Once you've arrived, you can stop in at the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Orlando CVB), 8723 International Dr., Ste. 101, Orlando; however, it's best to call ahead (tel. 800/972-3304 or 407/363-5872; www.visitorlando.com) for information on the area's offerings. Staffers at the CVB can help answer your questions, as well as send out maps, brochures, and coupons good for discounts or freebies. The CVB sells discount tickets to several attractions. Savings on multiday passes to Universal run about $10, while SeaWorld savings run about $2 on a 1-day ticket (and at times includes a second day free), and up to $15 on multipark tickets; only Disney's 4-day or longer passes are discounted, with savings from $5 to $15 depending on the ticket (some include free upgrades, increasing the savings even more). The CVB's multilingual staff can also make dinner reservations and hotel referrals for you. The CVB is open daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm, except Christmas. From I-4, take exit 74A east 2 blocks, turn south on International Drive, and continue 1 mile. The center is on the left, at the corner of I-Drive and Austrian Row.
The Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau is located at 1925 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy./U.S. 192, Kissimmee (tel. 407/742-8200; www.visitkissimmee.com). It also offers maps, brochures, and discount coupons. From I-4, take exit 64A/U.S. 192 east about 12 miles to Bill Beck Boulevard, and then go left into the CVB's parking lot. It's open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Again, you can call and have these items sent to you ahead of time so you can do some planning at home.
Five tourism centers around Florida have statewide information. They're located 4 miles north of Jennings on I-75 south; 3 miles north of Campbellton on Highway 231; 7 miles north of Yulee on I-95; 16 miles west of Pensacola on I-10 east; and at the capitol in Tallahassee.
Finally, nearly all hotel lobbies and many restaurants, highway rest stops, and attractions have racks brimming with brochures for area activities (except for Disney brochures -- they're only available at Disney-owned and -operated hotels, "official" Disney hotels along Hotel Plaza Blvd., and designated "Good Neighbor" hotels). Many are filled with dining discounts and cost-cutting coupons, so cover your bases and pick up a few of everything.
Information (& More) at the Airport
Passengers arriving at or departing from Orlando International Airport can stroll over to one of two Disney shops. The Magic of Disney (tel. 407/825-2360) is in the main terminal, third level, right behind the Northwest Airlines ticket desk. Disney Earport (tel. 407/825-2339) is in the main terminal, across from the Hyatt Regency. They sell WDW multiday tickets, arrange dinner-show and hotel reservations at Disney resorts, and provide brochures and assistance. They're open daily, usually from 7am to 9 or 10pm, but know that the airport stores are filled with a rather run-of-the-mill selection of Disney merchandise; unless you're on your way home and forgot to buy that must-have Mickey for Auntie Gertrude, you'll find a far better selection elsewhere.
The Universal Studios Stores (tel. 407/825-2473), usually open daily from 7am to 9pm, sell park tickets at two locations: Airside A, main terminal, and Airside B, Delta side, before security -- both on the third level. SeaWorld stores, at airsides A and B, are open daily from 6am to 9pm (tel. 407/825-2614). For space buffs coming through town, Kennedy Space Center (tel. 407/445-1788) has two locations at the airport, in both the East and West halls. Even the Ron Jon Surf Shop (tel. 407/825-2217) has an airport outpost (daily 7am-9pm).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
