Orlando
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Orlando in Florida is the theme park capital of the world. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are just a short distance from each other. On this page you can read how to get there, what to sort out before you leave and when it's best to go.
Discover Orlando
Travelling to Orlando
The largest airport in the region is Orlando International Airport (MCO). There are direct flights from Schiphol to MCO, operated by Delta, KLM's partner. The number of flights per week varies by season. From Belgium, you travel via Schiphol or with a connection in another European or American city.
MCO has three terminals: A, B and C. You'll find hire cars, taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft, and shuttle buses at all terminals. Read more on the page From Orlando airport (MCO) to Universal.
ESTA: your travel authorisation for the US
With a Dutch or Belgian passport you don't need a visa for a holiday in the United States, but you do need an ESTA. You apply for it online via the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Babies and children also need their own ESTA.
- Cost: US$ 40.62 per application (as of November 2026). If your application is refused, you only pay the processing fee of US$ 10.62.
- Validity: two years, or less if your passport expires sooner. During that time you can travel multiple times.
- Stay: a maximum of 90 days per trip.
- Passport: you need an electronic passport with a chip.
There are also commercial sites that will submit the application for you, at extra cost. Apply for your ESTA well before you leave.
Weather:
In summer it's around 33 °C during the day and there's a lot of rain. In winter it's about 22 °C during the day.
ESTA:
Without an approved ESTA you won't be allowed to board. Only apply via the official site.
Airport:
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has three terminals. Check the transport options to your hotel.
The best time to travel
Orlando has a warm climate all year round. According to the National Weather Service, in July and August it averages around 33 °C during the day and 23 °C at night. June to September is the rainy season: each month sees roughly three times as much rain as in winter.
From November to April it's drier and more pleasant, with around 22 °C during the day in January and about 10 °C at night. If you want warmth without too much heat, these months are a good choice.
Hurricane season, crowds and holidays
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. On most days you won't notice a thing, but if you travel in that period, keep an eye on the weather forecast and take out good travel insurance.
The parks are busier during American school holidays and public holidays, such as around Christmas and New Year. In return, there are extra events. Universal, for example, has Halloween Horror Nights in the autumn and its own Christmas programme around the holidays with the Holiday Parade featuring Macy's.
Combining Disney and Universal
Many Dutch visitors go to both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando on one trip. If you do, bear the following in mind:
- Tickets: Disney and Universal each have their own tickets, so you buy them separately.
- Number of days: Walt Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks, Universal Orlando three theme parks and one water park. So for the theme parks alone you already need seven days. Plan a few rest days in between too.
- Transport: Universal's free buses and water taxis only run between its own hotels and parks. To travel between Disney and Universal, use a hire car, taxi or ride-hailing app, for example.
- Accommodation: choose a hotel at each resort, or move halfway through. That way you benefit from the perks for hotel guests, such as early park entry.
Sort out your ESTA in time
Apply for your ESTA as soon as your trip is confirmed, for every member of your travel party.
Protect yourself from the sun
The sun in Florida is strong all year round. Bring sunscreen, a cap and a water bottle.
Use the apps
The Disney and Universal apps show live waiting times. Our own waiting time pages show them too.