Planning a Florida holiday and wondering whether you need to hire a car? If you're staying in an Orlando villa near Walt Disney World, having your own transport can make exploring the attractions, shopping malls, restaurants and surrounding areas much easier.

For visitors travelling from the UK, driving in America can initially feel a little daunting. You'll be driving on the opposite side of the road, navigating unfamiliar junctions and getting used to American road signs. The good news is that driving around Orlando is generally straightforward once you understand the basics.

At I Want A Villa, we know that choosing the right location is an important part of planning your Florida holiday. In this guide, we'll explain whether you need a car, what to expect when driving in Orlando for the first time, approximate journey times to Disney and Universal, and how to get from Orlando International Airport to popular villa locations such as Davenport and Kissimmee.

Do I Need a Car in Orlando?

For most families staying in an Orlando villa, hiring a car is the most convenient option.

Many holiday villas are located in residential communities outside the immediate theme park areas. Although some attractions, hotels and tourist areas have transport options, public transport may not be convenient for reaching your particular villa, the supermarkets and all the attractions you want to visit.

Having a hire car gives you the flexibility to plan your days around your family, rather than arranging transport every time you want to go somewhere.

The benefits of hiring a car

Freedom to explore: Visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, shopping outlets and restaurants at your own pace.

Easy supermarket trips: Stock up on breakfast essentials, snacks, drinks and groceries for your villa.

Flexibility for families: Return to your villa for an afternoon swim, a rest or an early dinner without relying on scheduled transport.

Convenience for larger groups: Travelling together in a suitable hire vehicle can be easier than arranging several taxis or rideshares.

Explore beyond the theme parks: A car makes it easier to discover other parts of Central Florida during your holiday.

Can you manage without a car?

Yes, depending on where you stay and how you plan to spend your holiday. You could use taxis, rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, private transfers and available public transport.

However, you should check the cost and practicality of each journey before deciding against hiring a car. Repeated rides to theme parks, supermarkets and restaurants can quickly become inconvenient, particularly for a family staying in a villa community.

If you decide not to hire a car, consider a property with convenient access to the attractions you plan to visit and investigate transport arrangements before booking.

Our tip: When comparing villas, consider not only the rental price but also the location, driving times and your likely transport costs.

Explore our Orlando villas near Disney to find a property that suits your holiday plans.

Driving in Orlando for the First Time

If you've never driven in the USA before, don't worry. Most UK visitors adapt quickly, especially when they take their time on the first few journeys.

The most important difference is that Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

Here are the key things to know before setting off.

1. Remember to drive on the right

This is the biggest adjustment for most UK drivers.

Take particular care when pulling out of car parks, turning at junctions and entering quieter roads where there is less traffic to remind you which side to use.

A useful tip is to take a moment before every turn and consciously check which lane you need to enter.

2. Get used to American junctions

You will encounter four-way stop signs at some intersections. These require drivers to stop completely and proceed according to right-of-way rules.

At a typical four-way stop, vehicles generally proceed in the order they arrive. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right generally has priority. Always watch for other drivers and follow any additional signs or instructions.

You may also encounter junctions with dedicated turning lanes and traffic lights suspended above the road.

3. Turning right at a red light

In Florida, you can generally turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, provided there is no sign prohibiting the turn and it is safe and lawful to proceed.

You must stop first, check for pedestrians and other traffic, and give way as required. Never assume you can turn simply because the road looks clear.

4. Understand American speed limits

Speed limits are displayed in miles per hour (mph), not kilometres per hour.

You'll see different limits on residential roads, main roads and interstate highways. Always follow the posted signs and adjust your speed to suit traffic, weather and road conditions.

Remember that American roads can be wide, and traffic may move faster than you are accustomed to in the UK. Stay in a comfortable lane and avoid feeling pressured by other drivers.

5. Get comfortable with multi-lane roads

Orlando has large junctions, multi-lane highways and slip roads. If you're unfamiliar with the area, use a navigation app and review your route before setting off.

Try to move into the correct lane well before your exit rather than making a sudden manoeuvre at the last moment.

On unfamiliar roads, it is better to miss an exit and let your navigation app recalculate than to make an unsafe turn.

6. Be prepared for toll roads

Toll roads are common around Orlando, and your route from the airport to your villa may include them.

Many tolls are collected electronically, so you may not have the option of paying cash at every location.

When collecting your hire car, ask the rental company how tolls are handled, whether the vehicle has a toll transponder and what administrative or service fees apply. Compare the available toll programmes before choosing one.

You can also use a navigation app to check whether a route avoids toll roads, although the alternative may take longer.

7. Understand the Move Over law

Florida's Move Over law requires drivers to move over for certain stopped vehicles, including emergency, law-enforcement, roadside assistance and other specified vehicles. The law also covers qualifying stopped private vehicles.

If you cannot safely move over, you must slow down as required by the law. Pay attention to warning lights, road signs and traffic conditions.

8. Seat belts and child safety

Seat belts are essential, and Florida has specific legal requirements for children travelling in vehicles. Make sure every member of your party is properly restrained and that children use an appropriate child restraint where required.

If you are travelling with younger children, arrange suitable car seats with your hire company in advance or bring an appropriate seat that meets the applicable requirements.

9. Driving in rain and thunderstorms

Florida can experience heavy showers and thunderstorms, sometimes with sudden reductions in visibility.

Reduce your speed, leave extra space between vehicles and use your headlights when conditions require them. Avoid driving through flooded roads, and never assume that standing water is shallow enough to cross safely.

10. Be aware of school buses

American school buses have distinctive flashing lights and stop signs. Florida law requires drivers to stop in specified circumstances when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off children.

The rules differ depending on the road layout and whether you are approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway. Never pass a stopped school bus displaying its stop signal unless the law expressly permits it.

What documents do I need to drive in Florida?

Before travelling, check the current requirements with your car hire company and the relevant official authorities.

You will generally need a valid driving licence accepted by the rental company, along with the identification and payment documents required for your booking. Check any minimum-age rules, additional-driver requirements and insurance arrangements before departure.

An international driving permit may be required in some circumstances, depending on the licence and rental requirements, so verify this before you travel rather than assuming your existing documents will be sufficient.

For further official visitor advice, see VISIT FLORIDA's driving guide and Visit Orlando's visitor safety information.

Orlando Villa to Disney: Driving Times

One of the most important considerations when choosing an Orlando villa is how long it will take to reach Walt Disney World.

The good news is that many villa communities around Kissimmee and Davenport are within driving distance of Disney's theme parks. However, journey times vary according to the exact community, the park you are visiting, traffic and the entrance you need to reach.

Approximate driving times to Disney

As a general planning guide, allow approximately:

• Kissimmee villa communities: around 10–25 minutes to relevant Disney entrances from many locations.

• Davenport villa communities: around 15–30 minutes to relevant Disney entrances from many locations.

• Properties farther from the main tourist areas: potentially longer, depending on their precise location.

These are broad estimates, not guarantees. Some properties will be closer, while others will take longer.

Remember that Disney is a large resort

Walt Disney World is not a single attraction with one entrance. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom have different access routes and parking arrangements.

For Magic Kingdom, for example, you generally park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and continue to the park by the available transport. Your total journey therefore includes more than the drive from your villa.

Allow additional time for parking, security, walking or transport within the resort, particularly during busy periods.

What affects your journey time?

The villa's location: A property in one part of Kissimmee may be considerably closer than one elsewhere in the same town.

Traffic: Roads around the Disney area can become busy, especially at popular arrival times and during school holidays.

The time of day: Early departures, evening returns and peak commuter periods can affect your journey.

The park entrance: Each Disney park has its own route and parking arrangements.

Roadworks and special events: These can affect your route and travel time.

When comparing properties, check the exact address or resort location and use a navigation app to estimate the journey to the specific park you intend to visit.

Explore our Orlando villas near Disney and compare properties to find the right location for your family.

Orlando Villa to Universal Orlando: Driving Times

If your Florida holiday includes Universal Orlando Resort, it is worth considering how often you intend to visit when choosing your villa.

Universal is located in the International Drive and Universal Boulevard area, north-east of many popular villa communities around Davenport and Kissimmee.

Approximate driving times to Universal

As a general guide:

• Kissimmee villa communities: around 20–40 minutes from many locations.

• Davenport villa communities: around 30–45 minutes from many locations.

Your journey could be shorter or longer depending on the precise property, route and traffic.

Universal's parks and entertainment areas have their own entrances and parking arrangements, so check the route to the destination you actually plan to visit.

Is staying near Disney still practical if you want to visit Universal?

Absolutely. Many families combine Disney with Universal during the same holiday, and a villa in the wider Orlando area can provide a convenient base for both.

However, if you plan to visit Universal on most days, compare locations carefully rather than choosing a property solely because it is close to Disney.

Think about your complete itinerary, including shopping, restaurants and any other attractions you want to visit.

Tips for driving to Universal

• Check the route before leaving your villa.
• Allow extra time for busy traffic.
• Follow the signs for the correct parking area.
• Check the parking charges and arrangements before your visit.
• Remember that the drive is only part of your journey; allow time for parking and walking to the entrance.

Choosing a villa that suits your overall itinerary can help make your holiday more relaxed.

Orlando International Airport to Davenport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main arrival airport for many UK visitors travelling to the Orlando area.

If your villa is in Davenport, you will generally travel south-west from the airport towards the communities around ChampionsGate, US Highway 27 and the wider Davenport area.

How far is Davenport from Orlando Airport?

As a broad guide, many Davenport villa communities are approximately 28–35 miles from Orlando International Airport, depending on the location.

Allow around 40–55 minutes for the drive in ordinary conditions, with additional time possible during busy traffic periods.

The precise journey will depend on your villa's address and the route selected.

What route will I take?

Your navigation app may direct you along routes using the Central Florida expressway network and Interstate 4, or suggest an alternative depending on traffic and the location of your villa.

Toll roads may be part of the journey, so check your rental company's toll arrangements before leaving the airport.

Tips for the airport drive

Take your time collecting the car. Familiarise yourself with the vehicle, mirrors, lights, controls and navigation before setting off.

Enter your villa address before departure. Make sure the address is correct and that your navigation app is ready.

Plan for tolls. Know how your hire car handles electronic toll payments and any associated fees.

Allow for tiredness. After a long flight, driving on unfamiliar roads can be tiring. Take breaks if necessary and consider an alternative transfer if you do not feel comfortable driving.

Check your arrival arrangements. Make sure you know how to access your villa community and what to do if you arrive late.

If you are still deciding where to stay, explore our Orlando villa options and compare properties by location and facilities.

Orlando International Airport to Kissimmee

Kissimmee is another popular base for Orlando villa holidays, offering a wide choice of holiday-home communities and access to the wider Disney area.

Many properties are south or south-west of Orlando International Airport, although the exact route depends on the location of your villa.

How far is Kissimmee from Orlando Airport?

For many Kissimmee destinations, the road distance is approximately 16–25 miles, although it varies by address.

Allow around 25–40 minutes for the drive in ordinary conditions. Heavy traffic, roadworks and the exact location of your accommodation can increase the journey time.

Kissimmee is a large area, so a villa in one community may be significantly closer to the airport than another.

What route will I take?

Depending on your destination, your navigation app may direct you towards the Osceola Parkway, Florida State Road 417, US Highway 192 or other connecting roads.

The best route will depend on the exact address and current traffic. Check your route before setting off and follow the posted road signs.

Some routes involve tolls, so make sure you understand your rental company's toll-payment arrangements.

Is Kissimmee a convenient base for a Florida holiday?

For many families, yes. Kissimmee has a wide selection of holiday accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets and access routes to the major attractions.

However, do not choose a villa based solely on the town name. Check its actual location, the driving times to the attractions you plan to visit and the facilities you want for your stay.

Should I Choose a Villa in Davenport or Kissimmee?

Both locations can work well for an Orlando holiday. The best choice depends on your budget, the size of your group and the attractions you plan to visit.

Kissimmee offers a wide range of communities, including some particularly convenient for Disney. Davenport has many villa communities too, with a variety of property sizes and facilities.

Rather than assuming one is always better, compare the individual properties.

Consider:

• Driving times to Disney and Universal.
• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Whether you want a private pool.
• Access to supermarkets and restaurants.
• Resort facilities and any additional fees.
• The total cost for your travel dates.

A slightly longer drive may be worthwhile if a property offers the space and facilities your family needs. Equally, paying more for a convenient location may make sense if you intend to visit the parks every day.

Final Tips for Driving in Orlando

Before you leave home, make sure you have everything organised for a smooth start to your holiday.

• Book your hire car in advance and check what is included.
• Confirm your driving licence and rental document requirements.
• Understand your insurance cover and excess.
• Check toll arrangements and any additional charges.
• Download a reliable navigation app and enter your villa address.
• Familiarise yourself with American road signs and driving rules.
• Allow extra time for traffic, parking and theme park entrances.
• Keep your fuel level topped up, especially before longer journeys.
• Take breaks when tired and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Follow all posted speed limits and road safety instructions.

A little preparation can make driving in Orlando much less daunting, leaving you free to enjoy everything your Florida holiday has to offer.

Find Your Perfect Orlando Villa

Choosing the right villa is about more than the number of bedrooms or whether it has a private pool. Location can make a real difference to how you spend your time in Florida.

At I Want A Villa, you can explore individual holiday homes, compare facilities and find accommodation to suit your family, your budget and your plans.

Whether you want a villa close to Disney, a spacious property for a larger family or a home with a private pool and games room, we're here to help you find the right option.

Start planning your Florida holiday today.

Explore our Orlando villas near Disney and find the perfect base for your next adventure.