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

Should you visit Orlando or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Hershey? 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. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Orlando and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orlando or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Hershey is known for its museums. Orlando is popular 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. Hershey is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Orlando different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orlando
Hershey

Hershey is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Theater?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.


Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is very popular for its resorts. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Hershey?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Christmas?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Families?

Orlando
Hershey

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Hershey.

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.

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Couples?

Orlando
Hershey

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

Hershey is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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 Hershey Better for Students?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Orlando is popular with 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.

Hershey is not popular with students.


Is Orlando or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando
Hershey

Orlando and Hershey both offer decent 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Orlando or Hershey a more walkable city?

Orlando
Hershey

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

Hershey is generally not a very walkable town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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 Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hershey than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Hershey. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando than Hershey 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 Orlando.


  • How many days in Orlando or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orlando 7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Orlando or Hershey?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hershey?

In Orlando, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Hershey?

Orlando is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Hershey is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Orlando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Hershey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Orlando


Hotels in Hershey


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Orlando Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Hershey $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport to Port Canaveral Suv Transfer up to 6 pax: $187
  • 14 Pax Private Transfer To or From Orlando International Airport : $225
  • 14 Pax Van Disney Hotels Transfer To or From Orlando Int Airport: $215
  • Airport Transfer Service in Orlando Hotel to Airport (MCO): $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Orlando Airport MCO to Orlando in Business Car: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Orlando Airport MCO to Orlando in Luxury SUV: $97
  • Hotel near Universal to Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Lakeland / Winter Haven to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • MCO Airport Private Transfer to/from Kennedy Space Center: $210
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Canaveral Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Canaveral Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer: $84
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Canaveral Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Orlando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Orlando $65
    Hershey $61
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
  • Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Live Music: $58
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando: $78
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Hershey $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Orlando Self-Guided Historic App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Orlando by Operation City Quest: $10
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Winter Park Scavenger Hunt: Winter Park Adventure: $12
  • Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket: $18
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket in Orlando: $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300


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

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


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Hershey?

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

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 Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Hershey. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

Orlando is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Orlando is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Hershey. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Hershey.

Orlando is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Hershey. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Orlando

Orlando Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)