Holiday rentals in Orlando

Getting to Orlando

You can fly direct via major airlines to two of Orlando’s airports. Fly to Orlando International Airport, which is about 9.6 kilometers from the city centre, from Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow, and London airports. The smaller Orlando Sanford International Airport can be reached from Edinburgh and Birmingham. Once there, there are a number of ways to reach Orlando holiday homes. Both airports offer taxis and shuttles to the city, with regular buses available at Orlando International Airport.

Dining tips in Orlando

Whether you are eating in or dining out, be sure to try some local dishes during your stay. While the city itself has few traditional delicacies, some of Florida’s dishes include gator (as in alligator) bites, conch fritters (if you like seafood try High Tide Harry’s), and the meaty, pickle-filled Cuban sandwich. Key lime pie, a southern creation, is also a must. For Key Lime Coconut Patties, Gummy Gators and other candy simulations, visit Anastasia's Confections.

If you feel like re-creating these recipes in your Orlando holiday home, there are plenty of Walmarts and traditional markets for shopping. For vegetables (and jewellery) browse the Orlando Farmer’s Market on Lake Eola; for fish, try the East End Market, which also offers cooking demonstrations.

For eating out somewhere a bit different, try Disneyworld's Rainforest Café, one of many such restaurants available, or turn into a detective at the comedic Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show. However you spend your time in this diverse city, leave your Orlando holiday letting at least one evening to catch Disneyworld's nightly fireworks display.

Sightseeing in and around Orlando

As you probably already know, there are numerous Disney and Universal theme parks, featuring animals, rides, water slides, and more. No matter your fancy, or the proximity of your Orlando holiday home, do try and experience some of the activities on offer outside of the parks.

For instance, in addition to Disney’s open-bus Kilimanjaro Safaris, you could try an air-boat ride in Kissimmee’s Spirit of the Swamp. Or perhaps after riding your bike in the sky at Universal’s E.T. Adventures, you’ll have the courage to zip-wire over alligators at Gatorland? For interactive experiences with slightly more approachable animals, and for a relaxing end to the day, head to Seaworld’s Discovery Cove to swim with dolphins, or learn to ride a horse with DreamCatcher Horse Ranch and Rescue.

Although little remains of Orlando’s historic past, you can catch glimpses of what life was like in the 19th century by visiting Harry P. Leu Gardens, taking a guided boat tour of Winter Park, or exploring the reconstructed Pioneer Village. An overview of Central Florida’s history, from indigenous and Spanish settlers right through to Orlando’s famous orange groves, is also offered at the Orange County Regional History Centre.

Finally, it may not be as spooky as Disney’s Haunted Mansion, but you might want to avoid a late-night visit to the family-friendly Odditorium at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, unless you don’t mind seeing shrunken human heads and bizarre artefacts on display before you go to sleep.

Day-trips from Orlando

The wider region features Legoland, beaches, and nature reserves, all within easy reach of our Orlando holiday lettings. NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre is sure to impress with its rockets, simulated launch experiences, IMAX movies, and talks with astronauts. Check to see whether your visit coincides with a real launch. A break on the nearby Space Coast — popular Cocoa Beach is the nearest — will bring you firmly back to earth. If the western Gulf Coast draws your attention, head for Clearwater Beach, if only to go aboard Captain Memo’s two-hour family-fun pirate cruise complete with treasure hunts and water guns.

If interested in Native American sites, visit Turtle Mound with its views of the Space Coast (prior reading-up on the site is recommended as there are relatively few information panels) or Safety Harbour Mound near Tampa Bay. The cultural city of Tampa is worth a visit, or head north to the scenic Crystal River Preserve State Park. Miami, which lies in the far south of Florida, may be too far away for a day trip, but if you know what you want to see, go for it!

An exhilarating trip to the world's best theme parks in Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando

This aquarium allows visitors a close encounter with marine life. Dolphin and Orca shows, deadly sharks and fun water rides are some of this attraction's perks.

Magic Kingdom

Rediscover all your favourite Disney characters at the Magic Kingdom, the most popular theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Perfect for thrill seekers, this adventure park, which one TripAdvisor award in 2015 and 2016 brings your favourite cartoons, myths and films to life. Take a Jurassic Park raft ride, visit King Kong on Skull Island and much more.

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a sister Park of Orlando Seaworld with interactive experiences such as swimming with dolphins and feeding stingrays.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Dive straight into the top attraction of Universal Orlando, the wizarding village of Hogsmeade, made famous by J.K. Rowling. Sample the butterbeer and experience a simulated broomstick flight.