Orlando Tourism Questions:
Commonly Asked Questions About Orlando, Florida

Orlando tourism is alive and well. You may even be thinking about visiting Orlando, Florida. If you are I’m sure you have tons of questions.

So I’ve decided to make you’re journey easier by compiling a list of frequently asked questions about Orlando, Florida.

If all your questions haven’t been answered feel free to contact me with specific questions you might have and I’ll do my best to steer in you the right direction.

Q: What’s the weather like in Orlando, Florida?

A: This’s probably the question I hear the most. Mainly because people hear so many conflicting things about Orlando, Florida weather. The best word to describe the weather here is unpredictable.

From one day to the next you never really know what to expect. But, for the most part the weather is very nice. The sky is blue and the sun is out....most days.

Even if there’s a storm, normally it only takes a little while for the sun to peak back out of the clouds.

If you do get a not so nice day while you’re here, there’s plenty of Orlando tourism opportunities for you. You can check out some indoor attractions like WonderWorks Orlando, SkyVenture, or just got to a movie.

Q: Is it warm all year round?

A: This’s another misconception that people have about Orlando, Florida. They think it’s warm the whole year. Believe it or not we do have cold days here.

This’s to the dismay of many Orlando tourists who want to get away from the cold. They come here expecting it to be 90 degrees, only to be met with far lower temperatures.

Normally if it’s cold along the east coast, with cold fronts rolling through, than we will have a lot of cold days here too. Typically November-March is chilly. But when I say chilly I mean 50-80 degrees.

I would not recommend getting in the pool during these months. It usually starts to warm up around April and pool weather rolls around in May.

Q: When is the best time to visit Orlando?

A: I think the most beautiful time of year is January-May. It’s beautiful outside...not too hot not too cold. We don’t get much rain during those months either.

I don’t really understand why people come in the summer time. It just gets so unbearable. I guess if you’re hanging out at the pool or the beach it’s okay. But, if you want to go to the theme parks or other Orlando, Florida attractions you’re just asking for a sunburn or heat exhaustion.

I’d recommend the chillier months (November-March) if you just want to do the parks. Orlando tourism is also at a low during this time because kids are in school. That makes it harder for families to travel. But it makes it easier to find good deals on Orlando hotels and attractions.

Q: I hear there’s alligators everywhere. Is that true?

A: Yes and no. Yes alligators are in pretty much every body of water in Orlando, Florida. Lakes, canales, rivers, ponds...you name it, alligators are probably there. But, you will not see them running the streets.

Usually they are more scared of you than you are of them. As long as people don’t feed them (this makes them comfortable with people and more likely to come up to you) they will keep their distance.

If they do get lost and wonder into a populated area the best thing to do is keep your distance and call the professionals. I’ve lived here my whole life and have never been confronted by a gator. If you want to learn more about Florida alligators you should check out Gatorland Florida.



Q: Is Orlando, Florida safe?

A: If you’re staying in the high traffic Orlando tourism spots like International Drive or Lake Buena Vista you can feel free to walk the streets without fear.

A few things to keep in mind though. You want to use common sense when walking or driving around places you are unfamiliar with.

Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. This’s a no-no anywhere you go. Don’t walk alone late at night.

If you have to walk at night go with someone you know and trust. Don’t go anywhere with strangers. Basically just use good judgement.

Q: What in the world is a palmetto bug?

A: Basically a palmetto bug is like a beetle. Some of them fly and some of them don’t. They live in the palmetto trees and sometimes can wonder indoors.

Typically we will get between one and five of them in the house in the course of a year (our cat usually takes care of them though). They are ugly and big but they will not harm you.

Q: Is Orlando, Florida really the happiest place in Earth?

A: Orlando is just a small town. I think people come here thinking that Disney has influenced everything. You’ll be surprised to see that everything doesn’t revolve around Disney World.

Although Orlando tourism thrives on Disney World it isn’t the end all be all of Orlando. Actually most locals don’t even go to Disney.

There’s so many other things to do (that cost way less). Orlando isn’t a huge metropolitan area. It’s small in comparison to places like New York and LA. But lucky for us we have a reputation just as big!

Q: Is there anything to do in Orlando, Florida besides Disney?

A: Oh my gosh yes! There’s tons of things to do besides Disney. That’s what I’ve dedicated this website to. There’s something for every budget.

From lounging by the pool to skydiving, petting zoos, shopping, entertainment, museums, beaches and more. Orlando tourism is alive and well and there’s plenty to hold your interest!

Q: What are the best and closest beaches to Orlando, Florida?

A: The closest beach is Cocoa Beach which is about 45 minutes away from Orlando. Ormond and Daytona are about an hour away.

Then there’s New Smyrna, Clearwater, St Pete, and Miami. Orlando is in the center of Florida so we are pretty much surrounded by water. It just depends on how far you’re willing to go.

The east coast is a little darker as far as the water goes but that’s because it gets good waves. The West coast will offer clearer water but smaller waves(unless you go during a storm, then watch out!)

It really depends on what you’re looking for. For more information on beaches close to Orlando check out the Best Florida beaches page.

Q: I know that it’s easier to get around Orlando, Florida by using the toll roads. Are the tolls expensive?

A: Most of the booths have people that are able to make change. Some of the exits have no people working at them so you'll need correct change. If you plan on driving a lot I would suggest getting a few rolls of quarters so you'll have correct change available.

Most of the tolls range from $0.25-$1.50. You'll find a toll both every few miles. Be careful because sometimes the booths can be tricky. Make sure to pay attention to the signs because some of the booths require you to exit the main highway to go through them.

Q: Are there ways to save money on my trip to Orlando?

A: Yes, you just have to know where to look. Orlando coupons are a great way to save a few bucks.

I especially love the Orlando Entertainment Book because it saves you money on all your Orlando tourism needs. Including savings for resturants, attractions,and car rentals. Plus you can leave it behind as a good tip for your hotel maid. (just a thought!)

Also, traveling in the off seasons will put money back into your wallet. Make sure to ask about discounts when you are booking anything involved with your vacation. If you don’t ask you’ll never know. Or worse, you’ll find out after the fact!

Q: What is Citywalk?

A: Citywalk Orlando is free to get into (except for parking). It's actually just a bunch of shops, restaurants and clubs leading you up to the entrance of Universal Studios. This’s Orlando tourism at it’s best because all of the clubs cater to tourists and locals.

It pays to get a club hopper pass if you want to hit more than one club (if you stay at any of the hotels near CityWalk one of the perks is a free pass, but those hotels are a little pricey).

So here a just a few Orlando tourism questions that I thought you may be interested in. Orlando, Florida can be fun to visit. But, you’ll have much more fun if you’re well informed. Happy travels!

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