AviaSim Orlando: What to Expect Before You Go (Location, Check-In & Flight Experience)

AviaSim Orlando is one of those experiences where the arrival can make you think you've gone to the wrong place. Here's exactly what to expect before your session.

Where AviaSim Orlando is located

The Orlando simulator operates from the Baymont by Wyndham in Kissimmee. The simulator itself is in the hotel's pool-house area rather than in a normal storefront attraction.

Our instructions told us to arrive 15 minutes early and wait for the pilot/instructor at the Baymont front desk. The hotel staff do not manage AviaSim, so don't expect the front desk to check you in like a normal hotel amenity.

What happens after you meet the instructor

The instructor meets you in the hotel lobby and walks you back to the simulator. Once you're there, the odd location becomes much less important. The cockpit is the experience: you'll sit in the controls, get a quick explanation and then start flying with the instructor guiding you.

Do you need aviation experience?

No. I had none. We were shown the basics and then helped as we went. We took off and landed several times, and we could select different cities and airports for the scenarios.

How long do you actually get?

We were in the simulator for the full time advertised. Our booking was the Duo Package with an extra 20 minutes, and both participants got time flying.

Parking and arrival

Parking was free outside the hotel. I would still arrive early because the setup is unusual enough that you don't want to be rushing around wondering where to go.

One thing to know about the equipment

The simulator can be a little finicky. On one of our visits the computers went down for roughly 10 minutes. The company handled it well and offered a replacement session, but it's useful to approach this as sophisticated simulator equipment rather than a perfectly polished ride system.

Worth It verdict

If you're interested in airplanes, flying or cockpits, the weird location shouldn't stop you. Once the simulation begins, it's a fun and surprisingly realistic-feeling experience. If you're only mildly curious, though, the price makes it more of a splurge than a casual Orlando activity.

Who this is best for

Best fit: teens, adults, aviation-obsessed kids, and anyone who has ever wanted to see what it feels like to sit in a realistic cockpit and actually control the plane. You do not need aviation knowledge to enjoy it.

Is the extra 20 minutes worth it?

Yes. I would book the extra time again. There is an instructional portion at the beginning, and the longer session meant we could learn the basics and still each get several turns flying, taking off and landing. Without that buffer, I think the experience would have felt more rushed.

My value benchmark: I would be happiest paying around $100 for the experience. My overall gut rating after doing AviaSim twice is 8/10.