By Someone Who Survived It (Just About)
“Mind the Gap… and the Giant SUV”: A Brit’s Guide to Driving in Orlando – by Someone Who Survived It (Just About)
So, you’ve decided to swap drizzle for Disney and take on the ultimate Florida adventure: renting a car in Orlando. First of all—brave. Second of all—smart! Orlando is not really built for pedestrians unless you’re inside a theme park queue. But before you hop into that hulking automatic beast and cruise off into the sun-soaked spaghetti junctions, here are a few essential tips for my fellow Brits who might find themselves confused, amused, and occasionally terrified behind the wheel in the Sunshine State.
1. You Can Turn Right on Red… Really
Imagine this: you’re sat at a red light, doing the good British thing of waiting patiently. The car behind honks. You’re about to start composing an angry tweet when you realise—they’re not mad, they’re expecting you to TURN. Yes, in the US, you can often turn right even if the light is red, unless a sign says otherwise. It feels illegal. It probably should be illegal. But it’s not. Be brave. Turn.
2. All the Cars are Automatic – Your Left Foot is Now Unemployed
Good news: you won’t be stalling your way through I-4 traffic. Bad news: your left foot will get twitchy and try to help. Don’t let it. Put it somewhere safe. Maybe gently cradle a bottle of water with it or use it to pet your stress ball.
3. Driving on the Right – The Eternal Struggle
Let’s address the elephant in the windscreen: they drive on the right. Yes, the wrong side. It’s jarring at first, especially at roundabouts (which they barely use) and junctions. Remember: steering wheel near the centre line, driver near the middle. If you ever find yourself hugging a curb, you’re probably on the wrong side. Pull over. Have a biscuit. Regroup.
4. School Buses Are Untouchable Deities
In the UK, we stop for lollipop ladies. In the US, you stop for big yellow buses. If a school bus stops and extends its stop sign, everyone stops—in both directions. Ignore this rule and not only will you be smited by fellow drivers, you’ll also be slapped with a hefty fine. And possibly some mild public shaming.
5. Confusing Road Signs – What Do You Mean “Yield”?!
“Yield”? “No Turn on Red”? “Slower Traffic Keep Right”? “Wrong Way”? It’s like a code written by someone who failed their GCSE English. Familiarise yourself with a few of these phrases beforehand so you don’t end up entering a one-way road with the kind of confidence only a Brit with Google Maps can muster. Who knew Driving in Orlando could be so confusing… me!
6. Tolls: Florida’s Favourite Side Quest
Surprise! You’re now in a side plot where the road you’re on suddenly wants money. Florida has toll roads everywhere, and they don’t all accept cash. Get a rental car with a SunPass or E-Pass transponder to save yourself the panic of trying to chuck quarters at a high-speed booth.
7. Parking at the Theme Parks: A £25 Lesson in Walking
So you’ve made it to Magic Kingdom. You park. And then… you walk. And walk. And walk. Then take a tram. Then a monorail. And finally, you arrive at the actual entrance. Theme park parking is a production in itself. Tip: take a picture of your row number. “Goofy 32” may sound silly, but after 10 hours in a water-soaked T-shirt, you’ll need it.
8. Strict Speed Limits – Yes, They Mean It
Unlike the UK where speed limits are more of a gentle suggestion, in the US they are enforced religiously. There are police cars lurking like panthers in the bushes, just waiting. Stick to the limit. Even if the car behind you is close enough to read your Air Miles statement.
9. Traffic Times: Avoid the Magical Rush-Hour Meltdown
Orlando traffic around 8–9am and 4–6pm can make you reconsider your life choices. If you can, head to the parks early (think 7:30am) or wait until later in the morning to avoid the Great Minivan Migration. Your sanity will thank you. You can even use Orlando Traffic Cameras if you’re very weary!
10. Keep These Items Close – Your Car Survival Kit
Arm yourself with:
- Water (hydration is life)
- Snacks (hanger is real)
- Phone charger (navigation is non-negotiable)
- Sunglasses (Floridian sun is not gentle)
- Tissues (Florida bugs are not small)
- A plan B for when the sat-nav loses the plot
So there you go! With a bit of patience, a pinch of courage, and a GPS system that doesn’t try to murder you, driving in Orlando can actually be part of the fun. Just remember: you’re not lost—you’re on an adventure. Possibly in the wrong lane. But an adventure, nonetheless.
Click here to view our guide on travelling with a young family!
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