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

Should you visit Orlando or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Williamsburg? 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 shopping, theater, and nightlife. See Orlando travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Orlando and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, and resorts, while Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Orlando different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Orlando and Williamsburg.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Orlando has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Orlando does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Williamsburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Williamsburg.

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.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

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

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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 Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Orlando or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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

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

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

One day in Orlando or Williamsburg?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this entertaining city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Williamsburg?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Five days in Orlando or Williamsburg?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

Orlando is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Williamsburg?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orlando or Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Williamsburg. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Orlando is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Williamsburg. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Orlando