Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

Greater Orlando's population numbers approximately 1.5 million.

Constantly growing and boasting a strong economic base, Orlando attracts many large companies and corporate headquarters. The bulk of the area's employment comes from the entertainment and retail sectors, including major employers like Disney, Universal, Marriot, Loews Hotels, and Wal-Mart. Other top employers include those in communications, health care, research, and aviation.

Orlando's sales tax is 6%.

Weather

Balmy and relatively comfortable year-round, Orlando's climate provides a perfect setting for the city's many outdoor destinations. Generally, temperatures from October to May range from the high 60s to the mid 80s during the day and from the low 50s to the mid 60s at night. However, occasional storms can make temperatures fall, requiring warm jackets. Plus, it's always a good idea to dress in layers to accommodate variable temperatures. From June to September, daytime temperatures range from the upper 80s to the mid 90, dropping about 20 degrees at night. In addition, summer months usually see more rain than winter months.

Holidays & Business Hours

Florida observes the following federal and state holidays, when many businesses close, have shortened business hours, or offer limited services.

Coming & Going

Rated among the country's top 15 busiest airports, Orlando International (OIA) services all major carriers and handles the bulk of the area's air traffic. It's conveniently located near downtown and within a relatively short distance of major theme parks. The airport offers connections to the I-Ride trolley system that services the I-Drive area, providing stops every 15 minutes. The Lynx public bus transportation system, which connects to many Orlando destinations, is also accessible at OIA. Taxi service and hotel shuttles ensure quick, reliable transportation to and from the airport as well.

Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses also provide service to Orlando.

Making Your Way

If you plan to tour the city and travel among a variety of parks and attractions, renting a car is the easiest way to get around. However, if you're staying at a Disney-owned hotel and visiting only Disney attractions, take advantage of Disney's complimentary shuttle service, which links all Disney attractions. It's reliable and efficient with short wait times.

Public buses and convenient taxis are also available throughout the area.

News & Views

The Orlando Times, Orlando Sentinel, and Orlando Weekly will keep you in the know regarding world, national, and local events. The Orlando Business Journal chronicles the area's business happenings.

Quirks & Curiosities

While entrance to theme parks can be expensive, visitors may take advantage of budget-minded alternatives. One such option is Universal's Flex Ticket, which is a single ticket that grants access to Universal's venues and to other attractions like SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Getting Your Bearings

The Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau operates a Visitor's Center to help acclimate newcomers. It's a great source of information, and it makes available discount tickets, maps, and brochures. You can even pick up local tips from the helpful staff.

Visitor's Center
8723 International Drive
Suite 101
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-5872
info@orlandocvb.com
Daily 8am-7pm

Necessities - Post Offices

It's usually not too difficult to spot a drop box when you're out and about, but if you need to conduct more serious postal business, it's not always that easy. In Orlando, a number of post offices are convenient to travelers and residents. They include:

College Park
1705 Edgewater Dr
407-841-2634
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-noon

Downtown Orlando
46 East Robinson St
407-425-6464
Mon-Fri 7am-5pm

Orange Blossom
440 South Orange Blossom Trail
407-843-3420
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Orlando
10401 Post Office Blvd
407-826-3419
Daily 6am-midnight

Sand Lake
10450 Turkey Lake Rd
407-351-2492
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-noon

Reedy Creek Improvement District
Lake Buena Vista
Orlando, FL 32830
407-238-0223

Common Courtesies

Although tipping is generally a personal matter, some basic guidelines prove helpful to travelers. At restaurants, servers are typically provided 15% of the bill (with variations of 10% for basic assistance or 20% for exceptional service). In addition, tips are customarily based on service and not on food. These days, it is common for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for groups, so check before providing an additional tip.

Taxi drivers usually receive a tip equivalent to 15% of the tab, and bellhops usually receive $2-$3 per bag. Often, a dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders, for example, often merit $1 per cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1 for each day of a stay, and coat-check clerks receive $1 as well. A concierge, however, generally earns $5-$10 for standard service (additional assistance suggests more).