orlando visit plan

The Perfect 3 Days in Orlando Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 3, 2024

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!

Chris Harvey

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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City of orlando.

It’s true: Orlando is a magical place. Every day here, no one is too old, or too young, to wear Mickey ears or wave a wand and cackle in delight. For family fun, there are theme parks that tap into your love affairs with comic-book heroes and galaxies far, far away, and leave you screaming at every free fall and splashdown. I-Drive is 11 miles of sensory overload such as The Orlando Eye at ICON Park and WonderWorks . Disney Springs combines shopping, food, attractions, and live entertainment. A short ride from the bright lights are outdoors adventures such as 72-degree springs and airboat rides in the headwaters of the Everglades. Plan your trip to Orlando:

THEME PARKS

Florida is epicenter of the world for theme parks. Orlando is the capital.

• Walt Disney World Resort
• Universal Orlando Resort
• SeaWorld Orlando
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort

MORE FAMILY FUN

Indoors and outdoors, in the air and underwater, the family activities will stimulate the senses and expand the mind.

• Water Parks
• Free Things to Do

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

You can be a participant: swimming, paddling, golfing, hiking, cycling, and fishing. You can be a spectator: championship golf tournaments, and professional basketball and soccer.

From Orlando's outlet malls to Winter Park's Main Street to Disney Springs and Celebration, there is a smorgasbord of shopping tastes: elite brands, neighborhood-vibe boutiques, and welcome discounts

• Local Retail

In one of the world's entertainment capitals, it makes sense that there are a proportional variety of cuisines and number of award-winning culinary experiences.

• Restaurants
• Breweries  
• Michelin: Best Japanese Restuarants
• Michelin: Best Brunches

PLACES TO STAY

You can stay in a resort on the campus of an attraction -- with a water park for a swimming pool. You can bring the extended family to a vacation home. Imagine it. You can have it.

• Vacation Homes
• Pet-Friendly

SEE THE CITY

Remember these names, Milk District, Mills 50, Thornton Park, SoDo, Audubon Park, and Ivanhoe Village.

• Cool Neighborhoods

Orlando in 60 seconds

Orlando weather, quick facts.

Diverse city known for theme parks.

Nearest Airport

• Orlando International Airport
• Orlando Sanford International Airport

Map of Orlando

Orlando is 85 miles northeast of Tampa, Florida and one hour from Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Orlando Events

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Best Ever One Week Orlando Itinerary: 7 Days in Orlando (2024)

If you’re searching for an Orlando itinerary that makes sense for your family, you first need to figure out exactly what kind of Orlando vacation you’re looking for.

For instance, if it’s all-Disney all the time, then you can check out my Disney World 7 Day itinerary as that will keep you on property at all times.

If you’re people who are coming for the weather, but not too into theme parks, then your itinerary will mostly include things like pool days and perhaps day trips to the surrounding beaches and finding things to do besides theme parks in Orlando .

On the other hand, if you’re trying to pack in as much Orlando fun as possible, including the Disney theme parks, Universal, and some other things to do, then this 7 Day Orlando itinerary (also known as an Orlando itinerary for one week) is for you.

I’ve come up with this plan after 18 years of living in Orlando and understanding how much energy is required for each park or activity, as well as spacing them out so you’re varying the plan each day which will make the most people happy.

😍 Don’t have time to read the whole article? This neon glow paddleboarding and kayaking experience is our top pick in Orlando!

Click here to check prices and availability.

For this week long Orlando itinerary, you’ll want to rent a car in Orlando as Orlando public transportation is slim to non-existent, and it will mean you can go eat out at restaurants not on theme park property which will bring your costs down.

Getting around Orlando

Don’t forget that it’s much easier to see Orlando by car so you can get around on your own.

Rental cars are perfect if you’re flying into the area.

We recommend using Discover Cars price comparison to find the cheapest deals.

What to Bring to Orlando

If you’re not used to the Orlando heat, here are just a few suggestions on what to make sure you have with you, almost year-round. 

• Reusable water bottle with filter – Orlando tap water is pretty gross (and I say this as a local who should know). You’ll want to stay hydrated and not keep buying bottled water, so use a reusable water bottle with a filter like this
• Lightweight walking shoes – you want breathable walking shoes like these to keep your feet cool while still protected. Flip flops are great for pool days, but not for walking around theme parks
• Cooling towels – I love these reusable cooling towels that are easy to carry along with you and fantastic to put around your neck when the heat gets unbearable
• Shade screen for your car or rental car – there’s nothing worse than the interior of your car baking in the sun for hours while you’re having fun. Use a shade screen like this to make sure you don’t scorch your hands on the steering wheel (yes, that’s a thing)

Where to Stay in Orlando

Budget: splashing out ($250+ per night), waldorf astoria orlando.

Orlando is full of luxury hotels to choose from, and while more obvious options might be the Ritz Orlando, the Waldorf Astoria is at a bit of a cheaper price point (though not cheap, this is still a splash out) and offers some spectacular amenities.

Firstly, it’s set on over 400 acres, and in addition to plush rooms that will rival any resort you’ve stayed in, there is also a full golf course, 2 swimming pools, kid’s clubs, a lazy river, an on-site spa AND free transportation to the Disney parks.

Oh, also there are 12 restaurants, so, there you go, decision made!

Budget: Mid-Range ($150-$250 per night)

Wyndham bonnet creek orlando.

I’ve stayed in this hotel so many times, I’ve lost count – and every single time, I want to stay forever.

The Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a great mid-range option with spacious rooms, beautiful pools, a lakeside location with plenty of recreational opportunities for kids and adults alike, and some rooms even have Disney fireworks views.

Relax by the fire pit in the evening, or put on your plush robe and check out the spa. The location is top notch, the price is reasonable for Orlando, and the memories you’ll make here will last a lifetime.

Budget: Uh…on one! ($150 or less per night)

Hilton grand vacations at tuscany village.

If you’d rather spend your vacation money on things to do in Orlando while still being comfortable and happy at your resort, Hilton at Tuscany Village is for you.

The whole resort is sleek and modern, with awesome views from many of the balconies and well-designed outdoor pools (yes, this is Orlando, even the cheaper hotels have a pool!)

Choose from studios or suites, and appreciate the great location that makes you a 4 minute walk from the Outlets and a less than 10 minute drive from Disney, SeaWorld, Universal, and other Orlando attractions.

Day 1: Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure

Start off your Orlando trip with a day at Universal Studios .

There are two theme parks, Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure.

You can buy individual tickets, or a two-park tickets ( check out cheap tickets here ) which means you can either walk between the two or take the Hogwarts Express between the two.

In my opinion, the two-park ticket is the best idea for seeing these theme parks, but you need to make sure you’re making a FULL day of it – sun up to sun down.

There are so many rides and things to do that you don’t want to find that you never got over to the other park.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you should know that there are Harry Potter rides and theming in both parks, which is part of how they convince people to buy the two-park ticket.

Universal Studios is Orlando’s second most popular theme parks, and definitely the most popular for families with teenagers in Orlando .

Unlike at Disney where I’ll give some food recommendations, Universal Studios isn’t known for its culinary offerings, so I would recommend eating a quick breakfast in your hotel room, eating a quick service lunch wherever you end up in the parks, and then finishing the day with dinner after the park closes at one of the restaurants in CityWalk – the prices will be cheaper than inside the park, and there are plenty of options including Bubba Gump Shrimp which is a huge favorite among visitors.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

On the next day in your Orlando itinerary, you’re still going to hit the theme parks and use that Orlando adrenaline, and you’re starting off your Disney adventures with the Magic Kingdom.

It’s the most iconic of all of the theme parks at Disney, and it will really set the tone for the rest of your trip with the gorgeous nighttime fireworks, amazing character interactions, and classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo.

To plan your day here, I’ve got a guide to the best Magic Kingdom rides , as well as the best Magic Kingdom rides for babies and infants if you’re traveling with the little ones.

You again want to do an “open to close” kind of day, as Magic Kingdom is filled with rides and you won’t get to them all so you need to go in prioritizing your favorites.

Again, eat breakfast in your villa or hotel room, and then book lunch at Be Our Guest restaurant , a Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant that includes the chance to eat in the West Wing!

For dinner, try a sit-down buffet like Crystal Palace, which is a very cute and well-themed buffet that lets you join Winnie the Pooh’s celebrations and meet the Winnie the Pooh characters including Pooh, Piglet, and Tigger.

If you’re after a cheaper dinner option, there are plenty of quick service options around the park, with Pinnnochio Haus being my favorite as you can sit and watch the boats from Small World float by.

Day 3: Animal Kingdom

Today, you’re heading to the theme parks for a final day before your rest day, and as you will have just spent two jam-packed days, you’ll go to one of the calmer theme parks in Orlando, Animal Kingdom .

Animal Kingdom is a combination of thrill rides like Expedition Everest and some air-conditioned and significantly long (30 to 40) minute shows like Festival of the Liong King and Finding Nemo the Musical.

You’ve also got the Kilimanjaro Safari ride which lets you do some animal spotting, and plenty of walk-through animal exhibits.

You can take it easier at Animal Kingdom, as the vibe is very relaxing and it doesn’t have the same amount of rides as somewhere like Magic Kingdom.

Don’t forget to check out Pandora, the Land of Avatar, at night – this is when it really comes to life and literally glows!

For food today, have a sit-down breakfast at Tusker House, which is a buffet where you can meet Donald and his safari friends.

For lunch, more quick service at a well-themed restaurant in Pandora, Sautu’li Canteen.

Don’t forget to try the blue dessert!

If you want a nicer dinner option, try Tiffins for their upscale atmosphere and food, or there are some great burger options in Dinoland if you don’t want a “table service” meal.

Of course, you are allowed to bring your own food into any Disney theme park, so you can pack in advance if you’d prefer to bring in sandwiches.

This is a great way to save money at Disney World !

Day 4: Pool Day/Outlet Shopping

After three days of theme parks, you’re going to need to rest.

This day should be a relaxing pool day, or maybe a day you do some outlet shopping, one of the best things to do in Orlando with teenagers .

Head to the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall with the little ones, or go to the movie theater for some air conditioning with the whole family.

Orlando is one of those vacation destinations that can really wear everyone out quickly, and you’ve still got 3 days after this to enjoy, so make sure you have this rest day to give people time to regroup.

One way of doing this is to simply plan nothing this day and then see how it goes – if the weather is nice and everyone is happy swimming in the pool at your hotel or villa, then you don’t even need to make other plans.

For food today, it will be based around what’s around your accommodation.

If you do find yourself at places like the Outlets or Malls, you’ll be close to both food courts and sit-down restaurants like Cheesecake Factory.

Today is also a great day to take an Orlando sightseeing tour if you’re interested.

Day 5: Hollywood Studios or Epcot

Back to the theme parks today, but you should decide between either Hollywood Studios or Epcot at Disney World .

Again, if you want to go to all four of the Disney theme parks, then you need to plan a more Disney-specific itinerary.

If you need help deciding, Hollywood Studios has a lot to do for Star Wars fans at Disney and younger kids ( Toy Story Land , a Frozen themed show) while Epcot is a huge hit for adults who can eat and drink “around the world” as well as enjoy thrill rides like Test Track and soar high above the clouds on Soarin.

You can’t go wrong with either choice!

Day 6: Water Park or SeaWorld or Discovery Cove

On the second to last day of your one week itinerary in Orlando, it’s time to get to the water!

There are a few different options for this, so pick one of them.

If you just want to enjoy the day riding water slides and soaking in the sun with no other attractions, head to one of the area’s water parks which include Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, SeaWorld’s Aquatica , and Universal’s Volcano Bay.

My favorite is Typhoon Lagoon or Volcano Bay, but each has their pros and cons and if you are into skiing and amazing Disney theming, Blizzard Beach can’t be mised.

If you want to spend most of the day relaxing and have some amazing animal interactions, then head to Discovery Cove where you can buy a package that allows you to swim with dolphins – one of the most unique things to do in Orlando !

You can also go snorkeling in other parts of the cove to see fish and sharks floating on by.

Finally, if you still have a need for speed and want to visit an aquatic-themed park, SeaWorld is your best bet.

With plenty of land based attractions and cute animal shows, SeaWorld has plenty to do for people of all ages and has transitioned in recent years to promoting conversation more than ever.

Day 7: Disney Springs or CityWalk

You’ve reached the last day of your week in Orlando, and where do you spend it?

After a week of theme parks and constant stimulation, I recommend a family-fun day at either Disney Springs or Universal’s CityWalk.

These are the shopping and entertainment districts of the two theme parks, and if you have a car, you can actually spend the morning at one and afternoon at the other if you really want to see both.

This is a chance to buy any last minute gifts that you didn’t buy in the parks, as well as check out the unique things to do here like see the Blue Man Group at CityWalk, ride in an Amphibicar at Disney Springs (a car and a boat all at once!) or enjoy live entertainment.

You’ll still feel in the Orlando bubble with all of the magic, but it’s free to enter and walk around and it means you can go as fast or as slow as your legs will take you after a jam-packed Orlando trip.

For food at Disney Springs, don’t miss the Boathouse for dinner with their amazing dinner rolls that people obsess over, and try Blaze Pizza for lunch where you can make your own pizza at a reasonable price.

At CityWalk, make sure to snack on the iconic VooDoo doughnuts, known around the world for their Instagrammable toppings and unique flavors.

What else should I not miss in Orlando?

If you’re visiting Orlando soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

• Orlando Manatee Encounter – this tour is the absolute best if you want an up-close encounter with some of Florida’s most famous animals. They’re so strange looking that they’re cute, and they’re waiting for you to hang out with them in your kayak on this tour. Click here to check prices and to book .
• Thrilling Airboat Ride in Orlando with Gators – just south of Orlando, this fast-paced airboat ride is a must-do if you want to zip through the cypress swamps and spot natural wildlife like alligators. It’s family-friendly and has live commentary all while feeling the wind in your face. Click here to check prices and to book.
• Private helicopter tour of Orlando’s theme parks – you’ve never seen the theme parks like this. Take your own private helicopter tour (more affordable than you think) over Orlando and see the theme parks with a bird’s eye view. Totally unique and a great way to create memories. Click here to check prices and to book.

Hey! Want more Orlando content? Check out these guides!

• 9 Best Water Parks in Orlando
• 9 Things to Do near Orlando Airport
• 13 Best Instagrammable Places in Orlando
• 11 Fun Orlando Bachelorette Party Ideas
• 15 Perfect Anniversary Ideas in Orlando
• 17 Insanely Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
• Orlando Packing List
• 33 Things to Do in Orlando on a Honeymoon
• Best Brunch in Orlando
• 23 Iconic Things to Do in Orlando for Free
• Best Breakfast in Orlando
• 21 Fun Things to Do in Orlando
• 21 Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
• 19 Fantastic Day Trips from Orlando
• 55 Best Things to Do in Orlando
• 33 Things to Do in Orlando at Night
• 33 Orlando Birthday Ideas
• When to Visit Orlando
• 21 Things to Do in Orlando in the Rain
• 19 Unique Things to Do in Orlando
• 17 Memorable Things to Do in Orlando for Teenagers
• 27 Romantic Things to Do in Orlando
• 6 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
• 33 Best Things to Do in Orlando for Adults

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How to Plan a Trip to Orlando in 10 Easy Steps

Where to stay in orlando, what theme parks to visit, and when is the best time to go my top tips on how to plan a trip to orlando will ensure you make the most out of this magical trip..

I booked many holidays to Orlando when I was a travel agent, and I even visited Orlando previously, but it wasn’t until I had to organise our family holiday to Florida last year that I realised how much research was needed to plan a trip to Orlando. There are so many things to do in Orlando, so choosing the right parks and activities is so important.

I spent months planning our family trip to Orlando and still made lots of mistakes! There are many tips for visiting Orlando online, but until you go, it is hard to fathom the sheer size and amount of family attractions that are available.

Most of us are used to family holidays where we may spend an afternoon at a waterpark or visit one family attraction. When you visit Orlando, there are over 100 standalone attractions as well as over 20 theme parks – there is a reason why Orlando is the world’s best family destination!

I learned many Orlando tips during our family holiday, and I hope by sharing them below, they will help you plan the perfect trip to Orlando.

1. Choose the right time to plan a trip to Orlando

For most of us, a family holiday in Orlando is a once in a lifetime experience. It is important you choose the right time to visit, and by that I mean the right time of year, as well as the right ages of your children.

If you are bringing young children, and are not tied to school holidays, it makes sense to travel outside the peak months of July and August, as well as Christmas, Easter and mid term breaks. Not only will this save you lots of money, but you will also avoid lengthy queues, and the hot temperatures during the summer months.

Disney World Orlando is roughly five times larger than Disneyland Paris, so it impossible to compare the two, however, if you are looking for a magical Disney experience for a young child, you will find that in Paris, at a fraction of the cost.

Once children are older, there is no doubt that Orlando will have a much wider appeal, however, it will also be much heavier on your wallet. Unless you are in a fortunate position where you can visit Orlando on more than one occasion, then I suggest waiting until your children are at an age where they will be able to go on most of the top attractions, and are old enough to cope with queues and long days at the parks.

TOP TIP: All theme parks have height restrictions listed beside each attraction. If your child is a huge Harry Potter fan for instance, make sure they are tall enough to ride the Forbidden Journey.

2. Decide how many days you want to spend visiting theme parks.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

I have seen many families trying to squeeze in lots of theme parks over 7 days, without really seeing any of them properly. We enjoyed a family holiday in Orlando for the first time last year and I naively thought 10 days would be enough time in Orlando. I was wrong.

One of my top tips for visiting Orlando is to allow two weeks to visit the main parks, which should include some rest days in between.

Disney World has four main parks, plus waterparks, and Universal Studios has two main parks plus Volcano Bay waterpark – which you shouldn’t miss, so realistically you need seven days just to see both of these properly, and you may also want to visit Legoland, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and more.

Many theme park passes are sold with unlimited access for 14 days – I suggest you take advantage of this.

Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Studios before you book

2. Book flights 11 months in advance

Flights usually go on sale 11 months in advance and I suggest booking as early as possible to get the best value. Try to fly direct, especially if travelling with kids. However, if direct flights are too expensive, choose the next best option – fly via another US city. Popular routes are Dublin – New York – Orlando for instance.

Once you fly direct from Ireland to anywhere in the USA you can clear immigration in Dublin or Shannon airports before you leave. This means once you land in the US you are treated like a domestic passenger and wont have to queue to clear customs when you arrive.

Read: Top tips for booking flights and holidays

3. Prioritise your ‘must see’ theme parks

Before you book your hotels, decide which theme parks are a priority. It is impossible to see all 20 theme parks during one holiday, so you need to select the theme parks that suit your needs best.

If you have a Disney Princess or a Luke Skywalker fan in the house, then Disney World is a must. If the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is more your scene, then make sure you give yourself ample time to explore Universal Studios. You may have a budding astronaut or someone who is obsessed with alligators – in which case you won’t want to miss the Kennedy Space Centre or Gatorland.

4.  Stay in theme park hotels if possible

Once you have decided how long you are staying in Orlando and which parks you want to visit, the next step should be choosing the right accommodation to suit you. I highly recommend staying onsite at Universal Studios and Disney World – assuming you want to visit these parks.

You should allow three full days to visit Universal Studios and at least four full days to Disney World, plus more if you want to visit Disneys’ waterparks. I suggest splitting your hotel stays, if you want to visit both. Hotel prices at Universal Studios are can be very inexpensive so you could easily spend 8 or 9 nights there and 5 nights in a Disney Hotel – see more on hotels below.

TOP TIP: Stay beside the theme park you most want to visit first. When you visit Orlando for the first time the adrenaline takes over. You will automatically rise early due to the time difference, and the kids will be so excited to visit the parks that they are likely to at the entrance gates when they open. As the days go on, and the tiredness sets in, those early morning rises are not as easy to come by.

Staying at Universal Studios

Staying in one of Universal’s eight hotels is not as expensive as you might think. The newly opened Endless Summer Resorts offer superb value, and there are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets.  Attraction Tickets .com  offer excellent rates on all hotels, so you can book the hotel and park tickets in one simple transaction.

There are so many benefits of staying in a Universal hotel, but my personal favourite is getting early access to the parks, before anyone else. If you are travelling in peak season, this is a Godsend. As well as avoiding lengthy queues, it is wonderful being able to wander through the parks without crowds around you.

Other benefits include free entrance to CityWalks’s best venues and priority seating at selected restaurants in the parks and in CityWalk. You can also charge any meals or purchases to your room, so you don’t need to carry cash, and any merchandise that you buy, is delivered straight to your hotel.

If you can afford to stay in one of Universal’s premier hotels – Lowes Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel or Lowes Royal Pacific, you will get a FREE Universal Express Unlimited Pass , which lets you skip the regular lines at some the most popular attractions in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I stayed in Lowes Portofino Bay many years ago – it is superb.

The price of a Unlimited  Express passes  range from €79 per person, per day. So that €200 per night you think you are saving, by staying in a cheaper hotel elsewhere, may not be worth it, particularly you going to buy the express passes for a family.

You will receive a complimentary Express pass for two days with a one-night stay, three days with a two-night stay etc. This can be very cost effective if staying for a short duration. I highly recommend you to stay in one of the Universal Hotels, even for a few days, so you can avail of these amazing benefits.

Staying in DisneyWorld Hotels:

Disney’s magical hours don’t only apply to early morning visitors. Selected Disney hotels can enjoy admission until 11pm and even later, so you can enjoy the most popular rides without queues! See more here .

Other benefits include Disney character encounters, and the ability to pre-book your park days before you have paid in full for park tickets.

Read: 30 things to do in Disney World Florida with teens

Other accommodation suggestions:

If you decide not to stay in a theme park hotel, then I suggest choosing somewhere that is located close to the iRide transport system, or at least provides free shuttle bus services to the parks.

The other alternative is to choose a large holiday home and hire a car, although rental fees and car parking charges have increased dramatically over the past number of years, so you should bear that in mind if choosing this option.

Regardless of which option you choose, make sure you have a spacious place to relax after a long day in the theme parks – whether that is a hotel with plenty of bars, restaurants and a nice pool area, or a spacious apartment where you can order a take away and relax.

5. Don’t forget the other attractions

Although Orlando has more than enough theme parks to entertain you, there are other top attractions in Florida that you won’t want to miss. The Kennedy Space Centre was one of our favourites, and can be easily reached from Orlando.

You can visit the actual control centre that was used in the Apollo Space program and see the Space Shuttle Atlantis on display, as well as experience what it is like to take off and fly a shuttle through the simulator. I highly recommend a visit, the tour is great for kids, both big and small.

There are many more possibilities for day trips if you want a break from the parks. We loved searching for alligators at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure in Florida’s Everglades. You can also combine this with a trip to Gatorland, and tours include pick-up and drop-off from many Orlando locations.

6. Book theme park tickets in advance

You may think that the flight cost will be the most expensive part of your family holiday to Florida – think again! You may get a surprise when you see the cost of theme park tickets, but there isn’t much point in visiting Orlando without them!

It is vital that you book park tickets in advance, not only to get the best value and variety of tickets available, but also to ensure you have guaranteed access to the parks.

TOP TIP: Disney World Orlando require you to pre-book the exact park days you want to visit each park, and if you don’t, you could be be denied entry if the park is full.

Planning is key, if you follow my previous steps on how to plan a trip to Orlando, you will know which parks you want to visit, and book tickets accordingly. Please note that staying onsite in theme park hotels does not automatically include park entry, you still need to purchase admission tickets.

Combination tickets are the best tickets to buy, the Disney and Universal Combo being the most popular. The Orlando Freedom Ticket includes unlimited access to Disney and Universal parks, as well as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica for 14 days. There are many more options available too.

I recommend booking with theme park specialists AttractionTickets.com who send you gate-ready tickets, so there is no queueing when you arrive. They also make it easy to spread the cost of your Orlando holiday by paying a €25 deposit to secure your park tickets, and pay the balance 6 weeks before departure.

7. Plan rest days and shopping days between parks.

In order to keep the theme park magic alive, it is vital to plan some rest days. You could easily spend 12 hours in a theme park on any given day, especially if you want to see the closing fireworks displays – this is not sustainable for two weeks.

I suggest a rest day every three to four days – I wish I had followed this advice! My children are 12 and 15 and as much as they love theme parks, after 7 days the enthusiasm definitely started to wane – early morning wake up calls became a lot harder!

Pool or Spa days are the ideal way to relax, but retail therapy is a good alternative too – especially if you have teens with you. We visited when the Dollar was on a par with the Euro, and Orlando’s Premium Outlets still proved excellent value.

9. Check US entry requirements before booking a trip to Orlando,

We have become so accustomed to flying to Europe without restrictions, we tend to forget that there could be entry requirements for other countries. At the time of publication, only fully vaccinated adults are allowed enter the USA, (children are exempt). An ESTA is required for all visitors, and in some cases a visa may be required.

Please check the Ireland.ie  website before you book flights to ensure you know the latest entry requirements.

Read: 10 things to watch out for on holidays this summer

10. Download theme park apps before you go.

When you have followed all of the above steps on how to plan a trip to Orlando, you may think you can sit back, relax, and wait for holiday to come – but there is just one more step! Each theme park has a dedicated app full of Orlando theme park tips to make sure you get the best experience possible – I suggest you download them in advance.

I would go one step further and get the kids involved. Let them highlight their favourite rides, so you know to prioritise them, and let them help plan you park days accordingly.

The apps allow you to check wait times for rides, pre-book restaurants ( which I strongly recommend you do ), find out if there are any special events on during your visit, and even set up alerts for when queue times drop. Trust me, you will use them every day when you are there!

I hope these top tips will help you plan a trip to Orlando soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, theme park facilities and attractions are subject to change.  Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.

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Home > United States > 7 Days in Orlando: The Best One Week in Orlando Itinerary

7 Days in Orlando: The Best One Week in Orlando Itinerary

By Dymphe / February 18, 2023

When you are 7 days in Orlando you can have a wonderful time! That's because one week in Orlando is great if you want to explore the best things to do in the city!

Orlando is a city in the United States that's famous for its theme parks. That's one of the reasons why Orlando is a great place to visit! You find here so many parks with lots of great attractions!

Because of that, this itinerary includes 4 of them. I have selected the most fun amusement parks that are best if you are one week in Orlando.

But there are also many things to do in Orlando besides amusement parks.

That's why 3 of the days of this itinerary for 7 days in Orlando are full of other activities in the city.

I'll show you the best parks, museums, fun sights, places for shopping, and more!

With this itinerary for a week in Orlando, you'll have a great time for sure! If you go to all activities that I outline in this itinerary, I'm sure your trip to Orlando will be great!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay During Your 7 Days in Orlando

There are lots of great places to stay in Orlando. You find many great and luxurious hotels in the city.

When you're spending 7 days in Orlando you can choose to stay at a resort at one of the amusement parks. Besides that, you can stay in the city.

When staying in a resort, you can make most of your time at the amusement parks that you want to visit. This is great if there is one amusement park that you like most.

But staying at one resort, means you are farther away from many other places in the city.

You can also stay in Downtown Orlando. When you do that, you are near many of the city's highlights. That makes it easier to explore lots of sights of the city.

That will make your one week in Orlando much more pleasant.

So that's why I recommend staying in the city center when you are in Orlando for a week!

Itinerary for 7 Days in Orlando

If you're planning on spending one week in Orlando, it's convenient to have a good itinerary. There are so many things to do and see in the city!

Here's the perfect itinerary for your 7 days in Orlando. I specify for each day of the week what are the best activities. You'll definitely have the most amazing time in the city!

Day 1: Going to One of the Best Parks You Can Visit During 7 Days in Orlando

It is the first day of your 7 days in Orlando and it is time to go to the first amusement park in the city!

One of the best amusements parks to visit when you are one week in Orlando is Disney's Hollywood Studios .

It is a park that belongs to The Walt Disney Company and it is one of the many.

The reason why you should definitely go to this Disney park is that the theme of the park is Hollywood. This is great fun for everyone!

You can find here a lot of things related to everything from Hollywood. And especially from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Moreover, the park focuses on film, television, theatre, and more!

You can find Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World® Resort to the southwest of the city.

What's great is that you can find lots of attractions here of a great variety. This ranges from amazing thrill rides to interactive experiences to many other types.

Also, there is a lot of other entertainment at the park.

For example, there are many live shows that all focus on a certain movie or series. These are fun for the whole family and definitely great for your 7 days in Orlando.

Furthermore, there are 3D shows that are great to see as well! These shows are a lot of fun to see during your one week in Orlando.

Also, throughout the year, there are many events at the park. For example, during the holiday season, you find here many special festivities. And there is a special event for each season as well.

When you are in Orlando, you cannot miss out on this park, as there is so much to do and see!

Some of the Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios

One of the best attractions at this amusement park is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™.

This is an incredible attraction that has a haunted theme based on a television series.

At this ride, you first go up an elevator while you hear a great haunted story. Then, you drop down for about 130 feet (or 40 meters). This is an amazing experience!

Another one of the best attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios is an exciting one as well.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a great thrill ride. During this ride, you board the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.

Besides that, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a great attraction too!

This is a very large attraction where you enter the world of Star Wars. Along the way, you see a lot of incredible sights from the Star Wars series!

The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is great to be on too! This is a fun and thrilling ride that is great to see when you visit the park! Experiencing this during your 7 days in Orlando is incredible.

Day 2: Explore More of Orlando

Now that you saw one of the best amusement parks in Orlando, you should definitely see more of Orlando. For example, you're going to explore the center of the city. Also, you're going to see beautiful nature and art! This is very fun when you're one week in Orlando.

Explore Downtown Orlando

A great place to start is at Downtown Orlando. This is the historic city center and it is the place where you can find most businesses. It's definitely a must-see when you're 7 days in Orlando!

What's great about this area of the city is that it is very busy. Because of that, going to this part of Orlando is a great way to experience the local life of the city.

You find here lots of restaurants and shops, which is great! This makes it a great place for shopping.

Furthermore, it is great to wander around here and discover new things. You might stumble upon a place you like a lot!

Another great thing about this area is that you find here many of the city's skyscrapers. In fact, you find here 46 of them. This is very impressive. These buildings are great to see when you are walking through downtown Orlando!

See the Harry P Leu Gardens: Beautiful Nature To See During Your One Week in Orlando

After exploring a part of the city you can see some of the city's nature. The nature in the city is great, so you should definitely see it during your 7 days in Orlando!

A great place to do that is at the Harry P. Leu Gardens .

These are very large tropical gardens that are amazing to see. You find here a large variety of plants and flowers.

Examples of flora you can find here are bamboo, banana trees, palm trees, roses, and ferns.

What's great is that there are lots of different gardens here. Each garden focuses on separate types of plants or a certain theme.

For example, the Annual Garden is a great garden where you can find a lot of colors. That's because here you can find flora that blooms once a year!

Another great garden is the Butterly Garden. Here you find lots of plants, flowers, and trees that attract butterflies. This is a great sight to see!

Furthermore, there are many walking paths in the gardens. This makes the Harry P. Leu Gardens a great place for a relaxing walk!

Visit the Orlando Museum of Art

You saw the historic city center and beautiful nature, now let's explore some of the city's art! This is also one of the best things to do when you're one week in Orlando.

The best place to do this is at the Orlando Museum of Art !

If you want to see art during your 7 days in Orlando, you should definitely go here!

The Orlando Museum of Art is a very interesting museum where you can find a lot of objects of art.

The permanent collection of the museum includes contemporary art, American art, and more.

One of the best collections of the museum is the collection of art from the Ancient Americas.

Besides the permanent collection, there are many changing exhibitions. These are exhibitions that change throughout the year.

This means that every time you visit the museum, you can see here new art! This is great if you are coming back to Orlando another time!

Besides the permanent and changing exhibitions, there are workshops, lectures, films, and more. You can attend these throughout the year!

Go to the Mead Botanical Garden

The Mead Botanical Garden is another beautiful garden in Orlando. You should definitely go here as well during your one week in Orlando!

The Mead Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden in Winter Park. You find here lots of pretty plants and flowers.

One of the best areas at the Botanical Garden is the Butterfly Gardens. You find two butterfly gardens at the Mead Botanical Garden.

Here you find plants and flowers that attract butterflies. This means that you can find lots of butterflies here, which is a great experience!

You can visit the garden each day of the year. And what's great is that there is no admission fee!

Furthermore, what's great about the garden as well is that there are many paths. Because of that, it is easy to hike through the park and discover its nature and wildlife!

Day 3: Universal’s Islands of Adventure, One of the Most Fun Things to Do During 7 Days in Orlando

On day 3 of your one week in Orlando, it is time to see yet another amusement park.

When you follow this itinerary, you already went to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Now you should definitely go to Universal's Islands of Adventure .

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park with lots of things spread over islands. Each of these islands has a certain theme.

In total there are 8 islands. Each one of these islands is unique, and visiting them all is an amazing experience!

The Islands

The first island of the park is Port of Entry.

This is the place where you enter the park. You find here lots of shops and services, but there are no rides here.

The second island of the amusement park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This part of the park focuses on the world of Harry Potter. You find here lots of attractions that all focus on things from the Harry Potter series.

What's great is that you can recognize the attractions from the movies here! That's why you should definitely go here if you're 7 days in Orlando.

Another one of the islands of the park is Marvel Super Hero Island. This is a park that focuses on the superheroes from Marvel Comics.

Every attraction and shop has something to do with the characters from the movies.

Skull Island is the fourth island of the theme park. You find here attractions that relate to the movie King Kong.

Seuss Landing is another fun island at this theme park. Here you can find several attractions with a Dr. Seuss theme.

Toon Lagoon is the sixth island of the park. At this place, you find attractions that focus on several cartoon characters.

Jurrasic Park is an island based on the film series Jurrasic Park, which is incredible! So if you like that film series, this is one of the best things to do if you're one week in Orlando!

Finally, The Lost Continent is about ancient myths and legends.

Some of the Attractions at Universal's Islands of Adventure

You find some of the best attractions of this park in the area with the Harry Potter theme.

For example, you find here the attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

During this ride, you go through scenes from the movies that take place at Hogwarts Castle. This is an amazing experience, especially if you know the books and movies!

Another great ride at the Harry Potter area is the Hogwarts Express. This is a train ride that is exactly like the train from the movies. Through this, you can go to Universal Studios Florida. Keep in mind that you need a ticket for that park too!

Furthermore, a great ride at the park is The Incredible Hulk Coaster. This is a high-speed roller coaster that is a great thrill ride!

What's great about the Jurrasic Park area is that you find here rides from the park in the movies! So you can experience what it would be like if you were in the actual Jurrasic Park.

One of the best rides here is the Jurrasic Park River Adventure. This is a water ride where you can see a lot of replicas of dinosaurs.

Day 4: A Day During Your One Week in Orlando With Other Things Than Amusement Parks

Today is a day to do some more things to do in Orlando besides amusement parks. There are a lot of other great things in this wonderful city!

Go to Lake Eola Park

The first activity on this day of your itinerary for one week in Orlando is going to Lake Eola Park.

Lake Eola Park is an amazing public park in the city center of Orlando.

The nature of the park makes this a very relaxing place to walk through when you are 7 days in Orlando.

Inside the park, you find Lake Eola. This is a small lake that is lovely. Furthermore, there is a fountain at the lake that is great to see.

At night, you can find a light show at the fountain during which the fountain changes colors.

Also, one of the highlights of the park is the Chinese pagoda. This is a tower with Chinese architecture that looks very beautiful.

Furthermore, you find lots of fun events at this park throughout the year. These take place at the Disney Amphitheater. So if you happen to visit during an event, I recommend going there too!

Shop and Have Fun at Disney Springs

In the afternoon, you should definitely go to Disney Springs .

Disney Springs is a wonderful place with lots of things to do and see. This makes it the perfect place for shopping, having dinner, and fun entertainment.

There are several different areas at Disney Springs. Each of these areas caters to another type of activity.

For example, the Marketplace area is where you can find most shops and restaurants.

Thus, if you like shopping, you should definitely go here!

Another great place at Disney Springs is Town Center. You find here beautiful fictional springs that feature amazing blue water!

In the Town Center area, you find a lot of great shops too! These include many big-box stores!

Also, you find a lot of entertainment venues at Disney Springs. One of these is in the West Side area. You can find here the AMC Disney Springs 24 movie theater.

Ride The Wheel at ICON Park

The Wheel at ICON Parks is a very large Ferris wheel that you have to ride when you are 7 days in Orlando.

That's because of the height of the attraction. The height of this attraction is about 400 feet (or 122 meters), which is incredible!

When you ride this wheel you can get a beautiful view on the top! From there you can look very far over the city of Orlando. This makes it one of the most fun things to do during your one week in Orlando.

What's great about the wheel is also how it looks. At night, the lights of the wheel are very colorful, which is awesome to see!

And also during the day, the wheel is impressive to see, because of its height!

You find this observation wheel at ICON Park, which lies in the southwest of Orlando. This is a place that is very close to Disney Springs, as that's where you went before going here!

Also, the Ferris wheel is very photogenic. So if you want to take some photos in the city, you can do so here. For example, you can take amazing photos of the view from the Ferris wheel. Or you can pose with the Ferris wheel in the background!

Day 5: Universal’s Volcano Bay

Want to cool down when you are 7 days in Orlando? Then you should definitely go to a water park.

One of the best water parks in the city is Universal’s Volcano Bay .

This is an incredible place that features a lot of amazing attractions and pools.

In the park, you find an artificial volcano with the name Krakatau. This is a structure that is 200 feet (or 61 meters) tall. And this volcano is the theme of the park.

All things in the park surround the volcano, which I find a very fun thing about the park. That's why it's one of my favorite things in this itinerary for one week in Orlando.

There are several areas at Universal's Volcano Bay. Each area focuses on another theme.

The first area is the area of Krakatau. Thus, this area surrounds the iconic volcano of the water park.

You find here a lot of attractions that surround the artificial volcano.

Rainforest village is where you can find a large number of slides.

Another area of the water park is Wave Village. You find here a lot more calm attractions.

For example, you find here the main pool of the water park and there are many places where you can relax.

The last area of the park is River Village. This area is great for families as you find here attractions for younger children.

When you go here you get a wristband. With this wristband, you can pay for food and drinks in the park, which is very convenient.

But that's not all you can do with it. You can also activate a lot of interactive elements in the park.

For example, you can turn on a spring of water or you can turn on lights.

Some of the Attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay

There are lots of attractions that are great for a fun day! These range from thrilling slides to calmer pools.

One of the best attractions of the park is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. This is a water coaster that you can find at the Krakatau volcano.

Definitely, the scariest ride of them all is the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. This is a speed slide that starts with a trapdoor.

What's amazing about this slide is that it is almost completely vertical. Also, it is the tallest slide of its kind in the world!

Maku is another great attraction. This is a raft slide that is great to be on!

Another great attraction at the water park is Waturi Beach. This is a pool where you can find large artificial waves. This makes it a great place to visit!

Day 6: Exploring More of the City During Your One Week in Orlando

It's time for another day where you discover more of the city without going to an amusement park!

During this sixth day of your 7 days in Orlando itinerary, you will see entertainment and you go shopping!

Visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

In the morning I recommend going to the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium .

This is a great place where you can explore life in the oceans of the world. It's very interesting if you want to learn about that.

You find here lots of animals that live in the ocean.

For example, there are sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and many more animals.

It is great that you can see them from up close here.

What's great is that there is an ocean tunnel that goes through the aquarium. When you walk here, this allows you to see the animals as if you are in the water yourself.

But not only can see here a lot of beautiful animals, plants, and more, you can also learn a lot! That's because there are talks, events, and opportunities for questions!

Shop at The Florida Mall

If you like shopping, you should definitely do so during this afternoon! This is the perfect moment during your one week in Orlando for shopping.

One of the best places for shopping in the city of Orlando is The Florida Mall .

This is a large shopping mall that you can find to the south of Orlando. In fact, it is one of the largest single-story malls in the whole country!

It is a very popular place for both locals and tourists. Each year, more than 20 million people visit the mall, which is incredible!

You find here lots of stores, which means you can spend the whole afternoon shopping.

Furthermore, there are a lot of restaurants, which means you can have dinner afterward! This makes going here a very pleasant experience.

What's great is that there are good direct bus routes to other parts of the city. This makes it easy to go here, even if you don't have your own car or a rental car.

Day 7: Visit Universal Studios Florida on The Last Day of Your One Week in Orlando

It's the last day of your 7 days in Orlando. Let's go to another theme park! It's Orlando after all. You should definitely visit this park too during your one week in Orlando.

Universal Studios Florida is another one of the best theme parks in Orlando. It's also a very popular place and over 10 million people visit it each year.

The theme of this park is the movie and television industry. And you find here many attractions and shows that focus on this theme.

What's great is that there are also real studios here where the filming of movies and series takes place. This makes the theme of the park that much more fun!

Besides the great attractions at this theme park, you find here great events as well.

Throughout the year, there are several seasonal events. For many of these, you don't need to pay an extra fee. But there are events for which you need another ticket.

One of the best events takes place in the months leading up to Halloween. You can find the Halloween Horror Nights then. During this, the whole park becomes a haunted place! You can find lots of scary shows everywhere and there are many Halloween attractions!

Some of the Attractions at Universal Studios Florida

One of the best attractions at the park is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. I'm sure you'll love this attraction if you're one week in Orlando!

This is an incredible roller coaster that is very fast and exciting. But that's not all. There are 4D effects that make the ride spectacular! Riding it is one of the most fun things to do during your 7 days in Orlando!

Another great ride is Revenge of the Mummy. This is an indoor roller coaster as well. It is a very fun ride, especially if you like the movie The Mummy.

If you want to see a great 4D film, then go to Shrek 4-D. This is a great film from the Shrek movies.

E.T. Adventure is a great dark ride that is very enjoyable. It's from the movie E.T., which makes it very fun!

Another great attraction at Universal Studios Florida is Men in Black: Alien Attack. This is a great dark ride with a lot of interactive elements!

Getting to Orlando

Getting to Orlando is easy to do. There are many ways to reach the city. You can reach the city by airplane, bus, train, or car.

Orlando International Airport is a large airport with many flights. You can get to this airport from many places in the world, as well as places within the United States.

From the airport, you can reach Downtown Orlando in about 30 minutes by car. This is the quickest way to reach the city center.

Also, you can reach the city of Orlando from the airport by public transport. There are direct buses that take about 45 minutes to get you there.

Another way to reach the city of Orlando is by bus. There are several bus companies offering routes from cities near Orlando. An example of such a company is Megabus.

You can also go to Orlando by train. This is a great option if you are coming from places that are near the city.

Of course, you can also reach the city of Orlando by car. This is often the fastest way to travel. And also it is a very convenient way to travel, as you can bring a lot of luggage with you!

Moving Around During Your One Week in Orlando

Moving around when you are 7 days in Orlando is easy to do. That's because, for this, you have several options.

First, when you are in Downtown Orlando, you can walk to many of the sights. Many of the sights here are near each other and seeing the city along the way is great too!

Thus, for the days that you are exploring the city center, I recommend walking everywhere.

Second, you can travel by bus.

Lynx Bus is the main bus network. This is often the cheapest way to get to many parts of the city.

Furthermore, there is a very reliable service, which is great if you want to see a lot of things in Orlando!

Third, many resorts and amusement parks have their own shuttle service. This is often a great way to get to these places, and I recommend making use of it! So that's also convenient for your week in Orlando!

Fourth, traveling by (rental) car is a very convenient way to move around. You can decide for yourself, when and where to go. But keep in mind that parking fees can be very high!

Finally, you can choose to move around by taxi. This is a great and convenient way to move around in Orlando. But it is also the most expensive option.

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  Orlando Trip Planning Guide  

No place on earth is quite like Orlando, Florida, with world famous theme parks, a world class dining scene, amazing outlet shopping, endless outdoor recreation options, and entertainment night and day,  that's just the beginning! 

To say that there’s something for everyone in Orlando is no magical thinking!

Now, we know planning a vacation can be overwhelming, not to mention time consuming, but with just a little help from us, you can easily plan a stress-free, perfect Orlando vacation!

Let us help make planning your Orlando trip fun and exciting, because trust us, there is so much to get excited about.

We want to help you make the most of your stay, so whether you’re a regular visitor, or this is your first ever visit, allow us to help you get the most from your time and vacation dollars.

Ready to start planning your Orlando vacation?

Awesome, we’ve got everything you need right here!

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A Travel Guide for How to Visit Orlando on a Budget

Mark D. Kahler

This travel guide for how to visit Orlando on a budget will save you time and money . It is an attempt at getting you around this gorgeous city without making costly Orlando mistakes . 

When to Visit

There is no sure way to avoid crowds in Orlando, but certain times of the year are less crowded than others. After late August and the start of school in most places, Disney World has a history of offering discount packages to keep the trams full of visitors. Summer is the most popular and therefore worst time to visit the theme parks. Pack sunscreen and patience in equal doses. If you can avoid times when school is out, you'll see shorter lines. Find a flight to Orlando.

Where to Eat

Most major U.S. restaurant chains have at least a few locations in the Orlando area. Most food budgets go haywire at the theme parks, where captive audiences will pay very high prices for generally ordinary food. Some of these purchases can't be avoided, but plan larger meals away from the parks. For example, eat a large breakfast and a large dinner, but make lunch a snack. It can do wonders for your budget.

Where to Stay

On-site resorts save time, but not necessarily money. And it's possible to stay at a budget-friendly hotel even during peak season. Disney even recognizes the need for lower room rates and offers on-site rooms at discounted prices after school starts each August. Four-star hotel for under $100/night: Monumental Hotel on International Drive. Key question: How far is your "bargain" room from the attractions you will visit? Don't stay in Apopka if you're planning to visit Universal or WDW each day. Find hotels in greater Orlando if you don't mind being a bit farther out.

Getting Around

Remember that the region has three fairly busy airports: Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Sanford. Some travelers find it easier or cheaper to use Tampa's airport, too. You'll need an Orlando car rental to visit major attractions, and it definitely pays to shop for a rental. Competition here is fierce. Beware of the booth: Greater Orlando is Florida's toll road capital.

Orlando Attractions

Walt Disney World is 30 minutes southwest of downtown Orlando. Planners envisioned it as a place where construction would never "finish," a destination where people would have to come back to see the latest and greatest. Universal Studios Orlando is part of a massive entertainment complex where you can see working film sets, sample the work of world-famous chefs, and ride attractions that put you in the movies. Take a look at a step by step approach to saving money at Disney World .

Beyond the Theme Parks

One reason for Orlando's phenomenal growth is its central Florida location. Gulf and Atlantic beaches are within 60 miles, as is the Kennedy Space Center, Ocala's horse farm country and some wonderful bass fishing.

More Orlando Tips

Get a GO Orlando Card

This is a card you buy prior to your trip and then activate on first use. You can buy from one- to seven-day cards good for free admission at dozens of local attractions. Design your itinerary before you consider a Go Orlando purchase, to determine if the investment will save you money on admissions.

Prepare Yourself for Admission Prices

People who don't do their homework experience "sticker shock" when they find out how much admission will cost. Check Web sites and find discounts before you go.

Be Skeptical of the word "Discount"

There is no shortage of offers for "deep discounts" and "cheap rooms." Sometimes the offers will save you money, but many have strings attached. Don't be duped.

Save Time for Central Florida

Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center is unique and should not be missed. Budget a day to see it. Orlando's trendy, upscale Winter Park area is a nice alternative to a day at the theme parks, too.

Sunburn can ruin your trip

It might be obvious advice, but scores of people plan and save for a Florida vacation and then lose most of the enjoyment to sunburn. Buy a good sunblock and use it. Consider it cheap travel insurance.

Try to Blend In

Criminals target people who advertise their status as tourists. Don't stack luggage in your car so it can be seen through the windows. Keep big bills tucked away safely in a money belt.

Watch Your Speed on Interstate 4

This main highway that connects Tampa, Disney, Orlando, and Daytona is well-patrolled, especially in the area near Disney. Warnings are few and tickets are expensive. You'll find other areas where radar-enforced tickets are common, but I-4 is probably the place where speeders get ticketed most frequently.

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7 need-to-know tips for first-time Orlando visitors

Vanessa Leavitt | November 15, 2018 November 14, 2018

If you’re planning your first visit to Orlando, you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible! If you’re responsible for creating the perfect trip for your family, the weight on your shoulders can feel a little heavy. But don’t worry – we’re going to help you out and relieve a little of that stress.

After reading these tips, you’ll feel like a veteran tourist, and your family (and you!) can relax and have a great vacation.

1. The parks are much bigger than you can imagine

The sheer size of Walt Disney World Resort is amazing in and of itself – it’s roughly the same size as the city of San Francisco (that’s 40 square miles!). Disney’s resort is made up of four theme parks, two water parks, two shopping/dining/entertainment districts (including Disney Springs), and over 40 on-site hotels (just take a look at the Hyatt, featured above – and that’s not even a Disney resort). Add to that golf and putt putt courses, campsites, trails, waterways, and more, and you can see how you can really get lost in there!

Currently, Universal has three parks ( Universal Studios Florida , Islands of Adventure , and its newest addition, the Volcano Bay water theme park), CityWalk (the entertainment complex), and six on-site hotels . What’s more, there are two more venues opening up all throughout 2019 and ’20 (which are collectively called Endless Summer Resort ), along with talk of building a third theme park on some 1,000 acres of land that were just recently purchased.

The parks will definitely make you feel small, so take your time and try not to rush amid all the excitement.

2. The difference between a theme and amusement park

If you are anything like me, you grew up near an amusement park that was filled with roller coasters and lots of spinning rides that made you question your sanity. You generally hop off one ride and right on to the next. There was a midway for playing games, and some of the best guilty-pleasure food around. The general idea is to go have a good time and ride as many attractions as possible.

To create their theme parks, Universal and Disney have taken the various elements from these amusement parks and enhanced them with stories, characters, and, well, themes, including the restaurants and shops. Each section is carefully crafted to make you feel like you have been transported to a different world or time. The rides are a little more spread out and not always the main attraction of the destination; be prepared to do a lot of walking, and to exit from reality to a fantasy world of princesses, dragons, wizards , and Wookiees .

Not to mention, cast members (Disney’s term for its employees), team members (Universal’s), and animal ambassadors (SeaWorld’s) do their best to help create a total-immersion experience. Universal does a particularly good job with this in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the team members there are in character the entire time, making you feel as if you’re actually a part of Harry’s world, so play along with them and have fun!

3. Where are the beaches?

When I first visited Florida as a kid, I assumed beaches were everywhere . If you’re on either coast, sure, they are; if you’re in Orlando, however, not so much. While there are some lakes in Central Florida open for swimming, many of the lakes and ponds are going to be off-limits for guests – this includes the various bodies of water at Disney World and the waterways at Universal Orlando. Yes, there are gators in the lakes, but there are also a host of other, more microscopic creatures that will definitely ruin your vacation should you come in contact with them. (If you are looking to see the ocean while in town, Cocoa Beach is the closest coastal beach, about an hour’s drive away.)

If beaches aren’t your thing, but you still want to have some fun in the water, Central Florida is also host to several natural fresh-water springs, including Blue Springs, which is home to fish, turtles, and, during the winter months, manatees. But we can’t stress this enough: just please be sure to pay attention to any signs and warnings – not just for gators, but for other creatures, too. This is for your and their mutual benefit.

4. Not always  the Sunshine State

Many people we hear from are saddened to check their weekly weather forecasts and see a 40% chance (or more) of rain every day of their summer vacation. Try not to let this get you down. Understand, it will probably rain every day you are here if you visit during the “rainy season” (about late May to mid-October), but, luckily, it doesn’t typically last. Expect about an hour of heavy rain in the afternoon, but then you can go and enjoy the rest of your day. Of course, there are lucky dry days, and days when the rain seems like it will never stop; during those times, take advantage of rides that remain open during bad weather (the lines will be almost nonexistent!). A rainstorm is also a great time to check out shows, such as the Horror Make-Up Show at Universal or Blue Horizons at SeaWorld.

Just remember to take extreme weather warnings, including lighting storms, seriously. And if a ride or water park is closed due to the weather, keep in mind that it’s for your own safety. The rain is just one of mother nature’s forces to deal with, so be prepared for any weather, no matter what time of year you come.

Pro tip:  if you do get caught in some bad weather, the parks will all gladly sell you ponchos, but I highly recommending grabbing a few at the corner dollar or drug store and bringing them with you. This will definitely save you some money if you get caught in a downpour.

5. Pay attention to extra fees

If you have decided to visit the parks, you have probably already come to terms with ticket prices; unfortunately, as guests, we can’t get into the park without admission, so it’s best to just research and budget what works best for the family.

Tickets, food, and souvenirs are not going to be the only things tugging on your wallet, though – the parks (and many hotels and resorts) charge parking fees. At Universal Orlando, the price for general parking is $25, with premium and valet parking also being offered for a bit more (you can find all the prices in our complete transportation guide ). Over at Walt Disney World, meanwhile, you can pay for parking at each theme park, or you can choose the Disney transportation system (monorail, buses, and water taxis) to get from one to the other.

Remember, when dining out, that most full-service restaurants and bars operate with a tipping policy. If you are unfamiliar with this, you may want to do your research on what is appropriate. And be sure you check your bill, as some establishments add on an automatic gratuity (the percentage and policy varies from place to place), as well as leaving a spot for you to add an additional tip as you see fit. This is especially helpful to those from other countries who aren’t sure what a good amount to tip is, as well as for those of us who don’t feel like doing math at the end of a good meal! Many establishments will also put the suggested tip amounts based on 15% and 20%, which is also helpful.

6. Different types of accommodations

When my family went on a trip that required us to spend a night or two, it was pretty simple: you found a nice little hotel near your destination, and everyone crammed into one room. You can still do that if you want to, but the good news is you don’t  have to.

With over 400 hotels in Orlando, there is bound to be something that piques your interest, from basic chain hotels to elaborately themed resorts that make you feel like you don’t need to leave the property! (The latter is the specialty of both Disney and Universal.) If you are traveling with a large party, or if you prefer more privacy, you may want to look into a vacation home – you have all the amenities of a single-family house, room for everyone, and, if you’re lucky, a private pool. And let’s not forget the other options of timeshare resorts, campgrounds, and RV sites.

There are pros and cons for each. With a little research, you can quickly find what’s best for your vacation. (To help get you started, take a look at Universal Orlando’s six on-site properties .)

7. Don’t forget to relax!

Between the theme parks, the beaches, all the restaurants, and the smaller attractions, your to-do list may seem never-ending. I cannot tell you how many guests I see at the end of their stay that are miserable and exhausted because they tried to do it all. And I don’t blame them – how can you not want to see and do everything? Especially if you have been planning and saving for this special trip for your family for a long time.

A key to keeping a smile on everyone’s face is to take a day or two and enjoy that beautiful resort you picked out, lay out by the pool, or just slow things down for a bit, perhaps by doing a half-day instead of a full day at the parks. After waiting in line, bumping into crowds of people, being beat up by the sun, and battling traffic, a day to just relax can make all the difference. Your body and your mind will thank you for it!

BONUS: The overlooked experiences

Central Florida is, of course, known for its theme parks, but if you want to get out and explore beyond that, there is certainly more to see. Take a break from the parks and visit one of the many outlet malls that not only feature the usual mall shops, but also fun things like the Crayola Experience, which is located in the Florida Mall. Check out the Downtown Orlando area and take a ride on the swan boats in Lake Eola and feed the real-life swans that live there. Downtown Orlando is also home to the new state-of-the-art Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which lives up to its motto of “Arts for every life” by featuring all kinds of shows, from Broadway hits to comedy performances, concerts, and more.

The City Beautiful is also surrounded by fun and unique towns that offer their own forms of entertainment and atmosphere, including Winter Park (which is home to one of the largest annual art festivals in the country) and Sanford (which has a fantastic Oktoberfest celebration each year, as well as a pretty terrific zoo). There are many other fun areas to explore, so no matter what your interest is, Central Florida has something you’re bound to enjoy. Welcome!

Share your first-time tips with – or ask your first-time questions to – literally tens of thousands of other theme-park enthusiasts in our Facebook groups. You can find our Universal Community here , and our Disney World Community here .

And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando destinations.

Related posts:

• 8 rainy-day tips at Universal Orlando
• Finding relaxation in the city of excitement: Tips for taking it easy in Orlando
• 5 Must-Know Theme Park Tips From Locals
• 11 tips to survive theme parks with large families

Review: Dave & Buster’s Orlando

6 top tips for making the most of discovery cove, about vanessa leavitt.

V.R. Leavitt grew up in Northern Virginia but is proud to call Orlando her home since 2010. She's always been a theme park enthusiast, so living in vacation town is a dream come true. When she's not at the parks, she's checking out all the other great things the City Beautiful has to offer with her family and friends, and also playing mom-taxi for her kid and her hectic band schedule. Besides theme parks, she loves movies, music, and theater and spends lots of time in her Harry Potter -themed office writing, reading, and shooing her cats off of her desk. She's also a big fan of soccer and has an impressive collection of socks with animals on them.

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Universal Orlando Trip Planning Guide (2024)

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort , you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we cover everything from flights to hotels to riding all the best rides, with a few tips and tricks along the way. Buckle up and get ready for some excitement—it’s time to plan a trip to Universal Orlando!

Basics of Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort comprises the following:

Two theme parks— Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

One water park— Universal’s Volcano Bay

Eight official hotels (with two more on the way)

A “downtown” dining / shopping district, CityWalk Orlando

The one other thing everyone knows about Universal is that it is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Wizarding World is not its own park, nor is it entirely inside a single theme park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is actually two themed lands —one in each of the two parks . One land (Diagon Alley) is in Universal Studios Florida (Diagon Alley) and the other (Hogsmeade) is in Universal’s Island of Adventure. They are connected by the Hogwarts Express attraction. (If you’re primarily visiting Disney World, we have a separate post on visiting Wizarding World from Disney World .)

How much should you budget?

We have a separate post going in-depth on how much a trip to Universal Orlando costs . While you can spend more or less (again, read the post), our “baseline” estimates for families of different sizes are:

Family of Three—  $3,850

Family of Four Trip — $4,797

Family of Five — $5,946

Dates and Events

Universal Orlando Resort has a variety of events throughout the year, but the calendar for vacationers is anchored by three major events:

Mardi Gras is celebrated on select dates in February, March, and April

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights in September and October

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort is celebrated from mid-November through the end of the year

Halloween Horror Nights is the event you’re most likely to need to know about, both because it is a unique experience and because it will significantly impact park hours at Universal Studios Florida.

If you’re concerned about crowds, you might look at the Orlando crowd calendar from Undercover Tourist .

Universal’s New “Epic” Park

In August 2019, Universal announced they would be building a third theme park—Universal’s Epic Universe. The park is set to open in 2025. We have a post explaining whether or not you should wait for Epic Universe to open before your next Universal trip .

How Long to Visit Universal Orlando Resort

With two parks and one water park, we think a good length of time to visit Universal Orlando Resort is three full days , one in each park or one full day in each theme park plus a day split between the two theme parks.

If you need to cut this down, you could cut Volcano Bay (the water park) completely or down to half of a day and get down to two days.

Additionally or alternatively, you can purchase Universal Express Pass to “skip the lines” and consolidate the highlights of the two theme parks into a single day (more on this option below).

A single day is also sufficient to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, if that’s all you really want to do.

Getting to Universal Orlando Resort

We’ll break this down into two parts—flying to Orlando, and then getting to the resort itself from either Orlando or Walt Disney World.

Flying to Orlando

There are two main airports that service the Orlando area, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).

As with Walt Disney World planning, we recommend flying to Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is closer to Universal and offers a wider variety of transportation options. Also, frankly, if you run into confusion you’ll have much better luck finding information online about traveling through MCO than SFB.

Getting to Universal Orlando from MCO

Universal offers the Universal SuperStar Shuttle between MCO and the resort . Click that link for our review. The roundtrip cost is around $39 per person (last time I checked).

Besides being a shuttle, our post on how to get from Orlando airport to Disney World has several options that also apply to Universal Orlando, and in both cases Uber is our preference.

An Uber from MCO to Universal Orlando should run you about $25 to $35. This means that with two or more people, it will probably be most cost efficient to use Uber (don’t forget tip, though). Unfortunately, we’ve had bad luck getting Ubers with car seats recently, so families with small children might want to think twice if you’re going to rely on that option. ( We travel with a Pico car seat. )

You can book other popular shuttle services, like Mears shuttles, or grab a taxi. Finally, for $2 per person, you could take about 2 hours and use public transportation to get to the resort, but we definitely see no reason to recommend that.

Getting to Universal Orlando from SFB

We have no experience with SFB, and really we never intend to gain any. There is a bus service between SFB and Universal Orlando. Beyond that, we can’t really speak to the options. We’d probably recommend an Uber, which should cost between $40 and $60.

Getting to Universal Orlando from Walt Disney World Resort

There are several transportation services that run between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. And you can find every sort of “tour” operator under the sun to plan some package for you. Truth be told—you just need to take an Uber or Lyft (or a taxi if you’re not comfortable with those services) to get between these two destinations.

Are there situations when some other shuttle service might be better? Perhaps. But shuttles can be unreliable and charge per-person. An Uber between these two destinations will run you around $20 to $40 with no hassle.

The only situation when we’d look for something other than Uber is if we needed to make sure we had sufficient number of car seats, in which case we’d either drive ourselves or book some sort of specialty transport in advance.

Where to Stay

There are three main options for staying at Universal—Universal Hotels, non-Universal hotels, and Airbnb.

Universal Hotels

We can’t claim to be experts on any of the Universal on-site hotels. Unlike Walt Disney World, where we’ve stayed at every hotel and visit all of them pretty frequently, we’re only beginning to visit Universal’s hotels.

But while we can’t go in-depth as to our thoughts about them individually, we can provide you an overview of some objective factors to consider.

Universal’s eight hotels are (links are to our reviews):

Premier Hotels (from $328 / night): Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

Preferred Hotel (from $212 / night): Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

Prime Value Hotels (from $145 / night): Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Value Hotels (from $99 / night): Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites, Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Like at Walt Disney World, guests of Universal’s hotels get access to special perks. Importantly, the perks are different by which “tier” hotel you book!

First, all guests of these hotels get access to Early Park Admission . This allows them to visit select attractions for an extra hour before the parks open to other guests.

Universal moves this perk between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, but it doesn’t usually alternate daily. More commonly, it will be at one park or the other for a month or more at a time.

Second, guests of Premier Hotels only get complimentary Universal Express Pass Unlimited, allowing them to “skip the line” on select attractions at the parks an unlimited number of times.

We’ll cover Express Pass more below, but it’s important to quickly discuss the economics of this perk. Universal advertises it as being worth up to $170+tax per person per day. That’s technically true—and we do think it’s often good value—but the true value depends on the day.

You definitely do not need Express Pass every day of a multi-day visit. And you don’t even necessarily need Express Pass Unlimited at all.

To be clear, we think this perk definitely justifies a night or two at a Premier Hotel (if the right prices are available), we just don’t think you should look at Express Pass and think “well three days of Express Pass for four people would be over $2000, so duh I have to upgrade my hotel! ”

Dining Plans

Guests purchasing packages with stays at Universal hotels have the option of purchasing a dining plan. We have no experience with these, but in general these sorts of prepaid plans are usually going to be more of a hassle to precisely manage than they’re worth. If you’re interested in it, plan carefully.

Non-Universal Hotels

We don’t have too much to say about non-Universal hotels, but there are a lot in the area that are as close or even closer than some of Universal’s hotels. Look at a map of the area and zoom in pretty much anywhere, and you’ll see hotels.

Besides looking at the hotel websites to see what walking times they project and what shuttle options they advertise, we highly recommend visiting Trip Advisor pages for the hotels and then searching for “walk” and “shuttle” in the reviews. This will give you visitor reports on shuttle and walking experiences.

Keep in mind that by staying at a non-Universal hotel, you won’t have Early Park Admission included in your stay.

Finally, we remain big fans of Airbnb, though we’re less inclined to go out of our way for a deal at Universal than over by Walt Disney World because hotel prices near Universal are so competitive. Airbnb is a good option for people with cars (or willing to pay for Uber) and who would like access to a full kitchen.

We have a post covering staying at an Airbnb for Walt Disney World visits , and obviously much of the same advice in there applies to Universal visits as well.

Choosing Your Universal Orlando Ticket

Universal Orlando’s ticket options are needlessly confusing, but we’re happy to cut through some of the nonsense. Essentially, Universal requires you to make three decisions:

How many days?

How many parks? (one, two, or three)

Do you want park-to-park (aka park hopper)?

We’ll break down the tickets by these three questions. All prices in this section are pre-tax, from the Universal website (as of publication date), and for a single adult. Prices vary by season, so prices for your date may be different.

Just for a quick reference:

Tickets range from $109 for a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket to $400+ for a 3-Day, 3-Park, Park-To-Park ticket

Additional days after day 2 tend to cost $10 to $20 per day

Adding Volcano Bay to your ticket costs about $55 to $75

Park-To-Park privileges cost about $60 to $70 for the total length of your ticket

How Many Days?

We covered how many days you need much earlier in this post. The biggest price gap is between 1-Day and 2-Day tickets. That second day costs about $110. After that, adding days typically costs $10 to $20 per day.

How Many Parks?

For the most part , Universal treats the resort as having three parks—the two theme parks and Volcano Bay, the water park. However, the don’t always treat Volcano Bay as an equal, so it’s important to pay attention to whether your purchase—particularly tickets and Express Pass—includes Volcano Bay or now.

Universal divides its tickets into three categories—1-Park, 2-Park, and 3-Park. 1-Park tickets allow admission into exactly one park. These are only sold for one-day visits and cost $115 for a theme park or $80 for Volcano Bay.

There really isn’t a reason you’d be reading this post and get a 1-park ticket. Remember, the flagship area of the resort is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is split across the two theme parks. If you only have a single day, you’ll definitely want to spring for the 2-Park 1-Day Park-To-Park ticket for $170 (exact price varies by season).

To decide between 2-Park and 3-Park tickets, you need to decide whether or not you’ll be going to the water park, Volcano Bay. 3-Park tickets (with Volcano Bay) typically cost between $55 and $75 more than tickets without Volcano Bay.

2-Park tickets allow admission into Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, not necessarily on the same day (that’s covered next, in “Park to Park”). You can buy these tickets for visits of any length.

3-Park tickets allow admission into Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. You can buy these for visits of two days or longer.

Park-to-Park (Yes, You Need It)

Park-to-Park tickets allow you to visit multiple parks on a single day. Park-To-Park privileges apply to the entire length of the ticket. Obviously you can only buy a 2-Park 1-Day or 3-Park 2-Day ticket if you get park-to-park. Park-To-Park tickets cost between $60 and $70 (total) more than tickets without Park-To-Park.

Without Park-To-Park, a 2-Park, 4-Day ticket (for example) would allow you to enter just one park each day. Whether you do the same park all four days, or alternate, or some other combination is up to you.

While we’re always a fan of ticket options that allow you the flexibility of moving between parks, Universal Orlando has a particular feature that basically forces the average guest into getting Park-to-Park. You cannot ride the Hogwarts Express without a Park-to-Park ticket.

The Hogwarts Express attraction connects to two halves of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which you’ll recall are in two different parks. Riding it thus requires you to be allowed in both parks on a single day.

Annual Passes

Looking at Universal Orlando’s annual pass options got me a bit dizzy. At some point, we might unpack all the options, but we just want to hit the highlights here.

First, you should definitely look into a Seasonal Pass. That pass costs $425+tax for a 2-Park pass, which is the a little more than a 2-Park 3-Day ticket. Of course, substantial blockout dates apply, but if your visit fits the dates, it can definitely make sense to get a pass—particularly because annual passes can get you access to hotel discounts.

A few years ago, I personally saved $255 on a Universal hotel stay by getting a seasonal pass ($350 pre-tax back then) instead of a 2-Park 4-Day ticket with park to park ($320 pre-tax).

Second, you can upgrade fully paid annual passes. Universal allows certain passes to be paid for on installments. If you pay fully upfront for your pass, you can pay to upgrade it at a later time, if you decide. This means that if you’re unsure the perks will make sense ahead of a trip, you can start with a seasonal pass and then upgrade later, if need be.

Finally, the highest level perks clearly target locals. As a frequent Walt Disney World guest who will sometimes pop over to Universal, the perks of the Premier Annual Pass offer me little. Express Pass after 4PM makes most sense for guests who will visit on the evenings, after work. Early Admission makes sense if you’re never staying at a Universal hotel.

Really, for vacationers its the reduced blockout dates that will be the biggest factor in upgrading your pass. If you can plan around the blockout dates, though, there’s probably minimal reason you’ll need to upgrade to a higher level pass.

Buying Your Universal Orlando Tickets

You can purchase your Universal Orlando tickets directly from Universal online, if you’d like. In the past, we purchased discount tickets from Undercover Tourist with no issue. We recommend you check out our guide to buying discount Walt Disney World tickets , as those brokers tend to sell Universal tickets, as well.

Planning Your Time at Resort

You’ve booked your flight, picked your hotel, and navigated the maze of ticket options. Now it’s time for the fun part—actually visiting Universal Orlando!

Getting Around

Universal CityWalk (discussed more below) is the hub of Universal Orlando resort. The only way to enter the two theme parks is by first passing through Universal CityWalk.

Shuttle buses connect Universal CityWalk (and by extension, the two parks) to the hotels. There are also walking paths connecting six of the hotels.

Guests at the Endless Summer hotels have a walking option , but it is unappealing, long, and mostly alongside a highway. Water taxis also connect some of the hotels to CityWalk. More on CityWalk below.

Park Itineraries and Guides

All guests need to have a plan for visiting or working around Early Park Admission . If you’re not at a Universal hotel (or don’t otherwise have Early Park Admission access), you’ll be at a disadvantage visiting a park with Early Park Admission. If you do have access, you want to be sure to get everything you can out of it.

We have a guide to the rides of Universal Studios Florida . We also have a one-day Universal Studios Florida sample itinerary .

Changing parks, we also have an Islands of Adventure rides guide, including a list of the best rides . Our one day Islands of Adventure itinerary also provides a touring plan for spending a full day at that park. For tips on your morning—including whether or not you should start with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure—we have a guide to morning rope drop at Islands of Adventure .

We’re not huge water park fans, so we honestly haven’t made time to put serious thought into Volcano Bay. Undercover Tourist has a good guide to Volcano Bay .

Universal Express Pass & Express Unlimited

We have a separate post that covers the ins and outs of Universal Express Pass and Express Unlimited . We’ll give a very brief rundown of it here, though.

Express Pass is a paid add-on that allows you access to an express line with a shorter wait time on most Universal attractions. You have to purchase it for specific days, but guests of Premier Hotels get the unlimited version for every day of their stay.

Because it can be so expensive (over $150 per person some days), we think you should be very careful about purchasing it, and very deliberate with how you use it.

It’s a total waste of money—in our opinion—to just blindly decide you have to have Express Pass every day of your visit. That’s why we dedicate a full post to it.

Single Rider Lines

Anytime we mention Express Pass, it’s good to briefly mention single rider lines. These are lines where individual riders queue to be placed with a group that doesn’t quite fill a ride vehicle. Groups in the single rider line will be split, and you will have to ride with strangers.

Single rider lines aren’t always available, but these rides often have them:

Fast & Furious Supercharged

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Revenge of the Mummy

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Skull Island Reign of Kong

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Transformers The Ride 3D

VelociCoaster

I’ve also seen Despicable Me Minion Mayhem use an single rider on occasion.

CityWalk isn’t a theme park, it’s a shopping, dining, and entertainment district similar to Downtown Disney or Disney Springs. Unlike Downtown Disney or Disney Springs, it’s virtually impossible to miss CityWalk (not that you want to miss any of the three) because all entrances to the theme parks go through CityWalk first.

Guests taking the Garden Walk pathway will just touch the edge of CityWalk en route to Islands of Adventure, but will walk through more of it en route to Universal Studios Florida. All other guests will pass through almost all of CityWalk on their way to the parks because parking and guest drop-off are on one end and the parks are on the other.

CityWalk has a variety of restaurants, and we highly recommend making a reservation if you’re planning to dine at them. Keep in mind that at the end of the day as guests exit the parks, CityWalk becomes very crowded and the restaurants fill up.

All Your Other Universal Orlando Planning Questions Answered

Don't be overwhelmed by Universal Orlando planning! Take a second to check out our most important content!

Just starting out? Start with our Universal Orlando Resort planning guide ! If you’re considering a Universal hotel, read our Review of Universal’s Aventura Hotel !

You’ll want to know what rides the parks offer, so we’ve got a Universal Studios Florida Rides Guide and a Universal’s Islands of Adventure Rides Guide . And to know how to get on them without the long waits , read all about Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort .

If you’d like an idea of how to plan a day at these parks, we can help there, too. Our One Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary covers a full day at the original park, and our Universal’s Islands of Adventure One Day Plan covers that park.

Early risers always have the best theme parks days (well, we think so). Read about Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando to learn how to get an extra hour in the parks. And read about rope drop at Islands of Adventure, including getting on the brand new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure .

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Universal Studios Touring Plan | Tips + Complete 1-Day Itinerary

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

Are you looking for the perfect 1-day Universal Studios touring plan to outsmart the crowds and get the most out of your experience?

Need a summary of Universal Express Pass tips, arrival and rope drop tips, as well as tips on how to plan your day in the park and minimize time spent standing in lines?

Our Universal Studios touring plan highlights all of these topics and offers a detailed, step-by-step morning and afternoon itinerary for spending 1-day at Universal Studios, Florida.

Be sure to stick around to the end for additional information and touring tips for the Harry Potter fans in your group!

*This post has been updated for 2023!

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.  

Table of Contents

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

For those of you who are new to the Universal experience and are a bit confused like I was, Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort consists of:

• Two theme parks: Universal Studios and  Islands of Adventure
• A water theme park: Volcano Bay
• A shopping, restaurant, and entertainment complex: Universal CityWalk Orlando
• Six onsite Loews Hotels
• An upcoming theme park,  Epic Universe , expected to open in early 2025

Its gigantic size is one of the biggest differences when comparing Universal Orlando vs. Universal Hollywood, as Universal Hollywood is much smaller.

Together, the Universal Orlando Resort covers 541 acres of land and welcomes over 11 million annual visitors from all around the world.

The following article is a sample 1-day touring plan for Florida’s Universal Studios theme park whose primary attraction is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

The best Universal Studios itinerary involves utilizing this practical touring plan and customizing your final ride and attraction choices based on your family’s interests.

*Look for a new ride titled Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast opening at Universal Studios Orlando in the summer of 2023!

Due to increased concern over safety and sanitation, the Universal theme parks have implemented a host of new measures that may impact your experience. Be sure to check the Universal homepage to review current considerations for your visit.

Universal Studios Touring Plan

Touring plans make it easy for you to get the most out of an experience by outlining the order you should visit rides and attractions.

In fact, having a game plan before heading into the park is one of our 45 Universal Studios tips that you absolutely need to read before your first visit.

Both our Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure touring plans were created for those visiting the Universal theme parks for one day each.

This itinerary also assumes that you are entering the park right at the opening time and staying into the evening.

Finally, although we utilized this Universal Studios Orlando touring plan while staying on-site (which granted us automatic Universal Express Passes), it may still be used by visitors who do not have an Express Pass – we’ll show you how!

Universal Studios Florida Hours

Universal Studios Florida hours vary, by the day, by the month, and by the season.

It is very important to check the Theme Park Hours schedule for the day that you plan on visiting Universal so that you can plan your experience accordingly.

The Universal Studios theme park hour calendar also includes information on what days offer Early Park Admission, as well as lists temporary attraction closure information.

Early Park Admission is a free perk when you book a Universal vacation package, stay at a Universal resort hotel, or use your Preferred or Premier Annual Pass.

This perk allows you to enter a designated Universal theme park 1-hour before the scheduled opening (select days only).

Additional planning tip: Take note that Universal and CityWalk hours, as well as daily showtimes, are not released until approximately 1 calendar month in advance.

Universal Studios Crowd Calendar

Our Universal Studios Orlando one-day touring plan assumes moderate to high crowds at the park when lines are expected to be long.

This exact plan was utilized when crowds were rated 9/10.

No matter when you visit, however, this 1-Day Universal Orlando touring plan is optimized and ordered so that walking and your wait in lines are minimized.

Universal Studios Express Pass

There is no denying that when the Universal Studios crowd calendar predicts moderate to high crowds, the waiting in lines can become incredibly draining and time-consuming.

To help offset time spent standing in lines, Universal Studios allows you to add Universal Express access to your theme park admission.

Universal Express is an all-day pass that allows you to skip the regular lines – and use a special Express Pass line – at select Universal attractions.

If you are staying on-site at one of  Universal’s premier resort hotels , Universal Express Unlimited is free for every day of your visit. (Your hotel keycard serves as your Universal Express pass.)

If you are not staying on-site and wish to purchase Universal Express passes, the cost varies by day and expected crowds. So during peak times, prices will be higher.

Current prices can be found on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

Additional planning tip: Universal Express is separate from regular admission. In other words, you must purchase BOTH a Universal park base ticket along with an Express Pass add-on.

It’s easiest to buy Express passes online. You can also buy them at the entrance gates and throughout all three parks at dozens of locations.

Read here to find out the qualifying rides, exact wait times, and an explanation of whether or not we think Universal Express Pass is worth it !

Universal Studios Orlando: One Day Touring Plan

Prior to visiting Universal Orlando, be sure to download the official Universal Orlando Resort app on the  App Store  or the  Google Play Store .

The Universal Orlando Resort app provides:

• An interactive park map
• Wait times and wait time alerts you can set
• Mobile food and drink ordering for select restaurants
• A virtual wallet where you can purchase and store your tickets and Express Passes
• Virtual Line experience selection queue

Universal Studios’ Virtual Line program allows you to use your phone app (or kiosks at the ride) to make a reservation for your entire travel party to visit various attractions.

The use of virtual lines and what rides offer it varies by the day.

To make a Virtual Line reservation, go to the Virtual Line Experience drop-down from the main menu on the Universal app and select “Virtual Line Venues”. Click on the ride and select the half-hour increment that is available in which you’d like to ride.

At your selected time, simply show your phone at the attraction and you will immediately be admitted into the ride/show.

Keep in mind that the Virtual Line reservation system only works if you are physically inside the park.

Also, you can only reserve two ride times at a time meaning that you may not add another attraction until a previous ride time has passed.

See the screenshot below for what it looks like to reserve Virtual Line times.

Universal Orlando Resort has a parking and transportation structure consisting of two gigantic multi-story parking lots and a centralized transportation hub that allows you to access Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.

The parking garage opens 2 hours before the official park opening to accommodate those eligible for Early Park Admission. ($27/day for regular self-parking, $60/day for prime parking.)

If you are driving to the resort and are not eligible for Early Park Admission, we recommend arriving at the Universal parking garage 60 minutes prior to the official opening.

It then takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from the parking garage to the park’s entrance turnstiles. This brings you to the entrance a perfect 45 minutes before the official opening.

Alternatively, Universal Orlando on-site resort transportation to the parks via water taxis and shuttles begins 2 hours before the official opening, or 1 hour before Early Park Admission.

Guests staying on-site during peak periods should catch the first ride of the morning in order to be the first into the Wizarding World during the early entry period.

Entering the Park

As of now, Universal Orlando does not require advanced reservations to get into any of their Orlando theme parks.

In addition, they are no longer limiting capacity as they had been during the pandemic.

With that said, we always recommend getting to the turnstiles 45 minutes prior to park opening (and 30 minutes before Early Park Admission), especially on projected busy days.

This act has long been known as ‘rope-drop’.

Rope drop involves getting to Universal Studios before it begins operating for the day so that you can be among the very first guests to enter and enjoy the attractions.

Rope dropping is the single most important key to an efficient touring plan in order to avoid long lines. First thing in the morning, there are no lines and fewer people.

The same four rides you experience in 1 hour upon rope dropping can take as long as 3 hours after 10:30 AM.

Additional planning tip: On days when Universal does not offer Early Park Admission, the gates typically open 30 minutes before the advertised opening.

Guests are restricted to the front of the park where Despicable Me Minion Mayhem often opens to all guests 10–15 minutes before the official opening.

Our recommended Universal Studios arrival times (during peak periods) with Early Park Admission:

• 6:00-6:15 AM: Leave the onsite hotel or arrive at Universal parking garage
• 6:30 AM: Arrive at park turnstiles
• 7:00 AM: Early Park Admission entry – head straight to Diagon Alley
• 8:00 AM: Regular park opening time

Our recommended Universal Studios arrival times (during peak periods) without Early Park Admission:

• 7:00 AM: Leave the onsite hotel or arrive at Universal parking garage
• 7:15 AM: Arrive at park turnstiles
• 7:45 AM: Guests typically let into the front of the park to ride Despicable Me Minon Mayhem
• 8:00 AM: Park opening time

Additional planning tip: Due to a strict bag and locker policy and the fact that personal belongings are not allowed on many of the rides, be sure to review what to bring to Universal Studios in your day bag as you prepare for your visit.

Likewise, be sure to have an understanding of the Universal Orlando locker system as you will need to store your belongings while riding most rides.

Universal Studios Touring Plan: Morning

Upon arriving at the park, use your Universal app to make Virtual Line reservations.

Once the park opens, walk directly to the Harry Potter area without stopping for anything.

In other words, if you want to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, you must arrive before everyone else does.

There’s no other way.

When you arrive at Diagon Alley, take it all in!

Browse the shops and enjoy the atmosphere of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This is a great time to buy a wand from Ollivander’s and let the kids cast spells without long waits or crowds.

Morning Itinerary

Similar to experiencing the best rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure , we recommend visiting the top rides at Universal Studios immediately upon park opening.

The following attractions typically experience the longest wait times if not done right away.

Likewise, visit these attractions in this exact order to decrease time spent zig-zagging around the park.

*Rides with (EP) listed after their names denote that the ride qualifies for Express Pass.

1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (EP). While in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to go to:

• Ollivander’s Wand Shop
• Gringott’s Money Exchange
• Knight’s Bus

Then, back-track to the front of the park and do these rides:

2. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (EP)

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (EP)

4. Transformers: The Ride 3D (EP)

5. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (EP)

6. Revenge of the Mummy (EP)

7. Fast & Furious: Supercharged (EP)

Additional planning tip: This plan does not assume you’re using child swap, which allows parents to swap supervising a child who does not meet a height requirement without waiting in line twice.

If you do use child swap, your day will move more slowly as you have to wait for two people to ride each ride.

Universal Studios Touring Plan: Afternoon

I recommend saving Universal shows for the afternoon and evening.

This includes the Bourne Stuntacular, Horror and Make-up Show, Shrek 4-D, Animal Actors on Location, and Fear Factor Live.

Daily showtimes vary and can be found on the app. Adapt your afternoon itinerary according to what showtimes are available.

1. Shrek 4-D (45 min.); Separate theater for those with Express Pass.

2. The Bourne Stuntacular (26 min); Despite a potentially long wait/line, don’t miss this one!

3. Horror & Make-up Show (25 min.)

4. E.T. Adventure (EP)

5. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (EP)

6. Animal Actors on Location (20 min.)

7. The Simpsons Ride (EP). While in the queue, be on the lookout for an appearance by an animated Doc Brown.

8. Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl (EP)

9. Men in Black: Alien Attack (EP).

10. Fear Factor Live (20 min.)

11. Browse the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley again.

Next, ride the Hogwart’s Express (EP) if you have a park-to-park pass.

11. Watch Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration or other seasonal evening entertainment; these have scheduled showtimes so be sure to check the Universal app.

Additional planning tip: If you love theme parks, Walt Disney World is only 9 miles away from Universal Orlando! Check out our 7-day Orlando itinerary that includes both a Universal and a Disney World vacation!

Universal Studios Dining

Another one of the top tips for visiting Universal Studios is to skip the typical hot dogs and chicken tenders in order to indulge in the unique dining options that are exclusive to Universal Studios.

In fact, the best itinerary for Universal Studios Orlando includes eating at a themed restaurant, such as the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.

Its traditional British food and perfectly Harry Potter pub-themed atmosphere make for an experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Also, be sure to try a Butterbeer!

This iconic non-alcoholic drink, which comes in hot, cold, and frozen varieties, is sold everywhere inside the Harry Potter areas of the parks.

In addition, be sure to check out the best restaurants in Citywalk for another incredibly unique experience.

Additional planning tip: Keep in mind that you can make online reservations ahead of time for full-service restaurants and Universal CityWalk in order to avoid the lines during busy seasons.

If You Want More Harry Potter Fun

If you’re a Potterhead you will absolutely not be disappointed by the immersive theming of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter found throughout Universal Orlando.

Their amazing attention to detail is what makes a trip to Universal Orlando Resort a must-do vacation destination for most Harry Potter Fans.

If you’re a huge fan, you’ll also want to add additional time ( specifically related to Harry Potter ) to your Universal Studios touring plan in order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Next, be sure to purchase a Park-to-Park Ticket for Universal Orlando that will serve as your ticket to ride Hogwart’s Express.

In other words, a Park-to-Park Ticket is required in order to ride Hogwart’s Express, and you can’t ride it without one.

(In case you don’t know, Hogwart’s Express is an actual train that travels between Universal Studios and Island of Adventure, allowing you to visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one day.)

Additional planning tip: Universal’s Harry Potter experience includes Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure ( home to Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure – a fan favorite! ).

You’ll find the famous Ollivander’s Wand shop in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Here, you can purchase both standard and interactive wizard wands as well as participate in a wand-fitting demonstration. 

Through a sensor in the tip of the interactive wands, wanna-be wizards and witches can perform 25 spells through both Diagon Alley  and  Hogsmeade.

This requires being on the lookout for gold medallions along the walkways signaling you when to cast spells.

Potterheads can look forward to lighting the chandelier in the window at Flimflam’s Lantern or to repairing a suit of armor at the blacksmith’s with a simple wave of their wand.

*Click here for our exclusive FREE Family Vacation Packing List and BONUS Theme Park Bag Packing List to complement your Universal vacation!

I am confident that you’re now off to a great start in planning your day at Universal Studios! What was the most helpful part of the Universal Studios touring plan? Jen

If you liked reading our Universal Studios touring plan, continue planning your Universal Orlando vacation here:

Universal Orlando Touring Plans:

• Islands of Adventure Touring Plan: Complete 1-Day Itinerary

Universal Orlando Tips:

• 45 Tips for your First-Time Visit to Universal Orlando
• What to Bring to Universal Studios (+Day Bag Tips)
• 9 Big Differences Between Disney World and Universal Studios
• Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando: 9 Reasons to Stay
• A Complete Guide to Understanding the Lockers at Universal Orlando
• 7 Best Restaurants in Universal Orlando Citywalk

Universal Orlando Rides:

• Top 7 Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
• Top 7 Best Rides at Universal Studios Florida
• Is Universal Express Pass Worth It? A Detailed Look!

* 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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12 Comments

We have never been to Universal Studios bt have been to Disney 20+ times. This is the perfect itinerary to dip our toes in!

You totally have to try Universal! We love Disney too…but now that the kids are older, they prefer Universal hands-down 🙂

Loads of very useful information here in this post. Last time we traveled to Orlando we only made it to the Disney parks and I’m thinking it would probably be a good idea to go back and visit Universal Studios. Thanks for sharing all these insights!

Yes, we started with Disney too! As the kids have gotten a little older, they absolutely LOVE Universal, although I haven’t had the heart to ask them which they like better 😉

Awesome tips and perfect itinerary, can’t wait to actually get out there and experience Universal again! thanks for the travel inspiration.

You’re welcome! It is definitely a place that we would love to return to year-after-year!

I dont know how this is possible, BUT I have never been to Universal Studios! Its very high on my to do list. I gotta get my kids to read Harry Potter first.

What?!?! I can’t believe that you haven’t been…but I am so happy that now you have a little info for when you do go! Yay! If the kids never get around to reading Harry Potter, no worries 🙂 It is so much more than that!!

You’re not going to believe this but I haven’t been to Universal Studios in 20 years! We really need to take the kids and this is the perfect one day touring guide!! So much detail- thank you Jen!!

Yay! You’re welcome! It’s really how amazing it all is! …It’s too bad that these awesome American theme parks have to be so expensive though. I feel like we’d go there way more if they were more affordable 🙂

The Universal studio is on my ‘must do’ and ‘must see’ places. I’ll like to compare it with Motiongate in Dubai. I’ll like to see Shrek in 4d. Thanks for a complete guide.

You’re welcome! It really is a truly amazing place! I was glad that we waited until our kids were a bit older to go there, for the rollercoasters and thrill rides are not-to-miss!

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Orlando Travel Guide [2024]

Updated : April 18, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMS

Table of contents, how to get to orlando, getting around orlando.

• Best Time To Visit Orlando

Orlando Theme Parks

Things to do in orlando, where to stay in orlando, where to eat in orlando.

• Orlando Photo Spots

Orlando Day Tips

Orlando on a budget, orlando traveling tips, what to pack for orlando, plan your orlando vacation with aaa.

Going to Orlando without a plan is like going to the beach without sunscreen — it’s technically possible, but you probably shouldn’t attempt it, especially if it’s your first trip. Known as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is home to several world-famous theme parks, championship golf courses, award-winning spas and resorts and so much more, which is why it’s one of our top travel destinations . If you visit without a plan, you’re sure to miss out on something great, either because you didn’t know about it or you couldn’t get in at the last minute. 

We’ve been helping AAA members plan trips to Orlando for decades, and we’re sharing our knowledge with you in this comprehensive travel guide. We’ll help you figure out every step of your trip, from how to get there to what to pack and everything in between.

The best way to get to Orlando depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re anywhere in the Midwest or on the East Coast, you can easily get to Orlando by car, but visitors from the Western United States will probably want to book a flight to avoid multiple days in the car.

Out-of-state visitors can get to Orlando by taking either I-75, which runs north-south along the Gulf Coast to Tampa, or I-95, which runs north-south along the Atlantic Coast to Miami. Then cut to Orlando using I-4, which runs east-west through Orlando or Florida’s Turnpike (State Road 91), a tollway that runs north-south from Florida City to Miami. 

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is conveniently located in Orlando, about 15 minutes from most major attractions and downtown Orlando. More than 10 airlines, including Southwest, Delta, United and American, all provide service to Orlando, and the airport is large but easy to navigate. However, the airport sees 54 million travelers annually and can get pretty congested during the peak travel season.

Once you arrive, you can take a cab or rideshare to your hotel, but be prepared to spend upward of $40, especially during peak times. Most hotels and resorts offer free or paid shuttles to and from the airport, but you’ll want to call your hotel or resort for details. If you prefer to drive yourself, the Orlando airport has several major rental car agencies, including AAA partners Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar Car Rentals .

You can also fly into the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) . Located about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando, it services smaller regional airlines and private planes, but you may find a cheaper flight there than to the main airport.

If you live along the Eastern Seaboard, you can also take an Amtrak train to one of four Orlando train stations. The Orlando and Kissimmee stations are both about 35 minutes from Walt Disney World.

Two trains service Orlando: the Silver Meteor Train and the Silver Star Train , both running from New York City to Miami. The train ride duration depends on where you start, but expect a 22-to-23.5-hour ride from New York to Orlando. The trip takes longer than driving, but it’s more comfortable and is a great option if you want to avoid flying.

Tickets start at $100 for a one-way coach ticket, but increase based on the type of ticket you want and your starting point. 

You can also get to Orlando by bus. Several bus services, including Greyhound and Megabus have routes through Orlando. Ticket prices and duration vary based on your origin point. 

Car is the best way to get around Orlando. While a public transportation system exists, traveling from one attraction to another often requires multiple transfers or takes a while. 

Driving in Orlando

One of the best things about Orlando is that the road systems developed around the major attractions as they were built, so it’s easy to get to them. But due to the large number of tourists during peak travel season, you’ll probably run into traffic. Expansion construction is also year-round, leading to road closures and traffic delays.

Downtown Orlando is fairly easy to navigate, with a grid system built around the two main thoroughfares: Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue. Several streets are one-way, so pay careful attention to signs as you drive.

International Drive is the main artery of the tourist area. As a result, it’s Orlando’s busiest road, both in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, so be prepared to take it slow. 

Public Transportation in Orlando

Orlando has several public transportation options for tourists and residents. Before hopping on, check routes, schedules, fares and other important information.

LYNX Bus Service

The primary bus provider for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, LYNX bus lines run to almost every major attraction in Orlando, but you may have to transfer lines on your journey, depending on your starting point. Operation times vary by route, so check the schedule to avoid being stranded.

LYMMO Downtown Circulator

This bus service provides free transportation within downtown Orlando, including International Drive and Orlando International Airport. You can drive downtown, park your car in one of the city’s parking garages for the day and then explore using the LYMMO service.

I-Ride Trolley

If you’re exploring the restaurants, shopping and attractions on International Drive, take the I-Ride Trolley. The trolley runs daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week, and fares start at $2.

Commuter Rail Services

Orlando has three commuter rail systems that can take you outside Orlando for day trips.

• Amtrak: You can catch an Amtrak train in Orlando to more than 15 Florida destinations, mainly along the East Coast.
• Brightline: The express high-speed intercity passenger train connects Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami and has begun operations .
• SunRail: The commuter service operates Monday through Friday, with one-way fares starting at $2 and round-trip fares at $3.75. It travels a 49-mile route with 16 stations between DeBary and Poinciana.

Parking in Orlando

Prices for parking in Orlando depend on where you are and the type of parking you use. 

If you’re heading downtown, privately owned parking facilities vary widely, but city-owned parking facilities have the following rates:

• Start at $2 per hour 
• Pay a flat $8 fee if you arrive between 5:30 and 7 a.m. and leave before 5 p.m.
• $1 per hour
• Free between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., on Sundays, and all city holidays
• $2 per hour 
• $10 for a weekend/event rate

You may be able to find some free parking spots along Park Avenue in Winter Park , but they fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.

See a list of all city-owned parking garages to locate the garage nearest your destination, or contact the City of Orlando Parking Division at 407-246-2155 or via email at [email protected] .

Theme park parking also varies widely. The good news is that most theme parks have plenty of parking. The bad news is that the cheaper the parking, the farther you’ll have to walk to the entrance. Some hotels and resorts offer complimentary shuttle service to the major theme parks, so ask before you book your stay. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay at the major theme parks:

• Walt Disney World: Starts at $25 per day
• Universal Studios Orlando: Starts at $27 per day

Best Time To Visit Orlando 

The best time to visit Orlando depends on why you’re traveling and your goals. The busiest times are the summer when kids are out of school and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when people come to Orlando to celebrate the holidays .

If your goals include saving a few bucks or avoiding the crowds, it’s best to go during off-peak travel times: January through mid-February or September through Thanksgiving. School is usually in session during these times, so people with kids are less likely to take a vacation. Watch out for three-day holiday weekends like Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, since families may choose to travel to Orlando for a long weekend. You’ll also want to avoid Halloween since both Disney World and Universal Studios have special Halloween-themed events that tend to draw crowds.

If you want the best weather for your trip to Orlando, aim to travel from March through May. The weather will be perfect for spending the day exploring Orlando’s attractions: highs in the 80s with lows in the 50s and lots of sunshine with low humidity. September through November also has decent temperatures, but it’s hurricane season, so you risk canceling your trip at the last minute. December through February is also a good time to visit as long as you don’t mind skipping the water rides and wearing a light jacket since the highs will only be in the low 70s. 

Orlando’s main attractions are its theme parks, earning it the nickname “The Theme Park Capital of the World.” 

Disney World

With more than 58 million visitors annually, Disney World is one of the main reasons people travel to Orlando. With its own restaurants, shops and attractions, the Disney World campus is essentially its own small city.

Experience the classic Disney magic in Magic Kingdom, soar through Pandora at Animal Kingdom, tour the Star Wars universe at Hollywood Studios and eat and drink your way through the world in Epcot. Meet your favorite characters, scream on heart-pounding rides and enjoy nightly fireworks shows.

Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll also need to make reservations for entrance to the parks. Avoid long wait times with Lightning Lanes and Genie+ (which replaced the Fast Pass). 

• Cost: $109 to $189, depending on park and date , but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
• Duration: Most people spend one day per park

Get Tickets

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has three distinct parks: Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay, its water park. There are currently more than 30 rides to enjoy, with a new park, Epic Universe, expected to open in 2025.

Harry Potter fans can shop in Diagon Alley and break out of Gringotts, ride the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade, get a wand and take a forbidden journey through the Hogwarts grounds. Experience Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs on one of its two themed rides, immerse yourself in the world of The Mummy or team up with superheroes like Spiderman and the Hulk. There’s plenty for kids to do, too, with themed lands including Dr. Seuss, Woody Woodpecker and Minions.

• Cost: Starts at $80, depending on the park and day , but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
• Duration: 1-5 days

LEGOLAND, located about an hour outside of Orlando, has three parks: LEGOLAND, Peppa Pig Theme Park and LEGOLAND Water Park. The entire campus is 150 acres filled with more than 50 rides, shows, restaurants and other attractions for families to enjoy. Unlike other theme parks on this list, LEGOLAND is specifically tailored to children 12 and under, so teens and adults may not find as much to do as they would at other theme parks.

• Cost: Starts at $84 depending on the park and day, but you can save up to 30 percent with your AAA membership
• Duration: 1-3 days, depending on how many of the parks you want to visit

Fun Spot America Theme Park

Fun Spot America combines the thrill rides of an amusement park with a carnival midway to create a unique experience that offers something for everyone. Escape the heat in the arcade or the Funhouse, or beat the heat on bumper boats. Play carnival games and ride carnival favorites like a carousel or the Ferris wheel. 

If you prefer thrills, check out Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster or the World’s Second Tallest SkyCoaster. There’s also a splash pad for kids to cool off and a small wildlife oasis where you’ll find alligators and other reptiles and birds.

• Cost: Starts at $59.95 plus tax, but you can purchase Orlando tourist passes to combine admission with another attraction (starting at $64)
• Duration: 1 day

Plenty of things to do in Orlando don’t require stepping foot in a theme park. Here are a few.

Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando’s Theme Parks

Want to escape the Orlando crowds? Try flightseeing! See Orlando from above on a helicopter night tour. Your pilot will point out highlights, such as Walt Disney World, Universal and The Orlando Eye at ICON Park, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at. If you fly during one of Magic Kingdom or Epcot’s nightly fireworks programs, you’ll have the best view in the city. Regardless of when you go, you’ll have unique photos of Orlando from an angle most people never get.

• Duration: 15 to 40 minutes

Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park

Take a self-guided tour in your car through the 170-acre Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. You’ll see more than 150 animals from around the world, including zebras, giraffes, American bison and more. Get some amazing photos as you travel the gravel paths through the safari park, and then leave the car behind to walk through Gator Park, where you’ll see more than 200 additional animals, including Crusher, the biggest alligator in Osceola County.

• Duration: 1 to 4 hours

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show

If you love laughing and magic, the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks Orlando is a must while you are in Orlando. The 90-minute show is one of Orlando’s longest-running dinner shows. You can expect a blend of audience participation, magic and improv, which is 100 percent family-friendly, making it a great indoor activity if you’re traveling with kids on a rainy day. Enjoy unlimited pizza, salad and beverages (including beer and wine) while you watch. The show runs every night but sells out frequently, so buy your tickets in advance.  

• Duration: 1.5 hours

There are plenty of places to stay in Orlando , but here are a few of our favorites.

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Orlando, FL 32821

AAA designation: Four Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best

AAA discount: Save at least 5 percent and earn Hilton Honors points

Rates: Starting at $227 per night

Great for: Resort lovers

Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary

Universal shuttle service: No

If you want to stay as close as possible to Disney but want to avoid a Disney resort, book a stay at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Without leaving the property, you’ll be able to see the fireworks from the evening shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom in the distance.

Nestled on a 482-acre nature preserve, you’ll be in a bubble of serenity while still close to all the action. Float the 3-acre lazy river after a long day of meetings or theme park rides, hop over to the neighboring 18-hole golf course at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or relax in the spa.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

AAA Designation: Five Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best

Rates: Starting at $1,105 per night

Great for: Walt Disney World visitors

Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, for a fee

Whether you’re traveling with children, on a romantic getaway or in Orlando on business, stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World for a luxurious vacation close to one of the best attractions in Orlando .  

The 26-acre campus is a short complimentary shuttle ride away from Walt Disney World. Play golf at the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club or spend a day at Explorer Island, the resort’s 5-acre water park with a lazy river, splash pad and two water slides. (Don’t worry, they also have an adults-only pool if you want to relax.) 

End the day enjoying a delicious dinner at Capa Steakhouse , the resort’s Michelin-star restaurant, while taking in the fireworks shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Address: 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

AAA Designation: Three Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best

Rates: Starting at $201 per night

Great for: Families

Disney shuttle service: No

Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, complimentary

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort transports you back to a 1950s Florida hotel with all the modern amenities. It’s a themed budget resort with 1,500+ rooms decorated in mid-century modern decor. The campus includes a food court, a lazy river, two zero-entry swimming pools and an on-site bowling alley. 

But the best perk is Early Park Admission, which grants you access to Universal Studios’ two theme parks and water park one hour earlier (with valid theme park admission). 

Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Address: 4012 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32837

AAA designation: Five Diamond, 2022 Inspector’s Best

AAA discount: Save on your booking and earn Marriott Bonvoy points

Rates: Starting at $391 per night

Great for: Spa services

Disney shuttle service: Yes, complimentary with the resort fee, but reservations are required 24 hours in advance

Universal Studios shuttle service: Yes, complimentary with the resort fee, but reservations are required 24 hours in advance

Not everyone comes to Orlando for the theme parks — some come to relax and recharge. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando for ultimate relaxation.

Kids can spend the day at the Ritz Kids room while you enjoy the world-class spa or hit the championship golf course. You can even preserve trip memories by booking a session with the photography concierge.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is eco-certified, and its organic garden and resident bees supply the food for the resort’s seven restaurants and the spa’s honey, herbs and CBD. The spa also uses citrus from local orchards.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection

Address: 325 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801

AAA discount: Save 5 percent or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy points

Rates: Starting at $207 per night

Great for: Art and jazz lovers

Universal Studios shuttle service: No

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando offers a unique boutique experience in the heart of downtown Orlando. The recently renovated hotel features an art collection of more than 150 pieces.

Catch a performance in the Bosendorfer Lounge, the hotel’s jazz bar, with a cocktail and a light meal, or enjoy dinner at The Boheme restaurant. The Poseidon Spa offers relaxing massages and other treatments to help you recover after a long day trekking across theme parks, or stop by the rooftop pool.

Best Western International Drive-Orlando

Address: 8222 Jamaican Ct., Orlando, FL 32819

AAA designation: Approved

AAA discount: Save at least 5 percent and earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program

Rates: Starting at $111 per night

Great for: Budget travelers

Stay in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district at the Best Western International Drive-Orlando. The hotel is a Disney Official Ticket Location Hotel, which means you can purchase your Disney theme park tickets from the concierge. There’s also a complimentary hot breakfast to fuel up before exploring International Drive or taking a shuttle to the major theme parks.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Orlando, FL 32821

AAA discount: Save up to 10 percent and earn Hilton Honors points

Rates: Starting at $378 per night

Great for: Romantic getaways

Book a romantic getaway at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located in Bonnet Creek, a residential area near Walt Disney World. Despite being surrounded by other hotels and the Disney campus, you feel like you’re in a peaceful oasis. 

Get a couples massage at the on-site spa or enjoy a romantic evening at the Bull & Bear restaurant. Enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning before heading to the theme parks, or relax at one of the two pools. 

Note: The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is undergoing a phased remodel during 2023, and some features may be unavailable. Contact the hotel for more information. 

Whether you’re standing in line at theme parks or spending the day on one of the area’s many lakes, you’re sure to work up an appetite in Orlando. Grab some curbside pickup, takeout or delivery to eat in your hotel, or check out one of our recommended restaurants.

Victoria & Albert’s

Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Phone number: (407) 939-3862

Chef: Matthew Sowers

Reservations: Required

Type: New American, fine dining

Dress code: Semi-formal/formal

AAA designation: Five Diamond

Price: Starting at $300

The most exclusive dining experience in Disney World and one of the best restaurants in Orlando is Victoria & Albert’s, the restaurant in the Grand Floridian Hotel. It only serves a maximum of 43 guests each night, so book your reservations up to 60 days in advance. 

Choose to eat in the Dining Room with live harp entertainment, or opt for the romance of Queen Victoria’s Room, which only seats four couples. You can also eat at the Chef’s Table and watch the chef prepare your meal. All guests must be at least 10 years of age, and semi-formal/formal wear is required.

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The Boathouse

Address: 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Phone number: (407) 939-2628

Chef: John Shaw

Reservations: Suggested

Type: Seafood & steak, fine dining

Dress code: None

AAA designation: Three Diamond

Price: Starting at $35

Located at the end of The Landing at Disney Springs, The Boathouse lives up to its name, with boat decor and stunning views of Lake Buena Vista. The menu includes fresh seafood, a raw bar, steak, pasta and more casual options like tacos and burgers. There’s plenty on the menu to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Visit the three outdoor bars where you can see harbor manager flag ceremonies during the day or enjoy live entertainment from 8 p.m. to midnight. The restaurant has a relaxed vacation vibe, and you’ll see a mix of people fresh from a day at one of the theme parks alongside people straight from the office.

Café Tu Tu Tango

Address: 8625 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819

Phone number: (407) 248-2222

Chef: Eduardo Sierra

Reservations: Suggested for dinner

Type: Small plates

Dress code: Casual

Price: Starting at $6

Located on International Drive, Café Tu Tu Tango has an artistic and eclectic vibe, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Order several of their tapas-style plates to share with the table and enjoy daily drink and food specials Monday through Friday. Despite its eclectic vibe, it’s still very kid-friendly.

View artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece as a unique souvenir of your trip) while you eat. And if there’s an artist in residence, you can even watch them create their work. There’s live entertainment every day, ranging from belly dancers to tarot readers to musicians.

STK Orlando

Address: 1580 E. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL 32830

Phone number: (407) 917-7440

Chef: James O’Donnell

Type: Steak, fine dining

Dress code: Smart casual

Price: Starting at $24

STK Orlando describes itself as a modern steakhouse slash chic lounge in Disney Springs. There’s a live DJ mixing music to craft the perfect energy for your visit. The restaurant has four main dining areas (first-floor patio, first-floor lounge, second-floor casual and second-floor patio) and two bars where you can enjoy craft cocktails before your meal. 

The menu includes steak, seafood and more. They also serve brunch on the weekends. While STK Orlando has a kid’s menu, the overall vibe makes it a better option for adults . Save STK Orlando for a date night without the kids for the best experience.

Le Cafe de Paris

Address: 5170 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

Phone number: (407) 293-2326

Chef: Claude Wolff

Reservations: No

Type: French

Price: Starting at $11

Le Cafe de Paris is a small French cafe owned and run by Claude and Chantal Wolff that serves breakfast and lunch. Enjoy delicious French pastries, omelets, soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads — perfect for a quick bite before you tackle your day.

They also blend their Columbian, Costa Rican and Ethiopian coffee locally. If you like it, you can sign up for their coffee club and they’ll ship it to you monthly so you can keep enjoying your vacation after you get home.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

Address: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 84, Orlando, FL 32819

Phone number: (407)545-6867

Chef: Chris Christini

Type: Northern Italian

Dress code: Business casual

AAA designation: Four Diamond

Price: Starting at $25

If you want Italian food, the best place in Orlando is Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, which has been serving authentic Italian food for over 40 years. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients (including olives from Christini’s farm) and pairs beautifully with the extensive wine list. While reservations aren’t required, the restaurant is only open from 5 to 11 p.m., so a reservation will help you avoid a long wait for a free table.

Hot Dog Heaven

Address: 5355 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32807

Phone number: (407) 282-5746

Type: Quick serve

Price: Starting at $4

Since 1987, Hot Dog Heaven has been serving authentic Chicago-style hot dogs to Orlando. They purchase all their hot dogs from Vienna Beef Co., a Chicago-based company that’s been smoking all-beef hot dogs since 1893, so you know they’re authentic. They offer three dozen hot dog options, including Southern, New York and Chicago, in regular and jumbo sizes.

Be sure to check the hours for the day before you go. Hot Dog Heaven’s limited hours and popularity means you’ll probably have to stand in line, but it’s worth it.

5 Orlando Photo Spots

Orlando is filled with stunning scenic places that practically beg you to take a photo. Whether you’re looking to take an updated family photo, snap professional engagement photos or just take a selfie that proves you were there, check out our list below.

• Main Street USA with Cinderella’s Castle: Every step you take in Disney World brings you a new spot to photograph, but since we can only have one on this list, we’ll go with the obvious: Cinderella’s Castle. After all, you need evidence that you made it to the Happiest Place on Earth.
• Diagon Alley at Universal Studios: Don’t miss the chance to take a photo in Diagon Alley with Gringotts Bank in the background. Raise your wand high and use rapid fire to catch the exact moment the dragon breathes flames into the sky. 
• The Orlando Eye: Grab stunning photos of the Orlando skyline from one of the cars of The Orlando Eye, once known as the Wheel at ICON Park. From 400 feet in the air, you’ll see all the lakes, theme parks and other attractions that make Orlando unique. For the best photos, ride at sunset to capture that magic golden hour light!
• Lake Eola Park: Wander through the tree-lined paths, stop next to the fountain or pose with stunning art installations at Lake Eola Park. It’s the perfect spot for engagement and wedding photos. 
• The Orlando Museum of Art: The Orlando Museum of Art is home to stunning contemporary art pieces, but its modern architecture and sculpture garden are the perfect background for unique photos. 

One of the best things about Orlando is its central location. You can easily take a day trip to anywhere else in the state with a rental car or a quick trip on Amtrak.

Clearwater Beach

On a developed barrier island near Tampa, you’ll find the famous white sugar sand of Clearwater Beach. When you get tired of the sand, head to Pier 60, where you can use telescopes, get a snack at the snack bar, play on the beach playground or fish. Take Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, a two-hour tour of the Intracoastal Waterway with a crew of pirates who will entertain your kids with interactive games, face paint and a dance party. There’s also an aquarium, several museums and the Alligator Discovery Center nearby.

• Cost: $100 for transportation to/from the beach and tour guide
• Duration: 12 hours

Kennedy Space Center

A 45-minute drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center makes a great day trip for Orlando visitors. While it will take closer to two days to see every exhibit, you can see a significant portion in a single day. Meet a real astronaut at the Universe Theater or explore the Astronaut Hall of Fame. You can also explore NASA’s plans for traveling to Mars and see how you stack up against recruits.

St. Augustine

Head up the Atlantic Coast to St. Augustine and spend the day exploring the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Stroll through the cobbled streets and colonial Spanish neighborhoods and enjoy a meal at one of the promenade cafes. Wander around the Castillo de San Marcos, where costumed guides will tell you about the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. 

• Duration: 10 hours

Swim With Manatees

Spend a morning snorkeling with a manatee! Travel an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Orlando to Crystal River, the Manatee Capital of the World. You’ll leave early in the morning, and once you arrive, you’ll take a boat up the Crystal River into the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where you can snorkel with manatees. Afterward, have lunch in Homosassa State Park and explore before returning to Orlando.

• Cost: $98 + wetsuit rental (required)
• Duration: 8.5 hours

Orlando is often a pricey vacation destination — all those theme park admissions add up fast, after all! Here are a few tips for a budget-friendly trip to Orlando.

• Save up to 30 percent on tickets to popular attractions , including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
• Save on hotels when you stay with one of our preferred lodging partners .
• Save on rental cars .
• Save on nonalcoholic beverages and food at Hard Rock Cafe and Landry’s restaurants .
• Travel during off-peak times. Avoid peak travel seasons, when hotels, attractions and restaurants raise prices to coincide with demand. 
• Free parking
• Shuttles to theme parks
• Complimentary breakfast
• Bring your own snacks and drinks. The fastest way to balloon your budget is by buying drinks and snacks at attractions. Most places will let you bring a backpack with snacks and reusable water bottles. If your hotel has a free breakfast, you’ll only need to pay for lunch and dinner every day.
• Redeem credit card points, airline miles, hotel reward points and more. Redeem points for free or reduced-price hotels and flights. Even if you can’t cover the cost of the entire trip, you’ll be able to offset some of the costs to help you stay on budget (or pick up a few souvenirs).

For many people, a trip to Orlando is stressful. Many trips are years in the making, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details of a “perfect trip” and forget to enjoy the moment. Here are a few tips to help you have the best trip to Orlando.

• Purchase tickets and make reservations as soon as possible. There’s so much to do in Orlando, and all the options can get overwhelming. Many theme parks and other attractions book up early, and reservations are usually required at popular restaurants. Plan as much as you can in advance to ensure you’ll be able to see everything you want to see.
• Stay in the right location. If you’re only going to one theme park, stay as close as possible at a hotel offering a shuttle to the park. Stay on International Drive, the main tourist district close to most of Orlando’s attractions, if you aren’t planning on hitting the theme parks.
• Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Even if it’s not hot, remember to put on sunscreen since your skin can still burn when it’s cool outside.
• Be prepared for rain. It will likely rain at least once during your visit, so come prepared. Carry a lightweight rain jacket, poncho or umbrella for surprise showers. You’ll still be able to do most things on your list even in the rain, but be flexible if lightning occurs.
• Take frequent breaks. A trip to Orlando may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that doesn’t mean you need to schedule every moment. Allow yourself plenty of time for each activity so you don’t have to rush. (Multi-day theme park tickets help with this — plus they’re cheaper per day than one-day tickets.) Find time to sit in the shade and relax, or alternate outdoor activities with indoor ones to get out of the heat.
• Explore beyond the theme parks. Most people travel to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but Orlando has much more to offer. Consider spending a day or two outside the parks to appreciate downtown Orlando or explore its unique natural beauty.

What to pack for Orlando depends on what time of year you’re traveling. 

Basic Items To Pack for Orlando

Regardless of the season, you’ll need to pack the following items:

• Comfortable shoes
• Portable phone charger
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications
• First-aid kit (especially Band-Aids for blisters)
• Undergarments
• Swimming suit (many hotel pools are heated and can be used year-round)
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Casual clothing
• One or two dressy outfits (with shoes!) for nice dinners or shows
• Tickets and other travel documents
• Entertainment and reading material for flights and downtime

Spring and Fall Packing List for Orlando

If you’re headed to Orlando in the spring or fall months, you’ll need the following in addition to your basic items:

• Light jacket or sweater
• A mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts to layer
• Waterproof shoes
• Costumes (if you’re traveling at Halloween)

Summer Packing List for Orlando

Orlando summers can be brutal, so make sure to throw the following items in your luggage:

• Beach towel
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Sweat-proof makeup
• Short-sleeve shirts
• Hand-held fan or cooling towel
• Light-colored clothing
• Moisture-wicking clothing
• More clothes than you think you’ll need (you’ll either sweat or get trapped in the rain and need to change into something dry)

Winter Packing List for Orlando

Many people opt to travel to Florida in the winter because the winters are so mild. 

• Lightweight hoodies
• Thick socks
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Tennis shoes
• Gloves, scarves and hats for evenings

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Orlando trip on Trip Canvas , contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options. 

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Visit Orlando hosts town hall meetings to hear from Orange County residents

• Jerry Demings
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Have thoughts on infrastructure or events in Orange County? Visit Orlando wants to hear from you.

The organization in charge of promoting the region’s tourism industry is hosting six town hall meetings across Orange County to talk with residents as it plans for the next decade.

The meetings, which begin at 6 p.m., start Monday and run through April 16.

“The Town Halls are an important component to achieve resident engagement in all six Orange County Districts,” Visit Orlando said in a statement. “The goal is feedback on elements that need to be developed to improve overall visitor offerings and experiences in Orange County. These could include items such as: infrastructure, facilities, services, attractions & events.”

The meeting schedule is:

— District 1: Monday, April 15, at Gotha Middle School Cafeteria.

— District 2: Wednesday, April 17, at Apopka High School Media Center.

— District 3: Thursday, April 18, at Taft Community Center.

— District 4: Tuesday, April 16, at Timber Creek High Media Center.

— District 5: Wednesday, April 17, at Florida Technical College, Orlando Campus Auditorium.

— District 6: Tuesday, April 16, at Barnett Park, Dolphin Room.

People can RSVP online here .

“Visit Orlando is leading the effort in developing a Destination Tourism Master Plan to inform and guide the creation of a roadmap and 10-year vision for visitor-based economic growth and development for Orlando and Orange County,” the organization said.

“We act as a catalyst and facilitator to this process but do not exclusively own it. The benefit of destination planning is that it connects the dots between the visitor economy, economic development and community well-being. The planned result is a shared vision for a future-proof, livable and valuable destination.”

Co-chairing the Destination Tourism Master Plan Steering Committee are Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Terry Prather , a former SeaWorld Orlando park President.

Visit Orlando said that group of community leaders “will guide the development of this strategy and act as champions throughout the implementation process.”

Visit Orlando, which receives some of the proceeds from the county’s bed tax, has helped make Orlando one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Gabrielle Russon

Gabrielle Russon is an award-winning journalist based in Orlando. She covered the business of theme parks for the Orlando Sentinel. Her previous newspaper stops include the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Toledo Blade, Kalamazoo Gazette and Elkhart Truth as well as an internship covering the nation’s capital for the Chicago Tribune. For fun, she runs marathons. She gets her training from chasing a toddler around. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter @GabrielleRusson .

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