How to cope with jet lag when travelling to Orlando from the UK
- Nikki Taylor
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
✨Jet Lag Tips for visiting Orlando from the UK (How to Beat It Fast)
Travelling from the UK to Orlando is exciting — but the time difference can leave you feeling exhausted just when your holiday begins.
With a 5-hour time difference, jet lag is something most UK travellers experience when visiting Florida. With kids it’s always more difficult going off our experience…..The good news? With a few simple tips, you can reduce the impact and start enjoying your trip straight away. Most importantly ROLL WITH IT 😅
✨Why Jet Lag Happens
Jet lag occurs when your body clock is out of sync with the local time. When flying from the UK to Orlando, you’re travelling west, which means your body needs to stay awake longer than usual.
Most transatlantic flight from the UK to Orlando tend to be morning flights meaning you have earlier wake up times than normal anyway.
This can lead to:
Feeling tired in the afternoon
Waking up very early (like 4–5am)
Low energy during your first few days
✨Stay Awake on Arrival
When you land in Orlando, it might feel like bedtime — but try to stay awake until at least 9pm local time. If it this is possible and you have older kids it’s a great way to help combat jet lag.
However, I’m our experience if you are travelling with babies and younger kids, try and amuse them but don’t fight it. If they are exhausted it’s only going to make it far worse leaving you with a very upset and unsettled baby or child. Go with their flow and you will still be fine!
✨Get Plenty of Sunlight
Natural daylight helps your body adjust faster. Spend time outside on your first day — even a short walk can make a big difference. Kids love the outdoors, let them explore the hotel/parks/pool.
✨Stay Hydrated
Flying can leave you dehydrated, which makes jet lag worse.
Drink plenty of water during and after your flight
Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol
If you are on a Disney dining plan get the refillable mug straight away!
✨Be Careful with Naps
It’s tempting to nap when you arrive — but try to avoid long naps.
👉 If you really need one:
Keep it under 30–60 minutes
Don’t nap too late in the day
✨Jet lag with Kids
Jet lag can be even more noticeable for children.
Tips:
Keep them active on arrival day
Stick to local meal times
Expect early mornings for the first few days
The upside? Early wake-ups can actually help you get to the parks early!
✨Expect Early Mornings
Most UK travellers wake up very early on the first few days
Instead of fighting it:
Use it to your advantage
Arrive at the parks early (shorter queues!)
Enjoy quieter mornings
💡 Pro tried and tested tips.
✨ If you are staying on Disney property make use of the 30 minutes extra morning time exclusive to Disney guests.
🐘 Visit Animal Kingdom on your first morning. It tends to open an hour earlier than the other parks.
🎬 All guests staying in Universal hotels get an hours early entry compared to guests offsite, make use of that if you are staying there.
🧇 Book a theme park breakfast as early as you can that first morning. You may be able to enter the park before opening. Enjoy getting a few photos before the crowds fill up.
For more tips on making the most of your early morning extra time take a look at the link below.
✨Final Thoughts
Jet lag is almost unavoidable when travelling from the UK to Orlando — but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. If you have early starts head back to your room in the afternoon, to give the kids a good nap to avoid total burnouts.
With a little preparation and the right approach, you can adjust quickly and start enjoying your holiday from day one.
👉 Most people feel completely normal within 2–3 days
Plan lighter activities for your first day and avoid overloading your schedule — your body will thank you!
Head over to our blog on flying with the kids to Orlando to pick up some helpful tips.
Read on for an in depth look about flying with babies
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