Explore Orlando
Plan Your Orlando Holiday: Best of Orlando
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Explore “The Wanderer's” unexpected guide to Orlando
Essential Orlando
Noteworthy Neighbourhoods
The best hotel pools In Orlando (beyond the theme parks)
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress9,457There’s a lot to love about the sprawling pool grounds of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, especially the resort’s unique swim-through grottos. These shaded caves turn an afternoon swim into an adventure; children love to play hide and seek and imagine pirate chases (while I like to find a cool quiet nook and sip a cocktail). The main pool is a half-acre beauty with two whirlpools, a water slide tower, and a water jet splash zone.
- Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek8,460Dotted by palm trees and lush greenery, this 3-acre lazy river complex is far from your ordinary hotel pool. Grab a tube and do a loop, then splash down the waterslide into the pool (there are two hot baths, too). Extra bonus: the expansive outdoor area is shared with sister resort the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The elevated service is evident in the poolside attendants, private cabanas, and even poolside arts and crafts for children.
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort3,166I love many things about the luxe Four Seasons Orlando, but the resort’s picture-perfect pool grounds rank at the top of my list. There are four pools to meet every mood, including one slide-filled option for families. A Splash Zone keeps the younger set entertained for hours, with columns spouting choreographed fountains of water. And the adults-only Oasis pool is a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the property from the pool’s infinity edge.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort, an IHG Hotel9,195Skip the pricey waterparks if you’re looking for Orlando’s longest lazy river—instead book a room here. The resort’s River Island is home to the area’s longest water feature, clocking in at 1,200 feet (longer than three football fields!). There are also seven pools and The Hippo, the world’s largest inflatable waterslide. Live music and fun pool games keep the deck hopping during the day; poolside family films add blockbuster fun in the evenings.
- The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando3,673My favourite thing about The Grove Resort is its Surfari Water Park (also open to the public), which is stacked with tons of water activities. Even though I’m still working on getting up on my feet, I enjoy testing my balance on the FlowRider Surf Simulator. The resort’s main attraction is its impressive zero-entry pool with tropical vibes. You’ll find more thrill at the dual slides and more chill on the lazy river.
- JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes4,017I am in awe of the grandeur and scope of Orlando’s new Grande Lakes Waterpark (open to the public). Encompassing the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, the waterpark opened in 2023 with six zones of water fun. There are three waterslides that reach thrilling speeds, spacious lagoons, and a lazy river that rolls under a canopy of trees and waterfalls. Feeling adventurous? Head to AquaVenture, where a combo rope and sprinklers course offers some rousing splashes.
Explore Orlando by interest
Beyond the parks
Geek out with others fans
Thrills and chills
Orlando on a dime
Feeling fancy-ish
More great cities for family-friendly theme parks
Dig into Orlando
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Orlando
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Orlando is served by two international airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the city’s primary airport while the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) serves as a secondary airport for the region.
Bus:
Greyhound offers intercity bus service from Orlando to multiple locations across the country.
Driving:
Travelers driving to Orlando usually come via Interstate 4, the city’s primary interstate highway.
Train:
Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star lines operate services between New York City and Miami.
Do I need a visa?
If you are traveling from an international destination use the U.S State Department’s Visa Wizard to determine if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) or fall (September to November): To avoid high temperatures and summer crowds, visit Orlando in the spring, when visitors seeking something other than theme parks can catch the annual Florida Film Festival in April. Average daytime temperatures in spring reach highs of 84 Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) and lows of 62 Fahrenheit (17 Celsius).
Mid-September through November brings milder weather and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. If visiting during the fall, consider trip insurance as this is when Florida’s hurricane season hits. Average daytime temperatures in fall reach highs of 84 Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) and lows of 66 Fahrenheit (19 Celsius).
Train
SunRail is Greater Orlando’s commuter train. It runs north-south and operates Monday to Friday. It doesn’t stop at or near any theme parks.
More information on schedules and fares here.
Bus
Lynx serves the greater Orlando area in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties, with limited service to Polk County. The bus system also runs the zero-fare LYMMO Bus in Downtown Orlando.
More information on schedules, routes, and fares here.
I-Ride Trolley
I-Ride Trolleys serve the International Drive Resort Area, operating daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available in Orlando on your smartphone.
Are there local customs I should know?
Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally here.