Getting around Orlando without a car

Question

We're a family of 4 spending 8 days in Orlando next April. Packed itinerary but hoping not to hire a car. Wondering if this is even possible with so many different locations to go, without paying a small fortune on ubers.

Plans are Disney, Universal, Seaworld, Kennedy, Legoland.

Anyone done this kind of itinerary without a car? Bonus points for accommodation recommendations too please.

Answer

Getting around Orlando without a car is challenging but not impossible, especially if your focus is primarily on the major theme parks. Many families rely on a combination of hotel shuttles, ride-sharing apps, and occasional taxi services, but costs can add up quickly if you’re traveling between multiple locations daily.

Theme park transportation options:

Disney: If you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, complimentary transportation is provided to all Disney parks via buses, monorails, and boats. This includes Disney Springs and water parks, so you won’t need a car at all for Disney days.
Universal Orlando: Staying at an on-site Universal hotel provides complimentary shuttles to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Some nearby hotels off-site also offer paid shuttles.
SeaWorld: Many hotels in the International Drive area are within walking distance or offer shuttle services to SeaWorld. Ride-sharing is also commonly used.
Kennedy Space Center: This is more difficult without a car, as it’s about 1 hour away. Options include guided tours that pick you up from Orlando hotels or a ride-share service, though costs can be high for a round trip.
Legoland: Located in Winter Haven, roughly 45–50 minutes from Orlando proper. Shuttle options are limited; most people either rent a car for the day or book a private shuttle/tour.

Accommodation suggestions for no-car travel:

Disney Resort Hotels: Ideal if most of your trip is Disney-focused. The transportation system is comprehensive, and you’ll save on Uber costs.
Universal Hotels: Best for families focusing on Universal parks; shuttle access included.
International Drive hotels: Good central location with walking access or short Uber trips to SeaWorld, ICON Park, and many dining options. Some offer shuttle services to other attractions.

Tips for getting around without a car:

Plan your days around clusters of attractions to minimize travel distance.
Use ride-sharing apps for trips that aren’t covered by hotel shuttles, but set a budget to avoid surprises.
Consider booking a few guided day trips (Kennedy, Legoland) that include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Stay on-site at the parks as much as possible for transportation convenience and early park access perks.

In summary, you can manage Disney and Universal without a car fairly easily, but Kennedy Space Center and Legoland will require either a car rental, private shuttle, or guided tour. Staying on-site at the parks or centrally in International Drive is the best way to reduce transportation stress and costs.