Orlando Layover Guide

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Orlando is not only theme parks, though they are very good. There is space history, real nature, and a lovely old town most visitors never reach. You will need a car for all of it. Here is how to do a day off like a local.

Getting in from MCO

• Rental car or rideshare: the only realistic way around, everything is spread out and there is no park shuttle on public transit.
• Brightline: the fast train runs from MCO down to West Palm Beach and Miami if you fancy a South Florida add-on.

The big parks (book ahead)

• Universal Orlando: now four parks, including the brand-new Epic Universe that opened in 2025. Book park tickets.
• Walt Disney World: the original four-park giant, still the benchmark.
• SeaWorld Orlando: rides and marine life on International Drive.
• Kennedy Space Center: an hour east and unmissable for crew. Book a space centre trip.

Beyond the parks for your day off

• The Orlando Eye at ICON Park: a 400-foot wheel over International Drive. Book the wheel.
• Winter Park: a scenic boat tour on the lakes plus the Morse Museum’s world-class Tiffany glass, a half-day the tourists miss.
• Gatorland: an old-school Florida gator park, more fun than it sounds.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens: 50 acres of botanical calm near downtown.
• Wekiwa Springs: swim in a crystal-clear spring, but reserve your day-use slot ahead.
• Lake Eola Park: the free downtown park with swan boats and a good Sunday market.

Captain AL’s tip: not every Orlando layover has to be a theme park. Kennedy Space Center is an hour east and a genuine highlight for crew, and Winter Park (the boat tour and the Morse Museum’s Tiffany glass) is a lovely, low-key half-day. Whatever you pick, you will need a car.

Eat like a local

• A Cuban sandwich, this close to Miami it is done right.
• Puerto Rican mofongo.
• Fresh Florida orange juice.
• A slice of key lime pie.

Best time to go

• Winter and spring: warm, drier, and the pleasant window.
• Summer: hot, humid, with near-daily afternoon storms.
• June to November: hurricane season, keep an eye on the forecast.

Stay sharp

• A car is close to essential, so factor in rental and parking.
• Book park tickets and any springs reservations ahead, peak days sell out.

More for your Orlando layover

• Renting a car (you will here)? Read our Alamo crew car rental discount guide.
• Landing on a red-eye? Here is what actually helps with jet lag on layovers.
• Booking on your staff rate? See the IHG airline staff rate booking secrets.

And for this trip, scroll up on this page for the Orlando car rental and hotel deals put together for airline staff.