US · city
Orlando, FL
United States
Disney World, Universal Studios, family vacation HQ — points stretch furthest here
Oct-Apr ideal (65-78°F). Summer hot/humid (90°F+) with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane risk Jun-Nov. Christmas/spring break peak crowds.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Chase Ultimate Rewards
via Southwest Rapid Rewards
+ $30 taxes
Chase UR → Southwest LGA-MCO
JetBlue TrueBlue
+ $20 taxes
JetBlue JFK-MCO direct
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA business JFK-MCO (limited)
Cash equivalent: economy ~$250 · business ~$900 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Hyatt
Cat 5 — Disney-area family resort with pools.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Hyatt
Cat 4 — Convention Center, Universal adjacent.
Hyatt House Across from Universal
Hyatt
Cat 4 — extended-stay near Universal.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Marriott Bonvoy
In-park location; Marriott points access to Disney.
What to see & do
Walt Disney World
4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) + 2 water parks. Multi-day affair.
Universal Studios Orlando
2 parks (Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure) — Harry Potter, Marvel. Allow 2-3 days.
Epcot World Showcase
11-country pavilions with food + drinks. Best with Drink Around the World pin.
Kennedy Space Center
1-hour east on Atlantic — rocket launch pads, shuttle Atlantis, astronaut training.
Disney Springs
Free-to-enter dining + shopping district. Boathouse, Morimoto, Wine Bar George.
Gatorland
Old-school FL roadside attraction — alligators, zipline, jumparoo show. Less polished than parks.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F | 71°F | |
| Feb | 52°F | 73°F | |
| Mar | 57°F | 78°F | |
| Apr | 62°F | 83°F | |
| May | 68°F | 88°F | |
| Jun | 73°F | 91°F | |
| Jul | 75°F | 92°F | |
| Aug | 75°F | 92°F | |
| Sep | 74°F | 90°F | |
| Oct | 67°F | 85°F | |
| Nov | 58°F | 79°F | |
| Dec | 52°F | 73°F |
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