purposes. Orlando is home to some world-class attractions, and here are my top recommended ones to check out. The Escape Game Orlando. Now check this out. You want to know why this is the escape room that you need to experience in Orlando? The Escape Game Orlando offers 20,000 Google reviews, and they still have a five out of five star rating. And if you've never tried an escape room, you are really missing out. Once inside, you're going to find seven different themed rooms to choose from. So do you have what it takes to escape rooms like Prison Break, The Heist, Mission Mars, and Special Ops Mysterious Market? Trust me on this. You're going to love your time here. Another highly rated attraction that I recommend checking out is Venture Outdoors, featuring a five out of five rating as well. Orlando is so much more than theme parks. This is why I recommend Venture Outdoors. That's because you're going to fall in love with the beautiful wildlife and nature that surrounds Orlando. This kayaking attraction takes you through some of Orlando's most extraordinary nature settings. Just imagine riding a roller coaster at SeaWorld, and then the very next day, riding in a kayak next to a manatee. I also recommend their Bioluminance Kayak Tour, where you experience a natural light show as glowing organisms illuminate the water with every stroke of your paddle. For dinner show lovers out there, you have to check out Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, featuring a 4.7 rating. But be prepared to feast like a king at this super fun show. Everyone has a great time at this two hour long show. The food is delicious, the entertainment is on point, and you really feel like you're taking a step back in time. Travel tip. I recommend arriving when the doors open, because seating is first come first serve. When you purchase your ticket, it's going to tell you the exact time the doors open and when the show actually starts. Congo River Golf Kissimmee. 4.7 out of 5. Orlando has some of the best and most challenging mini golf courses around. And there is a reason why this one is ranked as one of the best, if not the very best. Where you're going to find a few other Congo River golf courses nearby, you really should visit this one. You're going to find two fantastic courses that offer the best overall mini golf experience in the area. The holes are in great condition and very challenging and yet very fun. Travel tip. If you're visiting Universal Orlando, then you'll want to check out Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf, which is located right at City Walk. And I recommend to get the full effect of both courses, play them at night. Orlando Hello Tours, featuring a 4.7 rating. Get ready to take in breathtaking views of Orlando and the theme parks from a thousand feet up. This is such an incredible experience that everyone needs to have. And honestly, you cannot beat the price for this once in a lifetime experience. Marsh Landing Adventures, featuring a 4.7. I cannot recommend enough taking some time away from the theme parks so you can experience an airboat ride. While you're going to find a bunch of different airboat rides near Orlando, Marsh Landing Adventures is not only one of the best ones, but it's also the closest. So what are you waiting for? Go out and see some gators. With a 4.6 rating, you have the Wheel at Icon Park. This 400 foot tall Ferris wheel towers over the I-Drive corridor. And during your 20 minute ride, you will be able to look out and see for miles. From atop, you'll be able to see Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, and SeaWorld Orlando off in the distance. Icon Park, also featuring a 4.6 rating. This outdoor entertainment area offers some great attractions, restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. There really is so much to see and do here for everyone. Money Savings Tip. Are you tired of paying an arm and a leg for parking anywhere you are in Orlando? If so, you're going to love that Icon Park features free parking. Now if you're brave enough, you must experience the tallest and craziest attraction in all of Orlando. The 450 foot tall Orlando Star Flyer featuring a 4.7 rating. This is the world's tallest and scariest swing ride. But the big question is, is it really worth it? And the answer is yes. And another question I get all the time is, is it scary? Yes, it is scary as hell, but so worth it. Gatorland, coming in with a 4.6 rating. This is Orlando's hidden gem attraction wise, and I cannot recommend it enough. Gatorland is a great attraction that offers close encounters to massive gators, plus live demonstrations, zip lines, kid activities, and so much more. The Fun Spot America theme parks. You're going to find two fantastic parks that are filled with the best go-karts in town, tons of rides from mild to wild, roller coasters, games, and more. The best part is Fun Spot offers free parking and free admission. You just have to pay for the rides that you want to experience. Travel tip. Located right next to Fun Spot Kissimmee is Old Town, a great free attraction that is just fun to walk around, shop, and take in the unique atmosphere. If you love classic cars, then you really want to plan your visit around the nights that they're having their classic car shows. Although Orlando can be hot pretty much every month of the year, the good news is that it's also home to five major standalone water parks. And be sure to click that subscribe button, so you do not miss out on my upcoming Florida water park guide. Because you really do have a tough decision to choose which water park you want to visit between Volcano Bay, Aquatica, Island, H2O Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach, and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Each water park in Orlando offers its own theme, where you'll find a great collection of slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and other great water park attractions. Travel tip. Volcano Bay is hands down the best water park for offering the best slide collection. However, if you're looking for a water park with the best lazy rivers and wave pools, then Aquatica is the way to go. Another great option to cool off in that Florida heat is by heading over to Cocoa Beach. This awesome beach town is located along Florida's space coast and is less than an hour away from the theme parks. So be sure to go check out my travel guide for Cocoa Beach and other great guides for areas like Destin, St. Augustine, and Clearwater. And for your convenience, you can find the links to those videos in the description of this one. Also, if you're finding this video to be helpful in any way, then all I ask that you do is please take one second and give the video a like. My Orlando travel guide took over 30 hours to create, so I really do appreciate the support and that like. Orlando is home to thousands of different restaurants. That is why I'm going to list off my top 500 restaurants in the Orlando area. Okay, I'm just kidding. But here are my top recommended places free to try, sorted out by the area that they're located in. Starting off with the International Drive area. With a 4.5 rating, we have Beth's Burger Bar. And you cannot go wrong with this tasty, create-your-own-burger joint. This colorful diner is going to be a very popular place being located so close to Epic Universe. The food is fantastic hands down. Tijuana Flats. You're going to find these restaurants located all around the Orlando area. And they really are good. This more of a local spot offers great Taco Tuesdays and the best hot sauce bar around. Bahama Breeze. This Caribbean restaurant is always a great choice for lunch or dinner. And it's very popular down here in Florida. And oh my gosh, their Jamaican Jerk Chicken really is that good. The Yardhouse. Featuring a 4.5 rating. Located at the fabulous Icon Park, this restaurant features a huge menu for both food and alcohol. You really cannot go wrong with eating here. If you're celebrating a special occasion, then I recommend making reservations at Chima Steakhouse Orlando. This Brazilian steakhouse offers some of the best tasty meats that you're ever going to taste. Heading down to the Disney area for Skyline Chili. Featuring a 4.7 rating. While this may look gross to you, trust me, it's not. I grew up in Ohio and have been eating and loving this stuff now for over 40 years. Travel Tip. I recommend a four-way and a cheese coney with extra cheese. V Pizza and Taproom. 4.9 out of 5. If you're in the mood for some good pizza, then you just found the perfect spot. You're going to love the food, the service, and the vibe that V Pizza offers. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar. 4.5 out of 5 rating. This massive restaurant is one of the newer ones that you're going to find in Kissimmee. And features a great menu full of delicious items that you're going to love. Rock and Brews. 4.5. You're going to find great food, amazing service, a fun environment, delicious pizza, and mouth-watering burgers. This place is so worth checking out. Travel Tip. I always recommend checking out the restaurant options that you're going to find at Disney Springs, CityWalk, Point Orlando, and Icon Park. Now let's talk about the most important piece of planning your Orlando vacation. When is the best time to visit? It is so important to find that perfect time to visit. Because if you do not, then you're going to be visiting when it feels like everyone else is there at the exact same time you are. This is why I highly recommend visiting during January, February, September, and November. These four months are the slowest months for the theme parks. Now promise me that you will not be planning your vacation to Orlando during the last two weeks of December. There is a reason why this time period is called the Hell Weeks. And watch out for the weekends in the summertime and the spring break time periods. Which brings me to this. I always recommend visiting the theme parks during the weekdays no matter what time of year it is. Which brings me to another travel tip. A great way for you to gauge just how busy the parks are projected to be is really simple. All you have to do is head over to their website and play around with the ticket prices since the ticket prices will be higher on the days that the parks will be busier. Another thing that I recommend is by checking and seeing how much the Universal Express Pass is going for each day. This tells you a lot about how busy the parks are expected to be. The more expensive the Express Pass, the busier it's going to be. Another valuable thing to know is that Florida residents love taking the weekends off and visiting the parks. So be sure to keep that in mind as well. Now for a bonus travel tip. Before you visit Orlando, you have to learn about the top 10 things not to do when you're visiting the area. You can learn about these things in the showcase video at the bottom of your screen. So when are you planning your Orlando trip? Be sure to let me know in the comments. And as always, thank you so much for watching. Remember to smile today, be adventurous, and never stop traveling.