On a carefree holiday in Orlando, the only worry you should have is which hair-raising roller coaster you're going to brave next. Yet as we all know, a perfect holiday requires some preplanning - from where to shop, how to get around, and which attractions to ride - so that no unexpected hurdles spoil your fun. That's why we've done a thorough sweep of some handy apps to download that'll do all the thinking for you so you can focus on what matters: having the time of your life.
Read our helpful guide on the best apps for an Orlando holiday that'll take care of all the logistics...
For the Theme Parks
Sometimes the crystal ball from Disney's Haunted Mansion would have come in handy for predicting queue times at theme parks. All you need to do is download a theme park app. The best part about is that they’re all free and cost little time to use, letting you unlock the secrets to a stress-free theme park experience.
My Disney Experience
Get the most out of your Disney day with the
My Disney Experience, your personal guide to all of Disney's magic and wonder. Get live wait times, a GPS-enabled map, and a full schedule of events at your fingertips, allowing you to stay up-to-date and never miss a moment of fun. Plus, with Lightning Lane entrances, you can soar past the never-ending queues and finally ride those must-do attractions. And that's not all - discover new dining experiences and tantalise your taste buds by browsing menus, making dining reservations, and even ordering takeaways at select restaurants throughout the
Walt Disney World Resort.
The Official Universal Orlando Resort App
Stay ahead of the crowds with live wait times and up-to-date information on all the latest events with
The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. What's more, the Favourites List is a super cool feature that lets you add your preferred rides, with alerts sent straight to your phone when wait times are low or when your favourite show is about to begin. Plus, you can conveniently order food and link your payment details to the app. Thus eliminating the stress of carrying around your bank cards as you whoosh through the skies on Universal Orlando Resort’s speedy roller coasters.
SeaWorld Orlando App
Dive into the ultimate marine adventure with the
SeaWorld Orlando App, your go-to source for everything you need and want during your visit. From park opening hours and ride information to real-time wait times and unforgettable animal experiences, the SeaWorld Orlando App has got you covered. Plus, you’ll be kept in the loop with the app's handy guide to the nearest restrooms, and you can also upgrade your dining experience to the next level with the All Day Dining Deal and reserved show seats.
For Shopping
Looking for a fabulous shopping experience with the best deals in town? Look no further! Whether you're in search of the perfect souvenir, aiming to add some subtropical flair to your wardrobe, or just seeking mega discounts - these apps will give you more bang for your buck. With their user-friendly interfaces and advanced search features, you can easily find exactly what you're looking for, in style.
Simon
Experience the ultimate shopping spree with
Simon Property Group's app, featuring a collection of 200 shopping malls across the USA, four of which are in Orlando. Finding the perfect mall has never been easier, as the app guides you to the nearest location with just a tap of your finger. Plus, you can sign up and bag super savings, allowing you to snag those comfy new trainers or breezy summer clothes at a price that's just right.
RetailMeNot
Unlock discounts and coupons with
RetailMeNot, the ultimate shopping companion that offers deals for a wide range of retailers, not just limited to one shopping centre. Shop till you drop with the vast selection of promo codes, coupons, and cash-back incentives available for popular brands like Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and Uber Eats. With RetailMeNot, you can access a wide variety of everyday savings and enjoy a seamless shopping experience.
VAT Calculator
Don't let the surprise of added VAT catch you off guard when shopping in Orlando or throughout the USA, where it's not included in the retail price. Stay on top of your budget by downloading a convenient VAT calculator app that allows you to calculate the total cost of your purchases beforehand. With this handy tool, simply input the price of your item and select the applicable VAT percentage to instantly determine the complete price of your purchases. Keep your budget in check and shop with confidence, knowing exactly what you'll be paying with the help of this useful app.
For Food
You may be satisfying your theme park hunger in Orlando, but you need to stop and refuel every now and then. From dining in restaurants, quick service takeaways, or stocking up your full kitchen with fresh groceries, we have the low down on where to eat or shop so your hunger doesn’t get in the way.
Visit Orlando
The connoisseur of Orlando’s dining scene, Visit Orlando recommends the best restaurants based on your preferences. No matter if you’re in the mood for family-friendly favourites or want to be wowed by Michelin Star chefs, the
Visit Orlando app will lead you to the place that will dazzle your taste buds. And while it extends its knowledge towards swanky lounges, gastronomical bars, and entertaining dinner shows, you’ll also have insightful info on Orlando’s top attractions outside the theme parks, inspiration on free things to do, and any exciting upcoming events on Orlando’s calendar.
Publix
If you’re staying in a self-catering hotel or a villa,
Publix will be your online one-stop shop for filling your pantry with fresh groceries and artisanal bakes. With the option of store pick-ups or delivery, you can enjoy Publix’s fine selection of food throughout Orlando. The Florida supermarket chain is renowned for its speciality sub sandwiches, crispy fried chicken, and freshly-baked bread, all of which you can order online. And with its impressive coupon system, you can save digital coupons and apply them at checkout to save on your food shop.
For Getting Around
Being mobile on holiday is a top priority, especially when you’re in the land of roller coasters and rolling golfing greens. While you’ll enjoy a free 7-day I-Ride Trolley pass that’ll zip you along International Drive as part of your
Explorer bundle, there are some useful apps for hailing a cab, checking the traffic, and finding an available parking spot for your hire car.
Lyft/Uber
Finding your way around Orlando is a breeze with ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. The good news is that your Uber app will work in Orlando, but you will need to change your location and have Wi-Fi access or a local data connection for the app to function properly. Alternatively, you can use Lyft, and it's always a good idea to compare the prices of both services to find the best deal that takes you from A to B and everywhere in between.
Florida 511
Looking to explore Florida on your own terms?
Florida 511 has got you covered! With real-time traffic updates and detailed route planning, you'll arrive at your destination in no time. Stay informed with up-to-the-minute traffic alerts and alternate routes so that you can avoid traffic jams and delays. Plus, with the Drive Mode feature, you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road as the app responds to your voice commands.
ParkMobile
Make the most out of your Orlando experience by using
ParkMobile - the USA's smart parking app that lets you find, reserve, and pay for parking hassle-free. Skip the stress of finding parking by using ParkMobile to reserve a spot and make a secure payment via the app. With the ability to extend parking hours remotely and avoid the need to rush back to your car, you can spend more time enjoying the exciting attractions that Orlando has to offer.
For Keeping Tabs on Everything Else
Stay ahead of the game and make the most of your holiday with these must-have apps. Keep track of the weather, manage your expenses, and ensure that everyone in your group stays together seamlessly. With these apps, you can focus on having a great time without worrying about the little things.
1Weather
Orlando is renowned for its sunny weather, but it's also known for sudden rain showers in the afternoon. Don't let the weather dampen your holiday - keep a weather app like
1Weather to hand to stay prepared. With a 10-day weather forecast, weather warnings, and up-to-date weather alerts, you’ll be the first to know if you should take a rain check. And if you need to change plans last minute to swap theme parks for indoor activities on rainy days, then you can keep dry and return to the theme parks when the sun reappears.
Spending Tracker
To ensure that your dream holiday doesn't turn into a financial nightmare, it's essential to keep track of your spending. You can download an app like
Spending Tracker to link with your bank accounts and monitor your expenses. The app will display every purchase, allowing you to identify when you need to slow down or have extra money to splurge on something you just can't resist.
Glympse
Glympse is a highly secure tracking app that enables you to locate your friends and share your real-time location with them. You can choose how long you want to share your location with selected contacts, and the app provides an estimated time of arrival for when you'll meet up. It works on all mobile devices, similar to Apple's Find My Friends. With Glympse, you can stay connected and ensure that you and your friends can always find each other, no matter where your adventures take you.
Ready for your Orlando holiday? Visit Florida Holidays and start planning your dream getaway with a personalised package. 
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