There's no other city in the United States – the world, even – that celebrates childhood quite like Orlando, Florida. The feeling that you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center's Spaceship Earth (found in Walt Disney World Resort, of course); or from your first sip of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade (located inside Universal Orlando Resort); or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu's flips (during the One Ocean water show at SeaWorld Orlando) – all prove that being a kid is about your state of mind, not age. The notion that only young ones will enjoy this city's charms is just that – a notion. In reality, Orlando has a little of this and a little of that to appeal to all ages, and there's more to do here than visit theme parks. The subtropical climate is great for golfing and the downtown city landscape is too attractive not to explore.
The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Read more about how we rank vacation destinations.
#1
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
#2
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
#3
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May. That's the time of year you'll find the most pleasant weather (high 50s to high 80s most days) and agreeable prices on travel and lodging (excluding holiday weekends and school recesses). Likewise, September to mid-November offers comfortable temperatures and reasonable airfare and hotel rates, but autumn's months make up the most active part of Florida's hurricane season, which falls between June and November. Summertime is the worst season to plan a trip to the area – that's when the state's heat and humidity are borderline unbearable and hotels take advantage of the school break to drive up room rates. Prices are also at a premium between late November and February when families flock to the region to visit grandparents and celebrate the holidays.
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
Orlando's popularity with domestic and international tourists is reflected in its varied dining scene. Though American fast food joints and restaurant chains are prevalent throughout the Greater Orlando area, everything from Japanese to Italian is served here. Popular American eateries include the Waldorf Astoria Orlando's Bull & Bear steakhouse, Hot Krust Panini Kitchen and Eddie V's Prime Seafood, while Seito Sushi & New Japanese and NYPD Pizza are must-try locales for sushi and pizza. For a more upscale atmosphere, dine at Chatham's Place Restaurant or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's Victoria & Albert's.
Latin American fare is also noticeably present in Orlando. But unlike South Florida's cuisine, which features many Cuban dishes, Orlando's menus are more commonly filled with Puerto Rican staples like mofongo (fried and mashed green plantains with onion, garlic and olive oil that's topped with a protein like shrimp or pork), arroz con gandules (rice mixed with pigeon peas, pork and vegetables) and pastelón (a dish similar to lasagna that's made with mashed sweet plantains and ground beef). Other Latin American cuisines, such as Venezuelan and Spanish, are also represented on many restaurant menus. To sample some of Orlando's best Latin-inspired bites, check out Q'Kenan Restaurant, Melao Bakery and Padrino's Cuban Cuisine.
If a stay at Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World Resort is part of your Orlando visit, odds are you'll want to dine at Universal CityWalk or Disney Springs. These dining, shopping and entertainment complexes offer an array of cuisines, including Irish, Southern and Cuban. But meals served in both properties' eateries are pricey (for those who don't have resort dining plans), and tables are hard to come by, so finalize dining reservations well in advance for popular places like Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and The Boathouse.
The best way to get around Orlando is with a car, but the best way to get around each theme park is on foot. Orlando's top things to do, as well as its hotels, sprawl across the city's 111 square miles – not to mention the fact that Walt Disney World Resort is actually in two different cities, Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. You can rent cars in Orlando, but you can also find them at Orlando International Airport (MCO). And if you're a guest at one of Disney's accommodations, a Magical Express bus will shuttle you to and from the airport. However, once you're inside a park, your own two feet are the best way to get from one ride to the next. If you do grow fatigued, Disney offers a host of free options for moving between the parks and hotels, including bus, monorail and ferry boat routes. Universal Orlando Resort's accommodations also offer complimentary bus and water taxi services to get around the property.
See details for Getting AroundSearch for the best flight deals across Orbitz, Expedia, Kayak and more.
Jan 14, 2019
Explore unusual shorelines across the globe.
Dec 21, 2018
See which amazing locales around the globe are ideal for a girls-only vacation.
Dec 13, 2018
These tips can help you see the world at prices you can afford.
Dec 11, 2018
Create priceless honeymoon memories without breaking the bank.
Dec 04, 2018
You don't have to travel to a big city to experience nonstop Christmas fun.
Nov 26, 2018
These family-friendly mountain resorts offer exceptional snow sports and activities for all ages.
Nov 19, 2018
Get away to enjoy the views and activities at these properties around the world.
Nov 13, 2018
Find out which lines will help you save big on your next cruise vacation.
Nov 13, 2018
See how cruise lines are raising the bar with tech-savvy touches and improved luxury experiences.
Nov 13, 2018
Find out how taking a cruise can support your health, fitness and nutrition goals.
Overview
U.S. News has ranked more than 250 vacation destinations across the world. Use our advanced search tool to find the vacation that is right for you.
