Orientation
Orlando
The biggest city in central Florida, Orlando is dominated by Lake Eola in its northeastern downtown quadrant. The most famous downtown icon is Church Street Station, a collection of restaurants, bars and shops located between Interstate 4 and the railroad tracks. Orlando is 6km (4mi) from Universal Studios, 16km (10mi) from Sea World, and 32km (20mi) from Walt Disney World, all located southwest of downtown in an area appropriately known as the Tourist Quarter.
Visas Overview
Canadians need proof of Canadian citizenship or a passport to enter the USA. All other visitors must have a valid passport, which should be valid for at least six months longer than their intended stay in the USA.
Travellers from countries such as Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can enter the USA for up to 90 days under a visa-waiver program if they have a round-trip ticket that is nonrefundable in the US, and have a passport valid for at least six months past their scheduled departure date. All other travellers will need a visitor's visa. Visas can be obtained at most US consulate offices overseas; however, it is generally easier to obtain a visa from an office in one's home country.
The USA is regularly adjusting entry requirements in an effort to reduce the threat of terrorism. It is imperative that travellers double- and triple-check current regulations before coming to the USA, as changes will occur for several years. A procedure introduced in 2004 requires most visitors travelling on visas to the United States to have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken by immigration officials upon entry at US air and seaports.
Under new regulations to be phased in toward the end of 2005, travellers from VWP-eligible countries will need to present a biometric passport or US visa to enter the country. You don't need a visa if:
your passport was issued before October 26,
2005, but is 'machine readable';
if it was issued on or after October 26,
2005, and includes a digital photo as well as
being machine readable; or if it was issued
on or after October 26, 2006, and contains
a digital photo and 'biometric data,' such as
digital iris scans and fingerprints. Further details and information on the changes to the visa system can be found at www.travel.state.gov/visa.
Customs Overview
All incoming travellers must fill out customs declarations. Travellers must specifically disclose all agricultural products and all cash and cash equivalents worth 10000 USD or more.
Duty Free
Overseas visitors may bring in up to 100 USD in goods or gifts duty free, together with 100 cigars, 200 cigarettes and a litre of alcoholic beverages. As of this writing, Cuban tobacco products are still prohibited in the USA.
Getting There and Away
There are good bus connections from Orlando to all the major cities in Florida; unfortunately, the bus station is way out of town. By the time you've factored in the taxi ride, you might be just as well to take a train. Amtrak runs direct services between Orlando and Miami, Gainesville and points to the north. Or you can just fly straight into Orlando International Airport, which is served by almost all major airlines, as well as charters and discount airlines.
Getting to Orlando and Away by Bus
The bus station is in the middle of nowhere out on Hwy 423, but the Greyhound buses will take you to every major city in Florida. If you're arriving by bus, factor in the cost of an expensive cab ride into town.
Getting to Orlando and Away by Plane
Orlando International Airport (MCO), in the far southeastern corner of the city, is the largest in Central Florida. It's served by almost all major airlines, as well as charters and discount airlines. If you get to Florida by package deal you'll inevitably end up in Orlando, roped in by cross-marketing plans between theme parks, hotels and airlines. To get to Disney World from the airport by car, take Hwy 417 to Hwy 536.
Getting to Orlando and Away by Train
Amtrak runs direct services from Orlando to Miami, Gainesville and points to the north. The Amtrak station is 1.6km (1mi) south of Central Orlando.
Getting Around
A car is a necessity if you want to zoom around Orlando's environs (and let's face it, you're probably here either for the whizz-bang of the theme parks or the calm of the great outdoors). However, within the city limits driving is made a bit of keester-ache by one-way streets. Ditch the car and take the bus: there's a free downtown circuit. If you simply can't give up the wheels, get a taxi, but bear in mind you'll have to phone book - taxis in Orlando never stop for kerbside wavers.
Getting Around Orlando by Taxi
You can catch cabs around if that's your style, but you'll have to wave one down with your mobile since taxis here ignore kerb hailing - no matter how frantic.
Getting Around Orlando by Car
Driving within the city of Orlando can be tricky: most streets are one-way and ticket-happy meter maids lie in wait. However, if you want to do any travelling outside of Orlando you'll need a car. From downtown Orlando, take I-4 south. There are a handful of car rental companies at the airport and many more downtown.
Getting Around Orlando by Bus
Orlando runs a highly efficient and inexpensive city bus system, including a free downtown circuit. Pick up schedules and route maps at the Lynx Bus Center, which is is one block east of Orange Ave. You can catch buses from here to the Disney parks, but it's a long ride.
