Travelers exploring Orlando’s theme parks often find themselves caught in the crowds and traffic jams. A helicopter tour like the After Hours 31 Mile Helicopter Tour offers a unique perspective that combines excitement, convenience, and breathtaking scenery. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest it’s a fantastic way to see Orlando’s iconic attractions from above, especially if you’re craving a memorable, photo-worthy experience.
What makes this tour stand out? First, every seat is a window seat, which guarantees uninterrupted views. Second, it’s private — meaning you won’t be sharing the helicopter with strangers, adding a touch of exclusivity. Third, the flight duration is around 45 minutes to an hour, offering a generous window to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. A potential consideration is the price point of $155 per person, which is a good deal considering the personalized experience and the level of detail in the itinerary.
This experience appeals most to travelers who love aerial views, want to beat the crowds, or are celebrating a special occasion. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or even solo adventurers looking for a bird’s-eye tour of Orlando’s theme park landscape.
Good To Know

- Private helicopter ensures a personalized, unobstructed view of Orlando’s iconic theme parks.
- Duration of about 45 minutes to 1 hour provides ample time for sightseeing without overextending.
- Stunning views of major attractions like Universal Studios, Disney parks, and ICON Park’s Orlando Eye.
- Includes commentary from an experienced pilot, enriching the experience with interesting facts.
- Great value for a unique perspective on Orlando’s top attractions, especially given the exclusivity.
- Weather-dependent cancellations mean flexibility if the skies don’t cooperate.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
This helicopter flight is designed as a comprehensive tour over Orlando’s most famous theme parks and attractions, giving you a bird’s-eye view that most visitors never get to see. Each stop on the route highlights a different aspect of the city’s vibrant entertainment scene.
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Starting from the ground: MaxFlight Helicopter Services
The tour begins at MaxFlight Helicopter Services in Kissimmee, a convenient location close to Orlando. The check-in process is straightforward, and since this is a private tour, your group will have the helicopter solely for yourselves, ensuring a relaxed and intimate experience.
Over All The Theme Parks: The Main Highlights
Universal’s Epic Universe gets a preview with a flyover. According to reviews, the view of the new park is particularly exciting — it’s still under construction but promises “five immersive worlds beyond belief.” Seeing it from above offers a sense of scale and scope not possible from the ground. The flight also passes over Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, two of the most popular parks, giving you a panoramic shot of the rides, iconic structures, and bustling crowds.
Water Parks and Icon Park
You’ll glide over Volcano Bay, Universal’s tropical-themed water park. The lush, volcano-shaped centerpiece is visually striking from the air. The tour also takes in ICON Park and the Orlando Eye, a 400 ft tall Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the city skyline. One reviewer appreciated the “amazing perspective of the Orlando Eye” — a definite photo opportunity for those who love capturing landmarks from above.
Disney’s Water Parks and Slight Distant Views
While the FAA restricts flying directly over Magic Kingdom, the tour still offers a distant view of Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. You might catch a glimpse of Cinderella’s castle from afar, though it’s not guaranteed. Flying over Disney’s water parks gives a sense of their scale and lush landscaping, which is quite different from the ground experience.
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Additional Attractions and Local Landmarks
The route includes flyovers of Old Town Kissimmee, famous for its classic car shows and nostalgic rides, and Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort dedicated to critically ill children and their families. The pilot’s commentary provides insight into these landmarks, helping you understand their significance in Orlando’s community.
What You Can Expect During the Flight

The 18-20 minutes of actual flying time means you’ll get a substantial overview of Orlando’s theme parks. The window seats are a big selling point — every passenger gets an unobstructed view, and headsets allow for commentary without shouting over the engine noise. The helicopter itself is described as comfortable and well-maintained, with a friendly pilot providing interesting facts about each site.
The flight’s duration of about 45 minutes to an hour makes it a manageable, but truly immersive experience. We loved the way the itinerary covers both the well-known and lesser-seen attractions, providing a sense of the city’s size and diversity.
The Value of a Private Helicopter Tour

At $155 per person, this tour is priced competitively for a private experience of this scope. Compared to the cost of visiting each theme park individually, or taking multiple sightseeing tours, it packs a lot of value into a short, scenic flight. Plus, the personalized nature means you’re not in a large group, which appeals to those seeking a more intimate adventure.
The inclusion of pilot commentary and headsets enhances the experience, making it educational as well as exhilarating. The fact that tips are not included is a common note, so budget accordingly if you want to thank your pilot for a smooth, engaging flight.
Practical Details and Tips

- Meeting point: MaxFlight Helicopter Services in Kissimmee. Arrive early to allow for check-in.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour total, including briefings and safety instructions.
- Weight limit: 300 lbs per passenger—important for those with larger luggage or heavier builds.
- Weather dependence: Flights are confirmed at booking, but poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling — a common practice for helicopter tours.
- Booking: It’s recommended to book about 84 days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This helicopter ride is perfect for travelers who want to see the major Orlando theme parks without the crowds. It appeals to families, couples celebrating special occasions, or solo adventurers eager for a distinctive experience. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the panoramic views and landmarks provide excellent photo opportunities. It’s also a fantastic way for visitors to get a lay of the land before planning their ground-based visits.
Final Thoughts

The After Hours 31 Mile Helicopter Tour offers a compelling way to see Orlando’s most famous attractions from a fresh perspective. The mix of iconic landmarks, lush water parks, and local sights combined with the exclusivity of a private flight makes it an experience worth considering.
While it’s priced at a premium compared to typical sightseeing options, the overall package delivers a memorable, picture-perfect overview that can turn a standard theme park visit into something extraordinary. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to tick a bucket list item, this tour promises stunning views and a new appreciation for Orlando’s vibrant attractions.
In short, it’s best suited for those who value unique experiences, love aerial views, and want a flexible, private way to see the city’s highlights from the sky. Just be sure to check the weather forecast and book early to secure your spot on this scenic adventure.
FAQs

How long does the helicopter tour last?
The total experience takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with actual flight time around 18-20 minutes.
Are the seats all window seats?
Yes, every passenger has a window seat, ensuring unobstructed views for all.
Is this a shared or private tour?
It’s a private helicopter tour, so only your group participates, making for a more personal experience.
What attractions will I see during the flight?
You will fly over Universal’s Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, ICON Park, Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Give Kids the World Village, among others.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes the helicopter flight, pilot, in-flight commentary, headsets, and a window seat.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather, and a full refund is possible if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
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