Central Florida has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the world's premier tourist destinations.  In addition to being home to popular theme parks and resorts, Orange County is an easy drive to the Kennedy Space Center, some of the finest beaches in the United States, and major sports venues like the Daytona International Speedway.  Orange County's tourist corridor is one of the safest tourist destinations in the country, but regardless of where you go to enjoy your leisure time, vacationers should never leave home without packing a little common sense.  The same rules that keep you safe and secure in your hometowns should apply wherever you go.  With that in mind we would like to offer you some basic tourist safety tips to help insure your vacations are safe and memorable wherever you happen to be. Download Ticket Seller Brochure.

If you are flying into the sunshine state please take a few moments to review some of our suggestions to make your air travel safe and enjoyable.

• Do not discuss your trip with anyone on the way to or while at the airport. 
• Arrive early at the airport.
• Hand carry any valuables (electronics, money, jewelry, credit cards).
• Stay with your luggage until it is checked in.
• Limit your personal information on your luggage tags.
• Sit in your airplane’s assigned seat.
• Plan how you will get to your hotel ahead of time.
• Leave your flight information with a family member and if your plans change let them know.
• Call a family member or friend back home and let them know when you have arrived at your destination.

Orlando, Florida is one of the easiest destinations to reach by car.  We are at the cross roads of Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike.   We also have a modern and growing expressway system that makes getting around the area easy!  As is the case in most metropolitan areas we do suggest that you avoid our roadways during rush hour! Here are some safety tips:

• Keep your vehicle in good condition.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when you venture into an unfamiliar area off the beaten tourist track.
• Ask the hotel personnel for directions to your destination, and have a local and highway map in the vehicle with you.  If you have a GPS, use it. But, be sure to remove it form your windshield or dashboard whenever you leave your car unattended.
• Make sure you have enough gas to get where you’re going.
• While driving keep all doors locked and wear your safey belts... IT'S THE LAW IN FLORIDA. 
• If you cannot take your valuables inside with you whenever you stop, store them in your vehicle’s trunk or out of view of passersby before you reach your destination.
• If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while you are stopped in traffic, or in a parking lot, blow your vehicle’s horn constantly.
• Park in a well-lighted area with lots of pedestrian traffic when arriving, and check the inside of your vehicle when you return.
• ALWAYS lock your vehicle doors, even if you plan to return immediately.
• When you return to your vehicle, have door key in your hand.

It's the little things that increase your chances of being a crime victim when you are staying in your hotel or motel. A little common sense will prevent you from becoming a victim. 

• Lock your vehicle and take all valuables with you to your room.
• When checking into the hotel, review the floor plan on the back of your room door and familiarize yourself with fire and emergency exits.
• Don’t open the door unless you know the person. If the person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if they have sent someone to your room.
• Give kids a hotel business card to help them remember the name, address and telephone number of the hotel where they are staying.
• Always lock your door using the deadbolt.
• Secure your sliding glass door or room connecting doors with all security devices provided by the hotel.
• Be careful who you invite to your room.
• Place all valuables in the deposit box or room safe. Do not leave them in your vehicle.
• Don’t open the door unless you know the person. If the person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if they have sent someone to your room.
• Be wary of unsolicited business flyers left at your hotel door. Always check with the hotel before placing any outside room orders that require your credit card number.
• When you leave check the room’s front door to insure that it is locked.
• While by the pool, do not leave your room key or any valuable unattended.
• If you see something suspicious, call 911 immediately and the hotel management.

You know why you are coming here... whether it's to swim with a dolphin, catch a glimpse of that famous mouse, or visit the people who make the movies, Central Florida has theme parks, and they are the best in the world!  

• While at the theme parks, please make sure you follow all the safety rules and regulations that are posted near or at the entrance to each individual ride.
• This would include simple precautions such as to keep all limbs within the interior of the vehicle, utilize all safety devices to include safety harness and safety bars. 
• Always remember to stay seated until the ride comes to a full and complete stop.
• In addition to the safety regulations please make sure you are aware of any health risk that may apply to a ride.  This may include: heart problems, back problems, high blood pressure, women who are pregnant.  This can also include those who have fainting spells, blackouts and dizziness. 
• If after leaving a ride you feel ill, and need medical assistance, summon a park employee and they will assist.  Many are trained in first aid.  If you have already left the park and are feeling ill and need medical services, call 9-1-1.
• Please pay special attention to children, young adults and persons with special needs in your group before, during and after each ride.

Sadly, no matter where you go, there are people who will try and take advantage of you. Here is some information on the latest scams targeting tourists:

• Many hotels/resorts/time-shares have a “NO SOLICITING” policy.  This is done to ensure the safety and security of all guests.
• Most of these fliers are distributed under the room door with out permission and in most cases are a food product solicitation.
• Please note that most hotels/resorts/time-shares will not leave any unsolicited material under your room door unless it has the official hotel name and/or logo printed on it.
• If you encounter any fliers under your room door, and are not sure of the validity, please contact the front desk of the property and the staff will be happy to verify if it is a business they use.
• Please note that most legitimate business do not leave fliers under the door. Many resorts that have limited food service may offer a reference to a business that may deliver.  Always check with the front desk.

Theme Park Tickets - Buyer Beware!

When purchasing tickets it is always best to purchase them from a reliable source such as the theme park itself or an authorized vendor.  An inexpensive purchase from the internet or from a roadside vendor may leave you with no recourse if the tickets are not valid.  For discounted theme park tickets you can also check with your travel agent, tour operator, event planner or the lodging establishment you are staying with.

Retail Purchases

Many vacations include a trip to the local mall and outlets for that new camera, outfit or beach attire.  On some occasions you may find the item is not working properly, does not fit like it did in the store, or you may have just found a better deal. While traveling and making any retail purchase it is best to check the retailers policy on refunds, returns and exchanges.   If the retailer does not have a policy, or does not allow refunds, returns and exchanges it is best to shop at a business that does or with a major chain retailer that may allow a refund, return or exchange at your home destination or by shipping.

Responder 3-Digit Dial

EMGERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1

Road Closures and alternate route information Dial 5-1-1

Orange County Government Information Dial 311

Directory Assistance Dial 4-1-1

Florida Highway Patrol Auto Accidents Dial *FHP or *347
 

You will not be billed for any of these calls by 911, *FHP, 511 or 311.  Please check with your carrier to see if they charge for these calls. You may be billed for 411 and it is NOT a free government line or service. When calling *FHP (*347) You must dial the *Star key first.