Orlando travel guide for UK visitors: how to plan your first trip step by step
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In this guide
Orlando is easy to enjoy and surprisingly easy to overspend on. This guide puts the planning in the order you will actually do it.
- Flight time from London: around nine hours
- Time difference: Orlando is usually five hours behind the UK
- Entry: UK visitors need an approved ESTA
- Currency: US dollars, with tipping and sales tax on top
- Best known for: Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and the Space Centre nearby
1Choose when to go
School holidays, Easter and Christmas are busiest and priciest. Quieter spells usually mean shorter queues and lower prices. See the best time to visit Orlando and the crowd calendar guide.
2Book flights
Compare direct and connecting flights from your nearest UK airport. See flights from the UK to Orlando.
3Sort your ESTA
UK citizens need an approved ESTA before flying. Apply only on the official site. See how to apply for an ESTA safely.
Plan Orlando in the right order and it is far easier, and cheaper, than most families expect.
4Choose your tickets
Decide which parks and how many days, then compare ticket options. See Disney tickets and Universal tickets.
5Pick where to stay
Hotels, resorts and vacation homes all work, depending on your group. See where to stay in Orlando.
6Plan transport
A hire car gives freedom, but you can manage without one. See car hire in Orlando and getting around without a car.
A simple planning checklist
- Passport and approved ESTA
- Flights and baggage checked
- Tickets bought for the days you want
- Accommodation and transport booked
- Travel insurance in place
- A phone plan for the USA
Prices, ticket rules and park details change often. Check the park or ticket seller before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Orlando?
UK citizens normally travel on an approved ESTA instead of a visa. Apply on the official site before you fly.
How long is the flight from London to Orlando?
Around nine hours outbound on a direct flight.
What is the best time to visit Orlando?
Quieter periods outside school holidays are popular, but it depends on weather and prices. Use a crowd calendar.
Is Orlando expensive?
Tickets, flights and hotels are the main costs. Food and extras add up, so budget early.
