Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort and Universal Orlando Resort... it's no wonder that more than 600,000 Brazilians chose Orlando as their destination in 2023. With so many sights, parks and attractions, as well as the bureaucracy that every pre-trip requires, it can seem difficult to know where to start organizing so many things.
That's why we at HappyTours have come up with 10 essential tips for those who are planning to visit the wonders of Orlando and want to make the most of this unforgettable trip! Read on to find out more.
1. Plan everything in advance
Let's make a brief checklist:
- Set the date of the trip;
- Practicing the language;
- Plan your finances;
- Plan to apply for an American visa;
- Organize luggage according to travel time and season;
- Organizing documentation, cards, internet;
- Define a means of transportation for use at the destination;
- Accommodation and meals;
- Travel itinerary.
Briefly, these are some of the essential points to consider when planning a trip abroad and to a place with so much going on and so many attractions to admire! That's why you need to plan ahead, and if you choose to travel in high season, 6 months in advance is a good time to make your reservations.
Don't forget to organize your suitcase according to the season in Orlando.
2. Buy tickets in advance!
After organizing your travel itinerary, prefer to buy park and show tickets online, as this will save you a lot of time in queues, giving you more time to enjoy other attractions! We've put together 10 brief tips to make sure tickets aren't a problem on your trip. Check them out:
Research ticket options in advance
- There are several online platforms for buying tickets (official websites, authorized resellers, etc.). Do some research to compare prices and benefits offered. Sites such as Undercover Tourist, Orlando Fun Tickets, GetYourGuide and Viator may have promotions and lower prices;
- Often, buying combined tickets for multiple attractions (such as Disney, Universal and SeaWorld) is cheaper than buying them individually. Ticket packages for parks such as Disney (Park Hopper), Universal (Park-to-Park) and SeaWorld can be a good choice, depending on your time and interests.
Buy tickets in advance
- Buying tickets in advance can guarantee lower prices, as there are often promotions for those who buy well in advance;
- Avoid buying tickets in the park, as tickets sold directly in the parks tend to be more expensive. What's more, you may have to queue to buy them.
Consider tickets with a flexible date
- To avoid unforeseen scheduling problems, consider flexible tickets, such as those that allow you to change the date of your visit or that are valid for several dates. This can be useful if your plans change due to the weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Check for discounts and promotions
- Some parks offer discounted tickets for international tourists, so be sure to ask about this;
- Keep an eye out for dates such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even summer and winter promotions, when companies usually offer significant discounts;
- Some discount cards, such as the Go Orlando Card, offer access to several attractions for a single price. It's a good option if you plan to visit several attractions in a short period of time.
Pay attention to the type of ticket
- One Park vs. Park Hopper: most parks offer tickets for a single park per day (One Park), but if you want to visit more than one park on the same day, the Park Hopper ticket is more suitable. Check the prices and decide according to your time and interests;
- Tickets for special events: some parks offer tickets for special evening events or shows, such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (Disney) or Halloween Horror Nights (Universal). These tickets are limited and can sell out quickly, so buy in advance if you're interested.
Take queuing times and advance booking into account
- Many parks, such as Disney and Universal, require or recommend reservations for certain rides or experiences (for example, restaurants and popular attractions). Make sure you book in advance when necessary;
- Take advantage of FastPass and quick queue systems: For some parks, such as Disney, there are systems such as Genie+ (which replaced FastPass) that allow you to skip queues at some attractions. Do your research to decide if it's worth it, and if so, buy it in advance.
Pay attention to age and height requirements
- Check the age and height restrictions for attractions before buying tickets. Small children, for example, may have reduced ticket prices, but what really matters is making sure they can enjoy the attractions available.
Last minute discounts and group tickets
- Group tickets: if you're traveling in a group (family, friends), ask about group discounts on ticket websites or directly at the attractions. Some parks offer promotions for families or larger groups;
- Last call for tickets: when you're already in Orlando, take a look at last-minute promotions in case you decide to go to more parks. Some websites and resellers may have discounted tickets because they are approaching their expiration date.
Be cautious with tickets from unofficial resellers
- Avoid dubious websites: always buy from reliable sources and check other users' reviews. Avoid sites that don't have a good reputation or that seem to offer "too good to be true" deals.
Check the cancellation conditions
Refunds and changes: check the cancellation and change policy of the tickets before you buy them. Some tickets can be refunded or exchanged with prior notice, while others may not allow changes.
3. Put together a detailed itinerary
Define which parks, attractions and sights in Orlando you will visit and on which days. At this point, don't forget to take into account travel time and energy levels. We've listed the best places to visit in the entertainment capital of the world below:
Walt Disney World Parks
Magic Kingdom park (the city's main and most famous park), Disney Epcot park for those who like technology, Disney Hollywood Studios park for those who want to experience the magic of the movies in person, among others!
Outlet shopping!
Outlets are very popular with Brazilians, mainly because they offer a variety of products from brands that are not easily found in Brazil and at a relatively affordable price. If you can't do without shopping, check out the 7 best Outlets in Orlando!
Museums: lots of options!
Orlando also has entertainment options for art lovers!
- Orlando Science Center: if you like science and technology, you can't miss this place;
- Orlando Museum Of Art: for art lovers, Orlando has a museum with collections of American, African and pre-Columbian art;
- Madame Tussauds Orlando: an extension of the wax museum, it allows you to record a moment with your favorite star (no one needs to know it's wax).
Water parks: fun for everyone
If you've chosen to travel in the summer, between June and September, you'll be faced with hot and humid weather, as there's a lot of rain during this period! That doesn't stop you from having fun at Orlando's many water parks: Aquatica, Universal's Volcano Bay, Disney's Blizzard Beach... there are parks to suit all tastes!
Contact with nature: trails and lakes
Are you the type of person who needs contact with nature? Orlando also has incredible trails to take part in with the whole family!
Whether you want to go jogging, cycling, sightseeing or just walking, there are more than 40 places to explore. If you don't know where to start, try Lake Eola Park! Perfect for a day of relaxation in the midst of Orlando's many exciting attractions.
4. Prioritize transport!
Renting a car is an excellent choice, as public transport can be restrictive for those who have limited days to visit the city's many attractions! Don't forget to make sure your driver's license is valid in the USA.
Also, look for a reliable car rental company that will give you the support you need before, during and after your trip! HappyTours offers safe and favorable car rental options in Orlando.
5. Get your phone ready: download useful apps
They will be essential if one of your goals is to visit the parks! Downloading the Disney and Universal apps, for example, will allow you to follow queues in real time and book attractions.
6. Save on food
Prepare practical snacks, bet on ready meals and use reusable bottles to make your travel experience easier! Eating inside the parks can be a bit expensive, so plan meals out or take advantage of promotions. In addition to this, there are 10 other tips on how to save on international travel that HappyTours has prepared for you.
7. Consider staying near the park
Although the price is a little higher than other accommodations, hotels in or near the complexes can save time and offer benefits such as free transportation and being one of the first in line for a busy attraction. In addition, some hotels within the parks offer exclusive benefits for guests depending on the class booked.
8. Check the weather and get organized
As we've mentioned, during the summer, Orlando has a warm and cozy temperature, but rain also accompanies it. Therefore, if you decide to travel during this time of year, make sure you take suitable clothing for both sunny and rainy days. If you're not a big fan of summer, it's a good idea to research the best season to travel to the USA before organizing your trip.
9. Make time for shopping!
If you're planning to exchange or buy electronics, renew your closet or have access to brands that haven't yet arrived in Brazil, take advantage of Orlando's outlets and malls! They are very famous for their attractive prices, especially on electronics, shoes and clothes.
10. Health and safety: stay alert!
Travel insurance is essential! It sounds like an exaggeration and many people think that it's money invested as a guarantee and that it will never be used or returned, but the reality is that we can't predict what will happen on a trip, regardless of its distance or duration.
Being in another country, with a different and private health system, makes it essential to be sure that, in any situation, you will be well taken care of. Below, we briefly list a few occasions when insurance can be your greatest ally during a trip:
- International medical cover;
- Medical emergencies;
- Trip cancellation and refund;
- Lost or stolen luggage;
- Flight delays;
- 24-hour assistance;
- Cover for leisure activities.
We believe that, when planning a trip, no one would want to be limited by bureaucracies that, by having travel insurance, you wouldn't have to worry about. To choose good insurance, check out some tips below:
- Research well: compare options from different insurers and read reviews from other customers;
- Check with your credit card company: some credit cards offer free travel insurance or partial cover, but make sure this meets your needs. It is common for credit cards to offer cover for air travel, but you may need additional insurance for specific situations, such as health and activities at the destination;
- Pay attention to value for money: don't be carried away by price alone, prioritize what the insurance really offers in terms of protection;
- Consider your health: if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, research insurance companies that cover or offer options for these conditions.
Choosing the right travel insurance can bring peace of mind and protection in a number of unforeseen situations, avoiding financial surprises in a country where the health system can be very expensive.
With these tips from HappyTours, you have everything you need to start organizing your dream trip to Orlando! And to complement your schedule even more, how about checking out Disney in July: Independence Day in Orlando? Count on us to make this incredible trip happen in the best way possible. See you there!
