Are you ready to experience the ultimate fun in the sun bachelorette party? Known for its beautiful weather, renowned nightlife, and a plethora of exciting activities, Orlando is an ideal spot for your getaway with the girls.
With warm temperatures year-round, this central Florida city is a great destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun by the pool, hit up one of the many theme parks in the area, or dance the night away, you’ll find plenty of options here.
With so many fun things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Orlando has become a go-to city for brides-to-be and their closest friends. From thrill rides to spa treatments, there’s something for everyone in Orlando, making it the perfect place to celebrate your last hurrah before tying the knot.
How to get to Orlando
To get to Orlando, you can fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is located just 6 miles from downtown, or the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), located just about 30 minutes north of the city. MCO is serviced by larger carriers including Frontier, JetBlue, Delta, American, Southwest, Spirit, and United, while SFB’s main routes are serviced by Allegiant Air, as well as Sun Country, TUI Airways, and ViaAir.
By car:
Orlando is centrally located in the middle of the state, just over one hour from Tampa, two hours from Jacksonville, and 3 hours from Miami.
What to Do in Orlando
Whether you’re ready to hit the theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld or enjoy some time outdoors in the Sunshine State, here are our top picks to make the most of your time in Orlando:
Visit the theme parks ($$$)
Theme park aficionados can’t miss Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios – both located within easy access to Orlando. Live out your Disney princess dreams at Magic Kingdom at Disney World, or experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. If your squad vibe is more foodie fun than Cinderella, hit up the Epcot park in Disney World, where you can spend the day “drinking around the world” in the park’s eleven pavilions, designed to showcase different countries.
(Tip: Check out our Disney World Bachelorette guide for more fun in the parks!)
Enjoy the Great Outdoors ($$)
If you need a break from the theme parks or the bars, take advantage of Florida’s warm weather and head outside to get connected with nature. Get up close and personal with Florida’s gentle giants with a Manatee Encounter kayak tour, or get your adrenaline pumping with an Airboat tour through the Everglades, where you might spot alligators and other wildlife like eagles and osprey in the wetlands.
Pamper Yourselves with a Spa Day ($$-$$$)
Is any bachelorette party complete without a day spent pampering yourselves? We think not. Orlando is home to a lot of great spas, so there are options for every budget.
The Spa Orlando offers private group buyout packages so you can have the place to yourself for the ultimate relaxation. Choose from treatments including massages, facials, and mani-pedis, plus enjoy unlimited wine, juice, and coffee. Prices start at around $85 per person per hour.
In the mood to truly splurge? Head to the Ritz-Carlton to discover their 40,000-square-foot spa, complete with soothing treatment rooms and a wide menu of therapies and treatments (massages starting at $210) featuring locally grown ingredients like herbs from the on-site garden or honey from local bees, plus an outdoor lap pool with plenty of cabanas to lounge in.
Visit the City’s (Other) Parks ($)
While the theme parks in Orlando tend to get most of the attention, the city is also home to Lake Eola Park, where you can walk through a sculpture garden, take a swan boat ride ($15), or listen to live music in the park’s amphitheater.
Hit the Town
Orlando is known for its vibrant nightlife scene ranging from high-energy nightclubs and bars to cozy lounges and restaurants. One of the most popular nightlife destinations in Orlando is Church Street, a bustling street in the heart of downtown Orlando. Head here to do your own bar crawl: Stop at Chillers for killer frozen daiquiris, then jet upstairs to High Tide to check out their rooftop tiki bar. Duck into Mathers Social Gathering and check out the books on the wall to find your way into a chic speakeasy, or enjoy spooky surprises at the Halloween-themed Cocktails & Screams.
Where to Stay
Thanks to its position as a top tourist destination, Orlando has plenty of accommodation options that range from luxury resorts to affordable hotels, with great places to fit any budget. Here are a few of our favorites:
$ Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option close to the theme parks, the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive is a great choice. The hotel is centrally located near both Disney World and Universal Studios, and offers a shuttle to Universal or SeaWorld. On the resort property, you’ll also find several heated outdoor pools and hot tubs to enjoy. Rates start around $169 per night.
$$ Mid-Tier
For groups traveling together, the Embassy Suites Orlando Downtown is a great pick. Rates start around $211 for suites, which also include free breakfast and a nightly reception with complimentary wine & snacks. The hotel also has an outdoor pool that overlooks nearby Lake Eola Park.
$$$ Splurge
Wait – are we in Florida, or Italy? With a stay at the Italy-inspired Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Europe. You can lounge by the resort’s three pools, discover cafes on the cobblestone-lined streets of the Harbor Piazza, shop at the boutiques, or get a spa treatment – the options are endless. As a bonus, guests staying here also get early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Rates start at $429 per night.
Get Ready to Plan Your Trip
With so many exciting activities, a trip to Orlando is the perfect way to send off your bride-to-be bestie in style. We hope this guide helps you get the creativity flowing as you start to plan your getaway.
We’d love to see pictures from your Orlando Bachelorette party – make sure to tag @BDR on Instagram!
Ready to continue planning? Check out our Bachelorette 101 guide for tips on how to plan an unforgettable bachelorette party.