A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Blue Ridge for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orlando or Blue Ridge?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Blue Ridge? 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Orlando and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions and resorts, while Blue Ridge is known for its museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Blue Ridge 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. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Orlando different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Blue Ridge is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for theatre. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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 Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Orlando and Blue Ridge.

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 Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

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

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

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

Blue Ridge is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge Better for Students?

Orlando is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge is lacking in good 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 Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Orlando or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

In either Orlando or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than Orlando because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

With theater and nightlife around the entertaining city of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

Orlando, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Blue Ridge?

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Blue Ridge, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Blue Ridge?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Blue Ridge. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Orlando is a little warmer than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Orlando