Choose a currency
Tour guide in Orlando Gary M.
I'm Gary M., your private tour guide in Orlando
Guide #20450
Whether you find yourself in Orlando on a long layover or you'd like to take off a day or two from the theme parks, as a Florida native and theme park veteran I'd be happy to show you around. Metropolitan Orlando is a sprawling region where, away from the theme parks, you'll find adrenaline-pumping adventures, charming small towns, soothing springs and mysterious rivers, exotic wildlife, miles of beachfront, and America's portal into space. Perhaps that's why it's the most popular travel destination in America's most touristed state -- the first city in American history to welcome more than 60 million visitors. Naturally, the majority of those visitors were drawn here by seven of the world's Top Ten theme parks, but as you'll see from my tour descriptions, there's far more to Orlando and Central Florida than twirling teacups and cartoon characters. Whether you'd prefer to spend a day at Disney, explore the Space Coast, or take a motorcycle tour on some remote two-lane roads, my background as a travel writer specializing in Florida destinations will help make your visit one you'll never forget. • Former Cast Member, Walt Disney World: Ferryboat pilot, Jungle Cruise skipper, steam train conductor, desk clerk (Disney Inn), improv comedian (Italian pavilion, Epcot). • Writer, Walt Disney World: Contributing writer in the development of promotions, shows, special events, publications, attractions. • VISIT FLORIDA: On-camera talent and writer for the state's tourism division. Blogs, articles, and videos focus on rural and remote destinations, history, and adventure throughout the state. • Travel Writer & Author: Florida specialist with features appearing in newspapers, magazines, and books published by Fodor's, AAA, AA, Rand McNally, AOL, Budget Travel and many others. • Motojournalist: Author of the nation's best-selling two-wheel travel guide, 'Great American Motorcycle Tours', and National Geographic's 'USA 101' and 'Ten Best of Everything: National Parks'. • WorldStrides tour guide in Washington, DC (licensed) and Orlando. Motorcycle tours will require guests to possess a valid motorcycle endorsement on their license.
Delivers tours starting at
Orlando
Tours by Gary M.
Customize your tour
Contact your local guide to know more!!
Traveller reviews for this guide
20 reviews
- Karen G.November 2025
Gary was excellent as our guide, everyone had a great day at KSC. The only issue was the size of vehicle for our group was very tight. We had 6 adults and 5 small kids so we did have a lot of luggage. The vehicle couldn’t accommodate all of our luggage easy. Gary had wanted a different vehicle and the airport changed on him the day of tour. We would highly recommend...
Replied from Gary M.
Karen -- Thanks so much for the kind words and I'm super pleased everyone was able to understand and appreciate the history that was made at KSC. I was also impressed with the collective stamina of your group; going from a week-long cruise to rising early to exploring space for nearly six hours. That's astronaut-level endurance.
- Lani G.October 2025
Wonderful tour. Gary is a fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that are interesting, entertaining and far exceed just this tour. He was very accommodating to our needs and adjusted the tour to give us time to explore on our own. He was also helpful in accommodating a food allergy situation for lunch. Highly recommend this tour, you will not be...
Replied from Gary M.
I appreciate the compliments, and am especially pleased you discovered new places to explore. That you fell in love with Mount Dora (my hometown) was another bonus... and that you saw it the day before rains washed away the main road into town was kismet.
- Stephen S.July 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Gary! I highly recommend connecting with him if you’re completing a cruise at Port Canaveral and would like to visit Kennedy Space Center before an evening flight. Gary was excellent on pre-tour logistics and communications, making things smooth to set up. He picked us and our luggage up at the cruise terminal and then we drove to...
Replied from Gary M.
Hiya Stephen -- Wow -- what a great compliment. I really appreciate you taking the time to share such a glowing review, and it was my pleasure to work with you to arrange everything. I'm still bragging about your family; telling my wife how well-behaved Maddox (sp?), Sadie, and Riley were. I'll be texting you a few images of your mother-in-law who I sat next to at the...
- Nora H.November 2024
Working with Gary proved to be a pleasure, as he quickly responded to my requested itinerary change, resulting in favorable outcome. He provided my tour, and was professional and courteous at all times. His knowledge offered valuable insight on the areas visited. As a solo traveler, I strongly recommend Gary as a guide.
Replied from Gary M.
Hiya Nora -- I had a wonderful time with you as well! We covered a whole lotta ground that day and it was a blast every minute. I'm so glad you had a great time and, even more, I'm pleased you had the desire to see Florida beyond the theme parks (our Cassadaga stop was a first!). It's an incredibly diverse state with an incredible history. You can't really appreciate it...