Bay Lake, Florida-7-day-itinerary

Bay Lake, Florida: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and take a shuttle or Uber to your accommodation in Bay Lake.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one of the top-rated hotels in the area. Spend some time relaxing by the pool or exploring the hotel grounds.
  • Evening: Head over to the Disney Springs area for dinner and entertainment. Visit The Polite Pig for delicious barbecue and enjoy the live music at the Disney Springs Live! stage.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom Adventures

  • Morning: Start your day at Magic Kingdom, one of the four theme parks in Walt Disney World. Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours (if available) to beat the crowds.
  • Afternoon: Explore Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Frontierland, and enjoy classic attractions like It’s a Small World and Space Mountain: Mission 2.
  • Evening: Watch Happily Ever After Fireworks or the Once Upon a Time Projection Show.

Day 3: Animal Encounters

  • Morning: Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, home to over 1,500 animals from around the world. Don’t miss the Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pandora - The World of Avatar area, featuring breathtaking landscapes and thrilling attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Satuli Canteen, offering healthy bowls and sandwiches inspired by the film Avatar.

Day 4: Hollywood Glamour

  • Morning: Head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you can experience the magic of movies, TV, and music. Visit the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area for an out-of-this-world adventure.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Toy Story Land, featuring the beloved characters from the popular franchise.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby, a replica of the iconic Hollywood restaurant.

Day 5: Water Park Fun

  • Morning: Spend the day at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water park, featuring lazy rivers, wave pools, and thrilling water slides.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or enjoy some downtime by the pool at your hotel.
  • Evening: Head to the Disney BoardWalk area for dinner and entertainment. Visit the Flying Fish for seafood and enjoy the street performers.

Day 6: Shopping and Dining

  • Morning: Visit the Disney Springs area for a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Explore the DisneyStyle store, featuring exclusive Disney merchandise.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at The Boathouse, offering waterfront views and classic American cuisine.
  • Evening: Dine at Morimoto Asia, a pan-Asian restaurant created by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring the hotel grounds.
  • Afternoon: Check-out of your hotel and head to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Bay Lake is a popular destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines at theme parks.
  • Make sure to download the official Walt Disney World app for park maps, wait times, and mobile ordering food.
  • Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Florida sun.

Transportation

  • Shuttle services are available from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Bay Lake hotels.
  • Use Uber or Lyft for transportation between theme parks and your hotel.
  • Consider renting a car for more flexibility, but be aware that parking fees may apply.

Tips and Essentials

  • Make dining reservations up to 180 days in advance to ensure availability at popular restaurants.
  • Pack comfortable shoes and clothes for long days at the theme parks.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the Florida sun.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the nearby town of Celebration, featuring charming shops, restaurants, and a scenic lakefront.
  • Take an airboat tour or fishing excursion on Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) for a unique perspective on Bay Lake’s natural beauty.
  • Consider adding a character dining experience to your itinerary for a memorable meal with your favorite Disney characters.

This 7-day itinerary provides a mix of theme park adventures, relaxation, and exploration of the Bay Lake area. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your vacation in this magical destination!