This is the exact opposite of most European fuel stations. Unleaded gasoline comes from the BLACK handle and Diesel from the GREEN handle at almost all major US chains. There are rare exceptions, however (BP, for example, matches European color layouts), so pay close attention before selecting your fuel grade.

When purchasing gasoline, you select a “grade” by pushing the button on the pump panel. For standard rental cars, pick up the black gasoline handle and press the button labeled 87 (Regular). Choosing higher octane levels (such as 89 or 93) will not damage your vehicle; it will simply cost more per gallon. Avoid the green Diesel pump unless you have rented a specialized diesel vehicle.

Unless there is a physical sign at the intersection stating “No Turn On Red”, you are permitted to make a right-hand turn after coming to a complete stop. You must yield to oncoming traffic, crosswalk pedestrians, or turning school buses before proceeding around the corner.

Ethanol-free fuel is generally marketed for machinery that remains unused for extended periods (such as boats, lawnmowers, or classic vehicles). Regular fuel is blended with up to 10% ethanol, which can absorb moisture if sat in a tank long-term. Accidentally filling your rental car with ethanol-free fuel will not harm your engine, but you will pay a premium rate per gallon for it.

Most of our rental vehicles are fully equipped with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems. Rather than paying for third-party navigation add-ons, you can use your phone’s native GPS receiver with offline navigation apps (such as MAPS.ME or Google Maps Offline) to download maps of Florida prior to travel. This provides full navigation functions without consuming international cell data.

In the US, you pay for fuel before you pump. While US cards can be swiped at the pump immediately, international credit cards often require a US billing zip code to authorize. To fill your tank, walk inside and ask the station clerk to “pre-authorize” or swipe your card on your pump number. Fill your vehicle, then return inside to sign the final receipt and close the transaction.

US intersections often rely on stop-sign intersections rather than roundabouts. Watch incoming lanes carefully upon approach. A “2-Way Stop” label indicates cross-traffic has priority and will not stop. A “4-Way Stop” requires all vehicles to stop. The rule is simple: whoever stops first at the limit line proceeds first. If multiple cars stop simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right and take turns calmly.

While European driving schools emphasize leaving protective braking gaps, US driving customs often treat gaps as spaces to be filled. When lanes merge, drivers use a “zipper merge” system where vehicles take turns entering the flow of traffic. Do not take sudden merges personally; it is standard local driving practice.

Driving without possessing a valid driver’s license is illegal in the state of Florida under Section 322.03(1) of the Florida Statutes. This requirement applies to both Florida residents and international visitors. Failing to produce your physical license when stopped by law enforcement will result in a traffic citation, irrespective of the circumstances.

These easily fit in a pocket or loop through a belt. They are great for mopping your brow, and if tucked up the back of a cap they shade your neck. It’s Florida and it’s humid – everyone sweats. You can rinse it in cold water to make a soothing compress, wrap ice in it for emergency relief, or use it to wipe down seats after a downpour.

Even if your children are big enough to walk at home, consider using one. Florida in the summer is super hot and humid; a half-mile walk from the Disney parking lots to the entrance can feel like a marathon. Renting strollers at the parks is highly expensive. We recommend grabbing a cheap collapsible stroller from Walmart on your first shopping trip (around $50) instead of paying Disney’s rental rates daily. You can leave it at your villa when you return home.

Before you head to the parks or out for the day, freeze some water bottles and place them inside a cooler. Leave the cooler in the car. When you return at the end of a long, hot day, you’ll have an ice-cold, refreshing drink waiting for you.

Registering before you travel can save you a lot of money, but do not sign up too far in advance! Some programs issue free items or discount coupons with limited validity periods. Pro tip: Adjust your birthday setting to coincide with your actual trip dates to secure birthday rewards while you are in town.

Even if you don’t rent a car, downloading an offline map is highly recommended. Modern offline map platforms let you download specific state regions so they don’t consume excessive device memory. This allows you to navigate securely without relying on an active, expensive cell signal.

The extreme heat causes heatstroke in thousands of tourists every year, and maintaining your sodium levels is an essential countermeasure. Because sweating drains minerals from your system, replenish them with snacks like potato chips or salted nuts alongside your standard hydration.

While specific high-end brands only feature in specific centers, the general rule is: the further from high-volume tourist zones you travel, the cheaper prices are. Remote outlets must offer better promotions to draw local business, passing those savings to you.

Florida features a subtropical climate with sudden, heavy rainstorms. Stop by a Dollar Tree beforehand to stock up on inexpensive rain ponchos and large ziplock bags. Keep your phones and electronics bone-dry in the ziplock, and use another to store wet, used ponchos once the storm clears.

If you have an extended travel party that plans to split up, local prepaid devices are highly cost-effective. Walmart offers simple prepay phones for low flat rates with 30 days of active service credit included, keeping your group fully connected.

In the US, a percentage chance of rain defines the physical area expected to receive rain, rather than an overall probability of precipitation. For example, a 50% chance of rain means 50% of that forecasting area is expected to receive rainfall. A 100% forecast might just mean a brief, two-minute shower across the entire territory.

Buying prepared bottles of sports drinks in the parks adds up quickly. Instead, purchase large canisters of powdered drink mix at local supermarkets. You can stir or shake the powder directly into standard bottled water when you are on the move.

Theme park lots are vast, and it is incredibly easy to lose track of your vehicle. Take a quick photo of the nearest row marker, light pole, or themed area indicator immediately when you park so you can find your way back without stress at the end of the night.

Florida laws are strictly enforced, and you will be carded regardless of age. Store clerks will also decline sales if they suspect you are purchasing on behalf of other group members who do not carry valid identification. Never buy age-restricted products for individuals you do not know.

If you plan to shop extensively, nesting a smaller case inside a larger one saves luggage transport fees on the outbound flight. Please inform your return transportation provider (especially us!) if your group’s luggage volume expands significantly for the trip back to the airport.

The Good: ‘Friends’ inspired coffee themed cafe with humorous touches and nods to the TV show everywhere (dare you not to take pictures).

The Bad: Given the surroundings people tend to linger so seating can be a premium at peak times.

Our Verdict: Great coffee stop, fun vibe and a full menu so you can plan more than just a coffee stop here if you wanted (and we would).

The Good: Winter Park is a cute location and right on the main street with all the eclectic shops.

The Bad: There are a few of them now as the franchise grows so it only just makes our list.

Our Verdict: Team COTD Lisa’s favorite coffee. “Even though I get a latte, the coffee isn’t too bitter so it gets my vote”.

The Good: They serve whiskey! Yes they have a bar so get your Americano to go and leave your husband behind while you go shopping.

The Bad: Staff can be hit and miss.

Our Verdict: Like having coffee in a thrift store. Lots of stuff on the walls (and yes it gets a bit dusty) but the coffee is good and the staff might not seem happy but check out their web site and the ‘meet the staff’ option – someone has a sense of humor. Don’t forget to try the original 1950s photo booth as well!

The Good: They serve off brand wines and ciders as well as holistic coffees. They offer simple breakfast items and gluten free options. You can also buy coffee beans to take home.

The Bad: Last time we checked they had no almond milk only oat milk.

Our Verdict: Team COTD Keira’s favorite for an iced coffee.

The Good: Specialists in cakes, donuts, coffee and boba and their croissant cubes are not to be missed.

The Bad: Slightly more expensive than others but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

Our Verdict: Try the Korean hot dog and wash it down with a brown sugar boba milk latte!

The Good: It’s a micro brewery (well they share a space with Home State Brewing Co)! Located in a newer development there are some good restaurants close by to try as well. Their espresso shot is a signature drink.

The Bad: Maybe more off the regular track for those who prefer to be closer to the hustle of Disney or Orlando.

Our Verdict: Calm and pleasant vibe and the brewery makes it an interesting visit. Try the iced summer coconut latte when available.

The Good: Sells it’s own brand coffee and promotes Colombian farm to cup transparency / fair trade.

The Bad: Trying too hard to be Starbucks means there is little unique about the environment.

Our Verdict: Close to becoming a ‘chain’ so only just makes our list but there are better establishments out there if you want to support a small business.

The Good: Full service cafe with good food and plenty of vegetarian friendly and vegan options. This is a great cafe that puts back into the local community.

The Bad: A little further afield away from the tourist traps.

Our Verdict: A real homely feel when you walk in with great coffee and food selections. Try the Nutty Irishman waffle or the raspberry scone!

The Good: Now in four states with multiple locations it isn’t hard to find one. Nice ambience and the basic coffee is good.

The Bad: Yes we know they are a ‘chain’ but they do a good basic coffee. If you want more quirky drinks this isn’t the place for you. Did we also mention they are expensive?

Our Verdict: Food, coffee and the Winter Park location has a roasting facility that’s interesting to see. Lots of people chill here all day and work / study in the relaxed atmosphere.

The Good: Centrally located near the beach areas with on street parking. Great inside seating area – wonderful place to hang out and read, work or chat.

The Bad: Minor gripe would be parking. While there are some on street spots they are at a premium. Its a busy beach location so expect to park and walk.

Our Verdict: They do have a small menu so you could do lunch here and the coffee is good as well. Really liked the environment and the layout – very relaxed vibe and comfortable.

The Good: Extremely clean, modern, and master-planned by Disney. It features an outstanding selection of normal-world shops (Target, Walgreens, various restaurants) right outside the resort border, making it perfect for grabbing supplies without paying theme-park premiums.

The Bad: It is expanding rapidly, so you might run into occasional construction blocks, and traffic around school/hotel peak hours can get busy.

Our Verdict: COTD Lisa’s favorite alternative to Disney Springs. “Great parking, zero entrance fees, and standard retail pricing make it a lifesaver for stocking up your villa.”

The Good: Entirely FREE to enter! You stay in the comfort of your air-conditioned rental car (a major plus in summer) and drive slowly along an 11-mile nature trail. The sheer density of wild gators, turtles, and exotic birds is unmatched.

The Bad: It’s one-way and can be very slow-moving on weekends. The full drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and gator roadblocks. Ensure you have a full tank and use the restroom before entering.

Our Verdict: A must-do for seeing the “real” Florida away from the parks. Keep your windows rolled up if a massive gator is resting near the road, and don’t forget your camera!

The Good: Simply stunning. Snorkeling or diving in a prehistoric underground cave with crystal-clear 72°F (22°C) water is a bucket-list experience. The light beaming down through the collapsed cave roof makes for incredible photos.

The Bad: You must purchase a snorkel or dive pass—general walk-ins/sightseeing-only visits are strictly restricted to keep the cave safe. It is also quite a drive from the main Orlando tourist hubs.

Our Verdict: Absolutely worth the day trip up north. Book your snorkel slot well in advance as safety caps are tightly enforced, and rent their gear if you don’t bring your own.

The Good: Consistently voted among the best beaches in America. Pristine white sand, warm Gulf waters, and a fascinating, climbable historic fort. Terrific dog beach and kayak rentals make it highly versatile.

The Bad: There is a small county park entrance toll ($5) and toll roads on the way from Orlando. Parking can fill up fast on major holiday weekends.

Our Verdict: The ultimate Gulf Coast beach escape. It lacks the commercialized high-rises of Clearwater, offering a pristine, natural coast. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, and climb the fort for panoramic ocean views.

The Good: Beautiful, rustic, and incredibly family-friendly. Picking your own fresh blueberries or peaches is wonderful, and their seasonal events (like the Fall Festival or spring sunflower picking) are legendary. Their fresh blueberry donuts are worth the trip alone!

The Bad: The farm is accessed via a series of clay/dirt roads (Schofield Road can get extremely dusty or muddy depending on the weather). Keep this in mind for keeping your clean rental car pristine.

Our Verdict: A perfect afternoon escape from the theme-park bubble. Relax on a tractor ride, grab a craft beer or frozen blueberry lemonade, and watch the Florida sunset over the hills of Clermont.