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

Should you visit Orlando or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Mystic? 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 family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and theater. See Orlando travel costs.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mystic travel costs.

Orlando and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, and resorts, while Mystic is known for its museums and attractions and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than Mystic and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character.

How is Orlando different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mystic 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 Mystic?

Mystic is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for theatre. However, Mystic is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

Mystic is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Orlando and Mystic.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Mystic is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Mystic?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Mystic both offer plenty of superb 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.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly city. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Mystic make for a good place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Orlando or Mystic Better for Students?

Orlando is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Orlando. 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Orlando is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Orlando or Mystic a more walkable city?

Mystic is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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 Mystic Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mystic than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Orlando than Mystic 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. 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 Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mystic?

Orlando is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Orlando or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the active destination of Orlando. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Mystic. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Mystic, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Mystic much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mystic would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mystic 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 Mystic.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Mystic?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Mystic, 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.

When is the best time to visit Orlando or Mystic?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orlando or Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Mystic. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Orlando is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Mystic. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Mystic. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the autumn, Orlando is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Mystic. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Mystic. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

Orlando is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Orlando