Travel & Stay
Everything you need to know about getting here, where to stay, and what to explore
Where to Stay
We have limited room blocks at the on-site venue hotel — once they're gone, they're gone! Beyond that, there are plenty of great hotels nearby in the Apopka and greater Orlando area.
Hilton Garden Inn Apopka City Center
📍 Apopka, FL
📞 1-800-HILTONS
Block Code: 93E
⏰ Book by: October 13, 2026
On-site venue hotel — book by phone with code "93E" or use the booking link.
Room block availability is limited. We recommend booking as soon as possible.
Other Nearby Hotels
If the venue hotel block is full — or you'd prefer a different option — these hotels are all a short drive from the venue. Remember: check travel time, not just miles!
🏨 Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando/Apopka
Clean, reliable, and very close to the venue
Check Rates →🏨 Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando/Apopka
Extended-stay suites with kitchenettes
Check Rates →🏨 Comfort Suites Near Wekiva Springs
Close to Wekiwa Springs State Park
Check Rates →🏨 SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Altamonte Springs
Near Altamonte Mall and I-4 access
Check Rates →🏨 Courtyard by Marriott Sanford / Lake Mary
Near SFB airport; convenient for SunRail commuters
Check Rates →Search for these hotels on your preferred booking site for current rates. Airbnb and VRBO are also great options in the Apopka area.
Getting There
Central Florida is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are your best options for getting to the venue.
✈️ Airports
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Recommended — Most Flights
- • ~35 minutes from the venue
- • Major hub with direct flights from most U.S. cities
- • All major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier)
- • Car rental counters on-site at the terminal
- • Rideshare pickup at Level 2 of the terminal garages
Orlando Sanford International (SFB)
Budget-Friendly Alternative
- • ~40 minutes from the venue
- • Smaller, less crowded airport
- • Budget carriers (Allegiant Air, international charters)
- • Fewer rental car options — book in advance
- • Good option if coming from smaller regional airports
🚗 Ground Transportation
Rental Cars
Highly recommended for getting around Orlando. The venue and most attractions require driving.
- • Available at both airports
- • Enterprise, Hertz, National, Budget, Avis
- • Free parking available at the venue
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Orlando and surrounding areas.
- • Airport to venue: ~$25–40
- • Available 24/7
- • Great for evenings out or the wedding itself
Shuttle & Taxi
Hotel shuttles and taxi services are also available options.
- • Many hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles
- • Mears Transportation for pre-booked shuttles
- • Taxis available at airport taxi stands
🚄 Rail & Driving
Brightline High-Speed Rail
Florida’s high-speed rail service connects South Florida to Orlando in comfort and style.
- • Stations: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach → Orlando
- • Orlando station at the airport (MCO)
- • Travel time: ~3–3.5 hours from Miami
- • Smart (economy) and Premium class seating
Driving Directions
Orlando is centrally located in Florida and easily accessible by car.
- • From Miami: ~3.5 hours via Florida’s Turnpike
- • From Tampa: ~1.5 hours via I-4 East
- • From Jacksonville: ~2 hours via I-95 South → I-4 West
- • Key highways near the venue: I-4, FL-429, US-441
- • Yes, free parking is available on-site at The Highland Manor.
🚦 Orlando Traffic Tips
Orlando traffic can be unpredictable — especially around the tourist corridors. The venue is in Apopka, northwest of Orlando proper, so local driving is easy. The challenge is getting to Apopka on the highways. Think in travel time, not miles.
Check Travel Times, Not Miles
Orlando traffic can easily double your drive time. A location 20 miles away might take 45+ minutes during peak hours. Always check real-time travel times on Google Maps or Waze before heading out.
I-4 Is Notoriously Congested
Interstate 4 runs through the heart of Orlando and is one of the busiest highways in the country. Avoid it during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM). Consider FL-429 (toll road) as a faster alternative to reach Apopka.
Theme Park Traffic Is Real
If you’re staying near the theme parks (International Drive, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista), expect 40–60+ minutes to the venue despite being only ~25 miles away. Park traffic peaks 9–11 AM and 5–8 PM.
Apopka Itself Is Low-Traffic
The good news: once you’re in the Apopka area, traffic is minimal. The congestion is on the highways getting here. If you’re staying nearby, getting around will be easy.
Pro Tip: Use FL-429
FL-429 (Western Beltway) is a toll road that bypasses most of Orlando’s congestion. From MCO airport or South Florida, taking FL-429 north is significantly faster than fighting through I-4.
Wedding Day: Leave Extra Time
On the wedding day, add 15–20 minutes to whatever Google Maps estimates. Weekend traffic near theme parks can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to be stressed about being late!
🌤️ Wedding Day Weather
Things to Do in the Area
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world! If you're extending your trip, there's no shortage of amazing experiences nearby.
Universal Orlando Resort
Home to some of the most thrilling rides and immersive experiences in the world. With three incredible theme parks, there’s something for everyone — from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to epic roller coasters and brand-new worlds to explore.
Universal Studios
Movies come to life — rides, shows, & Diagon Alley
Islands of Adventure
Hogwarts, Jurassic World, & thrill rides
Epic Universe
Brand new park — How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World, & more
- • ~30 minutes from the venue
- • Multi-day and park-to-park tickets available
- • On-site resort hotels with Early Park Admission perks
- • CityWalk dining & nightlife included with park admission
🎟️ Universal Ticket Raffle!
We'll be raffling off 2 Universal theme park tickets at the reception! Make sure to attend for your chance to win a day of fun at Universal Orlando! Purchase of raffle ticket(s) is required for entry. Winners must be present to win.
Subject to availability. Details will be announced at the reception.
Walt Disney World
~30 min from venue
Four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Plus Disney Springs for shopping & dining.
Visit Website →SeaWorld Orlando
~35 min from venue
Marine life encounters, roller coasters, and shows. Also check out Aquatica water park nearby.
Visit Website →LEGOLAND Florida
~45 min from venue
Perfect for families with younger kids. Interactive rides, building experiences, and a water park.
Visit Website →TopGolf Orlando
~25 min from venue
High-tech driving range with games, food, drinks, and entertainment for groups.
Visit Website →Orlando Premium Outlets
~30 min from venue
Two locations with 150+ designer and name-brand stores at discounted prices.
Visit Website →Wekiwa Springs State Park
~15 min from venue
Natural Florida at its best — crystal-clear springs, kayaking, hiking trails, and wildlife.
Visit Website →🍽️ Dining Near the Venue
Apopka and the surrounding area have a variety of great restaurants — perfect for pre-wedding dinners, day-after brunch, or a casual bite.
🥩 The Catfish Place
~10 min · Casual · $$
A beloved local spot for Southern comfort food — catfish, gator bites, and hush puppies.
🍕 Ciao Italian Grill
~15 min · Italian · $$
Cozy Italian restaurant with homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and great wine selections.
🌮 Hunger Street Tacos
~20 min · Mexican · $
Trendy taqueria with creative street tacos, fresh guac, and craft margaritas.
🍳 First Watch
~15 min · Brunch · $$
Perfect for a morning-after brunch — fresh juices, avocado toast, and egg specialties.
🍔 4 Rivers Smokehouse
~20 min · BBQ · $$
Award-winning Central Florida BBQ — brisket, burnt ends, and legendary sides.
🍣 Dragonfly Robata Grill
~25 min · Sushi/Japanese · $$$
Upscale Japanese izakaya experience with inventive sushi rolls, small plates, and craft cocktails.
🌴 More Local Activities
Looking for something beyond the parks? Central Florida has plenty to offer.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore the Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, or King’s Landing — all within 20 minutes of the venue.
Learn More →Beach Day Trips
New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach are about an hour away — perfect for a quick beach escape.
Orlando Museum of Art
Beautiful galleries showcasing American art, plus rotating exhibitions in Loch Haven Park.
Learn More →Harry P. Leu Gardens
50 acres of stunning botanical gardens — a peaceful escape and great for photos.
Learn More →Wine & Cocktail Bars
Check out the bars on Park Avenue in Winter Park or downtown Orlando’s cocktail scene.
Winter Park
Charming town with boutique shopping on Park Ave, scenic boat tours, and excellent restaurants.
Learn More →🎉 Don't Forget!
We'll be giving away 2 Universal theme park tickets at the reception via raffle. Make sure you're there for your chance to win!
Subject to availability. Winners must be present. Raffle ticket purchase required for entry. Details will be announced at the reception.