By Juliana Octavini
Traveling to Florida and spending the holidays having fun in Orlando's amusement parks is a lot of people's dream. No wonder the city is the preferred destination of many families, couples and friends who are searching for adventures and unforgettable moments!
With a huge variety of attractions and a charming atmosphere, Orlando promises a unique experience for all visitors.
But for you to make the most of this journey, it is essential to have careful and detailed planning. In this post, I want to explore some aspects you need to consider when planning your dream trip to Orlando. Shall we?
- Documentation
Before you begin to chart the entire itinerary of your trip, it is very important to have all your documentation up to date, which includes passport, visa and identification documents.
I say this because I have seen cases where the person bought the plane ticket for a promotional price but, when he went to see it, the passport was expired or even cases where the visa had been denied, so watch out!
Choosing the best time of year to travel
Orlando has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Very similar to Brazil's climate and, therefore, it is the fate of many Brazilians who want to live in the United States.
In Florida, by the way, the sun appears all year round and so it is known as Sunshine State!
When planning, be sure to consider your climate preferences by choosing the best time of year to make your trip.
Summer (June to August): The summers in Orlando are hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. The days are long and sunny, ideal for enjoying water parks and outdoor attractions. However, it is important to be prepared for rapid and intense rains, common during this time, especially in the afternoon.
Autumn (September to November): The autumn in Orlando brings milder temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 29°C. The days remain sunny, but the rains gradually decrease. This is a great time to visit the theme parks, as the crowds tend to decline after the end of summer vacation.
Winter (December to February): The winters in Orlando are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between 10°C and 23°C. Although rare, occasionally a cold front can occur, bringing lower temperatures. This is also the driest season, with few rains. It is a popular time to visit theme parks, especially during Christmas and New Year's festivities. And no, it doesn't snow in Orlando! Rsrs =D
Spring (March to May): Spring in Orlando is a lovely time, with milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C, making this an ideal time to explore theme parks and enjoy outdoor activities. Rains can gradually rise as spring advances, so it is good to be prepared for some rain strokes.
Regardless of the time of your visit, there is always something exciting to do and explore in the city all year round!
Avoid high season periods!
Much is said about periods of high and low season. But I confess that, particularly after the pandemic, it fell to the ground and, today, there are no more periods when you will find the empty parks regardless of the time of the year to come.
It is interesting to note that throughout the year, both the city and the parks are always full and you will always pick up queues in the toys because Orlando is one of the world's favorite destinations.
But yes, you can enjoy your journey anyway.
It is also worth noting that school holidays (from May to July, which is the vacation period in the United States) and holidays (such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, for example) are still times of great movement in Orlando, which means larger crowds and higher prices.
- Setting the budget
Planning a detailed budget is essential to ensure that your trip to Orlando is financially viable and satisfactory. So I listed below some steps that might help you better define your budget.
What are the main costs to consider?
– Air tickets: Search several airlines and booking sites to find the best rates. Consider direct flights and flights with stopovers, flexible schedules and early booking periods to get the best prices. Use comparison and booking sites to find the best offers.
– Hosting: Determine how much you are willing to spend per night in accommodations. Consider factors such as location, amenities, type of accommodation (hotel, resort, home rental) and season (high or low). It is important to decide whether you prefer to stay close to the theme parks or in more remote areas. There are even hotels within parks that offer conveniences but prices are more salty, while there are hotels outside that are more economical.
Food: Estimate how much you plan to spend on meals a day, taking into account breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Remember to include tips and meals in restaurants within the theme parks. Many hotels do not usually offer daily breakfast and thus you will have to do it in restaurants.
– Park Tickets: Book a portion of your budget to buy tickets to the theme parks you want to visit. Consider ticket packages that can offer savings compared to the individual purchase of tickets for each park. Do not leave to buy tickets on the day, at the park box office, because the prices are usually higher.
What about the extra expenses?
– Local Transport: It's worth putting on the tip of the pencil as you plan to move around the city. Therefore, analyze the costs of car rental, taxis, public transport or transportation services to the hotel or airport.
Having a car can offer greater flexibility to explore Orlando and its surroundings. Search car rental companies and book in advance to ensure availability and better prices.
Orlando also offers public transport options, such as buses and trains, to get around the city. Consider your transportation needs when planning your itinerary.
– Memories and Shopping: Estimate a value to spend on souvenirs, gifts and shopping during the trip. With so many shopping options and products that we do not see in Brazil, it is very easy for you to lose the line and end up spending so much more than you can! Rs
– Extra Activities: Book an extra value for optional activities such as tours, night shows, special dining experiences or activities outside the theme parks. Yes! Orlando has many amazing experiences outside the parks that you are very worth doing!
Extra tips:
– Special Offers: Stay tuned for promotional packages, seasonal discounts and special offers offered by airlines, hotels, car rental and theme parks. These offers can help significantly reduce travel costs!
– Budget Sheet: Create a detailed budget sheet listing all planned and estimated expenses. Update it regularly during the planning process and during the trip to control your expenses.
– Early Savings: Start saving for your trip in advance by booking a portion of your monthly budget for this purpose. This will help minimize the financial impact of the trip when the time comes to travel.
By following these steps and setting a realistic and comprehensive budget, you will be better prepared to plan a trip to Orlando that is financially comfortable and rewarding. Remember to be flexible and willing to adjust your budget as needed to ensure a memorable and stress-free travel experience.
Planning the Parks Roadmap
Orlando has several theme parks and a multitude of other attractions that can be done beyond the parks. So it is interesting to analyze which parks you want to visit and book tickets in advance.
In addition, it is important to check the attractions you want to go to to better plan your itinerary and even know whether or not the attraction you want to go to will be closed during the time of your trip. Yes, many toys end up closing for maintenance during the year – either at Disney or Universal – which can be somewhat unpleasant.
It is also important to be aware of seasonal events or festivals that take place during your stay. Also because some events can be paid separately and, with this, the opening and closing hours of the parks end up being changed.
- Insurance Travel
And last but not least: Never travel without an insurance trip! Without it your journey can become a nightmare if you need to run to a hospital, for example. Search prices and evaluate everything included in the insurance you are acquiring to avoid headaches during your stay.
I know, it's a lot to assess but one thing I'm sure you won't regret! With careful and early planning, your trip to Orlando will be a truly magical and memorable experience and you will be able to make the most of everything the city has to offer!
