Lakeland to Orlando drive: Best attractions, distance & time
The distance from Lakeland to Orlando by car is 56 miles, with a 55 minute driving time. The best road trip stops on the Lakeland to Orlando drive are Fantasy of Flight, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Disney World.
Finding things to do between Lakeland and Orlando
The Lakeland to Orlando drive takes you through central Florida to the world’s theme park capital.
Lakeland is a somewhat overlooked Florida City which is, as the name suggests, based around a series of lakes. Of these, Lake Mirror is the most popular, with a promenade and amphitheatre. It also has Hollis Garden, an impressive botanical garden, at the southern end. For something less sculpted, the Circle B Bar Reserve is a former cattle ranch that is now a great place to see alligators.
The city is also home to Florida Southern University, which has the world’s largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Good Lakeland hotel choices include the spacious SpringHill Suites and the affordable, pool-equipped Travelodge.
Orlando is known worldwide as the home of Disney World, but there’s far more to it than Mickey and Co. You can get crazy selfies at the Museum of Illusions or WonderWorks, learn how chocolate is made at Chocolate Kingdom and ride the Wheel at ICON Park or Orlando StarFlyer. Alternatively, visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, play adventure golf at Pirates’ Cove and say hi to the stingrays at Sea Life.
In the evenings, there’s the Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn To Life and the Outta Control magic comedy show.
Other Orlando experiences include glow-in-the-dark kayaking, foodie walking tours and kayaking through Cypress forest.
There are hundreds of hotels to choose from in Orlando. Flexibility is key (precise location is not critical here) – and compare prices online before booking.
Lakeland to Orlando distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Lakeland to Orlando is 56 miles. You can expect a driving time of around 55 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-4.
The best stops to add to a Lakeland to Orlando road trip itinerary are Fantasy of Flight, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Disney World.
Lakeland to Orlando road trip attractions: Fantasy of Flight
Fantasy of Flight in Polk City was once a massive aviation museum. Alas, it has been scaled down considerably. However, visitors can still see several classic aircraft inside a massive hangar.
The aircraft on display are rotated seasonally, and private tours of the other hangars are available if organised in advance.
Things to do between Lakeland and Orlando: Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is as much a test of nerve as it is physical ability. There are several zipline and ropes courses, all aimed at different ages and skill levels. Obstacles include Tarzan ropes, swinging logs, hanging nets and suspended bridges.
Advance booking is required, and the park is in the suburb of Indian Ridge, just off the I-4.
Lakeland to Orlando drive: Disney World
To approach Disney World as an ordinary theme park is a mistake. In reality, it is several theme parks in one. Just rock up on the day and work it out as you go along, and you’ll not get the most out of it. Read up and plan in advance – there’s a reason why some people stay for several days. Also remember that it’s as much about the shows and parades as the rides.
Several types of ticket are available. Pick the one that suits your party best.
More Lakeland road trips
Jacksonville to Lakeland | Lakeland to Tampa.
More Orlando road trips
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