Food, Clothing & Shelter in Orlando

The best Orlando vacations involve planning and preparation.  While it's important to make sure your flight and park tickets are purchased, don't forget the basics once you get there.  Be sure you've covered your family's 3 basic needs while vacationing in Orlando...

1. Food.  Eating out at restaurants everyday is an expensive prospect - and especially challenging for families with dietary concerns or needs.  Instead of eating on the go, plan to eat at least one meal at home at regular times.  Go grocery shopping for this meal and healthy snacks to eat between meals.  Sliced veggies, raw nuts, and dried fruits are healthy choices.  When eating out, choose simple entrees featuring proteins and fresh vegetables.  And don't mistake hunger for dehydration - make sure each family member is drinking at least 8oz of water every hour.  Looking for a chef to prepare your family's meals?  Try ROVH's personal chef service.

2. Clothing.  Orlando is a humid subtropical climate and has 2 seasons throughout the year.  May to September is rainy and hot.  October through April is cooler and drier.  Pack a rain jacket during the rainy season and a light jacket during the cooler season.  And don't forget hats, sunglasses, and clothing that is light and wicks away sweat for the abundant sunshine and heat!  Read 4 other things to pack when traveling to Orlando and for a day at the beach.

3. Shelter.  There are 3 options for shelter in Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort hotels, a corporate hotel, and vacation home rentals.  Vacation home rentals are privately-owned condos, town homes, and single family homes located on vacation resorts.  Vacation home rentals offer your family amenities like private pools, multiple bedrooms, and resort Clubhouses.  Overall, vacation home rentals are 56% less expensive than hotels, but offer 3 times the space.  ROVH encourages your family to explore renting a vacation home for your next Orlando vacation and benefiting from one of Orlando's best kept secrets.

Do you have any tips about traveling to Orlando?  We'd love to hear them - please leave a comment or contact us.  Your advice may be featured in our next newsletter! 

5 Things to Pack When Traveling to Orlando

If you're traveling to Orlando, don't forget to pack these essentials.  If you're flying in the U.S. make sure all liquids are in 3oz. containers that fit into a quart size Zip Lock bag.  Read our tips for packing for a day at the beach, too!

1. Spare Change for Toll Roads.  Florida’s toll roads, called the Sun Pass Lanes allow you to avoid rush hour traffic and arrive at your destinations faster.  If you don’t purchase a Sun Pass voucher, you will need to pay for the tolls with change (dollar bills, quarters, dimes, and nickels).  Read more tips for driving in Orlando.

2. Backpack or Waist Pack.  Bring a tote for your wallet, park tickets, camera, maps, water bottles, snacks, and other daily necessities.  Consider opting for a small bag with since many rides do not allow loose, large bags.

3. Sunblock.  Florida’s sun is more intense than other climates and can cause skin damage even when it’s cloudy.  Even when not at the beach, avoid the sun from 11:00AM-2:00PM and re-apply sunscreen every two hours.  ROVH recommends Coppertone with a minimum SPF 35.

4. Clothes for Different Weather.  Orlando is in a humid subtropical climate and has two seasons during the year.  May to September is hot and rainy, while October through April is dry and cooler.  If you’re traveling to Orlando during the rainy season bring a rain jacket or poncho and if you’re traveling during the cooler season, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

5. Comfortable Shoes & Flip Flops.  If your family is planning to tour the parks, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.  Don’t ruin your vacation with blisters and sore feet.  Bring a comfortable pair of tennis or walking shoes and pair with socks that wick away sweat.  And remember your flip flops when you’re poolside at a ROVH home’s resort pool!

Visit ROVH's Vacation Planning Tools to download a printable Orlando Packing List, purchase tickets, or rent a car.

Packing for a Day at the Beach!

Now that you've read about ROVH's recommendations for Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast beaches near Orlando, read on for what to bring to the beach and some general guidelines to stay safe and have fun!

Tips for the beach:

1. Wear sunscreen.  Florida’s sun is intense throughout the day and can even cause sunburns on cloudy days.  An SPF 30 or higher with application every 2 hours is recommended.

2. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.  Find shelter from the sun from 11:00AM to 2:00PM when the sun is at its strongest and more likely to cause skin damage.  

3. Drink water.  Make sure to pack water bottles to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.  Avoid carbonated beverages like soda because they cause dehydration and attract insects.

4. Don’t swim alone & only swim in designated areas.  Areas where rip currents or dangerous wildlife are detected will be posted and it’s best to avoid these areas altogether.  And it's always safer to swim with a buddy!

Beach Day Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• SPF Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Umbrella
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Water toys
• Camera
• Beach towels
• Beach chairs
• Cash for parking or tolls


Other items you may want to consider are Zip-Lock baggies to protect your valuables from the sun and disposable hand wipes to clean your children after the day at the beach.  Don’t forget Aloe products, which help heal skin from sunburns.

Most beaches have nearby stores that sell everything for your beach day including water and food, beach toys, sunscreen, and souvenirs.

Select umbrellas and towels with bright colors and patterns, so your family can locate your position along the shore.  Don’t forget a disposable cooler with ice to hold your treats and keep them cool!  

Does your family have other tips to stay safe and have fun at the beach?  We'd love to hear them - comment below or email us your tips at rovh@rent-orlando-vacation-homes.com.  Your tips could be featured in our next newsletter!

Still need a place to stay for your Orlando or Disney World vacation?  Browse ROVH's vacation homes for the best quality homes, closest to Disney World!