orlando trip planner

The ULTIMATE 2 week Orlando Itinerary

By: Author Wandermust Daddy

Are you looking for the ULTIMATE 2 week Orlando itinerary? In this guide we put together our favorite 14 day Orlando itinerary that includes Disney World, Universal Studios and the other best attractions that Orlando has on offer. 

Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

But before we get into the specific details on each of the 14 day itinerary we thought it would be a good idea to outline some provisos and planning tips for those who are in the early stages of planning their 2 week Orlando trip. 

Table of Contents

How to Plan a 2 week Orlando Vacation

2 week Orlando Itinerary / 14 day Orlando itinerary

If you are still in the planning stages of your family Orlando trip itinerary then some of the things you need to consider before travel include: 

• where to stay 
• whether you need a rental car 
• if you want express passes / fast passes / genie + and 
• how many rest days and day trips you want to add in your itinerary. 

We will look at these below: 

Where to stay for this 14 day Orlando itinerary 

When I am looking to put together any 14 day Orlando itinerary there tend to be 4 options in terms of where to stay. These are: 

• on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort
• on-site at a Universal Orlando Resort or 
• in a Disney good neighbour / partner hotel or 
• in a villa, VRBO or AirBnb in the wider Orlando / Kissimmee area. 

Personally I don’t feel that there is one right answer in terms of where to stay at Disney World as there are benefits to each option. 

By staying at an on-site resort, you do get added benefits such as Early Magic Hours which can be great for getting some of the rides with traditionally longer queues done before the crowds arrive.

Disney’s Port Orleans riverside vs French Quarter

For a full review of places we have stayed at Disney World check out the below posts:

• Port Orleans Riverside vs port Orleans French Quarter

Also it gives you access to on-site dining reservations earlier than off-site guests aswell as keeping you in the Disney or Orlando bubble. 

It is also very useful if you don’t want to a rental car while in Orlando as the on-site resorts have transport to the parks in the form of free shuttle buses, ferry and skyliner for those at a Disney resort.  

However the cost of the on-site resorts is certainly much steeper than its off-site counterparts and many of the on-site resorts also do not provide kitchen facilities or separate bedrooms outside of the suites which can become a challenge for a family with young children who are staying for 2 weeks in Orlando. 

Click here to see prices of Disney World on-site resorts

On the flip side staying off-site can give you more space and can be calmer than staying in the Walt Disney World bubble. However it will not come with perks such as the early entry and you will have to pay for parking . 

Best Time to Spend 2 Weeks in Orlando

Magic Kingdom Halloween

We always recommend checking a Disney World Crowd Calendar and a Universal Studios crowd calendar before cementing your 2 week Orlando itinerary. The reason for this is that the business of each park changes day to day and month to month with some obvious peak times such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Therefore you may want to alter the order of the days in this itinerary to try and avoid the worst of the crowds in specific parks etc. 

Make Park Reservations 

When we visited Disney World we got an offer of 14 days for the price of 7. It is therefore worth shopping around and looking out for offers. Click here to see current Orlando theme park ticket offers which may save you money. 

It is also worth checking with each park to see if you need to reserve park entry along with buying your ticket as this is sometimes required. 

2 Week Orlando Itinerary 

Note about this itinerary : while this itinerary outlines the order we prefer to do the parks please feel free to more the days around to suit your itinerary and your family priorities. 

Day 1 / 14 day Orlando itinerary – arrive

If you are looking at doing a 14 day Orlando itinerary changes are you are flying internationally or at least doing a long distance flight or road trip to Orlando. For this reason we recommend not trying to over fill your first day in Orlando. 

Most flights from the UK or Europe to Orlando land in the Early afternoon or evening which does not leave much time for you to do much exploring. 

Therefore on day 1 we recommend that you collect your hire car if you are getting one, check into your hotel or accommodation and sort out any groceries that you may need for your stay. 

When we arrive we usually also manage to find time for a quick dip in the pool to help us acclimatise to the Florida weather. 

Day 2 / 14 day Orlando itinerary – Animal Kingdom

Many people who go to Disney World will often try to head to Magic Kingdom first as this is the park that has the iconic Disney Castle. While you are certainly welcome to move these days around and head to Magic Kingdom first we recommend starting with Disney’s Animal Kingdom for several reasons. 

Firstly Animal Kingdom is usually the park at Disney World that opens first and that you can get an early morning in. Note : Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios tend to alter their opening times depending on expected crowds and time of year. 

Going to a park that opens early on Day 2 is definitely a good way to get over your jet lag if you are coming to Disney World from UK or Europe. 

Also this is a park where you will not need genie+ in our opinion. This makes it a good choice for an early visit where you may not want to do a full day in the park. 

Finally, the evening entertainment at Animal Kingdom is not as late or scheduled as in other parks. The evening show at Animal Kingdom is the lighting up of the tree of life which starts when the parks starts going dark so you are not waiting around until very late. 

Next read: be sure to check out our guide on what to wear at Animal Kingdom . 

Pandora at Animal Kingdom

When entering Animal Kingdom, we recommend heading straight for the World of Pandora which is to the left hand side of the park as you enter. But don’t worry most of the crowds will be heading there   if you have Early entry by staying on site. 

The most popular of the 9 rides at Animal Kingdom is Flight of the Passage which is why we head there first to beat the worst of the crowds. 

As we were traveling to Animal Kingdom with toddler in tow, I took my daughter on Flight of the Passage first while my husband and toddler went on the Navi’i River ride – one of the best rides for toddlers at Animal Kingdom.  We then did rider switch so my husband got to ride too!

Kilimanjaro Safari – best Animal Kingdom rides for toddlers

After that we recommend heading to the Kilimanjaro Safaris. It is a well documented fact that animals on safari are most active in the early morning and at dusk. Therefore you will want to head straight to this ride as soon as it opens which is usually at 9am. 

After riding this we heading to our breakfast booking at Tusker’s House. This is a character dining experience at Animal Kingdom and is the best place for both breakfast and lunch.  

This is available as both a breakfast and lunch experience however with our jetlag we found that breakfast time was the perfect time to take a break. 

Tusker’s House – Animal Kingdom Character dining

At Tusker’s House we met Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Daisy and Donald Duck all in their safari gear while eating a really great breakfast. We definitely recommend. 

Once breakfast is over we then headed back into the park to finish the rest of the rides and see some of the shows this park has on offer including the Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo and the Birds of a Feather show. 

If you only have 1 day in this park as we have suggested in this itinerary I recommend prioritising either the Lion King show or the Finding Nemo show. 

Triceratops Spin – Animal Kingdom Toddler Rides

Of all the rides here I personally found the Dinosaurland USA rides to be the most disappointing, therefore if you are running short on time these are the rides that I would cut from your itinerary. 

If you want to stay to see the Tree of Life light up then you will need to wait until it starts to get dark however if you are still suffering from jetlag head home when you are tired as there is no point overdoing it on the start of your itinerary. 

Alternatives : if you can’t get a booking at Tusker’s House then we recommend heading to Harambe Marketplace or to Yak and Yeti for lunch. If you plan on using a quick service restaurant at Disney World be sure to have the mobile ordering set up on your phone. 

Day 3/ 2 week Orlando itinerary – Magic Kingdom

How Many Days for Magic Kingdom do you need?

For your second full day in Disney World we recommend heading to the Magic Kingdom park. This is likely to be one of the parks that you come back to so you will want to spread out your days in this park and pace yourself as you are unlikely to do everything in one or even 2 days. 

Magic Kingdom has so much on offer whether you are traveling with a toddler , teenagers or even as adults. There are lots of toddler friendly rides at Magic Kingdom as well as thrill rides so depending on your priorities will influence your Magic Kingdom itinerary.

toddlers at Magic Kingdom

If you are traveling with toddlers the best places to start is obviously fantasyland which has the most toddler friendly lines. In particular I would recommend starting your day on Peter Pan’s Flight. This ride consistently has one of the longest queues in the park so is a good one to get on during early Magic house. 

However if thrill rides are more your thing, we recommend heading straight to Snow White’s Mine Train. This is one of the few Magic Kingdom rides that is not available on Genie+. It is however available as as one of the lightning lanes which can cost up to 20USD which really adds to your budget. Therefore we recommend trying to get to this queue as the park opens during early magic hours. 

From there on day one we recommend trying to complete as much of Fantasyland as possible. We recommend selecting rides with short queues in order to get as many done in the morning as possible. 

Also if you want to meet princesses it is a good idea to do these early in the day as the queues get longer as the day goes on. 

For lunch we recommend doing a quick service restaurant and utilising the mobile ordering as this will save you a lot of time. 

If you plan on catching the afternoon parade then we recommend heading to Casey’s Corner for hotdogs and grabbing a spot along Main Street in front of the Cinderella’s Castle to watch the parade. 

Then for your afternoon we recommend heading to one of the lands you have not yet done i.e. Frontierland or Tomorrowland depending on what you want to achieve most and what is available on Genie +. 

You can then go to dinner at one of the in-park restaurants or you can have Dinner outside of the park. 

Day 4 – Rest Day 

Now it can be tempting if this is a once in a lifetime trip and when you have spent a lot of money on tickets to want to be in the park every day. However I think it is important to plan some rest days. We think adding a rest day after two whole days in the park is a good idea. 

For this day we recommend spending some time at your hotel pool and heading out for some dinner or lunch. We like to have at least one lunch at Disney Springs. 

Disney Springs is outside of the parks Disney complex for dining and entertainment. In our opinion some of the best restaurants at Disney Springs include: 

• Rainforest Cafe – my kids love the animatronic animals 
• T Rex Cafe – my son loves the moving dinosaurs. But for something more high end you could try:
• Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Alternatives to Disney Springs could include heading to downtown Orlando for dinner or heading to International Drive. Our favorite restaurant on International Drive is Chuy’s. 

Day 5 – Epcot

Now that you are feeling well rested we recommend heading back into some of the Disney parks. For today we specifically recommend heading to Epcot. 

Epcot was designed as the world of tomorrow and has a mixture of rides and attractions from thrill rides such as the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and Test Track to more sedate rides like Journey into the Imagination with Figment and Spaceship Earth, to more informative attractions such as the World Showcase where you can wonder around the different countries. 

Note: we did not find that we needed Genie+ for Epcot however you may need it if you are visiting at a very busy time. We did however buy a lightning lane pass for Cosmic Rewind. 

Epcot with kids – best age for Epcot

We prioritised the rides in the morning. Generally speaking we recommend heading to the Frozen Ever After Ride or Ratatouille first as these are some of the longest queues in the park. As we are big fans and frequent visitors to Disneyland Paris we headed to the Frozen ride as we have done Ratatouille many times. 

After this we headed to Soarin’, another of the favorite rides in the park before ticking off some more rides. 

One of the things that I love about Epcot is the amazing food and drink options even if you aren’t visiting during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. If you want another character dining experience we recommend heading to Akerhaus to do Princess dining. Otherwise we recommend the table service in the the Mexico Pavillon. 

Once you have had lunch we recommend walking around the different countries and pavilions and meeting some of the characters. Some of the characters you can meet here include: 

• Jasmine in the Morocco Pavillon 
• Mulan in the China Pavillon
• Alice in Wonderland in the British Pavillon. 

though this is subject to change so be sure to check the app on your day of visit. 

We recommend staying in Epcot until the evening to see the current nighttime lightshow and fireworks. 

Further Epcot reading: 

• Best age to visit Epcot 
• Epcot Instagram Captions

Day 6 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios

Today is your day to visit the last of the Disney World parks you have not been to – Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Depending on your interests I recommend either starting your day at:

• Slinky dog Dash in Toy Story Land or 
• Rise of the Resistance in the Galaxy’s Edge land. 

These two rides consistently get at least 2 hour queues so it is important to do these early in the day. As Rise of the Resistance has a lightning lane we tend to head first to Slinky Dog Dash and grabbing a lightning lane for RoR for later in the day. 

Once we have ridden Slinky Dog Dash we finish the Toy Story Land rides such as Toy Story Midway Mania and the Alien Twirl.

For lunch we recommending hanging around in the Star Wars land called Galaxy’s Edge as this is one of the most immersive lands in any of the Disney parks. If you can snag a table at Oga’s canteen it is a great place for snacks and a drink otherwise use one of the lands quick service restaurants before heading onto SMuggler’s Run where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon. 

After that we recommend trying to complete some of the bigger thrill rides such as:

Hollywood Studios Rides for Toddlers

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Note : if you are traveling to Hollywood Studios with a toddler and don’t plan on doing character dining you don’t necessarily need a whole day in the park. There are actually only 2 rides at Hollywood Studios that toddlers can ride on so you can probably limit your time to half a day and park hop back to one of the other parks. 

However if you like thrill rides it is definitely worthwhile buying a Genie+ Pass to make the most of your day. 

It is worth if you are able to stay to watch the evening entertainment at Hollywood Studios. The Fantastic Show and Fireworks are some of the best things to do in Disney World at night and shouldn’t be missed. 

Further Hollywood Studios Reading: 

• Best age for Hollywood Studios
• How to meet characters at Hollywood studios
• Instagram Captions for Hollywood Studios

Day 7 – Water Park 

Now you have visited each of the Disney World theme parks at least once it is time for another break from the parks. Today we recommend heading to one of the many waterparks that Orlando has on offer as the theme park capital of the world. 

The main water parks in Orlando are: 

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon 
• Disney’s Blizzards Beach 
• Universal’s Volcano Bay and 
• Aquatica Orlando 

Personally I would choose one of the parks that is included in tickets you already have where possible to save on the budget. 

Note: if you are traveling to Orlando in the winter it may be too cold to use a waterpark. If this is the case for you please check out our list of alternative day trips from Orlando below for inspiration for your Orlando Winter itinerary. 

Day 8 Rest Day or Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center

Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center

After so many days in the park we recommend having today as a rest day or otherwise doing a day trip. 

For a great chance of pace one of our favorite day trips to do from Disney World is Kennedy space center. 

Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, Florida, USA on the Space Coast near Titusville and is just over an hour away from the Orlando theme parks. 

Kennedy Space Center is famous for launching the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions and you can explore the rockets in the rocket hall, and do a tour of the launchpads. Toddlers will also love the interactive play area and experiment booths. 

Just be sure to check that there isn’t a launch on your intended visit day as this can impact your visit. 

We recommend buying your tickets in advance. Click here to see current prices. 

However if this is not your thing some of our other favorite day trips from Disney World are: 

• Cocoa Beach – the closest beach to Disney World 
• An Airboat Ride 
• Everglades national park
• Busch gardens
• Seaworld – if you want to add more theme parks to your itinerary  or 
• Legoland Florida

Day 9 and 10 – Universal Studios 

2 week Orlando Itinerary / 14 days in Orlando Itinerary

After your break from the theme parks we are returning but this time heading to Universal Studios. Universal Studios is made up of two parks:

• Universal’s islands of Adventures and the 
• Universal Studios Park.

 As such we recommend having two days in the park concentrating on one park per day. However we do recommend getting at least one 2 parks one day tickets. The reason for this is so you can ride the Hogwarts Express, one of my favorite things to do in the park.   For the best value Universal Studios Tickets click here. 

If you do not have a 2 parks 1 day ticket you will not be able to ride the Hogwarts Express. 

For the first day we recommend starting at the universal Studios park especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. This park is home to the wizarding world of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley. We recommend heading straight to Diagon Alley and Olivanders Wand shop to do the wand experience first especially if you plan on using an Interactive Wand on your trip. 

The wands aren’t cheap so you want to have as much time with it in the park as possible. 

Once you have done the wand shop we recommend trying out the spells in Diagon Alley, doing some shopping and riding Escape from Gringotts. 

Once you have finished in Diagon Alley we recommend having lunch at the Leaky Cauldron before heading to the rest of the park. 

If you have budget, we recommend either buying the Universal Studios Express Passes or staying at a Universal premier hotel where these are included in the price of your stay.

Some rides I would prioritise in this park include: 

• Hollywood’s Rip Ride Rockit and
• The Revenge of the Mummy. 

If you have time today ride the Hogwarts Express over to the other park before heading out of the park to Unviersal’s City Walk for dinner and see if you can catch some live music too. 

Your second day in the Universal Park will be spent in the Islands of Adventure Park. If you love Harry Potter head straight to try and ride the Hagrid’s magical creatures Motorbike Adventure. 

This ride consistently has the longest queue in the park and is not available on the express pass system so it is worth doing first thing. 

Once done, enjoy wandering around Hogsmeade and ride the rest of the Harry Potter Rides. 

Once you have finished in the Harry Potter world head out to Jurassic World to ride some of the amazing rollercoasters such as the Velocicoaster and Jurassic Park the ride. 

After that depending on whether you are traveling to Island of Adventures with toddlers or thrill seekers will depend where you head next. For toddlers, head to Dr Seuss Land and for adrenaline junkies head to the Hulk Coaster. 

Once you have got everything you want done, head to City Walk for dinner again. 

Note: if you are traveling to Universal Studios with toddlers you probably will only need 1 day with an express pass. The reason for this is that many of the rides at Universal have high height restrictions. Instead you could replace 1 Universal Studios Day with a Legoland Florida day trip which is more orientated to little kids. 

Further reading for Universal Studios: 

• Universal Studios Instagram Captions 
• What to Bring to Universal Studios 
• Movies to Watch before going to Universal Studios

Day 11 – Day Trip or Rest Day

After a couple of intensive days at universal it is time for another rest day or a lighter day trip. 

Day 12 –  Repeat Disney World Day / Day Trip

Today is all about finishing a park that you feel you have more left to see in from Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Epcot. 

However if you feel that you have done everything you want you could replace this with a day trip.

Day 13 – Magic Kingdom 

Carousel – best things to do in Magic Kingdom with toddlers

Today is the time to go back to my favorite theme park Magic Kingdom. As you started the day on your last magic Kingdom day in Fantasyland we recommend heading to a different land, and doing rides you have not yet done. 

Popular rides that get long queues as the day goes on are:

• Jungle Cruise 
• Space Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain and 
• Peter Pan’s Flight. 

We recommend trying to get on any of these rides that you have not yet done first thing in the morning before the queues get too long. 

As this is your last day in the parks recommend staying late into the evening, even if that means resting back at your accommodation in the daytime, so you can end your trip with the fantastic firework show over the iconic Disney World Castle. 

Day 14 – Travel Home

Finish up any last bits of souvenir shopping you want to do and close up your suitcases and get ready to fly home. 

I hope you have found this 2 week itinerary useful and would love to hear how you like to spend 14 days in Orlando. 

FAQs about our 2 week Orlando Itinerary

Is 2 weeks in orlando enough.

Yes I think 2 weeks in Orland is enough to get a good overview of many of the theme parks and have some day trips. However if you really wanted to do more day trips and some extra theme parks then you might be better with our 3 week Orlando itinerary.

Is 2 weeks too long at Disney?

The answer to is 2 weeks too long at Disney for me is yes and no. 

Personally even as a Disney fanatic I could not spend 2 weeks solid in the Disney parks. However I find that 2 weeks at Disney with a couple of rest days and day trips is actually the perfect time and itinerary. 

Can you do Disney and Universal in 14 days?

Yes you can absolutely do Disney and universal in 14 days in Orlando. 

Do you have any other questions about spending 14 days in Orlando? Please let us know in the comments and we will do our best to answer. 

The Perfect 3 Days in Orlando Itinerary (2024 Guide)

If you plan to travel to Orlando, this 3 days in Orlando itinerary will be the best place for you to start planning your trip!

Located in the middle of the sunny state of Florida , Orlando has become one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its variety of theme parks and central location to other popular attractions in Florida.

It is the perfect whole-family vacation spot and those who are a kid at heart!

The main attractions in Orlando are the two theme parks: Disney World and Universal Studios. But there are plenty of other fun things to do in Orlando to beat the theme park crowds!

Visiting the Kennedy Space Center is a great place to learn about the science behind space travel and it’s just a short 1-hour drive towards the east coast from Orlando. 

Whatever your reason for wanting to travel to this sunny part of central Florida, this 3 day Orlando itinerary will get you started on a magical stay!

READ MORE: Check out my other guide to the absolute best things to do in Orlando !

Table of Contents

Evening at Disney Springs

Evening at universal city walk, first option – explore i-drive activities, second option – explore downtown orlando: culture and arts, day 3 – day trip to kennedy space center (or theme park day #2), when to visit orlando, getting around orlando florida, budget accommodation – best western orlando gateway hotel, mid-range accommodation – universal’s endless summer resort – surfside inn & suites, luxury accommodation – castle hotel – autograph collection, budget – ana’s brazilian kitchen, mid-range – hard rock cafe, high-end – edie v’s prime seafood, how to spend a perfect 3 days in orlando itinerary.

Although you could easily spend your full 3 day Orlando itinerary on just theme parks, we’re going to give you a few more ideas on how to fill your time.

No doubt you’ll want to stop at Disney World, Magic Kingdom, or Universal Studios theme parks as part of your stay. But don’t get tied down spending all of your time in just one or two places. 

This perfect Orlando itinerary will give you lots of ideas for how you can experience most of what the city has to offer and leave you ready to come back to experience more! 

When it comes to theme parks, I highly highly recommend purchasing the Orlando CityPASS beforehand.

You can basically pick whichever theme parks you want to go to and save a bunch of money.

SPECIAL DEAL: Save money by buying the Orlando CityPass to get access to all the theme parks at a discount.

Day 1 – Theme Park of Your Choice

OK, so theme parks are likely the reason why you planned to visit Orlando in the first place.

You have your favorite theme park in mind, so we won’t try to talk you out of it.

We will share a few of our favorite things about each of the Disney parks to give you a better idea of how to spend your time on the first of your 3 days in Orlando.

You never know, maybe you’ll end up tacking on an extra day to visit another theme park! 

My favorite theme park in Orlando is Universal Studios Florida, also known as Universal Orlando Resort.

I’ve been going to Universal Studios since I was a little kid and the park has changed a lot over the years, but mostly for the better. It’s a great spot for a family vacation.

Since the recent additions of the Harry Potter rides, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure have become increasingly more popular!

I can’t say I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. But exploring Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Resort is a fun experience not to be skipped!

You truly feel like you’ve entered a different world. The butterbeer is delicious and plentiful and the thrilling rides are incredible.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure really does a great job of incorporating different themes and worlds. Imagination comes to life, movie and storybook characters become real, and the scenery is incredible. The different themes on the Islands of Adventure are so much fun no matter how old you are.

My favorite ride is the Hogwarts Express which transports you in between the parks. But don’t just go for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter alone!

Read Next: Check out our post on all of the best things to do in Florida!

The other areas of the parks and rides are great as well.

Though most of my favorite rides have since closed down (goodbye Back 2 the Future!), the new rides have fantastic modern technology.

The newly remodeled Incredible Hulk Coaster is a must, Revenge of the Mummy (my favorite!!), Spiderman and Transformer rides are a blast.

And kids will love Dr. Seuss Landing and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem .

But of course, there is also the whole Disney experience as well.

The Magic Kingdom is my favorite park in Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella’s Castle and is the epitome of classic Disney!

I love joking around with the Pirates at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

And my favorite ride at Magic Kingdom will always be the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another Disney theme park full of rides and characters. Most people visit Hollywood Studios for the Star Wars themed rides and attractions.

But the most fun of all at Walt Disney World is meeting and interacting with your favorite Disney Characters.

Definitely a must-do in the Magic Kingdom is having a character meal.

It is the best way to skip the long lines at the character meet and greets and you get to spend more time with your favorite Disney World characters!

You’ve probably had a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Florida or the Magic Kingdom.

At the end of the day, regardless of which theme parks you chose, you’re going to want to relax and enjoy yourself at the public boardwalk of either theme park.

You don’t have to have tickets to enjoy either place. But since you’ve spent the day in one of the parks you might as well round out the day at either Universal City Walk or Disney Springs. 

Read Next: Have some extra time in the area? Check out these awesome day trips from Orlando !

Plan on going to Disney Springs hungry as it’s a huge dining mecca and is also a great place to purchase your souvenirs.

It’s free to enter and if you’re staying at a Disney resort there will be transportation to and from Disney Springs.

T-Rex , a dinosaur-themed restaurant, offers a fun atmosphere that the kids will thoroughly enjoy.

If you are visiting without kids, there are plenty of restaurants and bars geared toward a more mature audience.

Try The Edison for great American cuisine, cocktails, and fantastic live entertainment, or The Boathouse for delicious seafood.

I really enjoyed my sandwich from Earl of Sandwich , a great place to grab something quick to eat!

There is also plenty of fun to be had at Disney Springs from nightly live entertainment to so many attractions like the vintage amphibious cars, bowling alley and the NBA Experience .

While walking around and enjoying the sights you may come across your favorite Disney Character too!

Be sure to check the calendar for special events taking place at Disney Springs

READ MORE: Plan to do these amazing things in St. Augustine .

If you spent the day at the Universal Orlando Resort then plan on having dinner and buying your souvenirs at Universal City Walk.

It’s located right outside the gates of both parks. In fact, you have to walk through City Walk to get to the entrances of the theme park!

You could plan on taking a break at your hotel after spending the day at Universal and then come back after 6 pm, parking is free then!

Universal City Walk offers great nightlife, live music and entertainment, fantastic restaurants, and shopping.

I recommend eating at Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville .

But save room for a decadent dessert at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!

You may be able to catch an awesome rock concert at the Hardrock Cafe and don’t forget about the unforgettable Blue Man Group performance that shouldn’t be missed!

Be sure to check the calendar for special events at Universal’s City Walk.

There is so much delicious food and entertainment to enjoy in an Orlando itinerary!

Day 2 – Exploring Orlando’s International Drive

You can walk, or trolley, through today’s activities. They’re going to be numerous, and you’re going to spend a lot of energy enjoying yourself. 

If you prefer the trolley to save some calories for all the fun you’ll have, pick up your unlimited ride pass here .

To begin day 2 of your 3 days in Orlando itinerary you’ll want to make your way to International Drive (I-Drive) in downtown Orlando.

If your hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary breakfast, head to Denny’s at the north end of I-Drive and grab a quick and filling meal to start your day.

The first option for day 2 of your Orlando vacation is to start heading down I-Drive and check out the following places: 

The first stop on your list should be a fast and furious race on one of Orlando’s fastest electric go-karts at I-Drive Nascar .

Race down the indoor track at speeds up to 45 mph that will fulfill your need for speed and leave you wanting to race again and again!

Lucky for you they offer a 2 race special, so plan on spending at least 30 mins here driving the go-karts around the ¼ mile-long track.

Coming up next on i-Drive is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition or you can choose to explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Both are interactive museum-like experiences.

Titanic takes you on a journey back in time to experience what it was like to be on the enormous ship with authentic artifacts and full-scale rooms.

Go over to this website to buy your tickets for the Titanic exhibit .

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is an odditorium with bizarre events, oddities, and unusual artifacts collected from all over the world.

Choose to visit just one or both, but be prepared to spend a couple of hours at each attraction.

Next experience the extreme sport that is skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane!

At iFly indoor skydiving , you will suit up and enter a state-of-the-art glass wind tunnel and be suspended in the air.

Anyone from the ages of 3 to 103 can experience the weightlessness of free-falling or bodyflight as they call it at iFly.  Buy tickets here!

Or you can choose to do Wonderworks . It is the crazy looking upside building that looks like it was picked up by a tornado and dropped from the sky.

This is a fantastic place for families as it is an interactive science and learning museum with tonnes of hands-on exhibits created to make learning fun.

Wonderworks is one of my favorite places on i-drive and I don’t even have kids!

I enjoyed experiencing what a massive earthquake would feel like, lying on a bed of nails and trying on a spacesuit in the space discovery zone.

After exploring the different zones try your hand at the glow in the dark ropes course and a game of laser tag!

Another stop on I-Drive is the Chocolate Kingdom . But be warned, if you visit here before dinner time you may spoil your meal!

You will learn where chocolate comes from and how it is made into the delicious chocolate treats you enjoy from stores.

You can even make your own chocolate and devour it there or take home to enjoy later. 

READ MORE: Plan the perfect 3 days in Miami itinerary .

Alternatively, if you’d rather enjoy more culture and the outdoors you could skip the touristy areas of I-Drive and visit a few of Orlando’s several beautiful parks, gardens and museums .

Have breakfast near your hotel and then call a taxi or Uber to take you to downtown Orlando.

First, check out the Orlando Science Center . For families and those interested in natural science, interactive exhibits, and more, the Orlando Science Center is a fun place to go. The Orlando Museum of Art is just next door so you can head thereafter.

If you’re into shopping, check out the Florida Mall or the Orlando Premium Outlets .

For a bit of nature, head to the Harry P Leu Gardens , a beautiful and historic botanical garden and house.

If you still want to see more parks after the Harry P Leu Gardens, spend the afternoon relaxing at Lake Eola Park . You can rent paddleboats or simply chill out in the shade.

Lake Eola Park isn’t far from Thornton Park , home to the Orlando Farmer’s Market and lots of trendy cafes and boutique stores.

After you’ve had your fill of enjoying art and relaxing in nature, work your way to International Drive.

Last you will want to end up at Icon Park . Arrive near sunset and you can ride The Wheel while witnessing a beautiful sunset over the Orlando skyline.

The Wheel is a massive state of the art climate controlled Ferris wheel. It is the best place to observe the city skyline when visiting Orlando!

If this sounds like your cup of tea (and why wouldn’t it?!) then buy your ticket online here .

You can choose to eat dinner at Icon Park or go out for a night on the town at Universal City Walk or Disney Springs and enjoy dinner there. The choice is yours!

On the last of your 3 days in Orlando itinerary, you have the option to take a day trip to one of the most historic parts of nearby Florida or head back to your favorite (or the other) theme park. 

The Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s primary launch center .

You can hire a private tour of the entire center’s grounds and see the Launch Control Center , see where the rockets are prepared for launching, the astronaut dormitories, and the space station processing facility.

But the main area where all visitors are welcome is the museum. There you can see important rocket artifacts and memorabilia and get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis .

Tour the grounds in the morning and then enjoy the afternoon going through the interactive exhibits in the museum while learning what it would be like to be an astronaut.

You may also have the chance to see a rocket launch, as they are still actively using the grounds to launch SpaceX rockets!  

There’s always a massive group here though, so I’m going to share one of my favorite travel hacks for the Kennedy Space Centre:

Buy a ‘ Skip the Line’ ticket before you arrive , so you can just walk straight on in. 100% worth it.

Returning from KSC on Hwy 528 will bring you right back to the heart of Orlando.

From here you can pick up where you left off at any of the evening attractions.

Take a ride on The Wheel or spend the evening at either Universal City Walk or Disney Springs.

Depending on when you are there, you may even be able to catch a concert at the House of Blues or a Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs. Disney and Cirque du Soleil have a collaborative show called “Drawn To Life” which is a really cool option.

Or look for performers at Hard Rock Cafe at Universal City Walk. 

However you choose to wrap up the evening, you’ll be certain to have spent your 3 days in Orlando vacation in grand fashion!

Orlando Travel Guide

Now that you know how to spend 3 days in Orlando, here is a little more information about when to visit the city, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat. 

Whether you are on an Orlando family vacation or you’re visiting without kids, these accommodation, transport, and dining recommendations will suit anyone.

Winter and Spring are the most popular times of year to visit Orlando Florida with the busiest time of year being Spring break.

The weather is more predictable and the temperatures mild, thus more inviting for tourists to travel to the area. Just be aware, places like Disney World will be super crowded.

To beat the family crowds, plan on traveling to Orlando when schools are not on break, usually in the middle of November , beginning of December and most of January and February .

Summer and Fall can be very hot, humid, and expect thunderstorms in the afternoons.

If you can only visit in the Summertime, plan on hitting the outdoor theme parks in the morning when it’s still cool out and then spend the afternoons somewhere indoors in A/C and when it’s raining outside.

June through the beginning of November is hurricane season and is a very unpredictable time of year weather-wise. So be prepared to cancel plans or any outdoor excursions you have booked. 

Orlando is a spread-out city, but most of the top Orlando attractions and theme parks aren’t far from one another. So if the Disney World theme parks are the main activities on your Orlando itinerary, transport is quite straightforward.

If you are staying at one of the theme park resorts, you can count on there being a shuttle to transport you to and from either Disney World, Magic Kingdom or Universal Orlando and the other attractions.

If you are staying at a hotel on I-Drive, there is a great hop on hop off trolley you can purchase passes for that will take you to all of the best attractions on the main strip.

But since Orlando is such a popular destination for tourists, taxis and Ubers should be a dime a dozen and another great way to get around the city.

If you don’t mind finding and paying for parking at the different attractions then you could look into rental cars and have a more personalized experience touring different areas of Orlando. A rental car definitely gives you more flexibility, but parking can be pretty hectic, especially during peak season.

Orlando International Airport isn’t far from all the attractions, which is convenient as well!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Orlando

Orlando is big and accommodation options stretch out across the city.

Because most of the activities we recommend to do during your 3 days in Orlando itinerary are close to the city center we’re recommending the following hotel options along International Drive.

This way you will spend less time driving around and more time enjoying your next family adventure in Orlando Florida! 

Located just one block off International Drive in the heart of Orlando, the Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel offers you the most bang for your buck when it comes to proximity to things to do in Orlando.

But if you wanted to relax, you can do so with a heated pool, two outdoor hot tubs and onsite dining options.

Enjoy rooms with WiFi, flatscreen televisions and kitchenettes and catch a free shuttle from the hotel to attractions around town. 

If you’re a fan of Universal Studios then this is the place for you. At the northern end of International Drive, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort gives you great amenities for your stay.

But more importantly, you get early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay parks.

Free shuttles transport you to/from the park and Universal’s City Walk throughout the day.

And if you need some downtime at the hotel, relax by the pool, enjoy the on-site game room and feast on a variety of meal options at the food court.

This is definitely the place to stay for a binge on all things Universal. 

If you’re looking for luxury hotels when visiting Orlando Florida, check out the Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection .

Located on the southern end of International Drive, the Castle Hotel offers a luxurious feel just minutes from all of the Orlando attractions like Hollywood Studios, Universal Orlando, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

With a pool, hot tubs, poolside bar and hotel room service it will be hard to convince yourself to go out and explore Orlando when you stay here.

But it will be nice to return to after the long and busy days in an Orlando itinerary. 

Best Restaurants In Orlando

Orlando has numerous restaurant options with choices of nearly every international flavor.

You can even find tasty meals of all sorts within the various theme parks you are bound to visit. 

Here are a few options worth checking out during your 3 days in Orlando Florida. 

For a great deal on a big Brazilian meal check out Ana’s Brazilian Kitchen .

Known for its traditional chicken and beef plates with delicious sides of various rice, beans and yucca, you’re not going to regret stopping in for a bite to eat. 

Located in Universal’s City Walk, Hard Rock Cafe will be sure to fill you up with some good, classic American food to keep you fueled up throughout the day.

Famous for delicious burgers and ribs and a wide selection of drinks, Hard Rock combines meals and entertainment in such a way that it’s worth stopping in while you’re in the area.  

As the name suggests, Edie V’s Prime Seafood offers a menu chock full of delicious seafood options.

From Chilean Sea Bass, salmon and lobster options to swordfish steaks and filet mignon, you’re covered when it comes to luxurious dining. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

About the Author - Chris Harvey

Chris has a passion for both travel and writing now for nearly 20 years. As a young adult he set out on his first solo-backpacking trip through Europe. A second journey throughout South America shortly thereafter solidified his passion to travel. Chris, his wife Lindsay and their cattle dog Everest live out of their truck camper as they drive from Alaska to Argentina. You can follow his journey on their website, Called To Wander , as they share inspiration and information for transforming lives through travel. Chris officially joined the NOMADasaurus team in 2019 as our Head of Content and Strategy. He manages our community of writers, and is in charge of the direction of the site’s travel content.

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The Ultimate 6-Day Orlando Itinerary For Families

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Look no further for the best all-encompassing, family-friendly Orlando itinerary!

Not only is Orlando, Florida home to the world’s most iconic theme park, Walt Disney World, but it also draws visitors to Universal Studios, Legoland, Sea World, and so much more!

In this article, you’ll learn all about what to see, how to get around, and how to plan the absolute best 6-Day Disney World itinerary when visiting Orlando with kids.

Having a thought-out plan before your arrival in Orlando will assure that your vacation expectations are met and that you’re able to see and do all of the things on your Orlando bucket list.

With this ultimate Orlando itinerary, you’ll be able to maneuver the crowds and have plenty of time to experience the best that an Orlando family vacation has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

Orlando Itinerary: Best Time to Visit

Orlando is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Florida.

The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May when temperatures average in the low 80s.

Another popular time to visit is between September and November when crowds and prices are more manageable, and when temperatures are in the mid-80s.

For those looking to visit Orlando during the summer months, Orlando offers the same great attractions, but with higher temperatures (90+ during the day) and humidity to deal with.

It is very important to learn how to stay cool in the Florida heat when visiting during these months.

Additional planning tip: The Orlando theme parks are most busy during the summer months and over holiday breaks when kids are off from school.

Orlando Itinerary Ideas

Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, many of the Florida attractions you’ll read about have special health and safety measures in place. Likewise, some events may be temporarily suspended. Please check each attraction’s website for details before your travel.

Below you can find suggested Orlando vacation itinerary ideas from one to six days.

(Many people refer to this when planning an Orlando itinerary for 5 days, as that is a popular length of time to stay.)

The itinerary suggestions are based on our personal experiences and are filled with insider tips for visiting Orlando for the first time.

(Read here if you’re specifically looking for things to do in Orlando for adults !)

No two Orlando vacations will be exactly the same, however, so use these itinerary suggestions as a guide.

You’ll need to adjust your itinerary as needed to account for weather, where you stay, how much time you spend at each attraction, and the varying interests of your travel party.

Our recent Orlando itinerary was primarily a Walt Disney World vacation as well as includes some of the other most fun things to do in Orlando .

*All of our top recommended restaurants, landmarks, and attractions are bolded. Their physical locations fit into the flow of this itinerary. If you choose to substitute a restaurant or attraction in their place, be sure to adjust the timing of your itinerary accordingly.

Orlando Itinerary: Day 1

• Arrival day!
• Check-in to your Orlando accommodations and get settled in.
• Afterward, head to Disney Springs for an evening of shopping and entertainment. Have dinner at the #1 rated restaurant by USA Today, The Boathouse .

Where We Stayed in Orlando

We did not hit up a theme park or do anything crazy upon our first day arriving in Orlando (I recommend this!).

Instead, we simply checked into our hotel, spent the afternoon by the pool, relaxed, and got a good night’s rest.

We felt that this was vital in order to be energized for the days ahead.

Our choice of accommodations was Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista , which far exceeded our expectations.

Located a short distance from both Disney World (8 miles) and Universal Studios (9 miles), this resort is prime real estate for being central to all of the Orlando action.

Priced at less than $100/night, booking here was also one of the ways we traveled on a budget during this family vacation.

Find our detailed review and a recap of its family-friendly amenities on our dedicated post about Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista; our favorite off-site hotel near Disney !

Additional planning tip: A feature of IHG properties, kids eat free at Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista.

The presence of an on-site Applebees here means that with each paid adult meal, the kids get their own Applebees meal at no cost! This is incredibly convenient and cost-effective.

Disney Springs

No family vacation in Orlando would be complete without a stroll around the reinvented Disney Springs!

Disney Springs  is a themed retail, dining, and entertainment center inspired by Florida’s charming waterfront towns. Four distinct neighborhoods―The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center—are built around bubbling ponds and springs.

Highlights here include Amphicar tours (a cross between a car and a boat), helium balloon rides, world-class shopping, and the biggest Star Wars memorabilia retailer known to man.

Additional planning tip: If you’re looking for some fun date night ideas (without the kids!) while you’re in Orlando, here are some fun things to do in Orlando for adults .

Orlando Itinerary: Day 2

• Start off your Orlando itinerary at none other than, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom !
• Grab coffee and donuts at Main Street Bakery as you head into the park.
• Once inside, you’ll realize there is so much to do and it is hard to pull yourself away. For this reason, plan to enjoy both lunch and dinner at one of the many Magic Kingdom restaurants on-site.

Magic Kingdom

Our trip to Orlando was primarily a Disney-themed visit with the intention of visiting 3 of the 4 Disney parks.

Ultimately, with this being our first time taking the kids to Orlando or any of the Disney parks, we undoubtedly had to start off with a visit to Magic Kingdom .

Knowing that we wanted to jam-pack as much as possible into our time there, we arrived first thing in the morning and executed our 1-day Magic Kingdom itinerary .

After an absolutely amazing day , we returned to our hotel for a night swim and a Disney movie by the pool before falling fast asleep.

Additional planning tip: Maximize your time at Magic Kingdom during your Orlando itinerary by utilizing our exclusive Disney Fastpass secrets to best structure your day!

Orlando Itinerary: Day 3

• Spend the entire day touring Epcot .
• Enjoy dining at one of the many delicious restaurants at Epcot (there are literally so many to choose from!).

Next up on our 6-day Orlando itinerary was to spend an entire day at Epcot .

We knew we were in for a real treat when visiting here, for Epcot is home to both rides and attractions, as well as the World Showcase.

Needless to say, we loved it here!

And once again, after making the most of our 1-day itinerary at Epcot , we left feeling happy and blessed – with a tummy full of pizza from world-famous Via Napoli !

Don’t forget to stay for the new  Epcot Forever  fireworks display that replaced 20-year park staple IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

The best thing about Epcot Forever is that it can be viewed anywhere within Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon

Orlando Itinerary: Day 4

• Take a break from the theme parks and head to the beach. Daytona Beach that is! You’re in Florida, after all!
• Afterward, head back to Orlando and take a stroll around the Disney Boardwalk .
• Eat at the ESPN Sports Club or another nostalgic restaurant on the Boardwalk.

Daytona Beach

On the first of our Disney non-park days when visiting Orlando, we chose to spend the day at the beach.

Daytona Beach is located a convenient 73 miles from Orlando and provides so many amazing opportunities for family fun!

Though there is so much to see and do directly in Orlando, I could not go without dipping my toes into the ocean while visiting the beautiful state of Florida.

We have so many memories from the Daytona Beach family fun that we experienced during our 6-day Orlando itinerary!

Additional planning tip: Day 4 could be spent venturing 65 miles to Cocoa Beach instead. Pair it with a visit to the nearby Kennedy Space Center.

ESPN Sports Club

We spent the evening of day 4 walking around the Disney Boardwalk.

The Disney Boardwalk is home to several gorgeous Disney-themed resorts, shops, and restaurants.

And yes, you are walking on a real wooden boardwalk, complete with street performers and views of a gorgeous lake.

To appease the sports fanatics in my family we enjoyed dinner at ESPN Sports Club .

Additional planning tip: A visit to Disney’s Boardwalk allows you to scope out several of the higher-end Disney Resorts. The awesome scenery and nautical vibe made this evening one of the highlights of our Orlando itinerary.

I would totally recommend a visit here!

Orlando Itinerary: Day 5

• Enjoy an awesome day at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom !
• Grab coffee and pastries at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery as you make your way in.
• Pack a picnic lunch in your Disney day bag !
• In keeping with the animal-theme, enjoy dinner at the gigantic Rainforest Cafe located on-site.

Animal Kingdom

Little did we know that day 5 would end up being our favorite day at our now favorite theme park, Animal Kingdom .

The combination of animals, rides, shows, and attractions brings this place to life while making you feel right at home!

The overall vibe at Animal Kingdom is laid back, yet bustling with plenty of activity.

The safari-themed landscape is welcoming, yet rustic. Simply put, we wouldn’t change our 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary for the world!

Rainforest Cafe

To stick with the animal theme, we stayed on-site and had dinner at Rainforest Cafe .

If you haven’t been to a Rainforest Cafe before, prepare yourself to be wow-ed!

Dancing gorillas, simulated rain showers, and the famous Volcano dessert make this the perfect experience to add yet another couple hours of joy into your day.

Orlando Itinerary: Day 6

• Enjoy loads of other family-friendly activities located in Orlando.
• If you’re up for more theme park fun, visit Universal Orlando Resort! Hit up either Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure (the #1 theme park in the world!).
• Don’t forget to end your trip by attending a world-famous Disney dining show, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue .

Orlando Activities

There are literally so many attractions in Orlando that it is impossible to see and do them all in one visit.

This is very important to understand when planning your Orlando itinerary for 5 days if there are a lot of attractions that you’re looking to do.

In other words, spend day 6 doing various other activities to make your Orlando, Florida family vacation a memorable one.

For us, we visited off-site souvenir shops, went miniature golfing, and visited Gatorland (to see the ‘Florida gators’ of course!).

Other popular non-theme park ideas include Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, Revolution Off-Road, and Discovery Cove.

Looking for a cool down? Consider some water park fun at either Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Last, you can opt for additional theme park options such as Legoland, Seaworld, and our favorites (with links to a full itinerary!) Universal Studios , or Islands of Adventure .

Orlando CityPass

Hands-down, if you plan on doing a lot of various activities while in Orlando, check out the  Orlando CityPASS .

You’ll save up to 50% at the top Orlando attractions listed above by purchasing the Orlando CityPASS here ! 

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

*Temporarily unavailable. Check the Disney website for updates.

We ended our 6-day Disney World itinerary by attending a highly rated, incredibly popular Disney dining show.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is Disney’s longest-running dinner theater show and continues to impress sold-out crowds on a daily basis.

Attending a dining event on a non-park day was fabulous as we did not have to rush through a park and/or worry about making our reservation time. We just got to si mply show up , and enjoy!

We loved our time at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue so much that we wrote an entire blog post about it!

* Pack like a pro for your upcoming Orlando family vacation! Click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Orlando Vacation: Getting There

Here are my recommended travel resources to plan your Orlando itinerary whether it be arriving by airplane, personal vehicle, or RV.

Use the  Skyscanner  app to search hundreds of airlines, car rentals, and travel agencies to find unbeatable prices. Don’t forget to do a whole month’s search and to set flight alerts to keep you on top of securing a great deal:

Though most people arrive in Orlando by air (via the local Orlando International Airport), road-tripping to Orlando is also an extremely popular means of transportation to this vacation hub.

We decided to take on the road and travel 24 hours by mini-van from our home state of Minnesota to the city of Orlando.

Having gone into our adventure with a really good attitude, we loved experiencing this epic family road trip with one another.

Additional planning tip:  We have compiled our essential  tips for planning a family road trip  and how to create  road trip goodie bags  to help inspire you to consider a long-haul family road trip!

How to Get Around

Orlando is definitely not a walkable city, instead, it was planned as a car-friendly city.

The easiest way to get around Orlando is by car, which is why I highly recommend renting one when visiting there.

If not, check to see if your hotel/resort has complimentary transportation to Orlando attractions.

Likewise, look into rideshare services like Uber and Lyft as they are fabulous options for travelers who don’t want the expense or liability of a rental car.

Using Uber Orlando or Lyft Orlando can make getting around the theme parks easy, especially when you don’t want to rely on sporadic shuttle buses.

Where to Stay in Orlando

Where to stay when visiting Orlando may be one of the most complicated choices of your family vacation.

There are literally SO MANY places to stay in and around Orlando whether it be at high-end Disney-themed resorts, local hotels, or vacation rental condos, homes, and townhomes.

Your final selection will be based on price, availability, and on how far you’re willing to travel to the theme parks.

The most popular places to stay in Orlando include Hyatt Regency Orlando , JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes , Caribe Royale Orlando , and finally, Walt Disney World Dolphin .

For  current deals  and further inspiration on where to stay in Orlando, browse and book here:

Have you been to Orlando before? What was your favorite place or attraction that you visited? I’d love for you to comment below! Jen

If you enjoyed our 6-Day Orlando Itinerary , check out our Related Posts:

Disney World Touring Plans:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary: A Perfect Day At Disney
• 1-Day At Animal Kingdom Itinerary: The Perfect Family Touring Plan
• One Day Itinerary for Epcot: Family Touring Plan

Disney World Ride & FastPass+ Tips:

• ‘How-to’ Secrets and Tips for Booking Disney FastPasses+
• Top 5 Rides to FastPass+ at Magic Kingdom
• Disney World Magic Kingdom Wait Times (Longest and Shortest Lines)
• Top 5 Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

Disney World Planning Tips:

• The 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Our First Disney Vacation
• Disney Packing List: 9 Things You Can’t Forget
• 7 Things to do on a Disney World Non-Park Day
• Best Off-Site Hotel Near Disney World, Orlando
• Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue: Our Complete Guide

Disney World Cost:

• Disney World Cost Calculator: How Much Will it Cost?
• How to Save Money At Disney World: 15 Ways We Saved Big

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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10 Comments

Love this suggested itinerary. It’s perfect.

Thanks to Nicole! There is so much to do in Orlando that it is impossible to do everything in 1 trip 🙂

I would really love to take my boys to Disney World someday. We took them to Disneyland Paris a few years ago, but I have fond memories of the one in Florida. It would be nice to go with my boys! 🙂

Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome! Disneyland Paris would be a fabulous experience! Let me know if you ever make it to Disney World in Orlando 🙂

This is a great itinerary for 6 days in Orlando! I’ve been wanting to do the Hoop Dee Doo Review. Definitely saving for our next visit!!

Yes, the Hoop Dee Doo was a highlight! I enjoyed getting to tour around the Wilderness Resort just as much as the show itself. So much to explore on the Disney property!

What a fun-filled itinerary! I haven’t been to Orlando in well over 15 years. I remember that Universal Studios theme park was my favorite back then. I love the beach day suggestions on this itinerary – I didn’t realize that they were so close.

Orlando is definitely a family-fun packed destination! You definitely have to be ready for the crowds, however 🙂

Great itinerary! We would love to visit Orlando soon! Magic Kingdom would be at the top of our list. 🙂

I’m glad that you like it! Magic Kingdom was a hit…this year we are going to Universal Studios for more of the ‘thrill’ rides.

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The Best Time to Visit Orlando

Orlando Weather & Climate

Orlando International Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Orlando's Lake Eola Park

Theater in Orlando

Natural Springs Near Orlando

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Your Trip to Orlando: The Complete Guide

Gina Pricope/Getty Images

Orlando is an ever-growing metropolis—a patchwork of interlocking communities—that also just happens to draw millions of visitors each year (a record 75 million in 2018  ) to experience its great weather, shopping, and numerous attractions.

If you're planning an Orlando vacation, learning a little bit about the area and what to expect will help you get the most from your time and vacation dollars.

Watch Now: Planning Your Visit to Orlando

Orlando basics.

Weather:  The Atlantic  hurricane season  begins June 1 and ends November 30   , with the highest storm probability from August through October. A first-hand account of  Orlando's weather by month  is another great resource for monthly average temperatures and rainfall.

Ideal Time to Visit:  If you are planning to visit Orlando on vacation, one of the hardest things to do is choose when to visit. While special events and promotions may have some influence on theme park attendance; historically,  Disney World's highest theme park attendances  tend to be influenced by certain holidays. These  month-by-month guides to Florida  will give you an insight into when are the best times of the year to visit.

When planning your Orlando vacation, how you're going to get there is an important consideration. These handy tools will help you  decide whether it is cheaper to drive or fly .

If you've decided to fly, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the airport and transportation options from the airport. If you're flying into Orlando International Airport on your way to one of the Disney World resorts, you can now take advantage of Disney's Magical Express—the complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery service available to guests staying on property and traveling via certain airlines.

If you're driving, use these  tips to plan your driving trip to Disney World .

Getting Around Orlando

If you're planning a vacation in Orlando and you've never been there before, it is important to get to know Orlando's neighborhoods and learn how to get around. No matter how you are getting around town—rental car, cab, or public transportation—these maps of the greater Orlando area will be helpful.

This driving distance chart will be helpful if you plan to visit beaches and attractions located along the coasts of Florida.

Disney World

Disney World is the most visited theme park in the world (particularly Magic Kingdom, which saw almost 21 million people in 2018)   , so it pays to plan ahead to see as much as possible and get the most from your vacation dollar. Here we'll answer your top questions, plus give you links to more information to make your vacation planning easier.

If you are planning a Disney World vacation, one of the hardest things to do is choose when to visit. While special events and promotions may have some influence on theme park attendance; historically,  Disney World's highest theme park attendances  tend to be influenced by certain holidays. These  month-by-month guides to Disney World  will give you an insight into when are the best times of the year to visit.

Where to Stay

While the Orlando area provides thousands of hotel rooms that cater to every budget, staying on Disney World property also offers accommodations for every pocketbook and  includes many perks and benefits  that add value to your vacation experience.

More Information

If you want instant information, try our  Disney World Vacation Planner  with information on how to book your vacation, where to stay, where to dine and more!

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios  theme park was once only a one-day destination for visitors to Orlando. Now,  Universal Orlando  is a destination resort in its own right. The addition of the spectacular Islands of Adventure theme park, the CityWalk entertainment complex and three luxury hotels offer guests a multi-day vacation destination.

One of the hardest things to do is choose the best time to visit a theme park. While special events and promotions may have a significant influence on theme park attendance; historically, Universal's highest theme park attendances tend to be influenced by certain holidays. These  month-by-month guides to Universal Orlando  should give you some insight into when might be the best time of the year to visit.

International Drive (I-Drive)

Location, location, location. The International Drive Resort area (I-Drive) not only offers over 100 hotels and resorts to satisfy every budget and more than 150 spectacular restaurants — it offers a superb location! You can't get much closer to the center of the action.

I-Drive's convenient location also puts visitors just ten minutes from the  Walt Disney World Resort  and a little over an hour's drive away from  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay , Kennedy Space Center and beaches on both coasts.

Best Place to Stay on International Drive

International Drive Hotels along this long thoroughfare provides a variety of lodging choices. One end seems to be geared more toward families and, although inexpensive, tend to offer perks like transportation to the major theme parks and free breakfast. Farther down, those nearer the Convention Center are geared toward business and luxury amenities and thus are more expensive.

If you'd like to make your own choice of lodging, it is easy to make a selection with the simple  hotel search  available on the International Drive website. Simply indicating the dates of your stay and the number of adults and children will return an ample list of available "book now" rooms in every price range—from Holiday Inn and Red Roof Inn to the upscale Hilton, Peabody, and Renaissance hotels—or, if you prefer, you can take the link to the  I-Drive Lodging Directory .

Besides being the location of the nation's second largest convention center, Orlando's world-famous attractions are all a short distance away, these include:  Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure ,  SeaWorld Orlando  and its newest water park Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. Also, located on International Drive are other attractions and entertainment such​ as Pointe Orlando, WonderWorks, Fun Spot Action Park, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Orlando Odditorium, and Pirate's Cove Mini Golf.

Where to Eat on I-Drive

• Buffet Restaurants on International Drive: Quick, easy and inexpensive dining options can be found along I-Drive for your family when you consider one of these all-you-can-eat buffets.

Where to Stay in Orlando

Even more important than how to get to Orlando is where you are going to stay. Orlando resort and hotel accommodations can accommodate every vacation budget. Even a stay at Disney World can be affordable when you stay at one of Disney World's  value resorts .

• Top 10 Kid-Friendly Orlando Hotels: These hotels and resorts are especially kid-friendly because they cater to families with special children's areas, supervised activities, family-friendly room layouts and suites, and fun kid-friendly theming.
• 10 Best Orlando Hotels: If you're coming to Orlando to have fun, then the place you stay should be fun too. These Orlando hotels have the recipe for a good time by combining location, price, amenities, and service.

Visit Orlando. "Orlando Announces Record 75 Million Visitors." May 9, 2019

National Weather Service. "Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources."

Themed Entertainment Association and the Economics practice at AECOM. "TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report"

Orlando for Family Spring Break

Disney World Vs. Universal Orlando

Your Trip to Universal Orlando: The Complete Guide

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Orlando on a Budget

Disney Travel Planning: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise

Tampa Bay Vacation Planning Guide

10 Best Reasons to Stay at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Walt Disney World Guide: Planning Your Trip

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Better?

Plan Your Visit to Universal Orlando

December in Florida: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

April at Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Islands of Adventure: The Complete Guide

December at Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

April in Florida: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Grandparent's Planning Guide to Walt Disney World

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Weekend In Orlando: An Epic 3 Days In Orlando Itinerary

March 28, 2023 //  by  Florida Trippers

Wondering how to spend a weekend in Orlando, FL? You are in the right place.

This article will walk you through the best way to spend 3 days in Orlando and tell you everything you need to know. Our itinerary for Orlando has something for everyone to enjoy and lots of Orlando tips to make your vacation run smoothly.

Planning your trip to Orlando last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Orlando:

Top Experiences And Tours In Orlando:

• Kennedy Space Center Entry Ticket (Best day trip!)
• Everglades Airboat And Wildlife Park (Great for kids)
• Universal Orlando Park-To-Park Ticket (Easy cancellation!)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great to explore I-Drive!)

Best Places To Stay In Orlando:

• Buena Vista Suites Orlando (Close to Disney and affordable)
• Avanti Palms Resort (Amazing Universal location!)
• DoubleTree By Hilton Universal (At Universal entrance)
• The Grove Resort Orlando (Huge water park by Disney)
• Gaylord Palms Resort (Our pick! You won’t regret it!)

Orlando is located in central Florida in fact almost in the middle and has become the base to explore the nearby theme parks. However, Orlando has a lot more to offer those that are willing to explore.

This weekend guide to Orlando covers some of the familiar spots and some that are less well-known. We have tried to show you all Orlando has to offer but of course, there are so many things to do in Orlando we can’t cover them all.

Our hope is that this Orlando itinerary makes planning your vacation a little easier. So grab a chair and your favorite drink and let us walk you through how to spend a weekend in Orlando, Florida. How to plan a trip to Orlando just got a lot easier.

Getting To Orlando

Getting to Orlando, Florida is pretty easy. The international airport is well served by domestic and international flights that arrive frequently. There are regular shuttles from the airport to the hotels and car hire is available at the airport.

Driving is also a great option and Orlando is reached via the I-4 and the I-75 which will take you into central Florida as will the I-95. The I-10 will take you to northern Florida.

Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus also travel to Orlando on a regular basis and of course, train companies such as Amtrak and Brightline offer interstate routes.

Getting Around During Your Orlando Itinerary

To make the most of Orlando in 3 days it is best to have a car. Car is by far the quickest and easiest way to get around the city. However please allow for tolls as this expense can add up. Also bring your SunPass, EZ-Pass, I-Pass, or similar as it makes things easier.

There is a comprehensive bus system that can get you to most areas but it takes time and will require a lot of planning. It’s best to stick to the LYNX buses whose stops are marked with a pink bus or paw print sign. These buses run to most tourist attractions on a regular basis.

There are also taxis and Uber but these can work out quite expensive.

The best way to enjoy your Orlando weekend trip is to drive your own car or a rental or hire a car when here.

If this is your first time in Orlando here are some Florida driving tips .

The Ultimate 3-Day Weekend In Orlando Itinerary

Day one – hit one of orlando’s theme parks.

It wouldn’t be an itinerary for Orlando without including a trip to a theme park. For the purposes of this Orlando travel plan, we feel it’s best to choose the one park that resonates with you and go there.

It is our experience that when it comes to theme parks people try to do too much. You could spend the whole 3 days just seeing the theme parks you could spend a whole 3 weeks and still find things you haven’t seen.

Choose the park that suits your interests the best and will fit your or your family’s needs the best and accept you can’t do it all.

Option 1. Walt Disney World Parks

There are four Disney theme parks to choose from, The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Centre, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

The Magic Kingdom is perfect for those with small children. This park focuses more on Disney fairytales and well-known Disney characters.

Disney Hollywood Studios is focused more on the film industry and behind the scenes of filmmaking. Older children tend to prefer this park and it has a huge Star Wars area.

EPCOT is our favorite and tends to have something for everyone. The highlight is The World Shocases where 11 countries are represented with pavilions highlighting the culture and food of the area.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is all about animals and again will suit most ages. This is also where you will find Pandora from Avatar which is honestly beautiful. We feel this is a park to come once you have seen the others but again it’s down to personal preferences.

Option 2: Universal Orlando Park

There are two main Universal Parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. These parks tend to suit children who are not toddlers and are a bit older.

Universal Studios Florida is all about film and TV and features rides, shows, and attractions that put you right in the middle of the action. This is also where you will find Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure takes you into a world of myths, legends, cartoons, comic books, and children’s tales. Here you will find The Jurassic Park experience, Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade, and some things for younger children.

Option 3: Legoland

If you have smaller children and are trying to do Orlando on a budget then a trip to Legoland is one of the things to do in Orlando in a weekend.

The Legoland Florida Resort has three parks, Legoland, a water Park, and Peppa Pig World. We recommend the Legoland theme park.

This park is designed for children ages 2 to 12. There are more than fifty rides to enjoy here as well as shows, and attractions.

Whichever you choose make sure you plan to get the most out of your day. Prepare which rides you will go on, where you will eat, what you will do in the evening, and of course, prepare for the weather.

Here are some Orlando tips that will help you prepare for the Florida weather month by month .

Any Orlando travel plan should have a trip to at least one of the theme parks incorporated.

Day 2: Visit Classic Orlando 

Trying to do Orlando in a weekend is a struggle as there is so much to do. We feel like it’s all about choosing your adventure based on what you love and how much energy you have. An Orlando with kids itinerary may look much different than one for couples.

When thinking about how to plan a trip to Orlando we wanted to include all options. So on day two, we have given you several options depending on the kind of experience you like. They will all make for a fun weekend trip to Orlando whether you want to do everything or keep it a bit more chill.

If you want your Orlando trip itinerary to be full on we have you covered and if you want it to be a bit gentler we have you covered too. There is so much to do in Orlando it can be hard to pick but we feel we have come up with a good mix here.

Stop 1 – Have Breakfast At A Famous Spot.

What better way to start the second day of your Orlando itinerary than with a delicious breakfast? You can pick one of these Orlando Breakfast spots or perhaps do something a little different.

Book a character breakfast at one of the Disney Hotels as a special treat. Or have breakfast in one of the Universal Hotels, or head to Disney Springs where there is so much on offer.

Pick a spot that is near your next attraction if you can for ease. World Cafe on International Drive, Maxine’s on Shine in the downtown area, and the White Wolf Cafe and Bar at Ivanhoe Village are among the best.

Stop 2 – Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition/Airboat Ride/Wonderworks

Depending on what kind of day you want to have and what you like doing your next stop can be one of these three activities.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition on International Drive is a must for history lovers and those who love a good experience. It’s an immersive experience that aims to give you an idea of what it was like for the passengers on the Titanic. There is a replica of the boat’s Grand Staircase to explore and on the Promenade Deck, you will feel how cold it was aboard. You can even touch an iceberg. It’s one of the best museums in Florida .

Get Your Tickets Here To Avoid the Queues .

If you want your 3 days in Orlando to be based more around the great outdoors then adults and children alike will love an airboat ride through Boggy Creek . It’s a fast and fun experience that travels through the Everglades headwaters. Look out for alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife and your experienced Captain will point out things of interest. The meeting area is about 20 minutes outside of town so keep that in mind when planning.

Wonderworks is also a perfect location to visit that adults and children will love. Wonderworks is essentially an upside-down house with games, attractions, and experiences for all ages. There are over 100 interactive experiences including experiencing an earthquake and laser tag.

Get Your Tickets Here to Avoid Queueing .

All of these activities are great things to do in Orlando in a weekend so choose which one works for you and have fun. Every fun weekend trip to Orlando will include one of these activities.

Stop 3 – Brunch/Lunch

Depending on what time you finish head for brunch or lunch near where you are or at your next location. There are some great brunch spots in Orlando and some wonderful downtown Orlando restaurants .

Stop Four – Crayola Experience/Explore Downtown Orlando/Harry P Leu Gardens

If you have smaller children and want to spend the afternoon doing something a little less hectic head to the Crayola Experience. Inside the Florida Mall here Crayola is brought to life in a 70,000 square feet space. It’s all about an interactive creative play area with live shows, puzzles, riddles, and lots of attractions including the world’s largest Crayola crayon. It’s one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids.

If you have small children make sure this is on your weekend getaway in Orlando itinerary. Buy Your Ticket Here To Avoid Queues .

Couples might want to explore downtown Orlando. It’s a pretty small area and very quaint so easily walkable. The unofficial center is Church Street and it’s a great place to go if it’s your first time in Orlando. This area is an electric mix of restaurants, professional sports, live entertainment, nightspots, and theaters. The area links back to the 1800s and has a lot of charm.

If you want to get out into nature then visit The Harry P. Leu Gardens. It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in Florida and a real urban oasis on the banks of Lake Rowena. It is a great area to explore and is a perfect place for a picnic.

No weekend getaway in Orlando but be complete without a trip to one of these locations.

Stop Five – Dinner and Lake Eola/Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf/Icon Park

For dinner head to one of the many Orlando restaurants . Whatever you want to eat there is a restaurant in Orlando that serves it. In this Orlando trip plan, we have combined dinner with another activity.

For a quiet evening head to Lake Eola, where you will get stunning views of the city which is particularly beautiful in the evening. There is a walk that circles the lake or you can take a peddle boat onto the lake. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset. Afterward, eat at one of the romantic restaurants that surround the park.

For something the children will love head to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. This 18-hole golf course takes you through waterfalls, caves, and some lush landscapes. It’s lots of fun and you can combine this with an evening meal on International Drive. Buy Your Tickets For Adventure Golf.

For something truly special head to Icon Park and ride The Wheel . The Wheel is a state of the art climate controlled Ferris wheel. The view from here is incredible and if you get to ride at sunset it’s amazing. If you are doing Orlando in a weekend a trip here is a must. While you are here enjoy a meal at one of the many surrounding restaurants. The Capital Grille, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and The Pub are all good options.

Day 3: Explore The Surrounding Orlando Area

Today your Orlando weekend trip will involve more driving. We are going to get you out and about to some of the attractions nearby Orlando. If you don’t want to do this then you could just do some of the activities on day two that you missed out on.

Option 1 Visit Kennedy Space Center

A drive of just over an hour will bring you to the Kennedy Space Center. This is NASA’s primary launch center and a mecca for all things space travel. There is a museum where you can see rocket artifacts and memorabilia or you can get a private tour that shows you a much more in-depth look at the launch control center. There is so much to see and do here and everyone will enjoy it.

Get Your Tickets Here To Avoid The Queues .

Option 2: Swim In The Florida Springs Near Orlando

Florida has loads of freshwater springs and they are the perfect place to cool off from the Florida heat. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, go tubing, kayak , and do a host of other activities at most of the springs. Rock Springs and Wekeiwa Springs are great and Kings Landing is perfect for kayaking.

Option 3: Day Trip To Mount Dora

We love Mount Dora it’s such a cute area right in the middle of lake country. This small town is located in an area known as the Golden Triangle. This area is what some refer to as ‘old Florida’. Mount Dora was ranked as one of the best and friendliest small towns in Florida and is a perfect place for couples to spend some time. There is so much to do in Mount Dora and it makes a great escape from the hustle and bustle.

What To Do With More Than 3 Days In Orlando 

If you have more than 3 days in Orlando the world is your oyster. You could explore the theme parks that you missed, enjoy more of the International drive attractions or explore some more of the museums and attractions in Orlando.

A visit to some of the beaches near Orlando is also a must and we love Clearwater and Melbourne Beach. You could explore some more of the cute towns in Florida nearby such as Dade City and Winter Park. Going on a hike in Orlando is also a great option to see more scenery in the area.

For those that love shopping Orlando has a lot to offer with malls and of course Disney Springs and Universal Citywalk.

There are so many hidden gems in Florida too that tend to be less touristy like Bok Tower Gardens. And if you are in season kayaking with manatees is an amazing experience and of course, you can always explore The Everglades a little more.

Where To Stay For A Weekend In Orlando

Legoland® hotel.

If you are looking for a family-friendly hotel in Orlando then LEGOLAND® Hotel will be perfect. It’s situated inside the theme park and breakfast is included.

There is a LEGO-themed resort-style pool and LEGO-themed restaurant and the children’s quarters are all themed. All children also have a Master LEGO builder workshop.

Book The Legoland Hotel

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

Nestled in the Arts District of Orlando this hotel is visually stunning and offers luxurious surroundings. It’s all velvet drapes and patterned wallpaper.

The facilities and rooms are excellent and the hotel is family-friendly. It has two amazing restaurants and is in a great location.

Book This Hotel Now

Worldmark Orlando Kingstown Reef

This International Drive hotel offers great accommodation at a reasonable price. There is also lots to do here with 2 outdoor pools, a children’s pool with a waterfall, and 2 hot tubs. Every suite comes with a balcony and a kitchen in fact there is everything you need here to prepare all your food.

This is a great place if you want to go it alone a bit more but still want great facilities and a wonderful location.

Check Prices For This Hotel

Where to Eat During Your 3 Days In Orlando

Maxine’s on shine.

If you are hungry and want American home-style cooking head to Maxine’s On Shine. This is the place to come for comfort food.

Expect things like chicken and waffles and lobster ravioli and they serve a great brunch. Everyone will love it here but be prepared to come out stuffed.

Kres Chophouse

This steakhouse is popular with locals for both steak and seafood. The Filet Wellington here is said to be one of the best around.

The restaurant is located in a historic 1930s building and is classic yet modern. They also have a great vegan menu here and whatever you do save room for dessert.

Reyes Mezcaleria

For a wonderful Mexican meal head to Reyes Mezcaleria. The citrus snapper ceviche or the shrimp tacos are particularly good.

They also serve a great brunch here and have a wonderful cocktail menu. The food is wonderful and the vibe is even better.

As you can see when it comes to seeing Orlando in 3 days there is so much to do. In this Orlando trip itinerary, we have tried to include a little bit of everything so hopefully, it will suit most people.

We hope this weekend guide to Orlando has helped you plan and come up with your own itinerary. If this is your first time in Orlando our advice is to take it easy, everything will take longer than you think and it can be very tiring, especially in the heat.

It’s hard writing an Orlando vacation planner that suits everyone. The inclusion of an Orlando with kids itinerary will help the families. Our Orlando trip plan for those that want to see more of the great outdoors will ensure you can also have a much more relaxed Orlando experience.

Whatever your Orlando travel plan blends into we hope you have an amazing time and come back and let us know how it went.

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• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Entry
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• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disneyland Hotel
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa
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• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
• sidemenu#activeChild" class="text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-between pt-3 md:pt-14 leading-30"> Planning Your Cruise
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Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is a daunting task, even for repeat visitors. But TouringPlans can simplify the process with our step-by-step guides and easy-to-use tools, saving you time and money all along the way.

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I think Disney may have won me over - the experience was wonderful. The hotel was quiet, the pool was uncrowded, and the Mickey beignets were as good as promised.

I think Disney may have won me over - the experience was wonderful. The hotel was quiet, the pool was uncrowded, and the Mickey beignets were as good as...

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July 22, 2019

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Orlando Itinerary Family Vacation 5-Day Guide

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Whether you are planning a trip to Orlando Florida for the first time or the 100th, there is always something new to find, somewhere new to be, and something new to try! With its many theme parks, golf courses, shopping malls, spectacular nightlife, and many lakes and parks, Orlando is a great vacation spot for families. And if you are wondering if it’s possible to explore everything from the Everglades, Disney, and Universal parks to I-Drive in Orlando in 5 days, it is! 

Let us help you create the perfect Orlando itinerary so you can have a laid-back, stress-free, and enjoyable vacation. Whether you are planning 6 days in Orlando or 2 weeks in Orlando, this 5-day Orlando trip planner will help you get started!

Table of Contents - Click to View

Day 1 – Arrival and Visit to Disney Springs 

You have arrived at your Orlando hotel and are eager to get your vacation started! Where to begin? Let’s start with where not to; you want to avoid heading to a theme park on the first day to allow for the possibility of delayed flights getting in the way of your itinerary for Orlando. Instead, check in, rest, grab lunch at your hotel or close by, and lounge around at the hotel pool .

Once you feel rested and refreshed, start your Orlando vacation by heading to Disney Springs . It’s the perfect place to fill your evening with some laid-back fun.

Disney Springs is always bustling with activity. From live music and dining to shopping and family-friendly experiences, there’s plenty to do for all. It’s free to visit any day of the week, but keep in mind that the weekends are more crowded. Weekdays are definitely the best days to visit Orlando parks

Things to do at Disney Springs:

Activities:.

Start with a photo session with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear at the Coca-Cola Store . Next, hit the Marketplace Carousel and Train Express, both of which are attractions perfect for kids of every age. Then, have some fun bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes on the west side.

Enjoy some live music at one of the many vibrant places at The Landing, and take your kids for an Amphicar ride. It’s basically a hybrid of a car and a boat! 

After lunch, enjoy some live music at the House of Blues and then embark on an unforgettable tethered adventure called Aerophile in the world’s biggest hand-painted helium balloon. Note that kids under 12 must be accompanied by their parents. And if you are a Star Wars fan, remember to check out one of the biggest Star Wars retailers, the Star Wars Galactic Outpost. 

With over 50 restaurants, food trucks, and cafes in Disney Springs , there is no shortage of options when it comes to mealtime.  

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ has legendary southern cuisine, and the BoatHouse has the best seafood. Indulge in an exquisite collection of wine at Wine Bar George, or head to Polite Pig for wood-cooked delicacies. You can also grab a quick sandwich or wrap from the Earl of Sandwich. But make sure to try chicken tenders with 22 dipping sauces at the Chicken Guy! 

You can end your day with some delicious desserts from The Ganachery. If you are lucky, you might be able to try their limited-time menus that include items like Boozy Bourbon Bunnies.

You might have to wait a bit to get into each restaurant, so remember to reserve your seats ahead of time.

Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

With Disney World , there’s just too much to do. In fact, you could practically do Disney World for ten days straight and still not see it all. That’s why we suggest spending all, or at least most, of your time at Magic Kingdom when you’re there for just a day. It has the perfect combination of shows, attractions, and characters, making it a favorite among families. 

Most people like to stop at Main Street Bakery for a coffee and donut, but we suggest avoiding Main Street and heading straight for Magic Kingdom to beat the crowds. You can even pack your breakfast to save some time and energy or eat at the hotel before leaving. 

From the classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, the Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, and the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square to the thrilling Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, Disney has everything you need for a perfect family vacation.

Since you’ll be covering most of these rides in a limited amount of time, we suggest you opt for the Lightning Lane line-skipping service.

If time allows, you might be able to squeeze in a visit to Disney’s Epcot . Even with little kids, you can always ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on a 360-degree coaster with Rider Switch.

Aside from its spectacular fireworks display at night, Epcot also has kid-friendly rides and attractions such as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure; the Frozen Ever After musical; the dark ride, Spaceship Earth; and the legendary boat ride, Living with the Land. These slow rides are perfect for a post-lunch visit.

The best days to visit Disney Orlando’s parks are the weekdays, especially midweek since they’re the least crowded. For transportation in and around Magic Kingdom, consider the ferry, water taxi, bus, or monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). 

Things to do at Magic Kingdom:

Begin your journey through Magic Kingdom by cruising through the jungle in Jungle Cruise and exploring the life of a pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean adventure at Adventureland. Next, head to the haunted gold mine ride: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and immerse yourself in a heart-stopping 5-story drop at Splash Mountain in Frontierland.

Take a journey through Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred-Acre Wood in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, get spooked at the Haunted Mansion, and then head into Never Land on Peter Pan’s Flight. If you have teens, take them on a bumpy ride aboard the rustic Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

After lunch, you can explore some fantastic rides at Fantasyland, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and the kids’ favorite Peter Pan’s Flight.

Magic Kingdom also has some cute meet-and-greets to fill your younger kids’ day with joy. From chipmunks’ Chip and Dale and galactic superhero Buzz Lightyear to Goofy at the StoryBook Circus, there’s something for every young Disney fan. You can also meet Captain Jack Sparrow at Adventureland’s Treasures of the Seven Seas.

If you rank water attractions towards the top of your must-do list, you should consider cutting your Magic Kingdom visit short to check out some of Disney’s water rides. The spectacular whitewater adventure, Kali River Rapids, at Animal Kingdom , and the 120-foot almost vertical drop at the Summit Plummet in Blizzard Beach are the most popular ones! 

While covering both Magic Kingdom and water rides on the same day can seem like a long shot, it is possible. It just ultimately depends on your family’s preferences. However, Orlando’s CityPASS can make things a lot easier. It allows you to opt for only a few rides at different theme parks without having to pay for each theme park’s whole ticket cost.

With this pass, you can customize your vacation package to include only certain specific rides from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Legoland, and SeaWorld Orlando. That’s right! You’ll get individual tickets for each ride you wish to visit, even inclusive of Disney Genie+ for Disney World. Additionally, you can even opt for add-ons such as Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus to your pass.

For some quick eats, head to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments . It is easily accessible, located right in the middle of Frontierland and Cinderella’s Royal Table in Liberty Square. You’ll find the funnel cakes and the Mickey Mouse-shaped Mickey waffles to be perfect for a fun snack. You might also like their sweet and spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich and hand-dipped corn dogs. 

Since you will probably spend the whole day at Magic Kingdom, we suggest skipping lunch at Cinderella Royal Table and instead heading there for an early breakfast to get a crowd-free castle shot. The Thanksgiving meal at Liberty Tree Tavern is available throughout the year and is incredibly popular as well. And if you love seafood, you can’t miss trying the lobster roll and shrimp boil at the Columbia Harbour House.

If you are in Fantasyland come evening, you can have dinner inside the Beast’s Castle at Be Our Guest and say hello to the Beast or enjoy a buffet in front of Cinderella Castle at Crystal Palace . For dessert, take advantage of the famous Dole Whip and Tropical Serenade at the Aloha Isle at Adventureland.

Day 3 – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

On a tight schedule and need to see Universal in one day? We have the perfect Orlando itinerary for you to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure . Get a park-to-park ticket and board the Hogwarts Express to hop from park to park.

One important thing to consider before planning your trip is the time of year you wish to visit. Remember that summer and the holiday season will always be the most crowded, which is why they are probably not the best time to visit Orlando .

If you plan ahead of time, you can even include Universal’s Volcano Bay in your Orlando itinerary. For this, we suggest you buy the Early Park Admission so you can enter Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure parks one hour before the normal entry time to make the most of your time.

Universal also has an Express Pass that lets you skip lines at the park. You can either buy this at the park or online, but those staying at one of Universal’s Premier hotels can avail of it for free. Single Rider Lanes are a great option for families with babies as they allow you to skip long lines when getting on a ride alone. 

Universal Orlando is home to a number of fun rides, including Jurassic Park, E.T., and Harry Potter-themed attractions. It’s very convenient to get to as well, making it an easy choice for your Orlando trip itinerary.

You can take a shuttle, taxi, rideshare, town car, or even book yourself a car rental. Just keep in mind that booking a rental can get expensive and take up extra time due to having to find parking yourself.

Things to do at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure:

Start your day with a blast at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios, before heading to Revenge of the Mummy. After that, enter the magical land of Diagon Alley and hit the Escape from Gringotts ride. Finally, indulge in some mayhem at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

The last two are especially perfect for the morning as they tend to have longer queues later in the day. Opt for Early Park Admissions and cross them off your list first thing!

Take a quick snack break and then strap yourself in to fight off some aliens at Men in Black: Alien Attack. Keep the momentum going and ride a bicycle with E.T. hidden in your basket at E.T. Adventure Ride and end your Universal Studios visit with an epic visit to Transformers: The Ride 3D.

Check out Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, Tales of Beedle the Bard, or Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. After one of these enchanting shows, pop by the sets of your favorite movies. And Potterheads, don’t forget to meet the conductor and chattering shrunken head at The Knight Bus meet-and-greet!

If you have younger kids, stay back a little longer and cover Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Shrek 4-D, and Curious George Goes to Town. These are pretty fun rides that are worth checking out to delight little ones, but if you only have tweens and teens with you, leave to Islands of Adventure early and get a head start on the thriller rides!

Hop on the Hogwarts Express and head to Islands of Adventure. Begin your explorations by grabbing some lunch and then ease into your afternoon with a relaxing ride at Seuss Landing. The ride is based on Dr. Seuss’s books and is arguably one of the cutest rides at the park; a coaster that rides like a carousel!

Next, grab a butterbeer from Hogsmeade and head to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (we suggest you use the Virtual Line option to save some time). Then, move on to Jurassic Park: River Adventure.

Most rides at Islands of Adventure have height restrictions so make sure you avail of the child swap service whenever applicable. Next, head to VelociCoaster, before gearing up for some thrills on Universal’s best water rides.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park: River Adventure and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges are some fun water rides to check out. We suggest you take the water rides last to cool off at the end of the day. This also makes sense since the water rides are so spread out.

If you have little ones with you, play some Top Glow, Whack-a-Mole, and Hot Shot with your whole family at Toon Lagoon Games, meet some superheroes at Marvel Super Hero Island, and ride the iconic Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride. You can also go for a thrill ride on the Incredible Hulk Coaster if you have teens over 112″ in height. Finally, end your day with The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. 

If you do manage to squeeze in a Volcano Bay visit , check out the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

If you are in Universal Studios before 10:30 a.m., you can enjoy a full traditional English breakfast at the quaint Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley . But, if you happen to drop by at lunchtime or for dinner, the fish and chips is a must-try. 

For Simpsons fans, there’s the Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield, where you can enjoy a Krusty Burger before heading next door to Moe’s Tavern to grab a mug of Duff Beer. For a pint of Guinness beef stew and some live music, head to Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, an Irish-American pub located right behind Revenge of the Mummy. There’s also the Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley for desserts, where kids will love the soft serves and sundaes.

Islands of Adventure has its own variety of food joints as well. Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade serves a great rotisserie chicken. The Great Feast and the delicious Butterbeer is a must for kids and adults alike. 

For a snack between your rides, head to Cinnabon for some cinnamon rolls and stix or sample some cheesecakes and sandwiches at the Croissant Moon Bakery. If you like trying various cuisines, Mythos Restaurant in The Lost Continent is the way to go.

You can enjoy a hearty Oriental, American, or Mediterranean meal across from the lagoon here. There’s also the Confisco Grill for some grilled treats and fajitas. 

Just like the rides, restaurants too tend to have long lines, so download Universal’s mobile ordering app beforehand to save yourself some time during peak lunch hours. Furthermore, we recommend avoiding a visit to Universal CityWalk for lunch.

Traveling to and from the location will take up a lot of time. Plus, the long queues make it not worth the effort! Instead, you can take some time off Day 4 or Day 5 on your Orlando trip plan to visit the beautiful CityWalk, if it’s a top priority.

Day 4 – Boggy Creek and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

If your family is up for something outdoorsy after the chaos of the theme parks, we have the ideal Orlando itinerary for your Day 4 in Orlando. Let your hair down and experience the wild side of Central Florida on a fun ride through the Everglades where you’ll get to watch alligators, birds, turtles, and more in their natural habitat at Boggy Creek. 

There are no Lynx direct buses to Boggy Creek from the city, so we suggest taking a taxi. 

Things to do at Boggy Creek and I-drive:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure is the best and safest way to catch a glimpse of Florida’s state reptile, the American Alligator, in the Everglades. Afterward, you can have some fun family time at the Gem Mine Experience at Boggy Creek, where you will get hands-on mining experience.

Kids will love looking for rare gems and fossils like a true miner! You also get access to a Native American Village and an alligator-viewing area when at Boggy Creek. It’s just the perfect addition to an Orlando itinerary planner for nature lovers!

The best way to kickstart your day is with breakfast at your hotel to save time at the creek. For lunch, grab some delicious barbecue at the Boggy Bottom Barbecue . You can sit on the patio overlooking Lake Toho and enjoy deliciously cooked brisket with five sauce options and pulled pork with some Gator Bites. Kids will love the hot chocolate and caramel cinnamon crisps. 

Head back to your hotel to relax at the pool or sneak in a quick nap before you prepare for an entertaining evening because the fun isn’t over yet. Dress up and head to the interactive Pirate’s Dinner Adventure for dinner. It is a must for families with kids! 

Located off International Drive, this show puts you right in the middle of some Pirate action at two different time slots, one that’s mid-afternoon and another in the evening. We do, however, suggest you go for the 7:30 p.m. show to enjoy a delicious three-course meal that consists of a salad, entree, main, and dessert.

The performance itself lasts for about two hours, but we suggest you stay for the dance party after the show to make the most of Day 4.  

Day 5 – Wonderworks and I-drive

It’s likely that emotions will be running high on the final day of your trip. To lighten the mood and take the edge off, why not take part in something that’s intimate and family-oriented? For this, we suggest some laid-back family time at Wonderworks and I-drive. After all, your Orlando Florida itinerary is incomplete without visiting International Drive . 

From mini-golf to museums and kart races, there’s something for everyone at International Drive. Spark your children’s curiosity by showing them the 100+ interactive exhibits at the fun upside-down anomaly that is WonderWorks .

With six zones ranging from Extreme Weather, Physical Challenge to Imagination lab, it is basically 35,000 square feet of amusement for the mind. Each exhibit will challenge your little one’s mind and encourage them to get creative and use their imaginations. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture some real wonder on their faces! 

Things to do at Wonderworks and I-Drive:

Start off with a game of laser tag with the family, then design and ride your own rollercoaster at the Wonder Coaster. Climb the three-story glow-in-the-dark rope course, go on an epic journey together on the 4D XD motion ride, and let the wind blow in your hair at the Hurricane Shack.

If you want to spend your whole day here, we suggest you end it at WonderWorks’ magic comedy dinner show. However, we recommend that you leave after lunch and explore the other exciting places and attractions on I-Drive. If you need a break from all the walking around, board the I-Ride Trolley for a fun ride to your next destination. 

If WonderWorks left you craving more oddities to tickle your brain, stop by The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. It has over 16 interactive exhibits that are perfect for just that. There’s also a play area with obstacles and inflatable slides to keep the littler members of your family just as occupied and entertained. 

After lunch, explore the serene 350,000-gallon Sea Life Aquarium that’s complete with a 360-degree tunnel and nine aquatic exhibits. Next, get a picturesque view of the city from on top of The Wheel, a one-of-a-kind observation wheel that takes you 400 feet above the ground. 

Once you’re feeling energized, it’s time for something sporty! Check out Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf , Congo River Adventure Golf, I-Drive NASCAR Kart Racing, or Arcade City for some action-packed fun.

End your day with some photos with Wonder Woman and Superman at the Madame Tussauds wax museum. The Skeletons Museum of Osteology is another unique museum to consider visiting if you want to add a bit of spookiness to your day.

When you break for lunch at I-Drive, you have plenty of options. Enjoy a delicious hand-tossed New York-style pizza and Mini Melts Ice Cream at the Wonder Cafe while at WonderWorks.

You can try the Fillet Mignon steak and Lobster tail at Jack’s Place at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, and enjoy the lively Greek-style music at the Greek-themed Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando. Or, head to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse for a Japanese-style Teppanyaki meal. 

The Bahama Breeze is a great option for later in the day if you’re in the mood for a Caribbean-style dinner. The Oceanaire Seafood Room Pointe Orlando, on the other hand, is where you need to be for mouth-watering seafood.

Evening time is also the perfect time to check out I-Drive’s very own sports bar, Miller’s Ale House, while the kids enjoy some delicious treats at the Chocolate Kingdom. The fun dessert joint allows you to even customize your own chocolate bars at an additional cost. They make the perfect souvenirs to take back home for loved ones!

After crossing off as many activities as possible, return to your hotel to pack up and catch your flight. Whether you plan to stay in Orlando for just a few days or weeks, we guarantee that this Orlando holiday itinerary will help you plan your trip without missing a beat!

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OI Universal Center

Welcome to the OI Universal Center!

Prepare to upgrade your adventure to Universal Orlando Resort with our obsessively updated collection of Universal insider information and expert advice.

The OI Universal Center is home to our free next-generation encyclopedia of Universal Orlando vacation-planning information. It contains over 200 pages covering Universal’s theme and water parks, hotels, and more. In addition, we offer our readers six extraordinary advantages over traditional guidebooks and other websites:

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Last year, over three million families used our website to plan the perfect vacation and gain complete confidence in their knowledge of the parks. As we now celebrate an even bigger and busier year, we are very proud to take our place as the premier independent resource for guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort .

First-time visitors, please read this page: How to use our FREE online guide to plan your Universal vacation

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Skip to… Tickets and Planning | Vacation Tips | Wizarding World guide | Events | Touring plans | USF | IOA |  VB  |  CityWalk | Hotels  | Prop Graveyard

Overview and Introduction:

• Read guest reviews of Universal or submit your own
• View our daily updates
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Tickets and Planning

• Best Day of the Week to visit Universal Orlando
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• Which Universal Orlando Theme Park is Better?
• The Best Orlando Theme Parks by Age Group
• How to Save on Flights to Orlando
• How Many Days to Spend at Universal Orlando?
• Maps, Rider’s Guide, & Vacation Brochure
• Universal Orlando Annual Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Accessibility Accommodations
• Top 10 Easiest Ways to Save Time & Money at Universal
• Ride Wait Times Based on Crowd Levels
• Universal Express Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• The Secret to Getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
• Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando
• Parking & Universal’s Transportation Hub
• Shuttles, Taxis, & Ride Sharing – Transportation Recommendations
• Orlando Average Monthly Temperatures
• What to Pack for Your Vacation
• What’s Coming to Universal in 2024 and Beyond

Insider Tips on Your Vacation

These guide pages will give you the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort. From internet access to mobile food ordering, all your questions can be answered here. Perusing these pages now will save you countless hours later, allowing you to spend more time on what’s important – your trip!

• Shopping & Merchandise at Universal Orlando
• Ultimate Adult’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort
• Visiting USF with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Visiting IOA with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Visiting VB with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando
• Single-riders’ Lines at Universal Orlando
• Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando
• Rental & Ride Lockers at Universal
• Characters at Universal’s Theme Parks
• Child Swap at Universal’s Thrill Rides
• Men in Black – How to Max Out Your Score at 999,999
• Refillable Cups, Popcorn Buckets, & Coke Freestyle
• Free Internet Access at Universal Orlando
• Phone Charging at Universal Orlando
• My Universal Photos & Ride Photos
• Free or Inexpensive Things to Do Around Orlando
• Breakfast at Universal Orlando Resort
• Grocery Delivery in Orlando
• VIP Tour Experience at Universal Orlando
• Ultimate Seating Guide to ALL the Rides

Insider’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

With Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, Universal Orlando changed the game for what it meant to be immersed in a theme park. These guide pages will cover our best insider tips on getting the most out of your visit to the Wizarding World.

• Only Guaranteed Ways to Beat the Crowds at the Wizarding World
• How to Ensure Your Trip to the Wizarding World is a Success!
• Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World – a Complete Guide
• Return Tickets & Standby Line to Enter the Wizarding World
• Interactive Wands & Spell-Casting in the Wizarding World
• Complete Insider’s Guide to Butterbeer
• The Specialty Drinks, Meals, and Desserts of Diagon Alley
• Leaky Cauldron: The Grandest Feast a Wizard Can Have
• Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head: Drink in the Details
• Shopping & Merchandise at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
• Shopping & Merchandise at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Annual Events at Universal Orlando

There’s more to do than just rollercoasters! The following guide pages provide information on annual events at Universal Orlando Resort. Check here periodically for updates and news.

• Rock the Universe 2025
• Running Universal Orlando 2025
• Mardi Gras 2024 parade
• Mardi Gras 2024 exclusive food and drinks
• Easter 2024
• Fourth of July 2024
• HHN Tickets Guide
• Admission guide: tickets, Express, & tours
• How to get HHN early admission
• HHN 2024 touring plan
• HHN 2024 exclusive food and drinks
• Thanksgiving 2024
• Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
• Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
• Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• New Year’s Eve 2024

Universal Orlando Touring Plans

We combined our years of expertise and insider experience to build the best touring plans for you so you don’t have to! Whether you’re staying one day, or all week, we’ve got you covered!

• Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 1-Day Touring Plan
• Ultimate Universal Studios 1-Day Touring Plan
• Ultimate Islands of Adventure 1-Day Touring Plan
• Volcano Bay Touring Plan
• 3-Day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 1
• 3-Day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 2
• 3-Day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 3
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter Touring Plan
• Bite-Sized Touring Plans
• Design Your Own Universal Orlando Touring Plans
• OI Priority List: Universal Studios Florida
• OI Priority List: Islands of Adventure

Universal Studios Florida – Complete Guide and History

Universal Studios boasts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Men in Black, Springfield, U.S.A, and more. Use these guide pages to help plan your ultimate vacation.

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Transformers: The Ride – 3D
• Universal Music Plaza
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
• Illumination’s Minion Café (quick-service)
• Freeze Ray Pops (quick-service)
• Pop-A-Nana (quick-service)
• Illumination Theater
• Bake My Day
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• The Blues Brothers Show
• Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas
• Beat Builders
• ¡Vamos! – Báilalo
• Finnegan’s Bar & Grill (full-service)
• Louie’s Italian Restaurant (quick-service)
• Guido’s Gelato (quick-service)
• Starbucks (quick-service)
• Auntie Anne’s (quick-service)
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Lombard’s Seafood Grille (full-service)
• Richter’s Burger Co. (quick-service)
• San Francisco Pastry Company (quick-service)
• Chez Alcatraz (limited-service bar)
• San Francisco Candy Factory
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• The Hogwarts Express
• Tales of Beedle the Bard & Celestina Warbeck
• Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley
• London taxi hut store
• Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions
• Quality Quidditch Supplies
• Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio
• Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
• Magical Menagerie
• Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
• Globus Mundi
• Gringotts Money Exchange
• Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
• Wands by Gregorovitch
• Borgin and Burkes
• The Leaky Cauldron (quick-service)
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour (quick-service)
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune (quick-service)
• The Hopping Pot (quick-service)
• Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment (quick-service)
• London taxi hut (quick-service)
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• The Simpsons Ride
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck (quick-service)
• Lard Lad Donuts (quick-service)
• Duff Brewery (limited-service bar)
• Moe’s Tavern (limited-service bar)
• Fast Food Boulevard (quick-service)
• Animal Actors on Location!
• DreamWorks Destination
• E.T. Adventure
• KidZone Pizza Company (quick-service)
• The Bourne Stuntacular
• Horror Make-Up Show
• TODAY Cafe (quick-service)
• Mel’s Drive-In (quick-service)
• Central Park Crepes (quick-service)
• Schwab’s Pharmacy (quick-service)
• Cafe La Bamba (quick-service)
• High Five Hideaway
• Mama Luna Feline Fiesta
• Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp
• Poppy’s Playground
• Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres
• Shrek’s Swamp Meet
• Swamp Snacks (quick-service)
• Trolls Treats (quick-service)
• Trolls Trollercoaster
• Park-wide Entertainment

Universal’s Islands of Adventure – complete guide and history

Islands of Adventure features lands such as Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village. That means you can ride The Cat in the Hat, come face to face with dinosaurs, and attend Hagrid’s magical creatures lesson. These pages contain great insider tips and tricks to make sure you have a great vacation.

• Confisco Grille & Backwater Bar (full-service)
• Croissant Moon Bakery (quick-service)
• Starbucks Coffee (quick-service)
• Cinnabon (quick-service)
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Storm Force Accelatron
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Captain America Diner (quick-service)
• Cafe 4 (quick-service)
• Me Ship, the Olive
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Comic Strip Cafe (quick-service)
• Blondie’s: Home of the Dagwood (quick-service)
• Wimpy’s (quick-service)
• Cathy’s Ice Cream (quick-service)
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• Raptor Encounter
• Pteranodon Flyers
• Camp Jurassic
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic Park Discovery Center
• The Burger Digs (quick-service)
• Pizza Predattoria (quick-service)
• The Watering Hole (quick-service)
• Thunder Falls Terrace (quick-service)
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Triwizard Spirit Rally & Frog Choir
• Ollivanders Wand Shop in Hogsmeade
• The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
• Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
• The Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head (quick-service)
• Dervish and Banges
• The Mystic Fountain
• Mythos (full-service)
• Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House (quick-service)
• All Hallows Eve Boutique
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
• Caro-Seuss-el
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
• Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear
• The Cat in the Hat
• If I Ran the Zoo
• Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (quick-service)
• Green Eggs and Ham Cafe (quick-service)
• Moose Juice, Goose Juice (quick-service)
• Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop (quick-service)
• Marvel Character Dinner

Universal’s Volcano Bay – complete guide and history

The water theme park at Universal Studios, Volcano Bay takes your vacation to a whole new level of relaxation and excitement – all in the same day! Go with the flow in a raft, or climb to the top of Krakatau volcano just to slide back down again! But whatever you do – use our guide pages to plan your day at Volcano Bay and maximize your trip.

Park-wide tips

• Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu – complete guide
• Volcano Bay’s cabana rentals – complete guide
• Volcano Bay tickets – complete guide
• Visiting VB with kids – a complete guide
• Early Park Admission to Volcano Bay
• Complete Guide to Shopping at Universal’s Volcano Bay
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Waturi Beach
• Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club (quick-service)
• Koka Poroka (quick-service)
• Dancing Dragons Boat Bar (limited-service bar)
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Honu ika Moana
• Runamukka and Tot Tiki Reefs
• Kopiko Wai Winding River
• Whakawaiwai Eats (quick-service)
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides Punga Racers Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
• Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• TeAwa the Fearless River
• Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes
• Puka Uli Lagoon
• Bambu (quick-service)
• The Feasting Frog (quick-service)
• Kunuku Boat Bar (limited-service bar)

Universal’s Epic Universe – complete guide and history (opening expected in 2025)

Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resorts’ biggest park, housing three major intellectual properties: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters.

• Atlantic (full-service) at Universal Epic Universe
• Constellation Carousel at Universal Epic Universe
• Starfall Racers at Universal Epic Universe
• The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant (full-service) at Universal Epic Universe 
• Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe
• Super Nintendo World Food Guide
• Super Nintendo World Merchandise Guide
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe

Universal CityWalk Orlando

These guide pages will walk you through everything you need to know about Universal City Walk and all you can find there! With formal dining options, to-go pizza, and even a tattoos parlor, you’ll find what you need (and more) at City Walk.

• Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
• Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Orlando
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew
• Pat O’Brien’s
• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
• VIVO Italian Kitchen
• Bend the Bao
• Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
• CityWalk food court: BK Whopper Bar, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Panda Express
• Cold Stone Creamery
• Hot Dog Hall of Fame
• Lone Palm Airport
• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
• Red Oven Pizza Bakery
• Starbucks Coffee
• Voodoo Doughnut
• Auntie Anne’s
• Dippin’ Dots
• Fat Tuesday
• Universal’s Fresh Eats
• Breakfast options at Universal CityWalk
• Hollywood Drive-In Golf
• Universal Cinemark
• Universal’s Great Movie Escape
• CityWalk’s Rising Star
• Red Coconut Club
• Universal Studios Store

Universal Orlando’s hotels (general information)

Universal Orlando Resort boasts eight hotels, and each has something the others don’t! Use these guide pages to read about each one and decide which is best for you and your family on your unforgettable vacation.

• Comparing Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
• Portofino Bay: Rooms
• Portofino Bay: Public spaces & Harbor Piazza
• Portofino Bay: Mandara Spa
• Portofino Bay: Pool areas
• Bar American (full-service bar)
• Bice (full-service)
• Gelateria (quick-service)
• Mama Della’s Ristorante (full-service)
• Sal’s Market Deli (quick-service)
• Splendido Bar & Grill (full-service bar)
• The Thirsty Fish (full-service bar)
• Trattoria del Porto (full-service)
• Portofino Bay: Distance from the parks
• Hard Rock: Rooms
• Hard Rock: Public spaces
• Hard Rock: Pool area
• beachclub (full-service bar)
• The Kitchen (full-service)
• Velvet Bar (full-service bar)
• Hard Rock: Distance from the parks
• Royal Pacific: Rooms
• Royal Pacific: Public spaces
• Royal Pacific: Pool area
• Bula Bar & Grille (quick-service)
• Islands Dining Room (full-service)
• Jake’s American Bar (full-service)
• Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar (full-service)
• Jake’s Beer Dinner
• Despicable Me Character Breakfast
• Wantilan Luau
• Royal Pacific: Distance from the parks
• Sapphire Falls: Rooms
• Sapphire Falls: Public spaces
• Sapphire Falls: Pool area
• Amatista Cookhouse (full-service)
• Drhum Club Kantine (quick-service)
• New Dutch Trading Co. (quick-service)
• Strong Water Tavern (full-service bar)
• Sapphire Falls: Distance from the parks
• Cabana Bay: Rooms
• Cabana Bay: Public spaces
• Cabana Bay: Pool areas
• Atomic Tonic (quick-service)
• Bayliner Diner (quick-service)
• Shakes Malt Shoppe (quick-service)
• Galaxy Bowl (full-service)
• Hideaway Bar & Grill (quick-service)
• Swizzle Lounge (quick-service bar)
• Cabana Bay: Distance from the parks
• Aventura: Rooms
• Aventura: Public spaces
• Aventura: Pool area
• Urban Pantry (quick-service)
• Bar 17 Bistro (full-service bar)
• Bar Ventura (limited-service bar)
• Bar Sol (limited-service bar)
• Aventura: Distance from the parks
• Surfside: Rooms
• Surfside: Public spaces
• Surfside: Pool area
• Beach Break Cafe (quick-service)
• Sand Bar (limited-service bar)
• Surfside: Distance from the parks
• Dockside: Rooms
• Dockside: Public spaces
• Dockside: Pool areas
• Pier 8 Market
• Sunset Lounge (limited-service bar)
• The Oasis Beach Bar (limited-service bar)
• Dockside: Distance from the parks
• Stella Nova: Rooms
• Terra Luna: Rooms
• Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening in 2025)
• Hotel discount for annual passholders & the logistics of checking in
• Breakfast options at the hotels

The Prop Graveyard: TOURING THE EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS

Unfortunately, even good things must come to an end. Universal Orlando Resort opened more than 20 years ago, and in their journey to keep things fresh and updated, sacrifices had to be made along the way! Use these guide pages to read up on the attractions of days gone by.

• Twister: Ride It Out
• Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue
• Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration
• Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience
• Terminator 2 3D: Battle across Time
• Superstar Character Breakfast
• Flying Fish Market
• Beverly Hills Boulangerie (quick-service)
• A Day in the Park with Barney
• Fear Factor Live
• Curious George Goes to Town
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
• Fievel’s Playland
• Dragon Challenge: Secrets of the Queue
• The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad
• Honk Honkers (candy store)
• Poseidon’s Fury
• Universal’s Q-Bot Ride Reservation System
• Universal Orlando Dining Plans
• Halloween 2020
• Emeril’s Orlando
• Blue Man Group
• Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar
• Universal Legacy Store
• Summer Concert Series
• A Celebration of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Guide 2024

Are you looking to plan a trip to Universal Orlando? Featuring Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk, Universal Orlando has endless options for thrill rides, entertainment, dining, and hospitality. Our comprehensive guide will show you how to plan a Universal Orlando vacation step-by-step, covering everything from the different parks, ticketing costs and packages, hotels, dining, crowds, and more!

Prefer To Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Universal Travel Agency.

Theme Parks and Major Attractions

One of the primary features of Universal Orlando Resort is, not surprisingly, its selection of theme parks and other major attractions.

How Many Parks Does Universal Orlando Have?

I love visiting Universal Orlando because there is so much to do. The resort has two fantastic theme parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), with a third under construction . There’s also a water park (Volcano Bay), so there’s something for every adult, teen, and child.

Universal Orlando is certainly comparable to Walt Disney World , but a trip to Universal is a magically unique experience in itself. The resort has so many iconic rides, shows, and restaurants, it’s something you absolutely must try.

On top of these parks, Universal Orlando has Universal CityWalk, an entertainment complex filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and more. The resort also has two Harry Potter Worlds, one located in Universal Studios and one in Islands of Adventure , both of which I will cover in more detail later in this article.

Which Universal Park is Best? That depends on what shows and rides you are most interested in seeing, because there are plenty of ways to compare Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure . Step one of planning your dream Universal vacation is to learn about the parks and decide what you are most excited about trying, so let’s take a deeper dive into what each of these parks has to offer!

Universal Studios Florida (Orlando)

Entrance archway at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios is Universal Orlando’s first theme park. The park opened in 1990 with the intention of letting visitors immerse themselves in their favorite TV shows and films in the form of rides, shows, and other experiences.

Universal is known to be themed around more of the “classic” shows and films, meaning it will be great for teens and adults to enjoy their old favorite shows! I love the movies and shows in Universal Studios because they are a blast from the past. Some of my favorite themes in Universal are E.T. and the Simpsons, but if these are not your favorite don’t worry — there are so many more to choose from!

You don’t need a reservation to visit Universal Studios , but sometimes the park can limit attendance if it reaches full capacity, so make sure to get your ticket in advance to secure your spot!

The theme park is divided into eight main themes:

• Minion Land (formerly Production Central)
• San Francisco
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
• Springfield, USA: Home of the Simpsons
• DreamWorks Land — Opening Summer 2024 (formerly Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone)

I love walking around Universal Studios because you really feel like you are leaving one world and entering another when you cross into a different themed area. One minute I am walking around San Francisco in the world of Fast & Furious, feeling like I’m on set with Dominic Toretto, and the next I feel like I’m a Hogwarts student walking around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Studios has some great thrill rides like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Revenge of the Mummy, and more. These rides combine crazy drops, turns, and suspense, with mind-blowing visual effects that really make you feel like you are trying to escape from the dragon in Gringotts with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, or that you are being chased by a mummy from ancient Egypt.

Just as much as its rides, Universal Studios is known for its amazing shows and experiences. One of my favorite shows to watch is the Bourne Stuntacular. You can watch Jason Bourne run, jump, climb, and flip away from his enemies in a show that combines real, mind-blowing stunts with 4D technology.

Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure Theme Park Entrance

Islands of Adventure is well-known for immersive thrill rides — they’re some of the best rides in the park . The park is slightly newer than Universal Studios and was opened in 1999 to combine more modern films and shows with crazy theme park rides. Here, you can see everything from your favorite Marvel superheroes to dinosaurs in Jurassic Park! Like Universal Studios, the park also has eight major sections:

• Jurassic Park
• Marvel Super Hero Island
• Port of Entry
• Seuss Landing
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• The Lost Continent
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
• Toon Lagoon

The park is best known for its crazy thrill rides. I love thrill rides but even some of these get my heart racing! The Velocicoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall are known to really get your blood pumping, and I can attest that they are some of my favorite thrill rides ever.

Islands of Adventure is also well-known to have one of the most famous theme park rides in the world: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The roller coaster takes you twisting and turning through the Forbidden Forest as your ride alongside Hagrid and some magical creatures from the World of Harry Potter.

Hagrid’s has everything you could ever ask for in a theme park ride and is a must-see! This park is especially good for teens and adults because of all the crazy rides, but if you come as a whole family there is still so much for little kids to do! Just make sure to check the height requirements of the various Universal theme park rides before you plan your days. We will talk about all there is for kids to do later on in the article!

Coming Soon: Epic Universe

Artist Concept | Image © Universal

A third theme park, Universal Epic Universe , is expected to open sometime in 2025 and will feature rides, shows, and experiences, all based on more recent films and series. Here’s an overview of the themed “worlds” inside the park:

• Celestial Park
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
• Super Nintendo World
• How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
• Dark Universe

Epic Universe was originally supposed to open in 2023, but that date was delayed because of COVID. But everything appears to be on track now for a 2025 opening, presumably in time for the summer rush. Until then, I would not worry about delaying your Universal vacation to wait for Epic. There is already so much to do in Universal Orlando and you can always come back if you want to try out Epic Universe!

Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk Orlando | Image © Universal

Universal CityWalk is located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. CityWalk is a great place to take a break from the theme parks and enjoy some amazing dining, shopping, shows, and even mini-golf. I love to visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and grab a cocktail whenever I am in Universal, or you can visit the world’s largest Hard Rock Café for some great food and rock music.

Universal CityWalk really comes alive at night, and it is the place to be if you are looking for some dinner, a drink, or even just some good music!

Best of all, there’s no admission charge for CityWalk — you don’t need a theme park ticket (or any other kind of ticket) to visit. Just be aware that CityWalk uses the same (paid) parking lots as the theme parks.

Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay | Image © Universal

Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park located next to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Whenever I visit I am blown away by the beauty of the park and its design — this is not your typical water park, to say the least. Volcano Bay is centered around a massive volcano with slides pouring out from all sides.

One of my favorite things about the park is its virtual line system. Your ticket to the park comes with a waterproof device called TapuTapu. You can virtually ‘get in line’ for any of your favorite rides in the water park , and when it is your turn your TapuTapu will let you know to go to the ride. So instead of standing in line baking in the sun all day, you can relax by the pool or in a cozy cabana!

Volcano Bay is a great change of pace from the two main theme parks and is definitely worth visiting if you are in the resort for a few days!

As a Universal Preferred Travel Agency , our official travel partner  The Vacationeer is the best place to get free help booking your Universal Orlando vacation .

• No Planning Fees: There’s never any charge to use The Vacationeer ‘s services
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• Full-Service Concierge: Vacationeers book ground transportation, hotels, park tickets, and dining
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So stop stressing over planning ! Let the Universal experts at The Vacationeer handle it for you.

The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter

Some of the most popular attractions in the Universal Orlando Resort are The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter , and depending on how much time you have, picking your favorite Harry Potter World may influence which Universal Park you want to visit.

There are two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Both of these are lands located inside the primary theme parks ; there is no separate Harry Potter theme park.

Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure and features rides like the world-famous Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Here, you can also see Hogwarts Castle, shop around Hogsmeade, and grab a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks.

Just a short train ride away, Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, and here you can ride Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, explore Kings Cross and Platform 9 ¾, and get your own wand at Ollivanders. Getting your own wand is a magical experience in itself. Every wand is imported, hand painted, and made from a durable sculpted resin. You can even get them engraved to make it more personal!

Both these worlds are fantastic, and I fully recommend seeing both to get the most out of your experience.

Another reason to see both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is the chance to take the Hogwarts Express.

The express is definitely one of my favorite experiences in the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter, and it takes you between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The ride has some surreal visual and audio effects and you really feel like you are on a train to Hogwarts!

Pro Tip: You need a Park-to-Park pass to be able to take the Hogwarts Express. And be sure to check out our Harry Potter tips article for more insider info!

What Are the Best Rides in Universal Orlando?

The best rides in Universal are spread across the parks, which means wherever you are in the resort, you are bound to have some world-class roller coasters at your fingertips. There are so many options available it’s hard to go wrong. Depending on how much time you have in Universal you may want to prioritize going to one park over another depending on what rides you want to try. So let’s take a look at some of the top rides Universal Orlando has to offer and where they are.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

I’m a bit biased here because I am a huge Harry Potter fan, but the first ride I want to go on when I visit Universal Orlando is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Hagrid’s is one of the most popular rides at Universal Orlando. You can go flying through the Forbidden Forest and encounter some of your favorite characters along the way.

The ride is located in Islands of Adventure in Hogsmeade, and almost always has a long line – so plan ahead!

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Jurassic World Velocicoaster

The Jurassic World Velocicoaster is another one of my favorite rides in Universal, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The Velocicoaster is ranked by many to be the best ride in Universal, and in my opinion, it’s also the scariest. While this ride has some cool designs, it’s all about the thrill. The Velocicoaster takes off right from the start and you are sent spinning into huge twists and turns and are met with some massive drops along the way.

The ride is located in Islands of Adventure and with the combination of speed, animatronics, and a great layout it’s a must-see!

Revenge of the Mummy

The Revenge of the Mummy is one of the psychological thriller rides in Universal Orlando. On the ride you are speeding away from an evil mummy, twisting and turning through complete darkness at some points.

This ride is located in Universal Studios, and I believe that it’s the best one in the park. Revenge of the Mummy has lots of unexpected twists, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself holding your breath!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Yes, another Harry Potter ride. And no, it’s not because I am biased. This is widely considered to be one of the best rides at Universal Orlando. Located in Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a long ride that will take you speeding through Hogwarts. You will evade death eaters, interrupt a Quidditch match, and you will be flying beside your favorite Harry Potter characters the whole time!

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan this ride is another must-try!

What Universal Orlando Rides are Best for Kids?

There are great rides for kids all over the resort. Paying attention to the height restrictions is the most important factor in determining what rides your kids can and can’t ride. This list is going to focus on all the rides that kids under 48” can enjoy and where to find them!

Before I start, I want to point out one of my favorite rides in the parks that is great for kids of all ages and sizes: the Hogwarts Express. There is no height restriction on this ride and it is a magical experience that makes you feel like you are a real Hogwarts student going to school. Keep in mind you need a Park-to-Park pass for the express! Also note that while it’s slow-moving, there are still some scenes that the youngest riders might find a bit scary.

I believe that some of the best rides for kids are in Universal Studios because there are so many good options to choose from. One of the best rides for little kids is E.T. Adventure. With only a 34” height minimum, kids of almost all ages will be able to enjoy it!

In Universal Studios you also have great rides for kids like Transformers: The Ride-3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem that have 40” height minimums. Lastly, you have the MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts rides that have a 42” minimum which are two more great options.

In Islands of Adventure you can ride the Flight of the Hippogriff with a 36” height minimum, Pteranodon Flyers between 36”-56”, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man with a 40” minimum- there are plenty of choices all around the parks!

What Rides are Best for Toddlers in Universal Orlando?

Islands of Adventure takes the crown for this one. I highly recommend Seuss Landing for toddlers because there are so many kid-friendly rides to enjoy that are often open to kids of any height. In Seuss Landing you can ride One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish; the Caro-Seuss-el; the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride; and The Cat in the Hat. All of these rides are simple yet fun, and are available to ride for most toddlers!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish | Image © Universal

Have Questions But Don’t Want To Wait On Hold?

Deciding When To Go

Of course, a major part of your trip planning is deciding when to visit.

What is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando?

Generally, the best times to visit Universal Orlando Resort are when schools are in session, during the middle of the week, and in the middle of non-holiday stretches. I always use a Universal Crowd Calendar to make sure I plan my visit during a quieter time.

During school vacations and special Universal events, the parks are generally busier, but that certainly doesn’t mean it is not worth coming! It just takes a bit more planning ahead. Aside from your personal schedule and constraints, the best time to visit is mid-September through mid-October. But keep an eye on the crowd calendar to pick the time that works best for you!

What Special Events are at Universal Orlando?

Throughout the year, Universal puts on three main blockbuster events: Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Mardi Gras, and Christmas in Universal Orlando. There are also several other smaller events that also draw crowds throughout the year. Put together, they make for a robust year-round set of offerings.

Halloween Horror Nights

One of many haunted settings around Universal Orlando during Halloween Horror Nights | Image © Universal

Halloween Horror Nights is one of my favorite times at Universal Orlando. These days are spread throughout the fall, and the atmosphere is always fantastic because everyone is excited to be out in Universal embracing Halloween. It’s worth it to attend the Horror Nights for the Haunted Houses alone, because they combine real people and crazy special effects that make you feel like you are right in the center of a horror movie.

Pro Tip: These can get pretty scary, so I wouldn’t recommend them for young kids!

If haunted houses aren’t for you then you can enjoy the many scare zones, live shows, rides, or amazing food. If you love Halloween this event is a must-try!

Image © Universal

Universal Studios Mardi Gras normally happens on select days between February and April and is one of the best events at the resort. There is amazing food inspired by New Orleans, Puerto Rico, and more, which adds an exciting twist to the already fantastic dining options at Universal. Magical parades, live concerts, and street performers will litter the resort, making you feel like you are right in the heart of New Orleans experiencing Mardi Gras! I would highly recommend planning to come on a Mardi Gras scheduled day if you are visiting in the early spring!

Christmas/Holidays

Lastly, and definitely not least, we have Christmas in Universal Orlando . I love the holiday season. My family and I have a tradition of re-watching all of the Harry Potter movies in December, so for me, nothing beats visiting Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley during this time of year! Everything is transformed with amazing holiday lights, decorations, and even some snow! It’s an already magical place that is made even more special with the holiday cheer.

You can also experience a holiday parade featuring real balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade!

In Islands of Adventure you have Grinchmas! Seuss Landing is transformed into a winter wonderland and you get to experience what it is like to be in How The Grinch Stole Christmas first-hand!

Grinchmas | Image © Universal | Character © Dr. Seuss Enterprises

Even CityWalk embraces the holiday spirit with amazing decorations. It’s such a magical time to visit I can’t recommend it enough!

Other Events

There are many more events throughout the year, including a Christian music festival, graduation celebrations, and of course major holidays such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.  See our Special Events at Universal Orlando page for full details on everything that’s offered.

Get Personalized Advice on the Best Time To Go

Deciding Where to Stay at Universal Orlando

There are plenty of great places to stay when you visit Universal Orlando, but where you will want to stay will depend on whether you are traveling as a family, a group of adults, if you have pets, and what your budget is. Sometimes it’s tough to decide which hotel or resort is best for you, and that when a travel agent can come in handy. I always use The Vacationeer whenever I need help planning my Universal trips.

Now, let’s dive into your options!

Staying at a Universal Hotel

Is it worth it to stay at a Universal Orlando hotel? Yes. You will pay a bit of a premium to stay in a Universal hotel compared to surrounding hotels in Orlando, but there are plenty of benefits that come with your room that more than justify the extra expense. There are plenty of benefits to staying in a Universal Orlando hotel like early park admission, free transportation among the parks, complimentary merchandise delivery, and more. We will go into these perks in more detail in the next few paragraphs. Also, one of the most important reasons why I like to stay at Universal Hotels is purely because of their prime locations. All the hotels are within walking distance of the theme parks and that saves a ton of time and hassle.

Now let’s take a closer look into some of the benefits that make booking your vacation at a Universal Hotel such a good decision.

One of the biggest perks is Early Park Admission . This means that if you are staying at a universal hotel you are able to enter into the parks you purchased tickets for an hour before the general public. This will give you access to some of your favorite rides without having to deal with massive lines. Only certain rides are available for early park access each day, but Universal Keeps a Rotating List that you can easily check and plan ahead.

The second huge benefit of staying in a Universal Hotel is Free Transportation around the parks and CityWalk. Many of the hotels are already within easy walking distance and have paths available to get to wherever you want to go, but if you would rather take a shuttle or a water taxi, that option is always available to use!

You also have cool perks like the ability to charge purchases to your hotel room, get wake-up calls from Universal characters, and if you purchase something in a theme park you get free delivery to your hotel!

The last main benefit is that if you stay at one of the “Premier” level resorts you get a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass. This perk comes with a price tag because staying at these premier resorts tends to be significantly more expensive. But if you are looking to plan your vacation in style then this could be a great option for you! You also have access to exclusive seating at select restaurants throughout Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.

Are Universal Hotels Expensive?

Yes and no. Theme parks are certainly not cheap to visit and neither is the accommodation that comes along with them. But, there are a variety of options to choose from that can fit almost any budget. Universal hotels are generally less expensive than Disney. The good thing about Universal is that there are a variety of ‘tiers’ of hotels that range from value hotels to premier hotels, meaning that you can select the budget that works best for you. We will go over these options in more detail in a few sections.

What are the best Universal Orlando hotels ? That depends on your budget, interests, and size of your family. Let’s get into it!

What are the best Universal Orlando Hotels for Adults?

My top pick for the best hotel at Universal Orlando for adults is the Hard Rock Hotel. This classic-rock-themed hotel takes you on a journey through the greatest artists and bands of all time like the Eagles, Elvis, Bon Jovi, and more as you walk through its hallways.

The hotel offers a complimentary Sound of Your Stay service that lets you use musician equipment for free throughout your stay. The program has everything from guitars to vinyls and is a must-do if you are staying here.

If you are a lover of rock this is a must-try!

What are the Best Universal Orlando Hotels for Families?

My favorite hotel to stay at when travelling with family is the Cabana Bay Beach Resort . There is so much to do for adults, teens, and kids it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day at the theme parks or if you just need a break from the action.

The hotel has a great pool area, a lazy river, a bowling alley and more. Sometimes you even get appearances from your favorite characters at night!

Lazy river at Cabana Bay

The hotel has everything from small rooms to family rooms that can fit up to six people.

I also highly recommend the Universal Aventura Hotel . The hotel is similarly priced to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and has a great modern look. There is a path straight from the Aventura to Volcano Bay, and you get some special benefits with your stay like Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Aventura Hotel | Image © Universal

Which Universal Hotels are Pet-Friendly?

Do you want to plan a Universal vacation but you are worried about leaving your four-legged-friend alone at home or with a relative? Well, you don’t have to! Universal Orlando has four pet-friendly hotels that take dogs and cats for a one-time fee. This option costs $100 and is only available for certain rooms within the hotels, so make sure you book the correct room before you plan to bring your pet. The hotels are:

• Hard Rock Hotel (only Garden View rooms)
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (only Garden View and Bay View rooms)
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort (only Standard rooms)
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (only Standard rooms)

Sapphire Falls

The hotels all have a limit of two pets per room. You are going to need to provide vaccination information for your pet and keep them supervised at all times. Follow these rules and your pet will enjoy their stay just as much as you!

What are the Best Value Hotels at Universal Orlando?

The best value hotels at Universal Orlando are Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, and Endless Summer Resort.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort

You already know about Cabana Bay and the Aventura Hotel: not only are they great places for families they also are some of the best value hotels in Universal Orlando.

The Endless Summer Resort is made up of two hotels: Dockside Inn and Suites, and Surfside Inn. The rooms can start at as little as $91 per night. Both hotels have pools, cocktail bars, a food court, nearby Starbucks and more. They are a great place to stay if you are looking to save some money!

Premier Universal Orlando Hotels

If you are looking to treat yourself and your family while enjoying some great perks, then the Premier Universal Orlando Hotels are for you. Universal has three premier hotels: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Each provides a unique theme and experience, and comes with complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes along with Early Park Admission.

We already discussed the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando earlier in this article, but in case you missed it the hotel is classic rock-themed and is filled with jaw-dropping memorabilia, photos, and music. You can even book complimentary guitars to use during your stay!

Loews Royal Pacific Resort has a tropical theme and is the closest premier hotel to Islands of Adventure. Relaxing at the hotel makes you feel like you are on a remote island retreat, and there are great restaurants, pools, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Royal Pacific | Image © Universal

Pro Tip: This hotel is often priced slightly slower than the other premier hotels

Lastly, we have the Loews Portofino Bay ; a beautiful premier hotel that is themed after Portofino, Italy. The hotel has beautiful architecture and makes you feel like you are relaxing on a beach in southern Europe!

Portofino Bay

Staying Offsite

It’s no secret that there are off-site options that allow you to stay near Universal without being on Universal property. The rooms will likely be cheaper than the on-site hotels, but you’ll be missing out on all of the on-site perks I mentioned above.

You’ll also need to factor in additional travel time to get to the parks. Some of these hotels offer shuttle service to Universal , but be sure to check the schedules to make sure they work for your trip plans (some might only offer one or two departures per day).

None of this is to say that staying offsite is necessarily an inferior choice; many guests do so and are perfectly happy. We simply recommend you get all the info so you can decide if the savings are worth the tradeoffs.

Find the Exact Price of Your Universal Hotel Stay

Universal Orlando Tickets: Prices and Options

Universal Orlando has several options for tickets that span across the number of days and number of parks you want to visit. This means you can pick the best ticket bundle for you! With everything from Park-to-Park to the Express Pass, it can be difficult to decide what is best for your schedule and what gives you the most bang for your buck. But fear not! I have some pro tips to help you get the best experience possible out of your Universal vacation. Let’s go over the various ticket options and prices so you can decide which plan is best for you.

How Many Days Should You Purchase?

I would recommend purchasing at least 3 or 4 days for your Universal visit. Universal uses surge pricing, so tickets can become more or less expensive depending on crowds. Generally, a 1-Park one day pass will cost around $120 and a 1-Park two day pass will cost around $230. Yes, I know, it sounds like a lot, but the really good deals all start after two days.

Increasing to a third, fourth, and fifth day can cost as little as $10 to $30 per day, and oftentimes, Universal has promotion deals where you can get them for free. I always stay at least for at least four days when I visit, partially because it lets me get the best ticket prices, and partially because there is just so much to see!

I understand that the longer visits might not be for everyone, so if you are only looking to visit the parks for one day I would absolutely recommend getting a Park-to-Park pass. But, if you are only interested in visiting one theme park, there is no need to worry about picking one over another because of price, because it costs the exact same to visit Universal Studios as Islands of Adventure.

How Many Parks Should You Visit?

Universal offers 1-Park, 2-Park, and 3-Park options to choose from when you are purchasing your tickets. These parks are Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay (water park). There are many options to choose from, either through your travel agent or through the Universal website . I always suggest you consider all the options and pick the best one that works for you. Also, Universal is almost always running promotions, so keep an eye out!

Generally, if you like water parks I would recommend spending one day at Volcano Bay and then dedicating the rest of your time to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I always like to book my trips with a travel agent because it helps me guarantee that I am getting the best value and experience out of my vacation — and they always have helpful advice!

Universal Park-to-Park Pass

My thoughts on this pass are simple: get it. The Park-to-Park pass allows you to move between multiple parks whenever you want throughout the day. Generally, this refers to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and lets you travel between each throughout the day. If you are willing to splurge a little and get the slightly more expensive Park-to-Park pass it will absolutely be worth the money.

The pass dramatically increases your options for rides, shows, and worlds each day and lets you move around with freedom. Also, the Park-to-Park pass is the only way that you can ride the Hogwarts Express, the magical train that takes you between the two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter. As I said earlier, the Hogwarts Express is one of my favorite rides in Universal Orlando and this alone can justify the purchase of the pass.

Is the Universal Studios Express Pass Worth it?

The Express Pass lets you skip the lines at all eligible rides and experiences in the park one time per attraction. Almost all rides accept this and it will certainly save you a lot of time and maximize your experience, but you have to pay for the luxury. The Express Pass is an extra charge, meaning the normal admission ticket is a separate cost, and it starts at around $80 per day. And keep in mind, this price can increase depending on the crowds.

Even though this is an extra cost, I believe that the Universal Express Pass is worth it because of the time you save by not having to wait in line at these parks. The extra payment means fewer lines and more rides, which is the best way to maximize your Universal experience. You don’t need to purchase this pass every day, and you can decide to use it on the busier days, or when you plan to hit the most popular rides. Save it for the days when you need it, but I always buy this pass at least once when I want to maximize a full day of great rides and experiences.

Is the Universal Express Unlimited Pass Worth It?

If you are looking to keep an eye on your costs, I would recommend only getting this pass if there is one ride you want to go on several times in a day. There are so many amazing rides to choose from around each park so you will not be bored with the regular Express Pass. Although, if it’s your goal to ride the Velocicoaster 10 times in one day, then this is the pass for you!

Pro Tip: If you book a Premier hotel you will automatically get the pass, completely free of charge!

Is the Universal VIP Experience Worth It?

Yes. If you are willing to spend the money, Universal VIP tours are absolutely worth it.

The Universal VIP experience is a private tour that takes you around one (or both) of the Universal Orlando theme parks in one day. Depending on what tour you chose, the experience can be fully personalized, so you can ride what you want, when you want, and you have the privilege of skipping the lines so there is no waiting around! On your tour, you will also get access to some exclusive backstage areas that are not open to the general public. There are two main private tours: The Universal VIP tour and Private VIP tours.

Some of the benefits of the Universal VIP tour include valet-parking, reserved seating at Universal Orlando shows, Universal Express Unlimited passes for the rest of the day after the tour, food and merch discounts, free admission to some clubs at CityWalk, and at least one complimentary meal if you chose a 2-park tour.

If you decide to go on a Private VIP tour, you get all the benefits above and more. This package also includes a private tour guide just for your group, a fully customizable itinerary, a complimentary dinner, a photo package, the ability to use child-swap (where one adult can go on a ride while the other waits with their child, and then they swap so the other parents can ride without having to go to the back of the line), and more.

Both of these packages will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Universal, but they do not come cheap. The price of the VIP tour starts around $189 per person, but this can change depending on the crowd conditions.

The price of private tours also varies with crowd conditions, but generally can cost around $3,000 or more. If you are willing to splurge for a special Universal experience, these tours are worth the money you will pay and more!

Attraction Access Pass for Guests With Special Needs

For guests with a condition which makes it difficult to wait in a traditional standby queue, Universal offers an Attraction Access Pass . The pass allows guests to wait  outside of the traditional standby line — but they’ll still wait roughly the same amount of time as guests who are in the traditional line. There’s no charge for this service, but you’ll still need paid theme park admission and must register in advance.

Get Personalized Ticket Guidance From the Universal Experts

Dining at Universal Orlando

There are s o many good restaurants in Universal Orlando you will want to try them all! In terms of dining, you don’t necessarily need to do too much planning ahead before you book your trip to Universal Orlando. Each hotel has great dining options, along with each theme park. When I am visiting one of the parks, I like to grab breakfast at my hotel, have lunch at whatever park I am visiting that day, and then I like to go to CityWalk for dinner.

Sometimes if I want to plan to visit a special restaurant in one of the parks, like one of my personal favorites, Mythos in Islands of Adventure, I’ll plan ahead and then stay in the park to eat dinner.

Universal used to have a dining plan and they may be bringing it back in the future, but we wouldn’t suggest worrying about this. Even when it did exist I always preferred to just decide where I want to eat on the day without too much planning ahead because I found it gave me more flexibility with my schedule.

Remember, the cost of dining at Universal Studios restaurants can be a sizeable chunk of your daily vacation budget; don’t forget to plan ahead when you’re calculating how much your trip will cost.

How To Get to Universal Orlando Resort

Whether you are flying or driving, Universal Orlando is easy to access . Driving is very straightforward, and you should have no problems putting the address of your hotel into maps and then arriving right at its doorstep. On the other hand, flying requires a bit more planning.

There are two airports in Orlando: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). I definitely recommend booking your flight to Orlando International Airport because it’s closer to Universal, there will be more flight options, and better transportation options. But, I’m going to cover both just in case you need to fly to SFB!

From Orlando International Airport (MCO)

I always like to fly into MCO. It’s closer to Universal and because of that you have more options to get to the resort, and they are generally more affordable.

The best way to get from Orlando Airport to Universal is simply taking an Uber. The prices can depend on how big the crowds are at the airport, but generally the trip will cost between $30 and $70. Using an Uber would save you some planning time and it will be really easy to call the car from your phone once you arrive. If you are looking to travel in style, booking a Town Car is the best option! Ultimate Town Car is the most popular choice and this option will definitely guarantee you arrive without issues and looking good.

The next best option I recommend would be to book a shuttle. The most prominent option is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle. You can book the SuperStar shuttle roundtrip from MCO to on-site Universal hotels. It costs $39 for an adult and $29 for kids between the ages of 3-9. This is a good, reliable option, but it is a bit more expensive than Uber if you have a family.

The last options would be to take a taxi or book public transportation. A taxi will be just like Uber but it can be more difficult to call and it will be slightly more expensive. Public transportation will be the cheapest option and can cost as little as a few bucks, but it can take up to two hours to get to Universal and simply isn’t worth it in my opinion after already flying in. It’s better to save your energy for the theme parks!

From Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

SFB airport might be your only option into Orlando if you’re flying on a discount carrier or want a non-stop flight that starts at a smaller regional airport near your home. Regardless of the reason, if you are flying into SFB your options to get to Universal are more limited. There are a few bus options to consider, but the most convenient options will either be booking a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or town car. We recommend Uber because it will be very convenient and the most affordable, and should cost you between $50 and $70.

From Disney World

If you are looking to continue on to Universal from a Disney vacation, there are plenty of easy ways to get there . My personal favorite is to just use a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft. The convenience of being able to quickly call a car from your phone and the reasonable price (between $20 and $50 depending on crowds) make this the best option… especially if you’re actually swapping hotels and have luggage with you.

There are also shuttles available, but they charge on a person-by-person basis, so if you are traveling with family this can begin to add up. One-way rates generally are around $21 for adults and $16 for kids, and buying a roundtrip ticket will save you a bit of money.

You can also call a taxi service, town car, or rent your own car. All can be good options depending on your needs! But all things considered, just take an Uber!

Free Help From a Universal Preferred Travel Agent

Should You Use a Travel Agent for Universal Orlando Resort? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Absolutely. I can not recommend using a travel agent enough for planning these vacations.

There is so much to consider from travel, hotels, park passes, dining, and more, and a travel agent will help you get the most out of your experience along with saving the most money planning and booking your Universal vacation. This means that rather than waiting on hold to speak with Universal’s customer service team, your agent handles it for you!

I always use The Vacationeer to book my trips, especially if I am traveling with family, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to book a Universal Vacation.

They will save you a ton of time and stress throughout the planning process and let you focus on enjoying the magical vacation ahead of you .

They also can help you handle anything unexpected that may happen to your plans along the way!

And because their planning services are completely free , you won’t pay a penny more than if you’d booked the trip on your own.

So why not take advantage of their outstanding free advice and help ? There are a lot of moving parts to planning a Universal vacation, and using The Vacationeer ensures you won’t miss any critical steps .

Get your free, no-obligation quote for the perfect Universal Orlando vacation today!

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Plan Your Trip to Orlando

Orlando, with more sunny days than not, is a great getaway most any time of the year. With a theme park for every day of the week and plenty of natural beauty, it’s not hard to see why.

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If you’re not a fan of crowds, however, avoid the theme parks from late May through Labor Day, any long holiday weekend, mid-December to early January and late March to April when school kids are off for spring break. July tends to be the hottest month, with temperatures in the 90s (and a wallop of humidity). January is the coldest, with temps typically from the 50s to the 70s (but mosquitoes are on sabbatical). Do keep in mind: June 1 to Nov. 30 is hurricane season. Weather can range from slight drizzles to total downpours.

Ways to save:  For lower hotel rates, visit in January, September or November, when most children are in school. January and November also coincide with lovely weather (besides the hurricane risk in November): cooler than the summer’s highs and still very mild compared with the rest of the nation.

Where to stay

In the entertainment mecca that is Orlando, there is no shortage of places to rest your head. The metropolitan area has more than 480 hotels and resorts, 20,000 vacation-home rentals and 25,000 vacation-ownership properties (i.e., time-shares). Drum roll, please: That’s a grand total of more than 130,000 rooms.

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The vast majority of those accommodations are near the theme parks and include wallet-friendly options like B Resort & Spa and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, which offers discounts of 10 percent off for guests 50 and older. There are also resorts within the theme parks, but they can be pricey. The upside? Hotels within the parks often offer perks like early park admission to get you through the doors before the masses. Universal has five on-site hotels, as well as more budget-oriented hotels within its Endless Summer Resort collection, including properties like Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites. And Disney has more than 25 on-site properties that range from classics like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where giraffes might amble past your balcony. You can count on these hotels to have wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, and chairlifts at the pools.

Rates at the same hotel can vary by several hundred dollars depending on the season.

Affordable options include RV spots (about $80 during low season) at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort — so popular, you should book at least six months ahead. 

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If you'd rather be based in the downtown area (about 30 minutes from the theme parks), consider the AC Hotel Orlando Downtown, which sits across from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and has a fabulous rooftop bar; and the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, where guests can cool off in a rooftop pool after a day exploring. 

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How to get there

In 2019, 50.6 million travelers passed through  Orlando International Airport  (MCO), about 20 miles from Walt Disney World. And in 2022, it was named the seventh-busiest airport in the world. A smaller airport, Sanford International Airport, is about 18 miles outside Orlando city limits. Amtrak also has a station in Orlando and Winter Park, an upscale suburb about 30 to 40 minutes from the theme parks (and 10 minutes from downtown Orlando). Taxis and car-share services, like Uber and Lyft, serve them all.

A standby for years, Disney’s Magical Express bus service no longer transports passengers arriving at Orlando International Airport to the theme park hotels (it stopped operating in January 2022). Mears Connect has filled the gap, and picks up from Terminal B, in the same spot Disney once did, offering standard (group) and express (direct) service to hotels near Disney World. Rides on wheelchair-accessible shuttles cost $16 per adult, one-way, for standard service ($32 round trip) or $250 round-trip for private express service for up to four people. 

Universal runs a SuperStar Shuttle between the airport and on-site hotels for $39 and is also ADA friendly.

Activities to arrange before you go

Let’s start with theme park tickets: You can purchase tickets once you arrive at the parks, but if you buy them in advance, you’ll save money and bypass the ticketing lines at the entrance.

First, be sure to check out Disney’s official special offers page to see what sorts of discounts on hotel rooms and specially priced admission tickets (for example, for U.S. military members) might be available. 

For Walt Disney World Resort , the more days you book, the more you’ll save off the average per day ticket price when booking. The biggest per-day savings go to park goers who book seven days and longer, which can bring the average daily price down to less than $60, compared to roughly $109 for a one-day ticket. 

Disney has done away with its FastPass and FastPass+ in favor of a new system called Disney Genie and Disney Genie+, which guests access from the Disney Experience mobile app. You can check the app throughout your visit for useful information — when wait times are lowest for certain rides, for instance. Another way to escape long lines for popular rides: Purchase Lightning Lane entrance passes through the app. 

Buying tickets online for Universal Orlando Resort saves you $20 off the gate price on all multiday tickets. If you opt for an on-site hotel you will get Universal Express access, meaning you skip regular lines one time on all participating rides and attractions.

Guests at Seaworld Orlando can save over $25 on a single-day visit by buying a ticket online. The All Day Dining Deal, bought in advance, is a huge value for those with large appetites. You can chow down all day at participating restaurants for $49.99.

Book hotels within the theme parks well in advance. Some of the most popular ones at Walt Disney World Resort get booked months ahead and sell out during prime times. The same goes for table-service restaurants at Disney. Dining reservations in Disney World can be made up to 60 days in advance for select table-service restaurants, quick-service dining and snack locations. For some of the most beloved eateries, like Disney’s California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Jiko – The Cooking Place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll definitely want to try to snag a table as early as possible before your visit (up to 60 days). If you haven't planned that far ahead, you can sometimes get lucky and snag last-minute, day-of and week-of reservations at popular restaurants, when cancellations come through. 

What to pack

Pack your comfiest footwear, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, water bottle and all the sunscreen you can squeeze into your suitcase. No need to dress to the nines: Casual, breezy outfits are the norm. No one will bat an eyelash if you don a fanny pack or a backpack, and strollers are welcome, too, if you have any children in tow (you might want to bring along a lock for a stroller or wagon, if you'll be parting from it for rides). Flip-flops are always in, year-round, but opt for ones that offer some support since you’re bound to be walking quite a bit. Ditch the ball caps and flops, however, for a night out. If you are visiting during the winter, don’t forget a light jacket; even the Sunshine State gets chilly. And during the rainier hurricane season, two words: umbrellas and ponchos. You’ll pay an upcharge for them if you have to purchase them in the parks last minute. 

The Orlando Metro area is generally considered safe to visit. Do keep in mind, however: If you are in a crowd, including at the theme parks, always keep your valuables secure. And don’t store valuables in your car. 

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Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, enjoy some of the newest experiences at walt disney world resort—and rediscover familiar favorites., finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

There’s so much magic waiting for you in the walt disney world theme parks., magic kingdom park, explore lands of endless enchantment, where your fantasy becomes a reality..

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Encounter the magic of nature with animal adventures and entertainment..

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Let your adventure begin as favorite stories come to life all around you.

• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

Dare to discover a place where your imagination comes alive and curiosity waits around every corner.

• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms

Stay in the magic with disney resorts collection, discover the many benefits of staying at our unique disney resort hotels ., enjoy more time in the parks, disney resort hotel guests get extra time to play every day..

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

Disney resort hotel guests arriving in 2025 can enjoy water park admission on check-in day—included with your stay.

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

Discover delicious dining options when you stay at a disney resort hotel..

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

Disney resort hotels offer the same legendary detail, service and storytelling that guests love in our parks..

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease, it’s fun and easy to get around walt disney world resort when you stay at a disney resort hotel..

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

Enjoy special offerings and benefits that take your vacation to the next level..

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks, disney water parks are unlike anything else on earth—they’re drenched in disney magic..

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Explore an amazing place featuring an eclectic mix of shops, eateries and entertainment..

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

Walt disney world resort has dining options to delight every taste, style and budget..

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

Add even more magic to your visit with a variety of unique experiences, available for a fee..

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

If You’re Planning A Disney Trip With Young Kids, Skip This Park

Why "doing it all" at Disney World isn't always the best choice.

Despite practically everyone across the globe knowing what Walt Disney World is, many people don't actually realize how big it is . The entirety of Walt Disney World Resort takes up 25,000 acres, roughly the same size as the city of San Francisco.

And while not all of that land has been developed into popular attractions, that doesn't mean there isn't a ton to do at Disney World. The resort is home to four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining district, and a considerable number of hotels . With that in mind, one of the biggest things you'll have to plan when it comes to a Disney World trip is what to do — and what not to do.

While going to all four theme parks can be an incredibly fun experience, you'll also want to take into consideration exactly what can be done for your kids' specific age group. For example, if you're traveling with young kids, you'll find dozens of rides with no height restrictions at Magic Kingdom that they can enjoy. But there is one park you may want to avoid if you're exclusively traveling with younger kids : Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Why might it be a good idea to avoid HS with younger kids?

Disney's Hollywood Studios is filled with some of the most popular attractions and rides on Disney World property. Here, you'll find Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, along with some of the best thrill rides that Disney has to offer. With all that to do, why would I recommend against bringing younger kids?

Well, hear me out. If you are traveling with kids who love going on rides but may be too short to meet the minimum height requirement for rides, you'll quickly find out that Disney's Hollywood Studios might have more limited options for your group. For reference, here are all the rides and height restrictions for the park:

• Alien Swirling Saucers: Must be 32" or taller
• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway: Any height
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Must be 38" or taller
• Muppet*Vision 3D: Any height
• Rock' n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: Must be 48" or taller
• Slinky Dog Dash: Must be 38" or taller
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: Must be 40" or taller
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Must be 40" or taller
• Toy Story Mania!: Any height
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Must be 40" or taller

So, as you'll see, while there are options with no height restrictions, you won't find nearly as many as a park such as Magic Kingdom. There are still entertainment options, with shows available like Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along. But, as a whole, the park is going to be a lot more geared for thrill seekers in your group, which may make it a rather short visit if you're going with just younger visitors.

When might it be worth taking younger kids to HS?

While a single-day ticket for Disney's Hollywood Studios may not be worth it if you're hoping to entertain younger kids for a full day, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are traveling with a Park Hopper option, you may find that Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great half-day option. There's enough to do with younger kids to last until 2 p.m., which is the earliest you can hop to another park.

If you are traveling with a family that has kids of all ages, you will likely also be able to find things to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The park has some of the best thrill-ride attractions you'll find at Disney World, so any older kids or teens looking to enjoy coasters and more intense rides will be happy with the options available at the park.

Choose what's best for your family – and what fits into your budget.

I may be biased, but I'd wager to say there's no part of Disney World that's not fun in some way. So, no matter what you choose to do, know that you and your family will still find options available for all age groups at all parks.

However, as fun as Disney is, it's also very expensive. So, when it comes to planning and budgeting your trip, you'll want to really examine spots where you may be able to save money. While a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios may not make any difference in your budget if you're planning to park hop anyway, if you are planning to buy a single-day ticket, you'll want to consider what parks truly work best for your family.

Instead of trying to "do it all" at Disney ( a trap many people fall into ), make sure you are planning to do what is best and most fulfilling for your group at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

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Starting from Orlando, woman makes history by 'hitchhiking' her way across U.S. aboard antique airplanes

ORLANDO, Fla. — It was the trip of a lifetime, one in which an adventure-seeking woman made history.

It's fitting that Martha Esch’s “barnstorming” journey across 48 contiguous states, "hitchhiking" aboard antique airplanes in 1988, became the subject of an Orange County Regional History Center breakfast this Women’s History Month.

What You Need To Know

 martha esch grew up captivated by planes and flying  a book spurred the idea to "hitchhike" across the united states via antique aircraft  esch left for her 183-day journey from orlando executive airport she enthralled a crowd at the orange county regional history center this month with tales of her "barnstorming".

“Enthused, nervous and excited. This is a banner day for me,” said Esch, just prior to her presentation. “I’m nervous, but it’s an excited nervous — a fun nervousness.”

Before long, the aviator donned her goggles and leather, fitted hat to take center stage, with the backdrop of black and white photos and maps from her fantastic feat.

“I’ve got goose bumps, even on the bottom of my feet,” she said, laughing.

Esch grew up in the shadow of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, keenly watching planes flying overhead and lights dotting runways. She was fascinated by flight, and by the time she turned 14 years old, marveling at her first flight aboard an early 1900s-era Ford Trimotor, nicknamed the “Tin Goose.”

“I can’t stop looking up when I hear airplanes flying,” Esch said.

Yet, Esch never imagined her captivation by planes, and the romance of riding amid “the wind and wires,” she described, would one day land her in the history books.

Esch began journey by crafting meticulous plan

In college, Esch studied aviation at Kent State in Ohio, wanting to be a pilot at a time when “women didn’t make a living as pilots,” she explained.

But in her senior year of school, she stumbled upon a book titled, “Vagabonding in America,” and checked it out from her local library.

“It had one sentence, ‘You can also hitchhike via airplanes.’ And a lightbulb went off in my head, and I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?’” She recalled.

So, in 1988, that is exactly what Esch did, meticulously charting for months her course aboard vintage “aeroplanes,” as she affectionately referred to them. She worked out of a recreational vehicle parked at Orlando Country Airport, now renamed Orlando Apopka Airport.

She drew up adventure guidelines or parameters. For instance, the airplanes upon which she would catch rides would need to be vintage — at least 25 years old.

And Esch also penned letters to all the chapter presidents of the Antique Airplane Association, sharing with them her plans, dreams — and kindly requesting a ride.

Her send-off from Orlando Executive Airport and the hangar of the famed Rosie O’Grady’s Flying Circus was nothing short of spectacular. Cameras, reporters and local aviation legend Joe Kittinger even showed up, Esch said.

Soon, the 29-year-old was off on a 183-day, cross-country journey, sleeping anywhere she could — from airport lounges to tents and farms.

Esch now lives and runs both a bed and breakfast and an ice cream shop, but she returns often to Central Florida, where she began and ended her life-changing journey. The adventurer often takes “gigs” here, applying gold leaf to boats, antique cars and retired planes, like those at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville.

It’s where, one recent sunny morning, while applying the labor-intensive gold leaf to a T-2 Buckeye Navy trainer, Esch reminisced about her journey high above the clouds and the notion of putting her stamp upon vintage planes, like she did upon aviation.

“It feels good to be a … small piece of the history,” she said.

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8 tips for the best orlando theme park experience.

No matter how often you’ve visited Orlando, these top tips for theme parks can help maximize your experience at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Updated April 7, 2021

Planning a trip to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks ? Lucky you! A day at the parks is always amazing, but as seasoned visitors know, a little planning and knowledge can make it even more so. Whether it’s your first visit or you want to refine your approach, here are eight sure-fire tips for having the best theme park adventure ever. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in Orlando!

1. Buy Tickets in Advance

Buying tickets online before you arrive can be a big time-saver — and Visit Orlando can help you save money on those tickets! In addition to discounted passes to Walt Disney World® Resort , Universal Orlando Resort , SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort , we have savings on attractions and experiences throughout the area.

Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks & Attractions

2. Spend Less Time in Line

Lines are unavoidable at theme parks, but there are ways to minimize those waits. At Walt Disney World Resort, purchasing passes in advance gives you access to FastPass+ (when available), which lets you reserve times for up to three rides and shows up to 30 days before you arrive at no additional cost. (Guests of Disney’s onsite resorts can make reservations 60 days out.) After you’ve used the first three FastPasses, you can use the free My Disney Experience app to set up more depending on availability.

Discover : Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Universal Orlando Resort’s Universal Express Pass program is available at an additional cost for up to three parks on the same day. Guests of select Universal Orlando onsite hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando , Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando , get the service for free.

Discover : Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

SeaWorld has a few different express upgrades at additional cost. Those under the Quick Queue program provide front-of-the-line access to select rides. Signature Show Seating, which gives reserved seating for popular events, is also available. Or, get the best of both worlds with the Signature Show Seating + Quick Queue Unlimited combo package.

Finally, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has two paid quick-ride upgrades. Fastrack Unlimited lets you skip lines on all rides all day, while the Fastrack 3-Pack eliminates the wait for three coasters.

3. Arrive Early

Sleeping in is always nice, but there are benefits to arriving at a theme park before it opens. For one thing, crowds are smaller during the first hour or so, which means you can knock out a couple of must-rides before lines get too long. And in summertime, morning hours are the coolest hours.

An early start can also help if you’re traveling with small children. Once midday crankiness creeps in, take a hotel intermission. After a quick bite, a relaxing dip in the pool and maybe a brief nap, head back to hit up more attractions before the evening’s fireworks display. That way, you’ll still get in a full day without it feeling like a forced march.

4. Choose Your Footwear Carefully

A day at the theme parks is about comfort, not fashion, so make sure everyone in your group wears comfortable, durable shoes. For example, walking the perimeter of Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World will put more than 2 miles on your pedometer alone, and that doesn’t come close to accounting for all the mileage you’ll accrue once ride queues, bathroom visits, general sightseeing and other considerations are factored in!

If you do wind up getting a bad case of blistered feet, all of our parks have first-aid stations where you can get Band-Aids and other ways to ease any discomfort. But prevention is the best medicine here.

5. They’re Going Left — So Go Right

It’s a time-honored maxim that most people move right upon entering a business ... but studies have shown the opposite effect when it comes to theme parks! If you take our third tip to heart and arrive early, you’ll usually encounter far fewer crowds, and enjoy correspondingly shorter ride times, by taking a clockwise route.

6. Come Prepared

You’re going to want to take a lot of photos and videos while you’re at the park, so arrive with your devices fully charged, and bring portable charging equipment if you can. (If you forget the latter, you can buy one at all of Orlando’s theme parks. Some also offer free battery charging at guest services; check with your park for details.)

If you’re visiting during the summer, there’s always a chance of afternoon rain — fortunately, it usually doesn’t last long. If you don’t feel like carrying umbrellas or ponchos, be prepared to find a covered spot to relax if the skies do open up.

7. Bring Your Own Snacks and Beverages

Bringing your own snacks and beverages to theme parks can be a money-saver. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida have fairly open policies regarding outside food and drink — provided said food does not require heating and said drink isn’t alcoholic in nature. SeaWorld is a bit more restrictive, but baby formula and food is permitted, as is food for guests with special diets.

8. Don’t Forget Where You Parked

Orlando’s theme parks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, and their parking options are correspondingly massive. If you don’t want to spend time on a needle-in-a-haystack search, make sure to note where you parked, or use your cellphone or camera to take a photo of your location. To help you in that regard, our theme parks’ parking lots and garages use section names and numbering — but they can’t remember the details for you!

Stay Connected to Orlando You never know what we’ll dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook , X , Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.

Have feedback about this blog? Let us know .

Nate Shelton

Content senior manager at Visit Orlando. He’s a native Floridian and longtime Orlandoan who enjoys good food and drink, live entertainment, music, theme parks, comic books, video games, movies, cats, and all the other things that make life worth living.

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