Orlando Guide for British Visitors

DRINKING LAWS
You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages (photo ID is often requested at restaurants and bars). It is against the law to carry open containers of alcohol in your car or in public areas. Do not drink and drive: The legal limit for blood alcohol content in Florida is .08.

DRIVING
To hire a car, you must possess a valid British driver’s license. In the United States, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Always wear a seatbelt – it’s the law! Children ages 5 and under must be in a crash-tested approved restraint device. Children ages 3 and under must travel in child-safety seats. According to Florida law, headlights must be on during a rainstorm. For roadside emergencies, Florida Highway Patrol blue call boxes are located along major highways. Dial *FHP on your cell phone.

ELECTRICITY
In contrast to Europe, which uses 220 to 240 volts, 50 cycles, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts, 60 cycles. Bring along a 100-volt converter.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All UK travelers to the United States must carry machine-readable passports; starting on October 26, 2006, all new UK passports will include circuit chips that store biometric information as well. Many British citizens can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. For more information about the Visa Waiver Program, visit www.usembassy.org.uk.

FLYING TO ORLANDO
Many airlines offer nonstop flights to Orlando from London such as British Airways (0870 850 9850) and Virgin Atlantic (0870 380 2007). Flight time between London and Orlando is approximately 8 to 9 hours. Centrally located, the Orlando International Airport provides easy access to Central Florida’s major theme parks – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. The Orlando Sanford International Airport, which also offers a variety of international flights, lies approximately 45 miles North of Walt Disney World Resort.

GETTING AROUND
Orlando transportation options include cars to hire (major car hire firms at the Orlando International Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, L & M Car Rental and National), taxis, limousines, Lynx city buses and the I-Ride Trolley, which cruises along world-famous International Drive. Many Orlando area hotels and resorts also offer complimentary shuttle service to major theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Nearly all of Orlando’s major attractions can be reached via Interstate 4, while Highway 192 and the Osceola Parkway (toll road) provide convenient access between the Disney area and Kissimmee.

NEWSPAPERS
The local newspaper for Central Florida is the Orlando Sentinel but you can find national newspapers such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. In addition, many international newspapers are sold at the Orlando International Airport.

PHONE CALLS
To dial the United Kingdom from the United States, first dial the U.S. long distance code (011), followed by the country code (44), the city code and the phone number. To report emergencies, dial 911.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
President’s Day (Third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Independence Day (4 th of July)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)

PUBS

Bull & Bush Pub
2408 East Robinson Street, Orlando
(407) 896-7546

Cricketers Arms English Pub & Eatery
Festival Bay, 5250 International Drive, Orlando
(407) 354-0686

The George & Dragon British Pub
6314 International Drive, Orlando
(407) 351-3578

Moriarty’s Pub
Grosvenor Resort, 1850 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Orlando
(407) 828-4444

Rose & Crown Dining Room
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort
(407) 939-3463

TIPPING
It is customary in the United States to give a 15 to 20 percent tip to waiters and bartenders. However, you do not need to tip in self-service or fast-food restaurants. In addition, it is customary to tip bellhops ($1 per bag), chamber staff ($1 to $2 per day), cab drivers (15 percent of the fare) and valet-parking attendants ($1 to $2 every time you get your car).

USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

American Automobile Association
(800) 222-1234

British Consulate
Suite 2110, Sun Trust Center
200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 426-7855

Kissimmee-St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau
1925 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 944-2400

Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
6700 Forum Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 370-5011

U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line
0891 200 290

Magic Your Way Base Tickets Ages 10+  Ages 3-9 (tax included) 1 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $79.88 $67.10 2 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $158.69 $133.13 3 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $225.78 $190.64 4 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $233.24 $195.96 5 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $236.43 $199.16 6 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $239.63 $202.35 7 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $242.82 $205.55 10 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket*  $252.41 $215.13