A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Death Valley National Park for Resorts, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Death Valley National Park? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Orlando travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Orlando and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is popular 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. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Orlando different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Theater?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Orlando is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.


Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

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.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Orlando is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.


Is Orlando or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Orlando
Death Valley National Park

Neither Orlando or Death Valley National Park are walkable places.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in Orlando or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orlando 7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the theater and nightlife that this active destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . 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 Death Valley National Park has to offer.


Five days in Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the city of Orlando. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Orlando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Orlando Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Orlando $368
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $368, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Death Valley National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Orlando


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Orlando Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Death Valley National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Orlando Airport (MCO): $29
  • Private Transfer: MCO to Disney, Universal, and Orlando: $30
  • Port Canaveral Transfer Service: $35
  • Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach Private Transfer: $38
  • Orlando Airport Mco:Private Transfer to Disney and Universal: $38
  • Transfer: MCO/Orlando Hotels to Port Canaveral: $40
  • Orlando:Airport Private Transfer to/from Disneyland Resort: $41
  • MCO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Disneyland: $42
  • Orlando Chauffeur Transfer: MCO Airport/Hotels to Port Canaveral: $50
  • MCO Private Transfer Airport to Hotel: $54
  • Orlando Airport MCO to Universal Resorts Private Transfer: $54
  • Private Airport Transfer: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Orlando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Orlando $113
    Death Valley National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $39
  • Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour: $40
  • St. Johns River Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Sanford, Florida: $43
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Orlando: $75
  • Immersive Pasta Making Cooking Class: $75
  • Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $80
  • Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando: $80
  • Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando: $82
  • Titanic: First Class Dinner Gala Tickets in Orlando: $84
  • Ivanhoe Village Food Tour with Tastings: $88
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Death Valley National Park $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Orlando by Operation City Quest: $10
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • SelfGuided Scavenger Hunt:Feel the Adventure Breeze at WinterPark: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Orlando Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15
  • Orlando City Pride- National Women's Soccer League Tickets: $18
  • Ripley's Mirror Maze Experience: $18
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket: $21
  • Factory Adventure Tour in Chocolate Kingdom: $24
  • Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour: $24
  • Orlando Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Death Valley National Park $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Caribbean Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting: $40
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $90
  • Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl: $139
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300


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

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