Orlando and Central Florida is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the United States if not the World, and there are plenty of reasons why. Here are some of the reasons this is the case, and why this region an excellent choice for a villa vacation with your family, with friends, or as a group of golfers.
Theme Parks
Orlando is famously home to some of the world's most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These parks provide entertainment for the whole family, from thrilling rides to spectacular shows. For a full rundown of these go to the 'Theme Parks' section on our Orlando Guide page
Golf
Central Florida is a haven for golfers and has a fantastic variety of courses to suit all abilities and budgets. The climate is perfect for golf during the winter and early spring, but all year round, whether you want to play an occasional 18 holes, or play every day, there’s something that will suit your requirements. We specialise in Villas at resort built around golf courses, so watch play from your pool deck, or playing the course yourself is possible. To view all the courses we can pre-book tee times for you and friends so your tee times are locked in well before you travel go to our Golf Vacations page and click 'View all courses'.
Natural Beauty
Florida has an abundance of natural beauty and the numerous national parks, springs, and wildlife reserves in and around Orlando should not be overlooked during a stay in the Orlando area. You can hike, bike, and observe wildlife at some amazing open spaces. Also, if fancy visiting South Florida for a day trip during you holiday the Everglades is must-see. Check-out the 'Outdoor Escapes' section on our Orlando Guide page
Shopping and Dining
Orlando and the surrounding region offer fantastic shopping and dining options. From high-end luxury goods at the many shopping malls, to discounted merchandise at Orlando's numerous outlet malls, so there's something for every type of shopper. Equally the restaurant and dining scene is extremely diverse, with a mix of family-friendly restaurants catering to every palette, many fine dining options, and lots of local food trucks. Check-out the Eating Out & Shopping sections on our Orlando Guide page.
Sports and Entertainment
Aside from golf, the region offers a wide variety of other sports and entertainment options. Orlando is home to a host of professional sports teams like the NBA's Orlando Magic, MLS's Orlando City SC, and a little further afield the MLB's Tampa Bay Rays. With this much diversity no matter what time of year that you visit there's something for die hard sports fans to experience. There are also a variety of theatres, music venues, and nightlife options throughout the Orlando area and in the city itself. Check-out the ‘Watch Live Sports’ & ‘Going out for the Evening’ sections on our Orlando Guide page.
Other Florida Attractions
Orlando's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other areas of Florida if you feel you'd like to have a short road trip. The Kennedy Space Center & Cape Canaveral, less than an hour west, is a must for anyone remotely interested in the history of space exploration. Just over an hour north is Daytona Beach with its iconic white sand beaches and boardwalk. Tampa Bay and the beautiful Gulf coast are about 90 minutes west. This offers an abundance of beaches, fishing, and water sports opportunities as well as the cities of Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater. Honeymoon Island State Park is a particular favourite of mine with sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife including eagles, osprey, and great horned owls, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. You may also get lucky and see a pod of dolphins just off the beach. From here you can also access the wonderful Caladesi Island State Park by ferry.
Ease of Access
Orlando International Airport services many and frequent domestic and international flights from a multitude of airlines which makes central Florida easy to reach, and to get home to, almost anywhere in the world. Also, the United States Highway System offers those that want to drive south form northern states or Canada many options, and lots of interesting cities and locations to stop and spend a night if you want to break your journey down in to manageable daily distances.
The Weather
Central Florida has a warm and humid climate with abundant sunshine throughout the year. It's a subtropical climate which is characterised by hot wet summers, and mild, dry winters, and can be broadly divided into the four seasons.
Spring in Orlando is marked by steadily increasing temperatures and humidity levels. Average daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C), while night time temperatures dip to the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (13-18°C). Rainfall gradually increases throughout the season, but overall, spring is relatively dry compared to the summer months.
Summers in Orlando are hot, humid, and wet. Daytime temperatures frequently reach the low 90s°F (32-34°C), with humidity levels often above 90%. Combined, these factors can result in a sweltering heat that may feel oppressive. Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence and these do providing temporary relief from the heat. Rainfall peaks in June and July, with August being somewhat drier.
Fall in Orlando brings a gradual decline in temperatures and humidity levels, making it an increasingly comfortable time to visit. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to mid-70s°F (29-24°C), while nighttime temperatures fall to the low 60s to low 70s°F (16-22°C). In early fall heavy rainfall is still frequency but thunderstorms are less likely. By November it gets considerably drier, with more comfortable weather conditions.
Winters in Orlando are generally mild and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (20-22°C) and nighttime temperatures dipping into the upper 40s to mid-50s°F (9-12°C). While frosts and freezes are rare, they can occasionally occur.
Summary
Some people have said to me Central Florida, and the Orlando area is just Theme Parks and Walt Disney, and for some visitors that's what they go for. But that's not all it's about as there's such a wide variety of different things to do and enjoy there's something for everyone, and everybody who enjoys travel should make sure they visit at least once in their life.
Ed Skilbeck
July 31st 2023