From experience, I can tell you that if you’re planning a family trip to Florida, renting a car is one of the best ways to maximize your experience especially if you plan on visiting multiple attractions such as museums, beaches, and theme parks.
Florida offers a variety of amazing attractions that are just a bit off of the beaten path, such as LEGOLAND Florida Resort located in Winter Haven, Florida, and Dinosaur World in Plant City, Florida. Both theme parks are a short distance right outside of the major cities of Orlando and Tampa. Making them great hubs to rent cars from, especially if you are flying into Florida.
With this in mind, renting a car provides the flexibility to take a scenic drive, stop at unique attractions along the way, and enjoy the convenience of setting your own schedule. Let’s have a peek into renting a car from Orlando, Florida and Tampa, Florida; as well as what you can expect from both theme parks, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Dinosaur World.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven, Florida
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is about 50 miles southwest of Orlando, making it a 60- to 75-minute drive, depending on traffic.
While it’s possible to use rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, or even shuttles, renting a car offers more convenience, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want to explore other nearby attractions.
Why Rent a Car in Orlando?
Renting a car in Orlando is easy and affordable, with several rental agencies conveniently located at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and throughout the city. If you are planning this as an option, visit Discover Cars which offers a variety of vehicle options, from compact cars to SUVs perfect for family road trips. With Discover Cars, you can save up to 70% by comparing the best car rental deals from 700+ suppliers in 10000+ locations worldwide and free cancellation which I highly appreciate.
In addition to this, with a rental car, you can skip the hassle of waiting for shuttles and take better control of your itinerary. And, if you’re traveling with small children like I did, you can pack car seats, snacks, and entertainment to make the drive more enjoyable.
The Drive to LEGOLAND Florida Resort
The drive from Orlando to Winter Haven is straightforward. You primarily take I-4 West and US-27 South. The route is well-marked, making navigation a breeze. However, while it is great to rely on navigational systems to get you to your destination, I would encourage you to have an atlas, map, or printed instructions with you that are easily accessible.
From experience, I can tell you that when you are driving in certain areas, you may not have a strong internet connection. But, if you have your driving instructions in paper form, you won’t have to stress about a lost signal for a short amount of time.
Upon Arrival at LEGOLAND
Once you have successfully navigated your way from Orlando to LEGOLAND, know that you will have to pay for parking and that having a balloon to tie to your car antennae will be extremely helpful when your day at the park has come to an end and you are ready to return to your vehicle to leave. Having the balloon makes it easy to spot your car in a sea of other vehicles.
Parking on average costs about $40 depending on the vehicle that you are driving. So, keep this in mind when renting your car. However, you can save money by purchasing parking in advance online. Parking lots open 30 to 45 minutes before the park does.
What to Expect at LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is a 150-acre theme park built with families in mind, featuring interactive rides, water attractions, and larger-than-life LEGO sculptures. A few highlights include LEGO Kingdoms, Pirate’s Cove, and LEGO Ninjago World, along with the Peppa Pig Theme Park, perfect for younger kids. While these are just a handful, there is so much do to and so much fun to be had.
When we went I loved that my boys were able to swap LEGO figures with various team members. Whether you bring one from home or buy one in a shop, you may trade any LEGO Minifigure! It can be old and worn or new and shiny. However, they must be LEGO Minifigures and traded in complete form, including head, body, and legs.
And, of course, there is so much more to explore and experience, such as the water park, games, food, etc. I would plan to spend at least a full day at the resort.
With a Rental Car, There’s More to Explore
With a rental car, there is so much more that you can explore, whether you are renting from Orlando, Tampa, or somewhere in between.
As an example, you could rent a car from Tampa, Florida, and head to Dinosaur World in Plant City, Florida, as we did. Dinosaur World is truly a unique experience, especially for dinosaur enthusiasts.
What to Expect at Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World in Plant City is a 20-acre outdoor park featuring more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models scattered along winding trails through lush greenery. Kids can enjoy fossil digs, prehistoric playgrounds, and interactive exhibits that teach them about the history of dinosaurs in a fun and engaging way. You can enjoy your picnic lunch there in the park, bring well-behaved dogs on leashes, and shop in the gift shop.
The park is designed to be family-friendly and educational, making it an excellent option for kids who love dinosaurs. The wide walking paths, shaded picnic areas, and hands-on activities ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Renting a car makes this trip both convenient and enjoyable, allowing you to explore at your own pace. What I appreciate is that the theme park is a bit smaller than most other large-scale parks, so parking is free and it’s not hard to spot your vehicle. So, the balloon hack isn’t needed here at all.
The Drive from Tampa to Plant City
Dinosaur World is located just 25 miles east of downtown Tampa, making it a 30-minute drive along I-4 East. The short distance makes it an ideal half-day or full-day excursion for families. With a rental car, you’ll have the flexibility to take your time at the park, stop for lunch at local restaurants, and simply enjoy the scenic drive through Florida.
Why Rent a Car in Tampa?
Renting a car in Tampa is a great way to explore not only Dinosaur World but other nearby attractions as well. Think of places like Busch Gardens and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Just like with Orlando, Tampa offers several rental agencies with convenient locations at Tampa International Airport (TPA), throughout the city, or simply using Discover Cars.
Final Thoughts
In summary, renting a car from either Orlando or Tampa offers the ultimate flexibility for families visiting Florida’s theme parks and unique attractions. While public transportation and rideshare services are options, having your own vehicle allows you to travel on your own schedule, stop at hidden gems along the way, and make your trip more convenient, especially when traveling with children. Whether you’re headed to LEGOLAND Florida Resort or Dinosaur World, renting a car ensures you don’t miss out on any of the fun experiences that Florida has to offer.
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