Orlando, United States-5-day-itinerary

Orlando 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Orlando

  • Morning: Arrive in Orlando and check-in to your hotel. Recommended hotels include:
    • The Alfond Inn at Rollins College (boutique hotel)
    • Hyatt Regency Orlando (family-friendly)
    • Aloft Orlando Downtown (trendy)
  • Afternoon: Head to downtown Orlando and visit Lake Eola, a beautiful lake in the heart of the city. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the scenery.
  • Evening: For dinner, head to The Coop, a popular fried chicken restaurant with a fun atmosphere.
  • Night: End the night with a visit to the Rooftop Bar at The Alfond Inn for great views of the city.

Day 2: Universal Orlando Resort

  • Morning: Start the day at Universal Studios Florida and ride some of the most popular attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and The Revenge of the Mummy.
  • Afternoon: Head to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and experience thrill rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Leaky Cauldron, a themed restaurant inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
  • Night: Experience the nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Celebration.

Day 3: Walt Disney World

  • Morning: Spend the day at Magic Kingdom, one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World. Ride classic attractions like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.
  • Afternoon: Watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade and enjoy lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant, a themed restaurant inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
  • Evening: End the night with Happily Ever After Fireworks Display.

Day 4: Sea Life and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and get up close to marine life like sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
  • Afternoon: Head to The Florida Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country. Shop at popular stores like Macy’s, Apple, and Victoria’s Secret.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille, a upscale steakhouse with great service.

Day 5: Kennedy Space Center

  • Morning: Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and learn about the history of space exploration. Tour the US Astronaut Hall of Fame and see real rockets and spacecraft.
  • Afternoon: Return to Orlando and spend some time relaxing by the hotel pool or exploring downtown Orlando.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Polite Pig, a popular barbecue restaurant with great food and atmosphere.

Transportation

  • Rent a car for easy transportation between attractions. Companies like Alamo, Enterprise, and National offer rentals from the airport.
  • Use Uber or Lyft for shorter trips around downtown Orlando.

Tips and Essentials

  • Buy tickets to theme parks in advance to avoid long lines at the gate.
  • Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Download the official apps for Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World to plan your day and reserve ride times.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the Orlando Science Center, a great place for families with kids interested in science and technology.
  • Take an airboat tour of the nearby wetlands and see alligators and birds in their natural habitat.
  • Explore the vibrant arts scene in the Thornton Park neighborhood, with numerous galleries and street art.

This itinerary provides a mix of theme parks, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that showcase the best of Orlando. With some planning and preparation, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable vacation in this popular tourist destination!