Although public transportation in Orlando is practically nonexistent and taxis are expensive because of the distances involved, it is not necessary to rent a car when in the area. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, or if you purchase a multi-day passport instead of buying daily admission tickets to the Disney parks, your transportation within Walt Disney World is free. Outside Walt Disney World, just about every lodging is linked by private shuttle to area attractions. If, however, you want to visit major theme parks outside Walt Disney World or venture off the beaten path to eat where tourists don't, then a rental car is essential.

If you are staying along International Drive, in Kissimmee, or in Orlando proper, ride public buses to get around the immediate area. To find out which bus to take, ask your hotel clerk or call Lynx (PHONE: 407/841-8240).

Scheduled service and charters linking just about every hotel and major attraction in the area are available from the Gray Line of Orlando and Mears Transportation Group:

Gray Line of Orlando (PHONE: 407/422-0744).

Mears Transportation Group (PHONE: 407/423-5566).

In addition, many hotels run their own shuttles especially for guests; to arrange a ride, ask your hotel concierge, inquire at the front desk, or phone the company directly. One-way fares are usually $8-$10 per adult, a couple of dollars less for children ages 4-11, between major hotel areas and the WDW parks.

If you want to visit major theme parks outside Walt Disney World, or move from park to resort to park on Disney property in a single day, or stay in a Disney resort that's served only by buses, or venture off the beaten track, or eat where most tourists don't, rent a car.

Every theme park has a parking lot -- and all are huge. Always write down exactly where you parked your car and take the note with you. Parking-area trams deliver you to the park entrance. For each lot the cost is $7 for cars and $8 for RVs and campers (free to WDW resort guests with I.D.). At Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, parking is free.

Car Rentals

Rates are among the lowest in the United States but vary seasonally. They can begin as low as $30 a day and $140 a week for an economy car with air-conditioning, an automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 6%.

Avis and Budget are particularly convenient, since these car lots are currently on airport property, a short walk from baggage claim. However, bus transportation to other car rentals is usually fast and efficient.

At Home

Alamo (PHONE: 800/327-9633; 020/8759-6200 in the United Kingdom, www. alamo.com).

Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212; 800/879-2847 in Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982 in New Zealand, www.avis.com).

Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700; 0144/227-6266 in the United Kingdom, www.budget.com).

Dollar (PHONE: 800/800-4000; 020/8897-0811 in the United Kingdom; 02/9223-1444 in Australia, www.dollar.com).

Enterprise (PHONE: 800/325-8007, www.enterprise.com).

Hertz (PHONE: 800/654-3131; 800/263-0600 in Canada; 020/8897-2072 in the United Kingdom; 02/9669-2444 in Australia, www.hertz.com).

National (PHONE: 800/227-7368; 0345/222525 in the United Kingdom, www.nationalcar.com).

Thrifty (PHONE: 800/367-2277, www.thrifty.com).

Requirements

In Florida you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25.

Road Conditions

Florida has its share of traffic problems. Downtown areas of such major cities as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa can be extremely congested during rush hours, usually 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM on weekdays. When you drive the interstate system in Florida, try to plan your trip so that you are not entering, leaving, or passing through a large city during rush hour, when traffic can slow to 10 mph for 10 mi or more. In addition, snowbirds usually rent in Florida for a month at a time, which means they all arrive on the first of the month and leave on the 31st. Believe it or not, from November to March, when the end and beginning of a month occur on a weekend, north-south routes, like Interstate 75 and Interstate 95, almost come to a standstill during daylight hours. It's best to avoid traveling on these days if possible.

Rules of the Road

Speed limits are 55 mph on state highways, 30 mph within city limits and residential areas, and 55-70 mph on interstates and Florida's Turnpike. Be alert for signs announcing exceptions.

Always strap children under age three into approved child-safety seats. All passengers are required to wear seat belts. The driver will be held responsible for passengers under the age of 16 who are not wearing a seatbelt. Florida's Alcohol/Controlled Substance DUI Law is one of the toughest in the United States. A blood alcohol level of.08 or higher can have serious repercussions even for the first-time offender.

Always secure children under age five into an approved child-restraint device.

Safety

Before setting off on any drive, make sure you know where you're going and carry a map. At the car-rental agency or at your hotel ask if there are any areas that you should avoid. Always keep your doors locked, and ask questions only at toll booths, petrol stations, or other obviously safe locations. Also, don't stop if your car is bumped from behind or if you're asked for directions. One hesitates to foster rude behavior, but at least for now the roads are too risky to stop any place you're not familiar with (other than as traffic laws require). If you'll be renting a car and won't have a cellular phone with you, ask the car-rental agency for a cellular phone. Alamo, Avis, and Hertz are among the companies with in-car phones.

Taxi fares start at $2 for the first mile and cost $1.50 for each mile thereafter. Sample fares: to WDW's Magic Kingdom, about $22 from International Drive, $12-$16 from U.S. 192. To Universal Studios, $7-$12 from International Drive, $25-$32 from U.S. 192. To Church Street Station, downtown, $20-$26 from International Drive, $34-$42 from U.S. 192.

Taxi Companies

A-1 Taxi (PHONE: 407/328-4555).

Checker Cab Company (PHONE: 407/699-9999).

Star Taxi (PHONE: 407/857-9999).

Museums & Sights

Many museums in Florida are closed Mondays, but offer extended hours on another weekday and are usually open on weekends. Popular visitor attractions are usually open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Walt Disney World

Operating hours for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom vary widely throughout the year. In general, the longest days are in summer and over the year-end holidays, when the Magic Kingdom is open until 10 or 11 (later on New Year's Eve), Epcot is open until 9 or 9:30 PM, and Disney-MGM Studios is open until 7 PM. There are so many variations, it pays to call ahead or check the parks' Web site calendar. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot's Future World, and Disney-MGM officially open at 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, though hours expand from 8 AM to 6 or 7 PM during peak times. The World Showcase at Epcot opens at 11 AM. Parking lots open at least an hour earlier. Arrive at the Magic Kingdom turnstiles before the official opening time; breakfast in a restaurant on Main Street, which opens before the rest of the park; and be ready to dash to one of the popular attractions in other areas as soon as officially possible. Arriving in Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom, make dinner reservations before the crowds arrive -- in fact, try to reserve tables even before you arrive, utilizing Disney's central reservations number. Try to take in some of the attractions and pavilions well before the major crowds descend later in the morning.

Arriving in the United States

Non-U.S. residents ages 21 and older may import into the United States 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 litre of alcohol, and gifts worth $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, and fruits are prohibited.

For additional information, contact the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (for inquiries and equipment registration, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20229. PHONE: 202/354-1000, www.customs.gov, for complaints, Customer Satisfaction Unit, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 5.5D.).

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Australia

Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20036. PHONE: 202/797-3000, FAX: 202/797-3040).

Canada

Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20001. PHONE: 202/682-1740, FAX: 202/682-7726).

New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC, 20008. PHONE: 202/328-4800, FAX: 202/667-5227).

United Kingdom

British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008. PHONE: 202/588-7800, FAX: 202/588-7850).

Ambulance (PHONE: 911).

Fire (PHONE: 911).

Police (PHONE: 911).

All the area's major theme parks (and some of the minor ones) have first-aid centers.

Dentists

Dental Emergency Service (PHONE: 407/331-2526).

Hospitals & Clinics

The most accessible hospital in the International Drive area is the Orlando Regional Medical Center-Sand Lake Hospital.

Centra Care (4320 W. Vine St., Orlando. PHONE: 407/390-1888).

Centra Care (12500 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Lake Buena Vista. PHONE: 407/934-2273).

Florida Hospital Celebration Health (PHONE: 407/764-4000) is near downtown Celebration.

Main Street Physicians (8324 International Drive, Orlando. PHONE: 407/370-4881).

Orlando Regional Medical Center/Sand Lake Hospital (PHONE: 407/351-8500), near International Drive.

Pharmacies

Walgreens has two 24-hour pharmacies in the area, 5501 S. Kirkman Road, near Universal Studios (407/248-0315) and 7650 W. Sand Lake Road (407/238-0400).

Guided tours are available in all the area's major theme parks.

Every address in the United States belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits. Some addresses include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers, but although this speeds mail delivery for large organizations, it is not necessary to use it. Each zip-code district has at least one post office, where you can buy stamps and aerograms, send parcels, or conduct other postal business.

Occasionally you may find small stamp-dispensing machines in airports, train stations, bus terminals, large office buildings, hotel lobbies, pharmacys, or grocery stores, but don't count on it. Most Americans go to the post office to buy their stamps, and the lines can be long.

Official mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up.

Sending Mail Home

First-class letters (one ounce or less) sent within the United States cost 37 cents; postcards are 23 cents. A one-ounce letter to Canada or Mexico takes a 60-cent stamp and a postcard 50 cents. Letters sent airmail to all other overseas destinations cost 80 cents for one ounce or less (this rate category is now called airmail letter-post, and surface mail is now called economy letter-post); airmail postcards to other overseas destinations cost 70 cents. For 70 cents, you can also buy an aerogram -- a pre-stamped sheet of lightweight blue paper that folds into its own envelope.

Receiving Mail

If you wish to receive mail while traveling in the United States, have it sent c/o General Delivery at the city's main post office (be sure to use the right zip code). It will be held there for up to 30 days. You must pick it up in person, and bring identification with you. American Express offices in the United States do not hold mail.

Be prepared to spend and spend -- and spend some more. Despite relatively low airfares and car-rental rates, cash seems to evaporate out of wallets, and credit card balances seem to increase on exposure to the hot Orlando sun. Theme-park admission averages more than $45 per day per person -- not counting all the $2 soft drinks and $10-$20 souvenirs. Hotels range so wildly -- from $30 a night to 10 or more times that -- that you have to do some hard thinking about just how much you want to spend.

ATMs

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are ubiquitous in Florida. In addition to banks, you will find them at grocery store chains like Publix and Winn-Dixie, in shopping malls big and small, and, increasingly, at petrol stations. There are ATMs in the entry areas of all theme parks as well.

Currency

The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins and "golden" dollar coins (the latter introduced in 2000) are rarely seen in circulation. Paper money comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. All these bills are the same size and green in color; they are distinguishable only by the dollar amount indicated on them and by pictures of various famous American people and monuments.

For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths, get a bit of local currency before you leave home.

In general, U.S. banks will not cash a personal check for you unless you have an account at that bank (it doesn't have to be at that branch). Only in major cities are large bank branches equipped to exchange foreign currencies. Therefore, it's best to rely on credit cards, cash machines, and traveler's checks to handle expenses while you're traveling.

Exchanging Money

In the United States, it is not as easy to find places to exchange currency as it is in European cities. In major international cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, currency may be exchanged at some bank branches, as well as at currency-exchange booths in airports and at foreign-currency offices such as American Express Travel Service and Thomas Cook (check local directories for addresses and phone numbers). The best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States; although the rates may not be as good abroad, the time saved by not having to search constantly for exchange facilities far outweighs any financial loss.

Money Orders, Funds Transfers

Any U.S. bank is equipped to accept transfers of funds from foreign banks. It helps if you can plan dates to pick up money at specific bank branches. Your home bank can supply you with a list of its correspondent banks in the United States.

If you have more time, and you have a U.S. address where you can receive mail, you can have someone send you a certified check, which you can cash at any bank, or a postal money order (for as much as $700, obtained for a fee of up to 85¢ at any U.S. post office and redeemable at any other post office). From overseas, you can have someone go to a bank to send you an international money order (also called a bank draft), which will cost a $15-$20 commission plus airmail postage. Always bring two valid pieces of identification, preferably with photos, to claim your money.

Taxes

Orlando-area sales tax varies from 6% to 7%; it's 6% in Orange and Volusia counties, 7% in Osceola and Seminole counties. You will pay different sales tax within Walt Disney World depending on where you are in the complex. At other major area theme parks, which are all in Orange County, you pay 6%. Sales taxes are levied on clothing, souvenirs, and snack items.

Tourists pay a 5% bed tax as well as a restaurant tax ranging from 6% to 7%, depending on which county they're in. There are no airport departure taxes.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay. On package tours, conductors and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole; check whether this has already been figured into your cost. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver-guide $1 if he or she has been helpful or informative. Ushers in theaters do not expect tips.

Entering the United States

Visitor visas are not necessary for Canadian citizens, or for citizens of Australia and the United Kingdom who are staying fewer than 90 days. A valid passport, a return-trip ticket, and proof of financial solvency are required; you'll be asked to fill out the Visa Waiver Form, I-94W, upon entry. Travelers who plan to stay more than 90 days can apply for the appropriate visa at the United States embassy or consulates in their home country. Canadian citizens need valid identification but neither a passport nor a visa to enter the United States.

At Home

If you live in the U.K.:

U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (PHONE: 09068/200-290 recorded visa information; 09055/444-546 operator service; both with per-minute charges) for U.S. visa information.

U.S. Embassy Visa Branch (5 Upper Grosvenor Sq., London, W1A 2JB.) for U.S. visa information; send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Contact the U.S. Consulate General (Queen's House, 14 Queen St., Belfast, BT1 6EQ, Northern Ireland. PHONE: 028/9032-8239, www.usembassy.org.uk) if you live in Northern Ireland.

Contact the United States Consulate General (MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Pl., 59th floor, Sydney, NSW, 2000. PHONE: 02/9373-9200; 1902/941-641 fee-based visa-inquiry line, www.usis-australia.gov/index.html) if you live in Australia.

If you live in New Zealand:

Embassy of the United States (29 Fitzherbert Terr., Thorndon, Wellington. PHONE: 04/462-6000, usembassy.org.nz).

U.S. Consulate General (Citibank Bldg., 3rd floor, 23 Customs St. E, Auckland. PHONE: 09/303-2724, usembassy.org.nz).

Passport Offices

The best time to apply for a passport, or to renew your old one, is in fall or winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

Australian Citizens

Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232, www.dfat.gov.au/passports).

Canadian Citizens

Passport Office (PHONE: 819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868, www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport).

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Passport Office (PHONE: 04/494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted, www.passports.govt.nz).

U.K. Citizens

London Passport Office (PHONE: 0870/521-0410, www.ukpa.gov.uk) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport.

U.S. Citizens

National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900/225-5674 calls are 35¢ per minute for automated service; $1.05 per minute for operator service, travel.state.gov/passport_services.html).

The country code for the United States is 1. The area codes for Orlando are 407 and 321.

All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits -- the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. If you're calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1" then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories.

Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800," "888," and "877" numbers can be dialed free from anywhere in the country -- usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for consumers to obtain information, products, or services. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you're getting into before you dial a "900" number.

Directory & Operator Information

For assistance from an operator, dial "0". To get a local or national telephone number, dial 411; in a few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212. If you want to charge a long-distance call to the person you're calling, call collect by dialing "0" instead of "1" before the 10-digit number, and an operator will come on the line to assist you (the party you're calling, however, has the right to refuse the call).

International Calls

International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country code for Australia is 61; New Zealand, 64; and the United Kingdom, 44. To reach Canada, dial 1 + area code + number.

Long-Distance Calls

Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice.

For details, contact AT&T (PHONE: 800/225-5288), MCI (PHONE: 800/888-8000), or Sprint (PHONE: 800/366-2255).

Public Phones

The most common pay phone in operation today is the coin-operated type. To use one, pick up the receiver, deposit your money (25¢-50¢ for local calls), wait for a steady tone before dialing, and then dial the number. An automated message will alert you to deposit more money, if needed.

Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

Tourist Offices

Greater Orlando

Kissimmee/St. Cloud Convention and Visitors Bureau (1925 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL, 34744. PHONE: 407/847-5000 or 800/327-9159).

Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (8723 International Dr., Orlando, FL, 32819. PHONE: 407/363-5871).

Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Mailing address: Box 280, Winter Park, FL, 32790. PHONE: 407/644-8281.

Walt Disney World

One of the easiest ways to get information is via the Web site, www.disneyworld.com.

Walt Disney World Information (PHONE: 407/824-4321) for general information.

WDW switchboard (PHONE: 407/824-2222) for general information.

WDW Central Reservations (PHONE: 407/934-7639) for all accommodations and shows.

WDW Dining Reservations (PHONE: 407/939-3463) for all dining reservations.

Disney-MGM Studios TV-show tapings (PHONE: 407/560-4651).

Kid's Nite Out (PHONE: 407/827-5444 for in-room; 407/827-5437 for drop-off at Kindercare).

Pleasure Island (PHONE: 407/934-7781).

Water Parks (PHONE: 407/824-4321).

Statewide

Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (661 E. Jefferson St., Suite 300, Box 1100, Tallahassee, FL, 32302. PHONE: 850/488-5607, FAX: 850/224-2938, www.flausa.com).

In the U.K., contact ABC Florida. Mailing address: Box 35, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4TB, U.K. PHONE: 0891/600-555., 50p per minute; send £2 for vacation pack.

At Home

Canadian travelers can contact Travel USA (PHONE: 905/890-5662; 800/268-3482 in Ontario).

In the United Kingdom, contact the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (Box 1EN, London, W1A 1EN. PHONE: 020/7495-4466).

Timing can spell the difference between a good vacation in the theme parks and a great one. Since the Orlando area is an obvious destination for families, the area is at its most crowded during school vacation periods.

If you're traveling without youngsters, avoid school-holiday periods. If you have preschoolers, follow the same course; crowds can overwhelm small fry. With school children, it's nice to avoid prime break times, but it's not always possible. Since the parks staff up in peak season, bigger crowds don't always mean longer lines, and busy periods bring longer hours and added entertainment and parades.

Nevertheless, to steer clear of crowds, avoid Christmas, late March, the Easter weeks, and mid-June-mid-August, especially July 4 (it's too hot, anyway). Try to vacation in late May or early June, as soon as the school year ends; in late August; or at Thanksgiving, or the first two weeks of December, which are not as busy as other holidays.

The following are the normal daily temperature ranges for Orlando:

January 49-70°F (9-21°C); February 54-72°F (12-22°C); March 56-76°F (13-24°C); April 63-81°F (17-27°C); May 67-88°F (19-31°C); June 74-90°F (23-32°C); July 74-90°F (23-32°C); August 74-90°F (23-32°C); September 74-88°F (23-31°C); October 67-83°F (19-28°C); November 58-76°F (14-24°C); December 52-70°F (11-21°C).

Holidays

Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).