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

Should you visit Orlando or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Lancaster? 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 active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Lancaster. Orlando is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, and resorts, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Orlando different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. 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.

Lancaster is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Lancaster?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Lancaster both offer plenty of very good 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.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Christmas?

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

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Lancaster does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Orlando or Lancaster Better for Couples?

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

Lancaster is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster Better for Students?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Lancaster both offer respectable 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Orlando or Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Lancaster?

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

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

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

One day in Orlando or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and theater around the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Lancaster, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lancaster has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining city of Orlando. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. 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 Lancaster?

Orlando is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. 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 Lancaster, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Lancaster?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Orlando is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Lancaster. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Orlando