Planning a holiday in Orlando can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. With world-famous theme parks, hidden gems, and unique experiences, there’s so much to consider. Luckily, I’ve gathered advice from travellers who’ve been there and done that. From packing the right essentials to exploring beyond the parks, these tips will help you make the most of your Orlando holiday!
Disclaimer: These tips come from holidaymakers from their personal experience and are not from travel experts. Some of the links contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pack Smart for Comfort and Convenience
Practical Essentials to Beat the Heat
Sarah, a mum of three, swears by handheld rechargeable fans and cooling towels. “The heat can be brutal,” she says, “so anything to keep cool is a lifesaver. We even brought cooling mist sprays that we picked up for just 99p before the trip!”
Janet, travelling with her husband and friends, shared this crucial tip, “Electrolyte tablets are a must! We took them every morning, and they kept everyone feeling great despite the heat.”
Footwear and Chafing Solutions
Olivia, a seasoned traveller, advises, “Don’t skimp on your footwear! I wore my asics trainers with cushioned socks, and my feet thanked me. Blister plasters stayed in my bag unused because I chose wisely.”
Julie adds, “If you’re wearing skirts or dresses, I highly recommend anti-chafing shorts. They were a game changer!”
Unexpected but Handy
Lucy says, “I always pack a few laundry tablets for longer trips. Being able to wash clothes mid-trip saved me from overpacking, and I only used about five outfits the entire time.”
If you’re prone to blisters, Kevin warns, “Pack moleskin! I didn’t and ended up paying $10 for one tiny piece at the hotel gift shop!”
Ponchos Are a Must
Sarah highlights one big lesson, “Bring ponchos! The storms pass quickly, but the ponchos sold in the parks are ridiculously expensive.”
Enjoy the Theme Parks Without Overdoing It
Plan Shorter Days and Rest
Rachel sums it up, “Full park days left us absolutely shattered. Instead, we spent the mornings relaxing by the pool and only headed to the parks after lunch.”
Neal and Kim found a great rhythm, “We discovered that hitting the parks later in the day worked well. We avoided the crowds but still stayed until closing.”
Rope Drop Works Wonders
Kev and Janet recommend getting up early to “rope drop” (arrive at the park before opening). “Even without early entry, we found mornings much quieter and got a lot done before it got too busy,” they explain.
Refuel Smartly
Lisa says, “Refillable cups were a lifesaver and saved us so much money. We also skipped sit-down meals in the parks and instead relied on snacks to keep us going.”
Planning ahead for snacks is also key, as Emma points out, “If you’re travelling with little ones, bring snacks, especially savoury ones. The parks are packed with sweet treats, but savoury options are harder to find.”
Beyond the Parks Explore Hidden Gems
Scenic Boat Rides
Julie raves about the Winter Park scenic boat tour, “It was absolutely amazing! The views were incredible and such a relaxing break from the busy parks.”
Meet Manatees and More
Kev adds, “We drove to Crystal River and swam with manatees. It’s totally worth the drive and something I’ll never forget.”
Meanwhile, Samantha shares, “Tarpon Springs was such a lovely day out. We collected shells, enjoyed a boat ride, and had the best Greek lunch at Hellas Bakery!”
Beach Adventures
Lisa couldn’t recommend a beach day more. “We visited Siesta Key for the sunsets. The beach was stunning, and it was a refreshing change of pace after the parks.”
Fun for All Ages
Rachel suggests mixing things up with activities like Topgolf. “Even our teenage daughter loved it, and it was a fun way to spend a chilled morning as a family.”
Unique Magic Kingdom Experiences
Keys to the Kingdom
Anna recommends the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Disney for an insider’s experience. “It’s perfect if you’re travelling without kids. You also get to take solo photos in front of the castle before the park opens!”
Disney Fireworks Cruise
Francis recommends the Disney Fireworks Cruise. “The Disney Fireworks Cruise is an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend! We opted for the Magic Kingdom Happily Ever After Cruise, though there’s also an option for the Epcot cruise. The package includes a private boat accommodating up to 10 people for $449 plus tax—a flat fee regardless of your group size (max 10).
Our adventure started at 8 PM from the Contemporary Resort Hotel, where the boats depart. With only about 15 boats available each night, it felt like an exclusive experience. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, so plan ahead!
The price includes complimentary snacks and drinks like soda, bottled water, cookies, cake pops, and crisps —extras can be taken home. A Disney cast member operates the boat, guiding you around the lake while sharing fascinating stories about the nearby resorts and Disney history. The boat is then anchored at a prime spot to enjoy the fireworks, complete with synchronised music playing through onboard speakers.
Although the cost might seem steep, I found it completely worth it for the unique and relaxing experience. Watching the fireworks from the water, away from busy crowds, was magical. The entire cruise lasts around two hours. This experience was truly a special way to enjoy Disney magic!”
Airport Tips
Planning your airport experience can set the tone for your entire trip. Here are two fantastic tips from seasoned travellers to make your time at the airport more enjoyable:
Start Your Holiday in Style with an Airport Lounge
Sarah, a frequent traveller, recommends booking an airport lounge. “Booking an airport lounge was the best decision we made to kick off our holiday! We went with the No1 Lounge, and it was such great value for what you get. The cost might seem high at first, but when you think about how expensive everything is at the airport, it’s totally worth it. Food, coffee, and even alcohol were all included – I even had a couple of glasses of sparkling wine. Plus, we got to relax in a comfy seat with a stunning runway view, away from the usual hustle and bustle of the main terminal. Our flight was delayed, but since we booked directly with No1 Lounge, we were allowed to stay the entire time. It made the delay so much more bearable. Honestly, it’s such an upgrade from crammed, uncomfortable terminal seating and crowded spaces and we worked out we would have spent more if we hadn’t booked the lounge!”
Breeze Through the Airport with the MPC App
“If you want to save time and avoid stress, download the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) app before you fly,” says Jake a solo adventurer. “It’s a lifesaver for navigating the airport quickly and efficiently. Not only did it help us skip some of the longer lines, but it also made the whole process feel less overwhelming. Definitely worth having on your phone.”
Kim agrees with how amazing the MPC app at MCO airport is. “The queues at Terminal C were massive, but we used the MPC lane and went straight to the front. All we had to do was take a quick photo, and we were through in no time. It’s super easy—download the app, fill in your details, then when you land, snap a photo of yourself and your family, collect your luggage, and head straight to the MPC lane. So convenient!”
Save on Airport Transport
Samuel suggests using Uber for airport transfers. “Taking an Uber from the airport to the hotel cost us about $40, which was a pleasant surprise for 3 adults with luggage. Make sure to compare Uber and Lyft prices, as one is often cheaper than the other, and prices can vary daily. You can easily connect to the airport WiFi upon arrival to check and book the best option.”
On the other hand, Ross feels that Uber isn’t always the best option. “I’d recommend checking out Holiday Extras. I booked an airport transfer for next year at £75 for a round trip, and it worked out cheaper than using Uber.”
Extra Tips You’ll Be Glad You Followed
Hydration and Beyond
Liam advises, “Bring insulated water bottles. They keep your drinks cold all day, even in the Florida heat.”
Hannah adds, “Small concentrated squash bottles were brilliant for making tap water taste better. None of us got dehydrated!”
Stay Comfortable
Tina shares, “Dry-fit clothing is a game changer in the heat. It kept us cool and prevented that sticky, uncomfortable feeling.”
For long days on your feet, Phoebe says, “Socks matter too! Brands like Wrightsocks wick moisture and prevent blisters. Total lifesaver!”
Be Flexible and Pack Light
David shares this hard-earned wisdom, “I packed way too much! Next time, I’m skipping the full suitcase. A few outfits and laundry tablets are all you’ll need.”
Finally, Sarah reminds us, “Sometimes it rains, and sometimes the crowds are bigger than expected. Take that photo in front of the castle the first chance you get. We missed out because we thought we’d have more time.”
Make the Most of Your Orlando Trip
An Orlando holiday isn’t just about theme parks. With thoughtful planning, comfortable packing, and time set aside for unique experiences, you can create lasting memories without the stress. Use these tips from fellow travellers to make your trip unforgettable!
Do you have your own Orlando tip or experience? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
