car hire orlando
Pick up your hire car at Sanford Airport and get ready for thrills and spills in the world's greatest entertainment hub. Book car hire orlando now
the 60-second guide to Orlando
in its own head
"We are the FUN centre of the universe, with an astronomical amount of theme parks - more than anywhere else in the world, as it happens."
but more realistically
Yes, if you love theme parks, you're going to love Orlando - you and the other 52 million other thrill-seekers who visit every year. What do you expect if you're going to the home of Disney World?
the vibe
Enjoyable and family orientated. You might even be able to catch a few calming breaths while the kids rocket around on another gargantuan rollercoaster.
the natives
Nearly everyone you meet will be a pearly-toothed theme park worker. Have a nice day!
the weather
Orlando enjoys just two seasons each year: hot and rainy (from June to September) and dry (October to May). The temperature rarely drops beneath the 20s during summer.
the local speciality
If you like an all-day buffet, then welcome to paradise. Otherwise, you can enjoy the usual mixture of American cuisine... which is, of course, pretty much anything.
the celebrity
Legendary golf genius Tiger Woods is a local Orlando boy. He no doubt learnt his trade deftly placing golf balls to the right side of a windmill and into Mickey's open mouth.
did you know?
Walt Disney decided to build Disney World in Orlando after concluding that there was too much of a hurricane threat in sunny Miami.
they say
I loved the quaintness of Orlando in those days. It was an old farm town, a great place, but not really on the map." - golfer Arnold Palmer on a time before theme parks
5 to see in town...
- 1. Disney's Boardwalk
- 2. Lake Eola
- 3: Holy Land Experience
- 4: Universal Studios
- 5: Larry P Leu Gardens
If the over-the-top mayhem of Disney World doesn't quite match your chilled out vibe, this could be just the ticket. It's essentially a calmer version of its more energetic cousin.
where to park?
Parking is available throughout the Disney Resort at a cost of $11 a day.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Disney's Boardwalk
- 2. Lake Eola
- 3: Holy Land Experience
- 4: Universal Studios
- 5: Larry P Leu Gardens
Were a child to describe a lake in paradise, it would look like this. It comes complete with big cheerful rainbow fountain.
where to park?
There is metered parking surrounding the lake that is free on Sundays and holidays. The other option is garage parking in nearby Central Boulevard or Church Street.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Disney's Boardwalk
- 2. Lake Eola
- 3: Holy Land Experience
- 4: Universal Studios
- 5: Larry P Leu Gardens
For those having trouble making the Bible sound exciting to the nippers, this should do the job. Five acres of Biblical reconstruction, you can even loiter around in Herod's palace, looking suspicious.
where to park?
Extensive parking is available inside the resort at no extra fee.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Disney's Boardwalk
- 2. Lake Eola
- 3: Holy Land Experience
- 4: Universal Studios
- 5: Larry P Leu Gardens
Obviously there is absolutely no point in heading out to Florida if you're not going to go bonkers at a theme park. Fancy thundering around an almighty rollercoaster, sir? Yeah, course!
where to park?
There is a huge enclosed parking garage that costs $12 a day. There's even an on-site kennel!
5 to see in town...
- 1. Disney's Boardwalk
- 2. Lake Eola
- 3: Holy Land Experience
- 4: Universal Studios
- 5: Larry P Leu Gardens
After the buzz of activity, unwind with a visit to 50 acres of picturesque gardens, boasting pretty flowers, impressive plants and, most importantly, fresh air.
where to park?
You can park on-site for free at the Gardens.
and 4 to drive to...
Who doesn't love a zoo? Here, you can stare open-mouthed at cheetahs, leopards, spider monkeys... and a goat!
how to get there?
The zoo is approximately 21 miles from central Orlando, north on the I-4.
and 4 to drive to...
This place really needs no explanation. It would make an amazing film title, a brilliant book title, but as it is, it's just the best damn alligator place on the whole planet.
how to get there?
Travel south from the centre of Orlando on the US-441. Gatorland is about 15 miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
If you want to mix education with fun, then this zany outer space place should absolutely rock your world. Kids love hearing about the moon and rockets. Fact.
how to get there?
Head east out of Orlando on the SR-408,p then join the SR-50 and follow signs. It's about an hour and 20 minutes drive.
and 4 to drive to...
Want to drive your hire car on the beach? Here you actually can - and it's not even illegal.
how to get there?
Take the I-4 north of Orlando. It leads all the way to Daytona Beach in around an hour of driving.
ask a Orlando cabbie!
Local taxi driver Wai-Sun Lam on car hire in Orlando: "I love driving around Orlando because even when then is a lot of traffic, the scenery keeps you entertained. The main advice I would give is to drive defensively, being alert of other drivers around you because many are going to be tourists who don't know what they are doing or where they are going. On the big highways people change lane and overtake you on the inside and out so be aware. You can turn right even when the traffic light is on red, but you must first come to a complete stop because there may be pedestrians trying to cross the road."