Orlando to Winter Haven drive: Best stops, distance & time
The distance from Orlando to Winter Haven FL by car is 47 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour. The best road trip stops on the Orlando to Winter Haven drive are Disney World, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Sky Pirates Ballooning.
Finding the best things to do between Orlando and Winter Haven
The Orlando to Winter Haven drive connects two popular vacation destinations in central Florida.
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.
The secret to getting Orlando accommodation deals is flexibility. There are hundreds of hotels, and you’ll likely be driving everywhere anyway. So hunt down the cheapest rates, and don’t get too hung up on exact location.
Winter Haven is on Florida’s Chain of Lakes. There are several lakeside parks to enjoy here, but most visitors will come for the theme parks. The Legoland Florida Resort and adjoining Peppa Pig Theme Park are here.
Other Winter Haven Experiences include a pub crawl by boat, an internationally-flavoured food tour and a wildlife watching tour on board a pontoon boat.
Consistently well-reviewed Winter Haven hotels include the Courtyard by Marriott and the Best Western Plus Winter Haven Inn.
Orlando to Winter Haven distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Orlando to Winter Haven is 47 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour. Most of the drive is down the I-4.
The best stops to add to an Orlando to Winter Haven road trip itinerary are Disney World, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Sky Pirates Ballooning.
Orlando to Winter Haven 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.
Things to do between Orlando and Winter Haven: 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.
Orlando to Winter Haven road trip attractions: Sky Pirates Ballooning
The downside of hot air ballooning is that you have to get up disgustingly early. The upside is that you get to watch the sun rise from a privileged position, and float over central Florida while the air conditions are at their calmest. Sky Pirates Ballooning operates its scenic balloon flights from Champions Gate Village off the I-4.
More Orlando road trips
Albany GA to Orlando | Asheville to Orlando | Atlanta to Orlando | Augusta to Orlando | Austin to Orlando | Baton Rouge to Orlando | Birmingham AL to Orlando | Orlando to Cape Canaveral | Charlotte to Orlando | Orlando to Cocoa Beach | Columbia SC to Orlando | Orlando to Daytona Beach | Orlando to Destin | Gainesville to Orlando | Houston to Orlando | Huntsville AL to Orlando | Jacksonville to Orlando | Lakeland to Orlando | Macon GA to Orlando | Orlando to Melbourne FL | Memphis to Orlando | Orlando to Myrtle Beach | Nashville to Orlando | New Orleans to Orlando | Orlando to Palm Coast | Panama City to Orlando | Pensacola to Orlando | Orlando to Port Canaveral | Ocala to Orlando | Orlando to St Augustine | Tallahassee to Orlando | Orlando to Tampa | Valdosta to Orlando.