As a student at UCF who commutes almost daily to Disney for work, I can sympathize about the traffic on I4. It's definitely worse at rush hour during the week but never really too bad on weekends. The tourist drivers are the most challenging thing though! I can't tell you how many accidents I've almost been in because of people not paying enough attention to the road and too much on their GPS. Not too sure about where you got your info about the public transportation from though. While yes, hotels will offer shuttles to the parks, people who rely on the bus system to get around the real parts of Orlando are going to be waiting a while. Renting a car may be frustrating for the drivers who live here but will be more convenient for tourists.
I lived in Orlando for almost 5 years and yes everything you said was true, it only applies to the "Downtown Disney" area. Once you get out of that area nothing here applies anymore, besides the driving, yes I4 is horrible and the 5 years I lived there I avoided it at ALL COST! Driving anywhere down there pretty much sucked. If you do drive while you are there bring change with you as there are toll booths thru out the city and state. The only time I went to the disney area was for I-Drive and City Walk. Great shopping center and cheap attractions. Orlando has so much to offer besides the attractions aspect of it. Take a trip to the outskirts of the city and there are museums and all types of art shows. The underground art scene there is amazing. If you visit anytime around memorial day you have to check out the Fringe Festival, amazing artist from all over put on different shows everyday for 2 weeks and admission is only 10$ a show. They have boat rides thru the swamps and a short drive you are in Cassadaga which is a trip in itself. Just because you are in a tourist destination doesn't mean you have to do all the tourist things. If you visit, talk to the locals, they will tell you all the great unheard of spots and attractions to visit while you are there. Staying in the downtown area is extremely expensive but living there was SO cheap. The cost of living is low. My recommendation is once you get to the downtown disney area, drive ten minutes in any direction (stop once you don't see anything disney related anymore) and find a hotel to stay in, much cheaper. The restaurants are nicer, cheaper and friendlier. East side of Orlando is cheap and almost everyone offers some kind of discount, but be warned that is the college side of town as there are 3 universities very close to each other. Sorry for the long post but I loved living there and these are just some of my thoughts as someone who once lived there. Great video!
As a Florida native who grew up on the east coast due east of Orlando and has lived in Orlando since 1980, you pretty much nailed it...I'll just add a few things....the official State winter outfit is shorts and sweat shirts :)., and for my best tip while at Disney (I was a cast member at WDW in H.S.), be standing at the park's gate you are visiting at open time...for Magic Kingdom that means getting to the parking lot about 45 minutes before the park opens so you have time to get in and get the monorail or boat ride to the park gates...that will insure you have a couple hours where the park isn't crazy crowded and give you enough time to ride a couple big rides before the lines get big...as soon as you walk in beeline for the ride you want to ride the most, you'll have plenty of time for sight seeing later. My last suggestion is take 528 due east to Cape Kennedy and go to the tourist center and make sure you buy the big tour package (you have to get there fairly early as they sell out everyday)...it is a bus tour of a lot of the historic space race sites and includes an inside tour of the VAB building (it is huge), and the moon rocket Saturn V indoor site...they have a real Saturn V laying on its side...it is amazing how big they were, it will take your breath away.
Jake Sui wake up at 5:00 am walking outside to go to work and sweating within 3 minutes in July and August. Then we have the dreaded Florida winter, 28° in the morning and 70° by 2:00. Gotta love central Florida.
Visiting Orlando during September is the best time because its off season meaning not many tourists. Also, Universal studio's night time Hallowwen display was awesome!!!!!!!!!!
I've lived in Orlando for the better part of a year now, and I can say that this is pretty accurate. It's expensive, but for the time I save, I use the sunpass almost daily, and very much recommend taking the turnpikes to get around I-4 if you can.The thing about the traffic is that there are so many people here who either don't speak English(and therefore can't read the signs) or aren't familiar with American roads, and cause a lot of issues. I've literally defined the term "defensive driver" simply by living down here for a little while. Also, you really can't complain about the weather too much, especially if you are from up north. The summer does get hot, but most everywhere has A/C, and as mentioned when it does rain, it's not too bad. This winter, all I've ever needed was a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, and I was comfortable. I actually find it hilarious to see these basic white girls in Uggs and North Face jackets in 70 degree weather, lol.
Tarpon Springs, Greek Town USA. GREAT Greek food. I was about 18 when I had my first Gyro, while in Tarpon. Have loved them ever since. I live in the Chicago area, which has the best restaurants per capita, but finding REALLY good Gyros here, is hard. Unless you head to Greek town, in Chicago itself. When I am in Tarpon, I make it a point to go to the restaurants and try food I've never had. I figure its the closest I'll get to AUTHENTIC Greek food (I know, Gyros in the US aren't truly Greek). My favorite is Hellas. Though I've never been to Greece, it feels like I'm in Greece, when I'm there. What's great is, after you eat lunch or dinner, right next door, they have a GREAT bakery. Get some Baklava for now AND later AND more for even later. mmm. As far as Orlando. YES...everybody goes for the amusement parks, but one of the things I like about it is its central location. You're ABOUT 1 hour from Tampa on the left coast and ABOUT 1 hour from Cape Canaveral on the right coast. Cape Kennedy is awesome. It doesn't have rides like amusement parks, but its a great place for anyone to experience our space program. Central Florida has so much to offer and the Orlando area is a great central locale to reach everything. I've gotten great deals on hotels 3 times from Hotwire. Twice I've gotten a 4-1/2 star hotel for $69 and $59 a night. (I'd say forget about any GREAT deals during Spring Break or peaks)
I love your videos!!! I lived in Orlando and worked at Disney for 6 years and really miss it. Great list! I must say, as much as I complained about traffic and I-4, Louisville, KY is not much better. There I had to worry about the crazy tourist drivers, here, I worry about the selfish Kentuckians who will change lanes when cars are coming to a stop just so they can get a little further up the road. Who cares if they cut you off in the process. Ah, watching this video really makes me miss living in Orlando. Sigh. BTW, I am originally from Lisbon, Portugal but grew up in Louisville, KY when my parents immigrated here when I was a baby. I just watched one of your videos where you mentioned living in Portugal. I'm also a quarter Chinese from Macau. I'm so glad I "discovered" your channel! It really is the best one I have found!! :)
VIMDODF you know I am glad you told me about the lousiville drivers. we drive down to Georgia and can either go via lousiville or via cincinati and for some reason I kept thinking I did not want to deal with traffic in Louisville :) thanks! all the best for your travels! and super cool about Lisbon :) my youngest is from Lisbon (born by the expo)
A point worth bearing in mind: timing is _everything_ in an internationally-known tourist town. If you have the choice, go in late April (after spring break) or early October. The best weather is then as it sometimes actually gets below 100% humidity, and the whole county is way less crowded as the kids are in school. Never had a problem driving around town, parking was actually possible, queues in the parks are bearable and it's possible to get in to the after-dark stuff in town (try the Vintage Lounge on south orange). City Walk is actually a decent place to spend an evening too - lots of choice in food, a cinema, a couple of bars with live bands, and outside of the US and UK holidays it's comparatively quiet. And of course there's the parks. If you can take the heat (bring water, avoid alcohol until it cools off again, don't try this with young kids), the queues shrink to practically nothing around 1-2pm as all the locals and "sensible" tourists head for a/c. Finally - to get a table in a decent restaurant, go at 6-7pm. The locals all head out much later so tables are open. Book ahead if you must but I've never bothered & it's never been an issue.
Service isn't bad outside of Disney...it's just not Disney service. However anywhere you go in the US you wont get as good service as you get at Disney. Also visitors NEED to bring water in the summer to avoid dehydration.
Most of what Mark says about Orlando is on point, but I have to disagree with him about the public transportation. Southwest Orlando (where all the tourist attractions are) is basically a large suburb. It contains very few bus stops and cabs are very expensive. If you want to get around the suburbs easily, you NEED a car. I lived in Orlando for 10 years, so for anyone visiting who doesn't know any locals and wants to do anything outside of the parks - DO NOT rely on public transportation; rent a car! Also, I'm surprised he didn't mention International Drive. Traffic is terrible, but pretty much every attraction that isn't a theme park is on that street (or close by).
It's not necessarily the driving here that is bad (but it is god its so bad that people get excuses for being late to school all the time) but its that people are weird about cars here its kind of hard to explain
Love your channel! I am a native New Orleanian and you were right on the mark with the 5 loved and hated things. You are very honest and fair in your assessments and I trust your judgement. No stereotypes, just real, down to earth advice. Kuddo's to you!
I found the traffic is only bad at weekends or in peak months June-early September if out of them the traffic is not all that bad. Try England where most roads are only 1 lane and if an accident happens you have to drive 10-20 miles around through small villages in a car that burns fuel at $13 a gallon
I was there last week. Going from the airport to Disney Springs by Uber, I don't think I saw anything else than highways and hotels, and they all looked the same. The driver could've gone halfway to Tampa and I wouldn't have noticed anything out of the ordinary. But before I got on the Uber, I decided to check public transport options, European that I am. It takes TWO HOURS to do a 20 minute drive. Including waiting forty minutes at an interchange. You might was well walk at that point.
As a frequent visitor of Orlando. Yep x10!! We stayed out in Haines City in December, and being that bit further out from Orlando was nice because we had the opportunity to actually chat with some locals. We also ventured to Longhorns in winter haven a few times which we preferred to the ones in Orlando. A less touristy vibe.
Please folks when coming from Europe wear what ever is comfortable . I’ve watched a lot of videos about American looking funny in our everyday clothing. But living here my whole life I can pick out who is from what country by your clothing as well. And yes we local laugh. However, what a blessing it is that we all have are own flavor. It would be so boring if we dressed alike. Plus Europeans are spending your hard earned money with us. So I wouldn’t think of telling how to dress..I’ve met so many cool people in my life from all over Europe, I appreciative you wanting to come to my hometown.....So maybe when you see us in Europe dressed. “Funny” know we think the same thing.. nothing like a first world problems.
Traffic is terrible everywhere. Tourists never bother me anywhere. The service at Wet & Wild was terrible. Yeah prices are bad and even here in CT. I hated all the rain when I was there in September, but the weather was ok. Going back next month till May.
Spot on Walter I grew up here in the I-4 corridor, it's literally hell on earth, I drive 27 miles to Orlando FL to work every day and I'm thinking of seeking professional help because I have to drive on it every day.
Universal sucks. They have one land Harry Potter land, they pride themselves on this land. But the rest of the parts of the parks of universal you can forget about. Harry Potter land is pretty much the only thing you can do there. To help those who say they don’t want to go to Disney world, but they don’t want to go to a park like universal. Go see the nasa space station, it’s only an hour away from Orlando. Or you could go to sea world, I’ve never been there myself. But I heard if you skip all the wild life, there’s still a lot to do. But that’s my opinion.
We’ve been to Orlando multiple times except we are usually in the “Disney Bubble;” however, one time we rented a car because we ventured out of the bubble. I don’t know what highway we were on, but it seemed like it was forever before an exit would come up. And some parking lots, one exit only!
I visited in the offseason and really didn't have that much problems with the traffic. Didn't drive that much tho and I realise I am probably one of those european touristy types you mention but I put my American Muscle to good use. :D.
Hi im from Mexico , and Im gonna visit Cocoa Beach in October , can you tell me what kind of weather if gonna find?? and please the Space Coast Fun Guide its a good coupon choice?? the deals are real??
Folks please if u come to my hometown please try not to go to Disney. Go downtown get out of the tourist area. Downtown lake Eola area. Thornton park is very nice, winter park is cool. It’s very lgbtq friendly also. Just get out of the tourist area. It’s always really hot humid and rainy then sunny. Beaches are about 45 minutes. So make sure u see a sunrise on the east coast and a sunset on the west coast.... he did a very good job
The driving is the worst in Orlando (traffic, tourists, construction, poorly completed construction). It’s just not ready for the amount of people that come there to visit or live).
Lies!!! We went to Orlando like 3 weeks ago and mostly everyone (local) was rude or in a bad mood. We had our truck scratched up by one of the guys that worked at the resort we stayed in.
Had to laugh at the sucky service everywhere outside the parks in Orlando. I lived in Orlando for several years and it honestly was the worst place I ever lived in. The actual city (outside the parks) is a dump. Could explain why the service is bad. Tarpon Springs though, amazing place! Great choice for this video!
the one thing i hated about florida was being a british kid going there people are too touchy feely and think they can just start pestering you becuase of the accent. i had adults that are too hands on and i felt like saying dont touch me pedophile. im older now and i wont let some random touch my kids its an offence. i know they try to be friendly in orlando but sometimes to much. and please dont ask me to talk in a british accent im not a freak show lol.
You guys should come to Gainesville, Florida. It's about an hour and a half away from Orlando. Very cute, cozy, collage town. When I say collage town don't get the notion that all you will see is drunk gator fans. You will see real gators though :) Anyhow, next time you guys are in Florida, visit Gainesville.
I really like watching your videos sir. I'll never be able to go to any of these places. But, I like the way you describe them with such zeal =) Thanks for sharing !!! =)
Great video; all of your videos for that matter. I do have to disagree a little on the overall accommodations in the Orlando area being expensive. It's actually one of the least expensive anywhere in the nation. When we go down, we stay at a gated community of townhomes. 3/BR 2/BA 1300 sq. ft., 10 minutes from the Disney World entrance for $85/per night. It's basically a home-away-from-home. Absolutely gorgeous place. There are many other great deals like that as well in the area. As far as the theme parks and parking being expensive, I'm totally with you there.........Thanks a bunch for these videos. My wife and I love watching.
This is true, AirBNB can get you a really nice place at a very cheap price in Orlando, and the hotels are generally average because there is so much competition. However if you want to stay on Disney or Universal property not so much lol.
I’ve lived in Central Florida for over 20 years. You nailed the description of Interstate 4. It’s horrendous, even more so now with the I-4 Ultimate Project.
Thank you for talking about Tarpon Springs I went there once when I was a child. I wanted to take my husband there this October but could not remember the name. And now thanks to you, I will have a much easier time, planing things out. V
Hello! Great video and i thank you for taking the time to make it. I have the opportunity to go to Orlando for a holiday but am not sure if it is worth it. do you think i should take the opportunity and go even though it is not as highly regarded as other places in the U.S? PS. i live in Australia. Thanks
If you are not here in orlando for the parks then the best place to be is International Drive. It’s a large hotel district with hundreds of restaurants and shops and attractions. Everything there is also just as family friendly as disney world.
Somebody stop this guy ;) Is he talking about orlando or theme parks. Transportation is good ? Wrong . You dont have any transportation choice except bus and taxi. You have to wait for bus about more than 1 hour (not theme parks, i'm talking about real orlando ;) .Traffic is busy on I-4. Wrong... If you riding on 7-8am or 5-6pm in everywhere samething. He is not talking about orlando, He is talking about themeparks.
Coming from NYC, I find Orlando to be quite inexpensive. The theme parks can be pricey but you can easily have a decent meal for half the price it would cost you in NYC. I haven't been able to find great dining in Orlando (NYC spoiled me) but there are good places for dining particularly in Winter Park along Park Ave.
+kwacou, yeah, I live in Orlando(Pine Hills Area). Orlando doesn't have much find dining as New York, but the city is growing fast from where it was just a few years ago. Orlando was super boring just a few years ago, but the city is really picking up with all the new development going on. I was born & raised here, so you probably can agree with me.
Your videos are so enjoyable. What kind of food did you eat in Orlando? They have incredible food from a variety of Latin American countries - ie. arepas from Venezuela
I agree with the service being lackluster in places like International Drive and 192, which unfortunately is where a lot of tourists stay in Orlando. All of the fast food joints are under staffed and slow because it's stereotypical "doesn't matter because tourists are captive audience and will come anyway" type thing going on. To be honest (and I feel like I am allowed to say this since i've lived and worked in Orlando for 10 years, and went to college and got my MBA here), the fast food places in the touristy areas actively seek poorly educated for tax breaks. However other than I-Drive and especially 192, the service in Orlando overall is pretty good. Also Orlando traffic does get really bad, however it's no worse than other major bad traffic cities (and there are lots of them in the south). Cities like Atlanta, LA, and Washington DC are way worse.
We never had that much of a problem on I-4, and we've been to Orlando multiple times over the past 2 years since our daughter and grandkids moved there. Be patient and nice to servers...patience and a smile are crucial. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day...use sunscreen and drink water...yes, bring a light jacket because air conditioning can be chilly...certain times of year are VERY expensive for hotels, but other times are very reasonable and even cheap.
Hi Wolter! For me driving in Orlando is amazing! I think it's because I live in Brazil and our roads are crap. If you come here, driving will definitely be in the 5 things you'll hate about Brazil! I really enjoy your videos! Kisses!
ACF Merseyside 4COY I am just letting people know that no matter when they go there will be a few tourists around :) some people don't seem to realize that
I'm from Miami-so Orlando's traffic is a piece of cake...that being said, I live 40 minutes out of Orlando and do NOT go to Orlando. You forgot to add crime..Orlando can be dangerous.
woltersworld unless you're in NYC and want a little day trip to the beach I wouldn't really recommend going but anywhere from Asbury Park to Manasquan in nice. I grew up there so obviously I'm gonna think it's boring
As a student at UCF who commutes almost daily to Disney for work, I can sympathize about the traffic on I4. It's definitely worse at rush hour during the week but never really too bad on weekends. The tourist drivers are the most challenging thing though! I can't tell you how many accidents I've almost been in because of people not paying enough attention to the road and too much on their GPS.
Not too sure about where you got your info about the public transportation from though. While yes, hotels will offer shuttles to the parks, people who rely on the bus system to get around the real parts of Orlando are going to be waiting a while. Renting a car may be frustrating for the drivers who live here but will be more convenient for tourists.
Being a central Florida local, I can attest to how GOD-AWFUL traffic can be.
I4 is where God dies
70 degrees is cold in orlando
I lived in Orlando for almost 5 years and yes everything you said was true, it only applies to the "Downtown Disney" area. Once you get out of that area nothing here applies anymore, besides the driving, yes I4 is horrible and the 5 years I lived there I avoided it at ALL COST! Driving anywhere down there pretty much sucked. If you do drive while you are there bring change with you as there are toll booths thru out the city and state. The only time I went to the disney area was for I-Drive and City Walk. Great shopping center and cheap attractions.
Orlando has so much to offer besides the attractions aspect of it. Take a trip to the outskirts of the city and there are museums and all types of art shows. The underground art scene there is amazing. If you visit anytime around memorial day you have to check out the Fringe Festival, amazing artist from all over put on different shows everyday for 2 weeks and admission is only 10$ a show. They have boat rides thru the swamps and a short drive you are in Cassadaga which is a trip in itself. Just because you are in a tourist destination doesn't mean you have to do all the tourist things. If you visit, talk to the locals, they will tell you all the great unheard of spots and attractions to visit while you are there.
Staying in the downtown area is extremely expensive but living there was SO cheap. The cost of living is low. My recommendation is once you get to the downtown disney area, drive ten minutes in any direction (stop once you don't see anything disney related anymore) and find a hotel to stay in, much cheaper. The restaurants are nicer, cheaper and friendlier. East side of Orlando is cheap and almost everyone offers some kind of discount, but be warned that is the college side of town as there are 3 universities very close to each other. Sorry for the long post but I loved living there and these are just some of my thoughts as someone who once lived there. Great video!
rock star comment. thanks for the extra info. wish I had this before we went down there :) but now we are more prepared. thank you so much!
So how is life in Orlando I want to live there
As a Florida native who grew up on the east coast due east of Orlando and has lived in Orlando since 1980, you pretty much nailed it...I'll just add a few things....the official State winter outfit is shorts and sweat shirts :)., and for my best tip while at Disney (I was a cast member at WDW in H.S.), be standing at the park's gate you are visiting at open time...for Magic Kingdom that means getting to the parking lot about 45 minutes before the park opens so you have time to get in and get the monorail or boat ride to the park gates...that will insure you have a couple hours where the park isn't crazy crowded and give you enough time to ride a couple big rides before the lines get big...as soon as you walk in beeline for the ride you want to ride the most, you'll have plenty of time for sight seeing later. My last suggestion is take 528 due east to Cape Kennedy and go to the tourist center and make sure you buy the big tour package (you have to get there fairly early as they sell out everyday)...it is a bus tour of a lot of the historic space race sites and includes an inside tour of the VAB building (it is huge), and the moon rocket Saturn V indoor site...they have a real Saturn V laying on its side...it is amazing how big they were, it will take your breath away.
Thanks Steve! Great help here. and I completely agree about the state winter outfit :) awesome! all the best to you!
The traffic can be bad at times but it's nothing like Miami. Miami is worse than NYC.
One thing about the weather that sucks is how humid Orlando is. You feel sticky the instant you walk out of a building.
Jake Sui wake up at 5:00 am walking outside to go to work and sweating within 3 minutes in July and August. Then we have the dreaded Florida winter, 28° in the morning and 70° by 2:00. Gotta love central Florida.
I was in Pittsburgh for a week where it was nice and dry and right when I stepped off the plane in Orlando I felt that good old wave of humidity
@@jubbybrab eeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Visiting Orlando during September is the best time because its off season meaning not many tourists. Also, Universal studio's night time Hallowwen display was awesome!!!!!!!!!!
I like your videos a lot. Thank you for all the valuable information.
thanks Fleur!
I've lived in Orlando for the better part of a year now, and I can say that this is pretty accurate. It's expensive, but for the time I save, I use the sunpass almost daily, and very much recommend taking the turnpikes to get around I-4 if you can.The thing about the traffic is that there are so many people here who either don't speak English(and therefore can't read the signs) or aren't familiar with American roads, and cause a lot of issues. I've literally defined the term "defensive driver" simply by living down here for a little while. Also, you really can't complain about the weather too much, especially if you are from up north. The summer does get hot, but most everywhere has A/C, and as mentioned when it does rain, it's not too bad. This winter, all I've ever needed was a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, and I was comfortable. I actually find it hilarious to see these basic white girls in Uggs and North Face jackets in 70 degree weather, lol.
Tarpon Springs, Greek Town USA.
GREAT Greek food.
I was about 18 when I had my first Gyro, while in Tarpon. Have loved them ever since. I live in the Chicago area, which has the best restaurants per capita, but finding REALLY good Gyros here, is hard. Unless you head to Greek town, in Chicago itself.
When I am in Tarpon, I make it a point to go to the restaurants and try food I've never had. I figure its the closest I'll get to AUTHENTIC Greek food (I know, Gyros in the US aren't truly Greek). My favorite is Hellas. Though I've never been to Greece, it feels like I'm in Greece, when I'm there. What's great is, after you eat lunch or dinner, right next door, they have a GREAT bakery. Get some Baklava for now AND later AND more for even later. mmm.
As far as Orlando. YES...everybody goes for the amusement parks, but one of the things I like about it is its central location. You're ABOUT 1 hour from Tampa on the left coast and ABOUT 1 hour from Cape Canaveral on the right coast.
Cape Kennedy is awesome. It doesn't have rides like amusement parks, but its a great place for anyone to experience our space program. Central Florida has so much to offer and the Orlando area is a great central locale to reach everything.
I've gotten great deals on hotels 3 times from Hotwire. Twice I've gotten a 4-1/2 star hotel for $69 and $59 a night. (I'd say forget about any GREAT deals during Spring Break or peaks)
I love your videos!!! I lived in Orlando and worked at Disney for 6 years and really miss it. Great list! I must say, as much as I complained about traffic and I-4, Louisville, KY is not much better. There I had to worry about the crazy tourist drivers, here, I worry about the selfish Kentuckians who will change lanes when cars are coming to a stop just so they can get a little further up the road. Who cares if they cut you off in the process. Ah, watching this video really makes me miss living in Orlando. Sigh. BTW, I am originally from Lisbon, Portugal but grew up in Louisville, KY when my parents immigrated here when I was a baby. I just watched one of your videos where you mentioned living in Portugal. I'm also a quarter Chinese from Macau. I'm so glad I "discovered" your channel! It really is the best one I have found!! :)
VIMDODF you know I am glad you told me about the lousiville drivers. we drive down to Georgia and can either go via lousiville or via cincinati and for some reason I kept thinking I did not want to deal with traffic in Louisville :) thanks! all the best for your travels! and super cool about Lisbon :) my youngest is from Lisbon (born by the expo)
I lived in Orlando for 13 years, and thought traffic was bad... and then, I moved to Dallas. Traffic here IS horrendous :(
He's right about the traffic. It's just inane! But I really do love my city. It also has a very clean downtown area.
You think that's bad traffic? Ever heard of a place called Hialeah? >.
Imer Pacheco the traffic... :)
+Alex Martinez Yes! Hialeah is down in south Florida lol. Are you looking to move there?
A point worth bearing in mind: timing is _everything_ in an internationally-known tourist town. If you have the choice, go in late April (after spring break) or early October. The best weather is then as it sometimes actually gets below 100% humidity, and the whole county is way less crowded as the kids are in school. Never had a problem driving around town, parking was actually possible, queues in the parks are bearable and it's possible to get in to the after-dark stuff in town (try the Vintage Lounge on south orange). City Walk is actually a decent place to spend an evening too - lots of choice in food, a cinema, a couple of bars with live bands, and outside of the US and UK holidays it's comparatively quiet. And of course there's the parks. If you can take the heat (bring water, avoid alcohol until it cools off again, don't try this with young kids), the queues shrink to practically nothing around 1-2pm as all the locals and "sensible" tourists head for a/c. Finally - to get a table in a decent restaurant, go at 6-7pm. The locals all head out much later so tables are open. Book ahead if you must but I've never bothered & it's never been an issue.
Service isn't bad outside of Disney...it's just not Disney service. However anywhere you go in the US you wont get as good service as you get at Disney. Also visitors NEED to bring water in the summer to avoid dehydration.
Most of what Mark says about Orlando is on point, but I have to disagree with him about the public transportation. Southwest Orlando (where all the tourist attractions are) is basically a large suburb. It contains very few bus stops and cabs are very expensive. If you want to get around the suburbs easily, you NEED a car. I lived in Orlando for 10 years, so for anyone visiting who doesn't know any locals and wants to do anything outside of the parks - DO NOT rely on public transportation; rent a car!
Also, I'm surprised he didn't mention International Drive. Traffic is terrible, but pretty much every attraction that isn't a theme park is on that street (or close by).
Lol when you live in Orlando and are watching this lol
I live in Orlando and the only really expensive place is Disney.
Great video but driving in Orlando isn't that bad.
Virgin Atlantic Orlando True...but I4 IS as bad as he says.
Seriously? I grew up here and driving here was already bad and right now it's worse than it's ever been
I heard that Orlando (the city) has more ugly fast-food chain restaurants than most cities, even for a US city. Do you think this is true?
it may be close ;)
When people complain about Orlando traffic but you live in NYC :x
You get that right new york city sucks and the rents keep on getting high
It's not necessarily the driving here that is bad (but it is god its so bad that people get excuses for being late to school all the time) but its that people are weird about cars here its kind of hard to explain
Retrocade Podcast New York is better. At least the traffic moves and you know what to expect.
When we was there it was nice wheater all time in february 2014
Love your channel! I am a native New Orleanian and you were right on the mark with the 5 loved and hated things. You are very honest and fair in your assessments and I trust your judgement. No stereotypes, just real, down to earth advice. Kuddo's to you!
Thanks :)
I found the traffic is only bad at weekends or in peak months June-early September if out of them the traffic is not all that bad. Try England where most roads are only 1 lane and if an accident happens you have to drive 10-20 miles around through small villages in a car that burns fuel at $13 a gallon
I was there last week. Going from the airport to Disney Springs by Uber, I don't think I saw anything else than highways and hotels, and they all looked the same. The driver could've gone halfway to Tampa and I wouldn't have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
But before I got on the Uber, I decided to check public transport options, European that I am. It takes TWO HOURS to do a 20 minute drive. Including waiting forty minutes at an interchange. You might was well walk at that point.
As a frequent visitor of Orlando.
Yep x10!!
We stayed out in Haines City in December, and being that bit further out from Orlando was nice because we had the opportunity to actually chat with some locals. We also ventured to Longhorns in winter haven a few times which we preferred to the ones in Orlando. A less touristy vibe.
Please folks when coming from Europe wear what ever is comfortable . I’ve watched a lot of videos about American looking funny in our everyday clothing. But living here my whole life I can pick out who is from what country by your clothing as well. And yes we local laugh. However, what a blessing it is that we all have are own flavor. It would be so boring if we dressed alike. Plus Europeans are spending your hard earned money with us. So I wouldn’t think of telling how to dress..I’ve met so many cool people in my life from all over Europe, I appreciative you wanting to come to my hometown.....So maybe when you see us in Europe dressed. “Funny” know we think the same thing.. nothing like a first world problems.
Traffic is terrible everywhere. Tourists never bother me anywhere. The service at Wet & Wild was terrible. Yeah prices are bad and even here in CT. I hated all the rain when I was there in September, but the weather was ok. Going back next month till May.
Spot on Walter I grew up here in the I-4 corridor, it's literally hell on earth, I drive 27 miles to Orlando FL to work every day and I'm thinking of seeking professional help because I have to drive on it every day.
Universal sucks. They have one land Harry Potter land, they pride themselves on this land. But the rest of the parts of the parks of universal you can forget about. Harry Potter land is pretty much the only thing you can do there. To help those who say they don’t want to go to Disney world, but they don’t want to go to a park like universal. Go see the nasa space station, it’s only an hour away from Orlando. Or you could go to sea world, I’ve never been there myself. But I heard if you skip all the wild life, there’s still a lot to do. But that’s my opinion.
We’ve been to Orlando multiple times except we are usually in the “Disney Bubble;” however, one time we rented a car because we ventured out of the bubble. I don’t know what highway we were on, but it seemed like it was forever before an exit would come up. And some parking lots, one exit only!
I visited in the offseason and really didn't have that much problems with the traffic. Didn't drive that much tho and I realise I am probably one of those european touristy types you mention but I put my American Muscle to good use. :D.
Hi im from Mexico , and Im gonna visit Cocoa Beach in October , can you tell me what kind of weather if gonna find?? and please the Space Coast Fun Guide its a good coupon choice?? the deals are real??
Folks please if u come to my hometown please try not to go to Disney. Go downtown get out of the tourist area. Downtown lake Eola area. Thornton park is very nice, winter park is cool. It’s very lgbtq friendly also. Just get out of the tourist area. It’s always really hot humid and rainy then sunny. Beaches are about 45 minutes. So make sure u see a sunrise on the east coast and a sunset on the west coast.... he did a very good job
I love your videos, you give positive vibes .. Danke schön ;)
Bitte schoen! :)
The driving is the worst in Orlando (traffic, tourists, construction, poorly completed construction). It’s just not ready for the amount of people that come there to visit or live).
Lies!!! We went to Orlando like 3 weeks ago and mostly everyone (local) was rude or in a bad mood. We had our truck scratched up by one of the guys that worked at the resort we stayed in.
I just started giving a thumbs up at the outset of each of your vids because I really like all of them. Thx.
Had to laugh at the sucky service everywhere outside the parks in Orlando. I lived in Orlando for several years and it honestly was the worst place I ever lived in. The actual city (outside the parks) is a dump. Could explain why the service is bad. Tarpon Springs though, amazing place! Great choice for this video!
thanks :) loved Tarpon Springs... :)
the one thing i hated about florida was being a british kid going there people are too touchy feely and think they can just start pestering you becuase of the accent. i had adults that are too hands on and i felt like saying dont touch me pedophile. im older now and i wont let some random touch my kids its an offence. i know they try to be friendly in orlando but sometimes to much. and please dont ask me to talk in a british accent im not a freak show lol.
Aye I live in Orlando and I love having tourist visit the area cause is not just the parks.
so much more than the parks. so true
I am a Florida resident I go to Orlando some gems are for a burger shake shack in Disney springs for Mexican food frontera is good
You guys should come to Gainesville, Florida. It's about an hour and a half away from Orlando. Very cute, cozy, collage town. When I say collage town don't get the notion that all you will see is drunk gator fans. You will see real gators though :) Anyhow, next time you guys are in Florida, visit Gainesville.
We were driving through there back up to the frozen north. Even the gas station people off the highway by gainsville were nice :)
The tourists bring a lot of business to orlando you should be great full its cost us a family of 4 10000 just to get there
Sorry but, didn't they film Dolphin's Tale on that bridge?
I really like watching your videos sir. I'll never be able to go to any of these places. But, I like the way you describe them with such zeal =) Thanks for sharing !!! =)
you are very welcome shawn! and thank you for watching!
Tarpon Springs! That's just 15 minutes from my hometown. Was just talking to my friend about all the awesome Greek food it has.
my wife was in heaven with all the greek everything there :) my 7 year old was so happy to have great octopus again. fun visit
Great video; all of your videos for that matter. I do have to disagree a little on the overall accommodations in the Orlando area being expensive. It's actually one of the least expensive anywhere in the nation. When we go down, we stay at a gated community of townhomes. 3/BR 2/BA 1300 sq. ft., 10 minutes from the Disney World entrance for $85/per night. It's basically a home-away-from-home. Absolutely gorgeous place. There are many other great deals like that as well in the area. As far as the theme parks and parking being expensive, I'm totally with you there.........Thanks a bunch for these videos. My wife and I love watching.
This is true, AirBNB can get you a really nice place at a very cheap price in Orlando, and the hotels are generally average because there is so much competition. However if you want to stay on Disney or Universal property not so much lol.
I’ve lived in Central Florida for over 20 years. You nailed the description of Interstate 4. It’s horrendous, even more so now with the I-4 Ultimate Project.
Thank you for talking about Tarpon Springs I went there once when I was a child. I wanted to take my husband there this October but could not remember the name. And now thanks to you, I will have a much easier time, planing things out. V
great to hear it viktorja! glad we could help :)
Hello!
Great video and i thank you for taking the time to make it.
I have the opportunity to go to Orlando for a holiday but am not sure if it is worth it. do you think i should take the opportunity and go even though it is not as highly regarded as other places in the U.S?
PS. i live in Australia.
Thanks
APEX well, I would go to other places in the US first if I was paying my own money :)
If you are not here in orlando for the parks then the best place to be is International Drive. It’s a large hotel district with hundreds of restaurants and shops and attractions. Everything there is also just as family friendly as disney world.
Somebody stop this guy ;)
Is he talking about orlando or theme parks. Transportation is good ? Wrong . You dont have any transportation choice except bus and taxi. You have to wait for bus about more than 1 hour (not theme parks, i'm talking about real orlando ;) .Traffic is busy on I-4. Wrong... If you riding on 7-8am or 5-6pm in everywhere samething. He is not talking about orlando, He is talking about themeparks.
javariuss javariuss
you shut up stupid... I'm right. I think you didn't ride on bus in orlando. You bullshit.
Love the guy in the background is he a photo bomb?
Coming from NYC, I find Orlando to be quite inexpensive. The theme parks can be pricey but you can easily have a decent meal for half the price it would cost you in NYC. I haven't been able to find great dining in Orlando (NYC spoiled me) but there are good places for dining particularly in Winter Park along Park Ave.
+kwacou, yeah, I live in Orlando(Pine Hills Area). Orlando doesn't have much find dining as New York, but the city is growing fast from where it was just a few years ago. Orlando was super boring just a few years ago, but the city is really picking up with all the new development going on. I was born & raised here, so you probably can agree with me.
You're wrong Publix took all the nice people
I think california is better and our theme parks are the original like Disney and universal
how about traffic ? ;)
Your videos are so enjoyable. What kind of food did you eat in Orlando? They have incredible food from a variety of Latin American countries - ie. arepas from Venezuela
it is cool all the different foods that are available in Orlando with restaurants, tourists, people from everywhere
When I went to Orlando there weren't any traffic
Why was your eye bloodshot (right eye)
Why is she your wife cuz u have money hahah
I live in saint pete, pretty cool
Do you live in orlando or just a visitor?
Two completely different experiences.
roospaws just visiting and yes completely different for sure :)
I live in saint pete, pretty cool
Im coming to orlando next falll
I agree with the service being lackluster in places like International Drive and 192, which unfortunately is where a lot of tourists stay in Orlando. All of the fast food joints are under staffed and slow because it's stereotypical "doesn't matter because tourists are captive audience and will come anyway" type thing going on. To be honest (and I feel like I am allowed to say this since i've lived and worked in Orlando for 10 years, and went to college and got my MBA here), the fast food places in the touristy areas actively seek poorly educated for tax breaks. However other than I-Drive and especially 192, the service in Orlando overall is pretty good.
Also Orlando traffic does get really bad, however it's no worse than other major bad traffic cities (and there are lots of them in the south). Cities like Atlanta, LA, and Washington DC are way worse.
We never had that much of a problem on I-4, and we've been to Orlando multiple times over the past 2 years since our daughter and grandkids moved there. Be patient and nice to servers...patience and a smile are crucial. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day...use sunscreen and drink water...yes, bring a light jacket because air conditioning can be chilly...certain times of year are VERY expensive for hotels, but other times are very reasonable and even cheap.
Hi Wolter! For me driving in Orlando is amazing! I think it's because I live in Brazil and our roads are crap. If you come here, driving will definitely be in the 5 things you'll hate about Brazil! I really enjoy your videos! Kisses!
Haha "the St. Louis tourists." Funny that you mention this because I live in St. Louis and JUST visited Orlando a week ago.
Why do you rip on tourists? They keep up most of you economy! Local & national.
It's Orlando. Expect tourists.
ACF Merseyside 4COY I am just letting people know that no matter when they go there will be a few tourists around :) some people don't seem to realize that
I guess some people are a bit stupid to not realise that xD
nice video buddy
Go to the springs.
I'm a 33 year resident of Florida, HELP me get out of here. If I never see a palm tree again it will be to soon. Sincerely. Trapt
I absolutely love thıs chanel! Just dıscovered ıt and am watching all the videos uncontrollably
Very good video.
I'm from Miami-so Orlando's traffic is a piece of cake...that being said, I live 40 minutes out of Orlando and do NOT go to Orlando. You forgot to add crime..Orlando can be dangerous.
+Jenna X Orlando crime can't be worse than Miami's Liberty City, can it??
What happened is Miami became way too expensive in rent-so many people went up to Orando..many gangs from Miami are up there now. It
Dangerous like what? Mickey Mouse gun pointing at tourist?
"Thank you Jesus!!"...lol
exactly ;)
have you been to the Jersey shore Mark? sounds like you would enjoy it
No I haven't. Any recommendations?
woltersworld unless you're in NYC and want a little day trip to the beach I wouldn't really recommend going but anywhere from Asbury Park to Manasquan in nice. I grew up there so obviously I'm gonna think it's boring
Why am I watching this I've lived here my whole life
Lol but thats still cheaper than Finland 😂
So glad I live in California.
When you paying double tax (state and federal), remember that again ok ;)
I live here, it rarely hits 100 degrees.
traffic is a headache at every Big City
Thanks! Very helpful!!!
Im from Orlando I hate i4
born and rised in orlando ! lol
I live in orlando
In 2:09 mins the bird just flew down in the backround
PUERTO RICANS, CUBANS... LET SHOW THEM HOW WE DOING ...WE STILL OWN FLORIDA BABYS. DEAL WITH IT
The public transportation sucks in Orlando and only the rich can go to the parks i have lived here my entire life a d have never been to one
I4= FLorida turnpike??
I4 is usually more crowded bcoz it's free
Melicia no turnpike different
Isn't the most Greek place for in the world Greece?
Michael Haley 😂 I literally thought the same thing
Great video! thinking about accepting a job there. very insightful