Best way to get around Orlando

Question

We're planning a week stay in Orlando and planning to take in the Universal and Disney theme parks while we are there and stay late see the fireworks. What is the best way to get around? we're not sure if we should look for accommodation that offers shuttles? Or use Uber/Lyft? Or stay at a hotel associated with the theme parks? Something else?

Answer

Orlando is a sprawling city, and getting around efficiently while visiting multiple theme parks requires some planning. Your transportation choice depends on convenience, cost, and flexibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Accommodation with Theme Park Shuttles: Some hotels, especially those near Disney and Universal, offer complimentary shuttle services. These can save you the hassle of driving and parking, but they usually run on fixed schedules, which may limit flexibility if you want to stay late for fireworks or arrive early for rope-drop.

Disney Area Hotels: Many Disney resort hotels provide complimentary transportation to all Disney parks (buses, monorail, or boats) and include extra perks like early park access. Staying on-site is convenient if you want a full Disney experience.
Universal Area Hotels: Hotels within Universal Orlando Resort or nearby offer shuttle access to the Universal parks. Some also provide early entry or Express Pass benefits when staying at select on-site hotels.
Pros: No need to worry about parking or paying for park parking fees.
Cons: Limited schedule; may not run late at night after fireworks or late park closings.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Using rideshare apps gives you flexibility to arrive and leave on your own schedule, especially useful for late-night departures after fireworks. It can be convenient if you’re hopping between parks or staying off-site.

Pros: Flexible timing, no need to worry about parking at each park.
Cons: Costs can add up, especially during peak hours or if you travel frequently each day. Surge pricing can make rides expensive during evenings or park closings.

Rental Car: Renting a car gives you complete freedom, including visiting off-park attractions, grocery stores, or dining elsewhere. All major parks have large parking lots, but keep in mind parking fees (Disney and Universal charge per day for standard parking).

Pros: Ultimate flexibility; can explore beyond theme parks.
Cons: Parking costs ($25–$50/day depending on park), traffic, and navigating large lots.

Other Considerations:

Consider combining approaches: for example, stay at a Universal hotel to take advantage of shuttles and early park entry, and use rideshare for Disney trips or late-night returns.
If staying off-site near multiple parks, ensure the hotel is conveniently located for both Disney and Universal if you plan to visit both. Otherwise, you might spend more time driving than enjoying the parks.
For a week-long stay, balance convenience, cost, and comfort. If your goal is a stress-free trip with minimal driving, staying on-site at Disney and Universal hotels with shuttles may be the best option.

In summary, the best way to get around Orlando depends on your priorities: on-site hotels with shuttles for convenience, rideshare for flexibility, or rental cars for freedom to explore beyond theme parks. Many families find a mix of hotel shuttles and occasional rideshare to work best for a week-long stay.

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