Orlando Destination Guide
Orlando Transportation
If you are flying into Orlando International Airport, you have plenty of options as to airlines and flight times. Located south of Orlando, about halfway to Kissimmee, Orlando International welcomes daily flights from every major American airline, as well as Air Jamaica, Bahamas Air, Air Canada, Aero Mexico and British Airways. Orlando International is only a short drive from Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. There are plenty of limousine and car rental counters at the airport too.
If you're driving, it'll be helpful to know that Florida's two major interstates run down each of the peninsula's coasts. Interstates 75 and 95 run north/south along Florida's western and eastern coast respectively. Both of these highways intersect with I-4, which runs through Orlando. Interstate 4 runs from Daytona Beach, on Florida's east coast, to Tampa on its Gulf coast. So whichever way you decide to come, you should have an easy drive.
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FAQ
Where does golf fit in among all of Orlando’s attractions?
While nothing will ever creep out of the shadow of Mickey and Disney World, golf certainly has its niche in Orlando. There are over 100 courses in greater Orlando, as well as two PGA events and an LPGA event, Tiger Woods’ residence and the annual PGA Merchandise Show. Orlando is easily one of golf’s most notable cities.
What is Disney golf like?
There are five courses on Disney Property, which also hosts PGA Event every year, the FUNAI Classic. The Magnolia and Palms courses share a property, along with Oak Trail, Disney’s executive course. Sea Pines and Osprey Ridge are Disney’s newest courses designed by Pete Dye and Tom Fazio respectively. Lake Buena Vista meanders through the Key West Resort hotel. All in all, there are 99 holes of golf on Disney’s property. For more information: www.waltdisneyworld.com
What is Orlando’s climate like?
There really is never a bad time to visit central Florida. Highs in the winter are a mild 70 degrees while summer time highs usually peak around 90 degrees. Thundershowers however in the summertime are abundant, and crowds are usually bigger in the summer too.
What about Orlando’s location?
It’s right in the middle of everything in Florida, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular destination. Here is how many miles Orlando is from these popular Florida cities:
| Key West | 395 |
| Tallahassee | 242 |
| Miami | 236 |
| Ft. Lauderdale | 200 |
| Jacksonville | 140 |
| St. Petersburg | 106 |
| Tampa | 85 |
| Daytona Beach | 60 |
How should I go about getting around Orlando?
A rental car is really the only way to go in Orlando, especially if golf is on your agenda. Many courses are on the outskirts of the city, meaning drives to certain courses could take up to an hour, especially during heavy traffic. Orlando International Airport is one of the best and most convenient in America, and rental car agencies are abundant. I-4 is the main highway serving downtown Orlando. Disney World, Wet n’ Wild, Universal Studios and Sea World can all be accessed from I-4.
How did Orlando become such a booming tourist city?
Orlando is fifth in America in terms of international travel, and it didn’t happen overnight. A small town began to grow in 1840 after the end of the Seminole wars. Over the next century the area had a significant railroad boom, followed by a citrus boom in the 1950s which caused the area to blossom. When Disney World opened in 1971, it became one of the premier destinations in the world, after Walt Disney sought out a remote location that wouldn’t be infiltrated with so many highways and congestion, which is why he purchased over 40 square miles south of the city. Sea World, Universal Studios and a slew of other amusement parks followed in the next half century. Today, only Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than Orlando.
Yes, the kiddies will have a good time in Orlando, but what about nightlife?
Nightlife for adults in Orlando is surprisingly good. Universal Studios’ City Walk is a premier place for clubs and entertainment, as well as Disney World’s Pleasure Island. You must be 21 to get into City Walk, but Pleasure Island is mostly all-ages with the exception of a handful of 21-and-up clubs. Downtown Orlando has its share of clubs as well, including Club H20 which is open until 7 a.m. For more information on events and entertainment in downtown Orlando, go to www.downtownorlando.com
Can I play Bay Hill?
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge is semi-private,
meaning in order to play you must be a guest at the Lodge. Each
foursome is given a complimentary forecaddie included in their
greens fee. Once tournament time rolls around, tee times are less
available (played usually in mid-March) so call in advance, since
the course is extremely popular. For more information: www.bayhill.com
