Orlando, Florida, is one of the most magical destinations for families, but navigating its theme parks, attractions and surrounding areas can be challenging without reliable mobile data.
From managing Walt Disney World’s My Disney Experience app and booking Lightning Lanes, to navigating Universal Orlando, ordering Ubers, using Google Maps, accessing boarding passes and even unlocking shopping discounts at Bath & Body Works or Target, your phone is arguably the most important item in your suitcase.
As a family that travels regularly to Orlando and across the USA, we’ve tested multiple ways of staying connected — from EE’s Roam Abroad Pass to PAYG SIMs. In this guide, I’ll explain the pros and cons of each option, what we personally use, and how to choose the best solution for your trip.
Although Orlando is our main focus, these tips apply anywhere in the United States.
Why Mobile Data is Essential in Orlando
Before comparing SIM cards and roaming plans, it’s important to understand why mobile data matters so much in Florida. While Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and throughout Disney and Universal, it isn’t always reliable when you’re moving between locations or trying to book transport quickly.
Theme park apps
Disney and Universal rely heavily on their apps. You’ll use them to:
- Check live wait times
- Book Lightning Lanes
- Manage tickets
- Mobile order food
- View PhotoPass images
- Access virtual queues
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
The free Mobile Passport Control app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows you to submit passport and customs information in advance at Orlando International Airport (MCO), often speeding up entry into the USA.
Uber and Lyft
Essential if you’re not hiring a car, especially when staying off-site in villas or non-Disney/Universal hotels.
Navigation
Google Maps or Waze is vital for driving in Orlando or taking road trips across Florida.
US phone numbers for discounts
Many restaurants and retailers require a US number for loyalty discounts or booking confirmations.
Airline and hotel apps
For digital boarding passes, check-in and hotel communication.
Option 1: UK Network Roaming – “Use Your Phone Like at Home”
If convenience is your priority — and you don’t want to swap SIMs or your phone isn’t eSIM-compatible — roaming through your UK network is the simplest solution. However, it’s often the most expensive.
Check if your mobile network (O2, EE, Tesco, ID mobile, Vodafone, Virgin, etc.) includes USA usage in your plan or offers a reasonable add-on/bolt-on for calls, texts, and data.
EE
EE can be expensive if purchasing passes outright (for example, a 7-day Zone 1 pass is typically around £25). However, certain EE plans include Smart Benefits (where you choose USA roaming as your Inclusive Extra) –
- Roam Inclusive Extra
- Full Works plan
- Max Plan
On our most recent Disney trip, we used EE’s inclusive roaming as part of our contract. It allowed us to use our UK data allowance (subject to fair use), make calls to UK and local US numbers, and receive calls and texts exactly as we would at home.
O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt-On
O2 offers a premium bolt-on for certain contracts, allowing unlimited calls to the UK and local calls in your destination, plus roaming data.
Virgin Media O2 (Volt Bundle)
If you have Virgin Media broadband and an O2 SIM you get lots of benefits that can be used when you travel to the USA with their Volt bundle. These contracts can offer worldwide coverage and often double the data and speed boost from your broadband.
Vodafone
Much like EE and O2, Vodafone also offer Global Roaming on specific monthly plans. This usually includes roaming in the USA, often with unlimited minutes/texts and a data allowance; you can check your specific plan via My Vodafone or add a travel “Extra” if needed, ta premium inclusion on certain contracts as part of their Global Roam which includes data roaming of up to 25GB.
Giffgaff
If you have a SIM with Giffgaff they have recently added USA data packages that lasts 30 days. Their travel data add-on is £6 for 1GB, £12 for 5GB, £18 for 10GB
Option 2: eSIMs – The Most Popular Choice for UK Travellers
If you have a newer smartphone, it’s likely compatible with an eSIM. This allows you to download a mobile data plan directly onto your device — no physical SIM card required.
Most iPhones (from XR/XS onwards), Google Pixel devices and recent Samsung Galaxy models support eSIM.
To check compatibility, dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM.
Why eSIMs Are So Popular
- Buy and install before you leave the UK
- Activate automatically when connecting to a US network
- No need to remove your UK SIM
- Typically far cheaper than if you don’t have USA roaming included in your phone contract.
Most international eSIMs are data-only, meaning you’ll use WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio or Messenger for calls. Some providers offer data + calls plans, but these are usually more expensive.
Popular eSIM Providers
Airalo, Holafly and Saily are among the most widely used by UK travellers. Typical cost: Around £35–£40 for unlimited data for two weeks (discount codes are often available).
Other providers include:
- Nomad
- Maya
- Roamless
- Tello
- T-Mobile
Data-Only vs Data + Calls
Data-only plans give you full internet access — Google Maps, Instagram, theme park apps, WhatsApp and more. For most travellers, this is sufficient.
You only need a US phone number if:
- You want to access retailer loyalty discounts
- You’re making traditional phone calls to US numbers
- A booking system requires SMS verification
For most families, data-only eSIMs are more than enough.
Option 3: Three PAYG SIM – A Budget Physical SIM Option
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM or you prefer a physical SIM. We have also used the Three pay-as-you-go Data Pack bundle on previous trips to provide data to the kids. It’ll last for one month and you’ll need to activate and use it in the UK first. There’s also a 12GB monthly roaming cap (even if you pay for a bigger UK data allowance).
Typically:
- Around £10 on Amazon
- Must be activated in the UK before travel
- This works particularly well for children’s phones or secondary devices.
Option 4: US Prepaid SIM Card (Local Option)
If you want both data and a US phone number — and can’t use eSIM — you can purchase a prepaid SIM from Walmart, Target or T-Mobile stores once in the USA.
This can be useful for:
- Restaurant reservations
- Retail discounts requiring SMS
- Longer stays
However, setup can take time and is less convenient than arranging connectivity before departure.
Practical Tips for Using Your Phone in Orlando
- Activate your roaming plan or eSIM before departure
- Use Airplane Mode when not actively using data
- Download offline Google Maps for Orlando
- Enable Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android)
- Set a spending cap with your provider
- Use hotel and theme park Wi-Fi where practical
- Use messaging apps for calls over Wi-Fi
Overall
For most UK families visiting Orlando for 1–2 weeks, a data-only eSIM offers the best balance of cost, convenience and reliability. If your UK contract includes USA roaming at no extra charge, that’s the simplest solution. If you need a US phone number or are staying longer, consider a US prepaid SIM. Whichever option you choose, don’t rely solely on Wi-Fi having mobile data genuinely enhances your holiday experience.