A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Boone for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Boone?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Boone? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Boone travel costs.

Orlando and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Boone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, and resorts, while Boone is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Boone and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Orlando different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is great for skiing. However, Orlando is not a skiing destination.

Boone offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Orlando is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Boone is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. 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.

Boone is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Boone is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Boone for the nightlife scene. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. 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 Orlando or Boone Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect 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.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Boone?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Boone both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. 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.

Boone is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Is Orlando or Boone More Beautiful?

Boone is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Orlando or Boone Better for Couples?

Boone is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

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 Orlando or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Orlando is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Orlando and Boone both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Orlando or Boone a more walkable city?

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

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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 Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boone due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone 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 Boone.

One day in Orlando or Boone?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this entertaining destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boone has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Boone?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Boone is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Orlando or Boone?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Boone, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Boone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boone 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 Boone.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Boone?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Boone, 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.