Soaring Over Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to Helicopter Tours 2024

Orlando is a great destination if you are thinking of taking a helicopter ride with around five companies offering helicopter tours of all of the Central Florida theme parks.

The Orlando/Kissimmee area is home to a wide range of attractions, from world-famous theme parks to natural wonders. Some of the most popular attractions include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Gatorland and the Kennedy Space Center.

The area is also home to several celebrities and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including lakes, forests and wetlands.

Helicopter tours are an excellent way to see the region’s highlights and there are many different tour options to choose from.

If you have never flown on a helicopter tour before, be sure to read our main Florida Helicopter Tours page with information on the different types of helicopters, general tips, preparing for your flight, during the flight, capturing memories and FAQs.

The helicopter operators in the Orlando area are mainly based around International Drive and US 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in Kissimmee with MaxFlight located at Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

Destinations include Old Town, Gatorland, Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

Orlando helicopter ride prices vary primarily on flight time and time of day. Expect to pay between $35 per person for a single park like SeaWorld, around $65 for either Disney or SeaWorld and Universal and from $125 to $200 to take in all the parks.

Note that since 9/11 there is a ban from actually flying below 3,000 feet at Walt Disney World. This means helicopter operators tend to skirt around the outside of the theme parks but flying past the theme parks still gives you a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the inner workings of the attractions and the different lands.

You can even fly over the Butler Chain of Lakes and some of the celebrity homes in the Orlando area or take a flight to Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast, home of the space programme.

Once you are airborne you quickly appreciate just how flat Central Florida is and how many lakes there are.

One highlight is the evening flights that coincide with the theme park fireworks displays. What better way to watch the amazing laser, light and firework shows, though you can expect to pay more if you fly at night.

Benefits of Taking a Helicopter Tour in Orlando

Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. While the theme parks and attractions are the main draw, a helicopter tour offers a unique way to see the city and surrounding area that most tourists don’t even consider.

Unique Perspective of the City and Surrounding Area

When you’re flying above the city in a helicopter, you get a completely different view of Orlando and Kissimmee. You’ll see the theme parks from a different viewpoint and you’ll get to see the surrounding lakes, forests and natural areas in a way that you can’t from the ground. Even if you’ve been to Orlando or Kissimmee before, a helicopter tour will give you a new perspective on the area.

Chance to See Iconic Landmarks from Above

Several iconic landmarks in the Orlando/Kissimmee area are best seen from the air. For example, you can see the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the Epcot Ball and the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also see the Hogwarts castle at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wheel at ICON Park (Orlando Eye), a 400-foot tall observation wheel in the heart of International Drive.

Photo Opportunities That Cannot Be Captured from the Ground

If you’re a photography enthusiast, a helicopter tour will give you some incredible opportunities to capture unique photos that can’t be taken from the ground. You’ll be able to get shots of the theme parks, natural areas and iconic landmarks from angles that most people never see. Just be sure to bring a camera with a good zoom lens to get the best shots.

Overall, a helicopter tour is an exciting way to experience Orlando and Kissimmee. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. Just be sure to book your tour in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly during peak travel seasons. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, a helicopter tour will give you a new perspective on the area that will give you memories for a lifetime.

Top Landmarks

Here are some of the must-see destinations that you’ll likely encounter during a helicopter tour in the Orlando/Kissimmee area (varies by tour and operator).

Walt Disney World Resort

No trip to Orlando or Kissimmee is complete without a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. From the air, you’ll be able to see the iconic Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, as well as the other parks like Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom plus Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports and a lot of the resort hotels that make up the world-famous attraction. If you’re a Disney fan, you’ll love getting an aerial view of this magical destination.

Universal Orlando Resort

Another popular destination for theme park lovers is Universal Orlando Resort with Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and City Walk. You can even see the construction of the new Epic Universe theme park.

You’ll be able to see attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and more from the air. This is a great opportunity to see the park’s famous roller coasters and other rides from a unique perspective.

SeaWorld Orlando

If marine life is more your thing, you’ll definitely want to check out SeaWorld Orlando from the air. You’ll be able to see the park’s many exhibits and attractions, including the famous Shamu show. Plus, you’ll get a panoramic view of the park’s many roller coasters and water rides. Nearby you will see Discovery Cove and Aquatica.

International Drive

For a different kind of attraction, you might want to check out International Drive. This is a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. From the air, you’ll be able to see all of the different venues and attractions including Fun Spot Orlando, the Wheel at ICON Park, Orlando StarFlyer and Dezerland that make up this bustling part of town.

Other popular attractions in the area

Of course, there are many other must-see destinations in the Kissimmee area that you’ll likely encounter during a helicopter tour. Some other attractions that you might spot include Old Town, Fun Spot America, Margaritaville, Island H2O and Gatorland. Some operators even fly to the Kennedy Space Center.

Overall, a helicopter tour is an exciting and unique way to see the Orlando/Kissimmee area. You’ll get to see all of the top landmarks and attractions from above, giving you a whole new perspective on this popular tourist destination.

Whether you’re a theme park fan or just want to see the sights from a new angle, a helicopter tour is definitely worth considering.

5 Best Helicopter Tours in Orlando

There are several different helicopter tour options available in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, each offering a unique perspective on the region to suit all groups, interests and budgets.

Remember that each helicopter operator flies from a different location and flight times (and hence prices) to reach a particular attraction will vary depending upon the location of their heliport.

1. Introduction Flight Tours

For those who have never flown in a helicopter before, a short 2 to 3-minute introduction flight is a great way to enjoy this unique form of transport. For just $15 per person, you can take a 4-mile flight along the US 192 highway in Kissimmee, offered by Leading Edge Helicopters.

2. Theme Park Tours

These tours are the most popular and take you over the area’s famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort.

For $35 to $45 you can fly over one of Central Florida’s theme parks or resorts like Fun Spot America, Disney Springs, SeaWorld or Universal. Tour time is typically between 5 and 10 minutes and these tours are offered by all the local helicopter operators.

If you want to see all the theme parks, then most operators offer a scenic “grand tour” that takes you over all the major theme parks including Disney, Universal and SeaWorld.

These tours last between 18 and 30 minutes and cost between $150 and $198 per person.

3. City Tours

City tours offer an all-round view of Orlando and Kissimmee, allowing you to see the downtown areas, stadiums, hotel resorts and other landmarks.

MaxFlight Helicopter Services offers a 25 to 30-minute tour of all the theme parks including downtown Orlando both during the daytime and at night.

4. Sunset & Night Tours

Night tours offer a unique perspective on the area’s illuminated skyline and theme parks.

A couple of the operators, Orlando Helicopter Adventures and MaxFlight Helicopter Services fly nighttime tours. The cost is around $225 to $235 per person for a 25 to 30-minute flight over Orlando and the theme parks at night. Some flights are organised to coincide with the 9 p.m. fireworks shows.

5. Wildlife & Eco Tours

Wildlife tours take you over the area’s lakes and wetlands, where you’ll be able to spot alligators, birds and other wildlife.

A couple of the operators fly over some of Central Florida’s lakes like the Butler Chain of Lakes, Lake Tohopekaliga, and Lake Conway as part of their theme park tours.

MaxFlight Helicopter Services fly a special Eco tour over Lake Tohopekaliga and its varied wildlife. Flight time is around 15 minutes and costs $95 per person.

No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. Orlando helicopter tours are an excellent way to see the Orlando/Kissimmee area in a whole new way and they’re suitable for visitors of all ages.

The length of helicopter tours in the Orlando/Kissimmee area typically ranges from 10–30 minutes, depending on the route. During your tour, you can expect to see a variety of landmarks and attractions from above, including theme parks, downtown areas and natural scenery. All tours include a pre-flight safety briefing and with some, the opportunity to take photos with the helicopter after the tour.

In addition to standard tours, there are also speciality tours and packages available. For example, some companies offer private tours for couples or small groups, allowing you to customize your route and experience. Other packages may include a combination of helicopter and other activities, such as a sunset dinner cruise or a visit to a theme park. Some companies also offer transportation to and from your hotel or other designated location.

An alternative way of getting aloft in Central Florida is the Characters in Flight tethered balloon at Disney Springs.

Orlando Helicopter Tour Operators

Orlando is a great destination if you are thinking of taking a helicopter ride with around five companies offering helicopter tours of all of the Central Florida theme parks.

They are mainly based around International Drive and US 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in Kissimmee with MaxFlight located at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

Destinations include Old Town, Fun Spot America and Kissimmee, Gatorland, Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

Expect to pay between $35 per person for a single park like SeaWorld, around $65 for either Disney or SeaWorld and Universal and up to $200 to take in all the parks.

Note that since 9/11 there is a ban from actually flying below 3,000 feet over Walt Disney World. This means helicopter operators tend to skirt around the edges of the Disney theme parks but flying past the theme parks still gives you a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the inner workings of the attractions and the different lands.

You can even fly over the Butler Chain of Lakes and some of the celebrity homes in the Orlando area or take a flight to Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic coast, home of the space programme.

Once you are airborne you quickly appreciate just how flat Central Florida is and how many lakes there are.

One highlight is the evening flights that often coincide with the theme park fireworks displays. What better way to watch the amazing laser, light and firework shows though you can expect to pay more if you fly at night.

All Orlando helicopter operators fly either the Robinson R44 (3 passengers) and/or the Robinson R66 (4 passengers). It’s important to note that the types of helicopters flown by these tour operators may vary depending on availability and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to check with the operator directly for the most up-to-date information.

All prices are per person and exclude taxes and gratuities.

Below is a complete list of all helicopter tour operators in the Orlando/Kissimmee area (in alphabetical order):

Air Force Fun

Air Force Fun operate from two locations. The International Drive location near Fun Spot only accepts walk-ins and at the Regency Village Drive location near Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, advanced reservations are recommended.

They offer a range of tours including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, International Drive and Kissimmee.

Prices start at $39 for a 4–5 minute flight to either the SeaWorld parks or Universal parks and up to $195 for a 20–25 minute flight which covers all the attractions.

International Heli-Tours

International Heli-Tours also known as Orlando Heli-Tours also has two locations, both on International Drive, one near Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and the other near ICON Park (not all tours are available at each location).

They offer a range of theme park helicopter tours including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando.

Tours range in price from $35 for a 5-minute flight over the SeaWorld parks to $175 for a 20-minute flight which covers most of the main theme parks as well as the Butler Chain of Lakes and celebrity homes.

As well as helicopter tours, International Heli-Tours also offer a host of other activities through their partners including axe-throwing, sailing, brewery tours, kayaking, horse farm tours and food-tasting walking tours in Ocala. You can even book a half-day or full-day Harry Potter Experience.

Leading Edge Helicopters

Leading Edge Helicopters has two locations in Florida, one in Kissimmee and the other in Daytona Beach near the Atlantic Coast.

The Kissimmee location offers flights from as little as $15 with their Intro Flight which is a 2 to 3-minute introduction to flying in a helicopter for a short round trip along US 192.

For $35 you can fly up to Old Town and Fun Spot. Other options include Gatorland, Disney Springs, all of Disney’s theme parks, all the SeaWorld theme parks or their Grand Tour to the Universal Orlando Resort for $135.

With flights from Daytona, you can also take an Intro Flight for $20 up to a grandstand view of the Daytona International Speedway for $50 and for $150 you can fly as far as Ponce Inlet on the Atlantic Coast.

MaxFlight Helicopter Services

All of MaxFlight Helicopter Services pilots are also Certified Flight Instructors. They operate from their own facility at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport and offer both day and night tours as well as flight training, rentals and charters.

Tours start at $65 for an 8 to 10-minute flight where you will see Old Town, Fun Spot, Epcot, Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom up to $198 for a 25 to 35-minute flight over SeaWorld, Universal, Disney, The Wheel and Old Town.

Night tours are more expensive but you get to witness an amazing sea of sparking lights, particularly over the theme parks. Prices range from $125 to $225.

They also offer a 15-minute eco-tour over the beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga (aka Lake Toho) and you can also rent a helicopter for a special event like a wedding, engagement or proposal.

Orlando Helicopter Adventures

Orlando Helicopter Adventures offer a range of theme park tours, both by day and at night.

Daytime tours range from $50 for a tour over Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon and Old Town up to $150 for their Grand Park Adventure Tour which covers all three resorts; Disney, SeaWorld and Universal.

If you want to enjoy a new view of the theme park night time firework displays then they also operate a 9:00 p.m. flight for $235.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and thrilling way to experience the Orlando/Kissimmee area, a helicopter tour is a great option. With a variety of routes and packages available, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your preferences and budget. So, buckle up and get ready to take in the sights from a whole new perspective!