Orlando Extended Stay Travel Guide

Year-round sunshine, palm-lined streets, and a laid-back vibe make Orlando an easy place to settle in, whether you are staying for a few weeks or longer. 

Beyond the big-name theme parks, you’ll find lakeside running paths, neighborhood farmers markets, and an affordable food scene that stretches from family-owned Latin cafés to casual farm-to-table restaurants.

Weekdays move at a relaxed pace, with plenty of quiet coffee shops offering free WiFi to work from—or you can stay productive in your WoodSpring Suites hotel room. When the workday’s done, unwind with a sunset paddle on Lake Ivanhoe, catch an indie film, or swing by a local food truck rally.

Getting around is simple and budget-friendly thanks to reliable buses, bike shares, and rideshares that usually arrive within minutes.

Locals are quick to share insider tips, while big-city conveniences blend seamlessly with small-town hospitality, all at a pace that invites you to slow down and explore at your own speed. WoodSpring Suites hotels are a good fit, offering clean rooms, free WiFi, and in-room kitchens with everything you need to prepare healthy, affordable meals.

Use this Orlando travel guide to plan your extended stay, stretch your budget, and make the most of your time in the city.

Getting Around Orlando

When you’re in town for a few weeks, you’ll want easy, affordable ways to get around without cutting into your day. Orlando makes it simple with a mix of trains, buses, bike and scooter shares, and reliable rideshares.

SunRail, Orlando’s weekday commuter train, connects 17 stations between DeBary and Poinciana. Trains arrive about every 30 minutes during the morning and evening rush. Midday service is lighter, so it helps to plan ahead.

LYNX, the regional bus network, runs more than 70 routes across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. A single ride costs $2 and includes a free 90-minute transfer. All-day passes are $4.50, and seven-day passes are $16. LYNX is one of the most budget-friendly options to reach malls, hospitals, or the airport. Just allow some extra time if you’re riding during peak hours.

Bike and e-scooter shares like Bird and Lime are easy to find downtown and in nearby neighborhoods. You can unlock them through the app, ride to your destination, and park in a marked corral. Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially if you’re riding longer distances.

Rideshare options include Uber and Lyft, which operate 24/7 and let you book rides up to 90 days in advance. Both services offer price-lock passes in Orlando, which can help avoid surge pricing during peak hours.

Depending on your schedule, renting a car by the week might actually cost less than using rideshares every day. It’s worth comparing prices before locking in your plans.

Local Apps

These Orlando-based apps can help make your stay easier. From real-time transit to local dining deals, they’re great tools for saving money and planning ahead.

• LYNX PawPass – Track buses in real time, plan door-to-door trips, and buy and store digital passes right on your phone. When you’re ready to ride, just activate your ticket and scan the barcode on the bus farebox.

• SunRail Mobile – The official commuter-rail app shows live train arrivals, service alerts, and mobile ticketing for weekday rides between DeBary and Poinciana. Just keep in mind that SunRail doesn’t run on weekends.

• Visit Orlando – The city’s tourism app includes event calendars, attraction coupons, and restaurant deals across the city. It’s a great way to plan evenings and weekends without overspending.

• Too Good To Go – Use the Too Good To Go app to pick up surprise bags of unsold meals at deep discounts from local cafés, bakeries, and grocery stores. It’s a smart way to stretch your food budget and stock your in-room kitchen at a WoodSpring Suites hotel.

• ParkMobile – This app lets you pay street meters from your phone and unlock up to two hours of free parking downtown. It’s especially useful if you rent a car during your stay.

Orlando Weather

Orlando’s climate stays warm year-round, but the seasons still bring noticeable changes. Packing smart and using your WoodSpring Suites in-room kitchen to keep water and snacks cold are simple ways to stay comfortable and make longer stays more budget-friendly.

Winter (Dec – Feb)

Daytime highs typically reach 71°F / 22°C, while nights cool down to around 52°F / 11°C. Rainfall is lighter during this time, averaging between 55 and 80 mm over six to seven days each month. 

A light jacket comes in handy for early mornings, and it’s smart to pack layers in case of a sudden cold snap. After the New Year, crowd levels drop, making this a quieter and more affordable season for extended stays, work trips, or winter training blocks.

Spring (Mar – May)

Spring warms up quickly in Orlando, with highs rising from 77°F / 25°C in March to 87°F / 31°C by late May. Humidity remains moderate, and rain picks up slightly, with four to nine wet days each month and totals between 60 and 100 mm (March sits near the top of that range). 

Light clothing, sunscreen, and a compact umbrella are usually all you need. Mid-March through mid-May is a great time for an extended stay, with mild temps, fewer storms, and plenty of sunshine.

Summer (Jun – Sep)

Summer in Orlando is hot and humid, with daily highs near 90°F / 32°C and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. June through August are the rainiest months, bringing up to 200 mm of rain. 

If you’re visiting during this time, it’s best to schedule outdoor plans for early mornings or evenings and carry a poncho or wear quick-dry shoes just in case. Hurricane season also begins in June and runs through November, peaking in August and September. If you're booking a stay in late summer, keep an eye on forecasts and pick flexible dates if possible.

Fall (Oct – Nov)

Fall brings milder weather, with daytime highs between 77°F and 83°F / 25°C to 29°C and gradually lower humidity. Rain also begins to ease, with about 85 mm in October and under 50 mm in November, usually spread across eight or fewer days each month.

Warm days and cooler evenings make light layers the best option for this time of year. From mid-October through early December, Orlando offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds; another budget-friendly window for longer visits.

Restaurants

Orlando’s food scene blends global flavors with wallet-friendly prices. It’s a great fit for travelers who cook most meals in their WoodSpring Suites kitchen but still want the occasional night out.

1. Black Rooster Taqueria – Mills 50
   Black Rooster Taqueria offers modern Latin tacos on hand-pressed tortillas, all under $5. Pair two or three tacos with salsa and chips for a filling dinner that stays under $15.

2. Se7en Bites – Milk District
   A Southern-style brunch is worth the wait at Se7en Bites. Fill up for under $15 with the Signature Chicken Biscuit, a rotating Quiche of the Day, or a Ham Morning Biscuit. Grab a scratch-made scone or a muffin for a low-cost treat later. 

3. Hunger Street Tacos – Winter Park
   Street-style Mexican from Hunger Street Tacos keeps costs low. Tacos come in under $5 each—build a plate with suadero brisket, chicken tinga, or the cheese-crusted costra de asada. Add a shareable elote or house-made chips and you’ll still dine for under $15. Churro French toast and weekend chilaquiles round out a menu that satisfies without stretching your travel budget. 

4. Pho 88 – Mills 50
   Most pho bowls at Pho 88 are $14–$16, but bánh mì sandwiches, spring rolls, and salt-and-pepper tofu stay well under $10, making this Vietnamese spot a go-to for lighter budgets. Portions are generous, so you can split a large pho or reheat leftovers back at your suite.

5. Oh Que Bueno – South Semoran
   Oh Que Bueno offers wallet-friendly Colombian plates that travel well back to your suite. Keep it under $15 with beef-filled empanadas (four pieces per order), salty-sweet arepa con queso, crispy yuca frita, or hearty tostones con ropa vieja—all flavorful picks that reheat nicely for next-day meals. 

Remote-Work-Friendly Cafés

1. Craft & Common – Downtown
   Free WiFi, plenty of outlets, and specialty coffee are available at Craft & Common. Sandwiches cost around $12, which is cheaper than most coworking day passes. Pair your laptop session with a lavender-honey Pacific Fog latte and settle into the bright, plant-filled lounge for hours of focused work.

2. Foxtail Coffee Co. – multiple locations
   Strong WiFi, spacious indoor and patio seating, and late hours make Foxtail Coffee Co. ideal for long laptop sessions. Just grab a drip refill and bagel combo for about $8. Many locations that stay open until 9 PM—just check the specific store hours before settling in.

3. Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega – Milk District
   Enjoy a chill vibe, fast WiFi, and vegan-friendly pressed sandwiches and toasts from $2.50–$9.95 at Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega. The café winds down at 6 p.m. (3 p.m. on Mondays), then the space transforms into Whippoorwill Beer House, so you can swap your latte for a local craft brew without moving tables.

Shopping

Cooking in your WoodSpring Suites kitchen is the quickest way to save, and Orlando’s mix of big-box grocers, fresh produce markets, and discount outlets makes stocking up easy on any budget.

Grocery chains

• Publix has dozens of locations across Orlando, with stores near every major neighborhood. You’ll find a full deli, prepped foods, and easy online ordering for curbside pickup.

• Walmart Supercenters are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., including one on S. Kirkman Rd. This is a reliable stop for bulk staples, snacks, and affordable house-brand organics, especially for extended stays.

• ALDI has several Orlando-area stores that keep grocery costs low, and a summer-long 2025 price drop on 400+ items makes everyday essentials even cheaper through Labor Day.

• Trader Joe’s (Dr. Phillips) is a centrally located store that stocks frozen entrées, snacks, and 99-cent greeting cards. It’s a great quick-stop option for low-cost treats or last-minute gifting.

Convenience & Pharmacies

• Walgreens at 6201 International Dr. is open 24/7, but the pharmacy counter keeps shorter daily hours. This is a go-to spot for late-night snacks, basic toiletries, or prescription refills, just minutes from local hotels and major roads.

• CVS has multiple branches throughout Orlando. Many stores stay open late, and common generic medications can cost under $10 when you use their in-store savings programs.

Malls & Outlet Bargains

• Orlando International Premium Outlets (International Dr.) features over 180 brand-name stores offering daily deals of 25% to 65% off retail. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking to stretch their shopping budget. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

• Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is another Simon center near I-4 and SR-535. This shopping destination is slightly smaller but known for designer brands at outlet prices. Most stores are open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (7 p.m. on Sundays).

• The Mall at Millenia is an upscale indoor mall with free self-parking and a clean, air-conditioned space to walk, browse, or window shop. You’ll find major electronics stores and department chains alongside high-end brands, making it a convenient stop for tech upgrades or end-of-season clearance.

Farmers Markets & Local Produce

• Orlando Farmers Market (Lake Eola Park) is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll find just-picked citrus, baked goods, and live plant starters—great for creating budget-friendly meals under $20.

• Winter Park Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Set in a restored train depot, it offers fresh produce, local honey, and artisan bread in a charming historic setting.

• Audubon Park Community Market opens Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s a small but well-stocked evening market, perfect for restocking produce after work without fighting weekend crowds.

Orlando Attractions

Orlando’s headline parks deliver world-class rides and shows, but you don’t have to overspend to enjoy them. Plan mid-week visits, buy multi-day passes, and use free-day perks to stretch your entertainment budget.

Walt Disney World Resort (Lake Buena Vista)
If theme parks are on your list, Disney’s massive property includes four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs for shopping and dining. Multi-day passes offer serious savings—a 10-day ticket brings the per-day price down to nearly half of what you’d pay for a single day.

Universal Orlando Resort (International Drive)
Universal now features three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe, plus the Volcano Bay water park. Universal often runs multi-day ticket deals, so check the latest promotions before you buy. The lightest crowds are usually on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, especially outside holiday weeks. And download the free Universal Orlando app for real-time ride updates and showtimes.

Harry P. Leu Gardens (Audubon Park)
When you need a quiet break from coasters and crowds, this 50-acre garden offers shaded trails, butterfly habitats, and camellias in bloom. General admission is $15, but the first Monday of most months is free. Arrive early at around 9 a.m. to beat both the heat and the photo-shoot crowds.

Orlando Science Center (Loch Haven Park)
This indoor spot is great for hot or stormy days, with hands-on exhibits, live science shows, and a giant-screen theater. Adult tickets are $29 (online) and $31 (onsite), yet Bank of America and Merrill cardholders get free entry the first full weekend of every month through the Museums on Us program.

ICON Park/The Wheel (International Drive)
This park features a 400-foot observation wheel, plus SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds. Online combo tickets bundle all three attractions for up to about 30–40% less than separate gate prices and are valid for 15 days from your first visit. This is ideal if you want to spread visits across your stay. Ride The Wheel just before sunset for skyline views without midday glare.

Budget Tip: If you plan to mix several non-Disney parks and tours, a Go City Orlando Explorer Pass might be worth it. Picking 2 to 5 attractions can save up to 44% off regular ticket prices, and you’ll have 30 days to use your pass.

With smart timing and the right passes, you can enjoy Orlando’s best attractions, then return to your WoodSpring Suites hotel to recharge in a clean room with free WiFi and money left in your pocket for tomorrow’s adventure.

Things to do in Orlando

Orlando rewards spontaneous days off—no tickets, special gear, or weeks-long planning required. Just grab comfortable shoes (or a swimsuit), load a few apps, and you can fill an afternoon without spending much.

Easy-Access Outdoor Spots

• Lake Eola Loop – This flat 0.9-mile sidewalk circles the downtown lake, perfect for swan watching, skyline photos, or a quick jog or stroll. It’s free to access and well-lit after dark.

• Orlando Urban Trail – A three-mile green corridor linking Loch Haven Park museums with the cafés near Lake Ivanhoe. It’s a smooth route for a morning run or an electric-scooter cruise between meetings. 

• Wekiwa Springs State Park – Located about 30 minutes north of downtown, this natural spring stays a refreshing 72°F year-round. Bring goggles and float for hours. Entry is just $6 per car.

Low-Prep Events & Fitness

• 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk (Thornton Park) – For $10, you’ll get a wristband that covers over 20 tasting stops, live music, and local art pop-ups. Runs monthly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

• Track Shack Group Runs – This local running store hosts free 3-mile fun runs that welcome all paces with no signup required. Just show up and run with the group.

• Donation-Based Sunday Yoga (Lake Eola) – Bring a mat and join this all-levels Community Yoga class by the water at 10 a.m. Pay what you can and enjoy a relaxing reset before the workweek.

Live Music & Laughs

• SAK Comedy Lab (Downtown) – A high-energy improv theater with nightly shows, where audience suggestions shape every scene. Tickets are usually around $20, and no two performances are the same.

• Will’s Pub / Lil’ Indies (Mills 50) – These local spots host small-stage concerts most nights, often for $15 or less. Arrive early, grab a craft soda next door at Lil’ Indies, and catch rising bands without paying arena prices.

Quick Beach Day Trips

Florida’s coasts sit within easy reach, perfect for a no-frills ocean fix on your day off:

• Cocoa Beach – Atlantic surf town about an hour east; stroll the pier or rent a shortboard for a few bucks more than the parking fee.

• New Smyrna Beach – Known for its artsy shoreline and relaxed downtown, this beach is roughly an hour away via I-4 and SR 44.

• Daytona Beach – With a classic boardwalk vibe and hard-packed sand that’s perfect for biking, it’s another solid beach option about an hour’s drive away.

• Clearwater Beach – Famous for soft Gulf Coast sand and postcard sunsets. Leave by 8 a.m. to beat I-4 traffic and arrive in just under two hours.

Pack a small cooler in your WoodSpring Suites kitchen, hit the road early, and you’ll be back before dinner with sand on your feet and plenty of budget left for tomorrow’s plans.

Emergency Info

• Life-threatening emergency: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical help anywhere in the United States.

• Urgent care (non-life-threatening):

  • AdventHealth Centra Care – Lake Buena Vista (12500 S. Apopka Vineland Rd.) is open 7 a.m.– 12 a.m. (midnight), seven days a week, and located just minutes from the theme-park corridor.

  • Dozens of other Centra Care clinics are located throughout metro Orlando. Most are open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight and accept walk-ins or online reservations. 

• Nearest full-service hospital:

  • Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) 
    52 W. Underwood St., Orlando, FL 32806. 
    Level I Trauma Center with a 24/7 Emergency Department

• 24-hour pharmacies for late-night meds or basics:

  • CVS Pharmacy – 7300 Curry Ford Rd.

  • Walgreens – 6201 International Dr. in the tourist district

  • Many additional CVS and Walgreens locations keep extended hours. Use the mobile app for each chain to find the nearest open store.

Keep your photo ID, insurance card, and any current prescriptions handy so visits remain smooth and affordable during your stay at a WoodSpring Suites hotel.

Extended Stay Hotels

If you’re planning an extended stay in Orlando, whether it’s for a week, a month, or longer, WoodSpring Suites hotels offer a practical and budget-friendly home base. Each property provides clean, comfortable rooms with free WiFi and a fully equipped in-room kitchen that’s ideal for saving on meals and keeping your routine intact.

You’ll find hotel locations near major roads, grocery stores, and everyday essentials, so errands and commutes stay simple. And with flexible extended stay weekly rates and monthly rates, you get long-term value without giving up the basics that make life easier.