There are many ways to explore Orlando – by walk, car, bus, etc., but a helicopter is the best way to see the City of Theme Parks.
Tourists can take off during the daytime or after dark and enjoy the fascinating views the aerial tour offers.
Tourists are equally split on what is better – a daytime or a nighttime helicopter tour of Orlando.
This article shares everything you must know before you book your helicopter tour in Orlando, Florida.
Table of contents
Flight Departure and Return
Orlando helicopter tours take off from the heliport at MaxFlight Helicopter Services, located at 4010 4th Street, Kissimmee, Florida 34741. Get Directions
Both daytime tours and nighttime tours have multiple take-offs daily.
You are sure to get your preferred timing if you book early.
Where does the helicopter return?
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel your booked helicopter tour of Orlando up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
Helicopter tours over Orlando require good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather (heavy rain, low cloud ceilings, lightning, or extreme winds), you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Failure to show up for your appointment without notice will result in the cancellation of your tour without a refund.
Day Time Helicopter Tour over Orlando
A helicopter tour over Orlando is a unique and exciting way to experience the city’s theme parks from above.
Tourists (and locals!) can choose from four different tour durations, during which you will fly over highlights such as Universal Studios, Lake Toho, SeaWorld, Disney World, etc.
As you fly above Orlando, the pilot keeps you entertained with live commentary about the city’s history and development.
Guaranteed window seat ensures you get the best possible views and can also snap fantastic photos of the city’s landmarks.
Daytime tour duration
The daytime helicopter tour over Orlando comes in four different flavors, and you can select the one that best meets your budget.
Airtime of 8 to 10 minutes: This is the shortest tour duration and hence the cheapest. If you select this tour, you will travel 25 km (16 miles) in the helicopter and go over Old Town, Fun Spot Kissimmee, The Big Orange, the Epcot, Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.
Airtime of 18 to 20 minutes: This helicopter tour takes you over all the Theme Parks. If you select this tour, you will travel 50 km (31 miles) in the helicopter and fly over Gatorland, Seaworld, Orlando Eye, Universal Studios, Disney complex, and Old Town Kissimmee. You will also catch a glimpse of Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard beach.
Airtime of 25 to 30 minutes: On this tour, you travel 77 km (48 miles) in a chopper and see all the theme parks and downtown Orlando.
Airtime of 60 minutes: This is the longest and the costliest daytime tour in the city. Your helicopter takes you to Port Canaveral, and you get to see the vehicle assembly building, rocket garden, and Atlantic Coast.
Tour inclusions
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the tour fee.
However, hotel pickup and drop and gratuities (optional) are not part of the tour cost.
Cost of Tour
The cost of daytime helicopter tours over Orlando depends on the duration of the experience.
The cheapest helicopter tour costs $65 per person and gets you 8 to 10 minutes of airtime.
If you decide to stay up in the air for 18 to 20 minutes, it will cost you $128 per person.
Most tourists opt for 25 to 30 minutes of airtime onboard the helicopter, costing $198 per passenger.
If you are not on a budget holiday, we recommend the VIP tour where you fly from Orlando to Port Canaveral and back. The 1-hour tour costs $425 per person.
Important: Please have the credit card used for your online booking present at the time of flight. No exceptions will be made.
Night Time Helicopter Tour over Orlando
Orlando is equally beautiful from above after dark, which is why nighttime helicopter tours are also popular.
Visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the theme parks, the Orlando Eye, the Florida sunset, or even catch some fireworks on your sightseeing heli tour.
The pilot will narrate stories and trivia about the various highlights, even as you see the city sights illuminated at night.
Nighttime tour duration
The nighttime helicopter tour over Orlando comes in four different flavors, and you can select the one that best meets your budget.
Airtime of 15 minutes: This is the shortest after-dark helicopter tour in the City of Theme Parks, making it the cheapest. If you select this tour, you will travel 37 km (23 miles) in the helicopter and go over Observe Seaworld, Orlando Eye, Disney Springs, Fun Spot Kissimmee, and Old Town.
Airtime of 18 to 20 minutes: This helicopter tour takes you over all the Theme Parks. If you select this tour, you will travel 50 km (31 miles) in the helicopter and fly over Seaworld, Orlando Eye, Universal Studios, Disney complex, and Old Town Kissimmee. You will also spot Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard beach.
Airtime of 25 to 30 minutes: On this tour, you travel 77 km (48 miles) in a chopper and see glittering sights of DownTown Orlando and all the theme parks.
Airtime of 40 minutes: This is the longest and the costliest nighttime tour in Orlando. Your helicopter takes you high up in the sky, and you get to see the dazzling display of fireworks over the Theme Parks.
Tour inclusions
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the tour fee.
However, hotel pickup and drop and gratuities (optional) are not part of the tour cost.
Cost of Tour
The cost of nighttime Orlando helicopter tours depends on the duration of the experience.
The cheapest helicopter tour costs $125 per person and gets you 15 minutes of airtime.
If you decide to stay up in the air for 20 minutes, it will cost you $155 per person.
Most tourists opt for 30 minutes of airtime on board the helicopter to see the glittering city below, and it costs $225 per passenger.
If you are not on a budget holiday, we recommend the Orlando Fireworks flight, which lasts 40 minutes and costs $330 per person.
Important: Please have the credit card used for your online booking present at the time of flight.
Essential information about Orlando air tours
Here are some crucial pointers you must be aware of before booking your heli tour in Orlando.
- A minimum of two people per booking is required. The helicopter fits three passengers at a time, so if you have a group of four people or more, you will be split into two or more rides.
- The maximum weight limit for any single passenger is 136 Kg (300 Pounds), and visitors over this weight won’t be allowed to board the flight. The total weight of the three travelers in the chopper must be less than 272 Kg (600 Pounds). Before the tour, all passengers must be willing to be weighed for safety.
- Infant children are considered lap child if they are under the age of two and have proof of age, such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate. They fly for free.
- As per FAA regulations, all passengers 18 years and older will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport at the time of check-in.
- Most travelers can participate. However, helicopter tours aren’t recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, heart problems, or other severe medical conditions.