Orlando, United States-7-day-itinerary

Orlando, Florida: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

  • Morning: Arrive in Orlando and check-in at your hotel or resort. Some popular options include:
    • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
    • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
  • Afternoon: Spend some time exploring the International Drive area, which offers a variety of restaurants and shops.
  • Evening: Head to Disney Springs for dinner and entertainment. Try:
    • The Boathouse: A waterfront restaurant serving seafood and steaks.
    • The Polite Pig: A barbecue joint with live music.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

  • Morning: Start your day at the Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks at Walt Disney World.
    • Must-ride attractions: Space Mountain: Mission 2, Splash Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at:
    • Be Our Guest Restaurant: A French-inspired eatery with gray stuff (it’s delicious!)
    • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe: A quick-service spot for tacos and burritos
  • Evening: End your day by watching the Happily Ever After fireworks display.

Day 3: Universal Studios Florida

  • Morning: Head to Universal Studios Florida, where you can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
    • Must-ride attractions: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Men in Black: Alien Attack
  • Lunch: Dine at:
    • The Leaky Cauldron: A wizard-themed eatery serving British-inspired fare
    • Moe’s Southwest Grill: A quick-service spot for burritos and quesadillas
  • Evening: Explore the Universal CityWalk entertainment district, which offers restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Day 4: SeaWorld Orlando

  • Morning: Visit SeaWorld Orlando, a marine-life theme park with shows, exhibits, and rides.
    • Must-see attractions: Mako, Kraken & Manta roller coasters, and the Dolphin Days show
  • Lunch: Eat at:
    • Shamu Stadium: A quick-service spot for burgers and sandwiches
    • The Sea Lion Point Cafe: A casual eatery serving salads and soups
  • Evening: Enjoy the Electric Ocean evening event, featuring music, lights, and fireworks.

Day 5: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  • Morning: Take a break from theme parks and visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
    • Must-see attractions: The Apollo/Saturn V Center, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at:
    • Orbit Cafe: A quick-service spot for sandwiches and salads
    • Moon Rock Cafe: A casual eatery serving burgers and hot dogs
  • Evening: Return to your hotel or resort for some relaxation time.

Day 6: Epcot

  • Morning: Spend the day exploring Epcot, a celebration of innovation, culture, and technological advancements.
    • Must-visit attractions: Soarin’, Test Track, and the Norway Pavilion (featuring Frozen Ever After)
  • Lunch: Dine at:
    • Sunshine Seasons Food Court: A quick-service spot for international cuisine
    • Le Cellier Steakhouse: An upscale eatery serving steaks and seafood
  • Evening: Enjoy the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks display.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any attractions you may have missed earlier in the trip.
  • Afternoon: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Orlando is known for its sunny weather, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.
  • Consider purchasing a Park Hopper ticket to visit multiple theme parks in one day.
  • Download the official apps for each theme park to plan your day, check wait times, and make dining reservations.
  • Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

Transportation

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to most theme parks and resorts.
  • Consider renting a car or booking a shuttle service for transportation between your hotel and theme parks.
  • Uber and Lyft are also available in Orlando.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Take advantage of Early Park Admission or Extra Magic Hours to beat the crowds.
  • Look out for special events and festivals, such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
  • Consider visiting during the off-season (usually September to November or January to March) for smaller crowds and lower prices.

I hope you have a magical time in Orlando!