Key information is always helpful when trying to wrap your brain around a destination. The following will catch you up to speed.

The main state highway/freeway that runs from the east coast to the west coast of Florida is I-4. However, in the Orlando area it curves many times, which will seem confusing to your sense of direction. Ninety percent of all Orlando attractions can be found directly off this highway. Some of the main roads in Orlando require a toll. When coming up to the toll station, stay near the right because the locals use an E-PASS on the left. Also, a lot of the main roads in Orlando are given a name and a number, so it can be confusing at times. The major roadways and their numbers are:

• 528 = Beeline (toll)

• 426 = Semoran

• 192 = Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

• 535 = Apopka Vineland Road

• 408 = East West Expressway (toll)

• 522 = Osceola Parkway (toll)

• 17/92 = Orange Blossom Trail (also called OBT or 441)

• 417 = Central Florida Greenway (toll)

• 50 = Colonial

The Turnpike (the superhighway in Florida) also runs through Orlando straight to Miami. From Orlando to Miami it will cost around $20.

When driving, keep in mind that you are driving next to other tourists, truckers, college students, retirees, and aggressive locals. When traveling on the major freeways simply dial 511 on your cell phone to hear visitor information and current traffic reports.

The minimum drinking age in Florida is 21. Many of the resorts and entertainment centers allow you to travel with alcohol in nonbreakable containers. It's against Florida state law to bring your own alcohol into a public area; however you may have your own alcohol in private areas such as your room.

The Wal-Mart stores in Orlando dedicate around 2,000 square feet to Disney products at a fraction of what they cost at WDW. If you plan to bring back souvenirs to friends and family, then the savings will be worth the trip.

In 2003, Florida passed an indoor no-smoking law. The law is based on whether food is sold or not, so many of the nightclubs allow indoor smoking; however, it is a policy decided by the proprietor.