Traveling Via Public Transportation
In
North America
Train-Bus-Ferry-Tour-Bicycle-Walk-Car
Share-Taxi
|
|
Traveling Via Public Transportation In
North America |
|
|
Home - Why Public Transportation - How to Guide – News – Organizations – Articles - Blogs - E-Mail – Search – Car Free At The Beach – Car Free Journeys – Car Free Living |
|
Public Transportation Resources
|
Car Free Journeys – Orlando FL – January 2013 By Steve Atlas 
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were wonderful and special in every way. Our first “Car Free Journey” column this year will spotlight a popular family vacation spot: Orlando, Florida - home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and much more. But Orlando offers much more than just Disney World. Today, we will explore two parts of Orlando itself: downtown Orlando, and International Drive, and include links for additional information. You will find out how to use local public transit to visit Disney World. (For detailed information about visiting Walt Disney World and its 4 theme parks, I recommend the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013, published by Wiley and available in local bookstores and from Amazon.com.)
How to Get Here From Orlando International Airport Orlando International Airport is served by many airlines, including Southwest. From here, there are two major non-driving options (plus taxis): Mears Transportation offers a Shuttle Service that costs approximately: $18 ($15 for children) one way or $29 ($23 for kids) round trip from the airport to downtown Orlando, $19 ($15 for children) one way or $30 ($24 for kids) round trip from the airport to International Drive, $21 ($17 for children) one way or $34 ($27 for kids) round trip from the airport to Walt Disney-World-Lake Buena Vista, and $27($22 for children) one way or $46 ($37 for kids) round trip from the airport to US 192 Main Gate Area. For details, visit http://www.mearstransportation.com/services/shared-ride-shuttle/, or call (407) 423-5566.
LYNX is the public transportation system for Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. A single ride costs $2, a one-day pass (good for unlimited rides in a single day) is $4.50 ($2.25 for children, ages 10-18), or $16 ($8 for children ages 10-18) for a 7-day unlimited ride pass. From the airport, LYNX routes 11 or 51 will take you to the Lynx Central Station in downtown Orlando. The trip takes about 40 minutes. The address of the Lynx Central Station is 455 North Garland Ave. From the airport to International Drive, take LYNX routes 42 or 111 to Destination Parkway. (From here, cross the street to catch the I-Trolley.) 
From the airport to Walt Disney World, take LYNX route 111 to either Downtown Disney or the Ticket and Transportation Center (the Ticket and Transportation Center is the recommended choice). For more information about LYNX schedules and fares, call (407) 841-LYNX, or visit www.golynx.com. From the Orlando Amtrak train station: 1400 Sleigh Blvd - Take LYNX route 40 to Lynx Central Station. Catch the 40 at Sleigh Blvd. and Copeland Drive. From the Greyhound Bus Terminal: 555 North John Young Parkway - Take LYNX route 25 to Lynx Central Station. Catch the 25 at John Young Parkway and West Livingston Street.
What To Do after You Arrive Visit Orlando, Orlando’s Tourist Bureau, advises visitors who don’t want to drive to focus on two areas: Downtown Orlando, and International Drive. Downtown Orlando Downtown Orlando is like a square, and is easy to explore on foot. For those times when public transit is needed, the best location is LYNX Central Station, located at 455 North Garland Ave., Orlando, FL 32601. The following downtown hotels are within walking distance of LYNX Central Station: Crowne Plaza, Grand Bohemian Hotel, Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, Embassy Suites, Sonesta Orlando, Comfort Suites, Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown Click on a hotel’s link for more information about that hotel. LYNX provides a free public transportation system around downtown Orlando. For details, call LYNX, or visit http://www.golynx.com/riding-lynx/lymmo.stml
What to do in Downtown Orlando Visit Orlando suggests the following itinerary for exploring downtown Orlando: Discover Downtown Orlando MORNING Downtown Orlando provides plenty of opportunities for families to experience fun and culture. Start off the day at Loch Haven Park - the heart of Orlando's cultural corridor and home to The Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, the Orlando Repertory Theatre, and the Mennello Museum of Art. Either of the 2 following attractions: Orlando Science Center and Orlando Museum of Art, can easily take a whole morning. There is so much to choose from. The Orlando Science Center (OSC) has four floors of exciting exhibits, amazing giant screen movies and engaging live program. As great as their touring exhibits are, there are some exhibits that are the staple of the Orlando Science Center. Nature Works will have you up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating reptiles. At DinoDigs, you’ll step back into the prehistoric age. Explore such concepts as electricity and magnetism, lasers, sound waves, and nature’s forces in Science Park. For more information, visit www.osc.org, or call (407) 836-8500. To get here from LYNX Central Station, take bus #125, and get off at Rollins Street and Camden Road. The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). The museum's American Collection includes paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculptures from the 18th century to the present. Its Art of the Ancient Americas Collection features artifacts from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 1521 from the ancient cultures of the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. Its African Collection showcases objects of adornment from Southern African cultures such as the Zulu, Ndbele, Himba and Thembu and ceremonial and utilitarian objects of the Benin and Yoruba cultures of West Africa. For more information, visit www.omart.org, or call (407) 896-9920) To get here from LYNX Central Station, take bus #125, and get off at Rollins Street and North Mills Ave. AFTERNOON For lunch, you'll find dozens of charming restaurants and cafés to choose from in Downtown Orlando.
If you are looking for a more organic option, visit Pine Twenty2. This create your burger joint has mouthwatering meaty explosions, made from locally sourced, raised, grown, or produced products. If your visit brings you to Lake Eola on a Sunday, join the locals at the weekly Sunday Eola Market, offering the freshest in produce, baked goods, flowers and plants, among other exotic offerings. During the week, take a stroll around the beautifully landscape Lake Eola or take the paddle swan boat out for a swim. Next, stop by the Orange County Regional History Center, located on two acres (one hectare) in the middle of Downtown Orlando in Heritage Square. Even the building is historic - it's located in a renovated 1927 Orange County courthouse. You and your family will enjoy your journey back 12,000 years to experience Florida's way of life for the first Native Americans, settlers, Florida Crackers, and citrus growers - as well as learn about the influence of Walt Disney World and the aerospace industry on Central Florida. You can reach the Center by circling around Lake Eola to Central Blvd. A parking garage is located on Central Blvd. across from the Orange County Public Library. For more information, visit http://www.thehistorycenter.org/, or call (407)836-8500) EVENING A short walk from the Orange County Regional History Center brings you to Orlando's most eclectic trendy art gallery by stopping at the City Arts Factory, located at the heart of Downtown. City Arts Factory is Downtown’s largest collective of art galleries which showcases an infusion of local and international works of art, rotated on a monthly basis and is free for admission. To experience a fine art gallery, head over to Grand Bohemian Gallery. Located inside the posh Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, this gallery features artwork from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many contemporary and local artists show their work here, which includes paintings, art glass, sculptures and jewelry. Guests who visit the gallery also have the opportunity to purchase the original display pieces. For dinner, take a stroll to Historic Church Street Station and wine and dine at Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant. This unique Spanish Tapas Restaurant has over 100 different hot and cold tapas, paellas and cazuelas. Ceviche’s offers live flamenco music to spice things up and make sure you try their homemade sangria! ` International Drive This area is convenient to Sea World, Universal Studios Theme Park, and several other attractions. For detailed information about attractions, restaurants, and other highlights along International Drive, visit http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/thingsToDo/attractions.asp. A good starting point, especially if you are staying downtown, is Destination Parkway. From the LYNX Central Station, bus #8 goes to International Drive (including Destination Parkway) every 30 minutes (15 minutes before and 15 minutes after each hour). Catch the popular I-RideTrolley across the street. A good way to start is to visit http://internationaldriveorlando.com, and click on the Virtual Vacation Guide on the left side of the home page. The Virtual Vacation Guide also lists the closest I-Trolley stop (and whether it is on the Red or Green Trolley line) for each attraction. Getting Around International Drive—use the I-Ride Trolley The I-Ride Trolley is the most convenient way to explore International Drive’s many attractions. For trolley maps schedules, and inexpensive unlimited-ride daily pass information, visit www.iridetrolley.com/facts.asp. For a detailed trolley map, visit http://www.iridetrolley.com/pdf/service.pdf. For customer service, call (407) 354-5656. Accommodations The International Drive area includes a wide variety of hotels including CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort, Hilton Orlando, Peabody Orlando, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Rosen Shingle Creek and Rosen Plaza Hotel. The popular I-Trolley has stops near most or all of these hotels. Click on each hotel’s link for details.. Attractions - a one day plan for enjoying your International Drive Visit Visit Orlando suggests the following one-day outing for enjoying International Drive Unique Orlando on I-Drive MORNING: The International Drive Resort Area (I-Drive) is a must see on any family vacation. A great way to get from place to place on I-Drive is to take advantage of the I-Ride Trolley. Running from 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily, these festive trolleys offer a convenient and inexpensive method of transportation along a large stretch of I-Drive as well as along Universal Blvd. Start your morning experiencing the fun at Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando Odditorium where you'll experience 16 galleries of odd and unusual exhibits from around the world. After you've been dazzled by bizarre sights, head for adventure at Pirates Cove Adventure Golf. Complete with waterfalls, mountain caves and pirate hideouts, Pirates Cove Adventure Golf offers top-notch fun for the entire family. AFTERNOON At lunchtime, head to a place every child loves...McDonalds! The 24-hour McDonalds Play Place is complete with an ice-cream parlor, pizza and the largest Play Place in the world. After lunch, prepare to do some shopping! At the north end of I-Drive is Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive. Here, you will find the best in designer brands. Or, take the I-Ride Trolley to the Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave which features 110 designer stores with great savings every day. Any visit to I-Drive is not complete without a stop at Pointe Orlando. Located directly across from the Orange County Convention Center, Pointe Orlando is shopping, dining and entertainment complex with dining options like The Capital Grille, Maggiano's Little Italy, Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe & Emporium, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill, and Taverna Opa. Adjacent to Pointe Orlando in the "upside-down" house, Wonder Works is an interactive attraction equipped with simulators, laser tag and a simulated roller coaster you design yourself, then ride! EVENING I-Drive has an abundance of dining opportunities you and the family will enjoy, including several new restaurants. Texas De Brazil is an authentic churrascaria, or Brazilian steakhouse, that offers a unique and delicious dining experience at which gaucho-clad carvers roam the restaurant offering seasoned grilled cuts of meat including steak, chicken, pork, veal and sausage from sword-like skewers. A 40-item salad and side-item bar offers everything from gourmet cheeses to sushi. Other I-Drive dining choices include Bahama Breeze, Café Tu Tu Tango, Tu Tu Tango, Boston Lobster Feast and Charley's Steak House. If you’re looking for a more unique dining experience, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show is a must see! Located right on International Drive, Sleuths offer 2 and a half hour of scripted mystery, improvisation with a mix of audience participation. Make sure to bring your investigation skills to solve the crime and your appetite to enjoy your dinner. After dinner, head to Howl at the Moon Orlando on International Drive. Sing, clap and stamp along to your favorite oldies and rock 'n roll tunes with Howl's talented dueling piano players. ICEBAR is another great option, featuring the largest permanent ice bar in the world. A winter wonderland is created with 50 tons of ice, lights, and music… make sure to dress warmly! Other Attractions and Activities Check the Virtual Visitors Guide for a complete list of attractions, and the nearest Trolley stop to each one. Here are a few highlights that are not included in the outing suggested by Visit Orlando: Daytime CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests will be able to play the role of crime scene investigators and solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crime-scene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs. Dave and Buster’s, a 40,000-square-foot (3,716 square-meter) upscale-arcade, features 170 different games including Skee-Ball, video racecar driving and simulated golf along with a sports bar and restaurant. The Orlando location also offers 3,100 square feet (288 square meters) of meeting space and catering services for groups or companies hosting corporate events. Fun Spot Action Park allows guests to “Drive the Ride” on its five multi-level go-kart tracks and 13 rides, including seven rides for preschoolers. Fun Spot has more than 100 games in a 10,000-square-foot (900-square-meter) arcade. iFly Orlando, a high-energy vertical wind tunnel, offers indoor skydiving in which visitors float on a column of air. No parachute, no jumping and no experience are necessary. Reservations are suggested. International Heli-Tours, located on International Drive, is a helicopter touring company that offers aerial tours of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, celebrity homes and more; showcasing the city’s attractions, lakes and abundant wildlife. A unique tour offered is the Alligator Tour which takes guests on a journey over gator hot spots such as Lake Apopka. Evening Howl at the Moon Orlando Sing, clap and stamp along to your favorite oldies and rock 'n roll tunes with Howl's talented dueling piano players. ICEBAR boasts the United States’ largest bar made entirely of ice, kept at a frosty 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.8 Celsius) so as not to melt the tables and stools. Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre features hilarious celebrity and local comedians. Señor Frogs Re-live spring break memories at one of International Drive’s newest destinations complete with fun frozen drinks and delicious food including BBQ plates, wraps, burgers and more. Visitors of all ages will enjoy Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. The dining experience features the classic story of good vs. evil with the blend of action, adventure, comedy and romance. Visiting Sea World and Universal Studios The I-Ride Trolley goes to SeaWorld Orlando and Wet n’ Wild (WaterPark.) The trolley does not go to Universal Orlando, but if visitors get off at the Wet n’ Wild stop, it is a short walk (about 15 minutes) to Universal Orlando. Visiting Walt Disney World Theme Parks 
LYNX route #50 goes to Downtown Disney and the Disney Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). Catch the 50 at either LYNX Central Station or Sea World. You can also Take the #8 from LYNX Central Station to Sea World. From the TTC, there are Disney monorail lines (2 different ones) to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. There are also Walt Disney World buses to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. You can also catch the following ground transportation from the Transportation and Ticket Center:
Guests can find detailed information on Walt Disney World transportation at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/resort-transportation/
For More Information For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Visitors Guide and Orlando Magicard® or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. Steve Atlas welcomes your comments and suggestions for locations to spotlight in future Car Free Journey columns. Let Steve know if you would be willing to be a “guest columnist” and help me with a Car Free Journey column about your hometown or favorite vacation spot. E-mail Steve at steveatlas45@yahoo.com |
New At Pubtrantravel
|
