A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Orlando for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Ensenada or Orlando?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ensenada or Orlando? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Ensenada travel costs.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, theater, and nightlife. See Orlando travel costs.

Ensenada and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Orlando?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Orlando than Ensenada. While Ensenada is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than Ensenada and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is Ensenada different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orlando and Ensenada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Orlando?

Ensenada is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Ensenada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Ensenada is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Ensenada is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Orlando? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ensenada and Orlando offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Orlando has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is very popular for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is adequate for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Orlando?

Orlando is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Orlando make for a nice place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Orlando is a good city for couples to visit. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

Is Ensenada or Orlando Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Orlando.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Ensenada or Orlando a more walkable city?

Ensenada is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Orlando?

Both Ensenada and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Ensenada. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Ensenada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Orlando than Ensenada. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orlando that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Orlando if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Orlando?

In Ensenada, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Orlando?

In Ensenada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ensenada has to offer.

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Orlando?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Orlando is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orlando, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Orlando is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orlando has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Ensenada.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ensenada Expensive? and Is Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Orlando?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Orlando, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.