Orlando - Experience the Magic

If you’re planning a vacation in Orlando, one thing’s for sure—you wont be bored. With so much to see and do, many travelers joke that they need another vacation to recover once they return home!

This itinerary is designed for those who want the best of both worlds: the excitement of Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, plus time to unwind with slower-paced fun in the Florida sun. From Disney and Universal to everything else the state has to offer, you’ll experience it all without feeling overwhelmed.

Day 1 - Arrival and Settling In

Day 1 is all about travel and easing into your trip. If you’re able to arrive early, you’ll have extra time to start exploring if you want. However, if you’re traveling with little ones—or your journey took longer than expected—we recommend to keep this first day relaxed.

Once you arrive, grab some food, stock up on snacks for the days ahead, check into your hotel or Airbnb, and head out for a nice dinner. Use this time to unwind, settle in, and get excited for the adventures to come!

Get your snacks and drinks! This is a great way to save some money and be prepared for sudden onset of the munchies!
Things you can get:

•      Water bottles and drinks
•     Granola bars
•     Fruits - apples, oranges, grapes
•     Ziplock bags
•     Plastic disposable containers
•     Candy
•     Chips

Grab some apples, wash and cut, put them in little ziplock bags as a great snack while you are waiting in line for a ride.
Wash some grapes and put them in a plastic container. The container can then be used to store left over food that you purchase for lunch or dinner (if there is any) at the parks!
Make sure to take a backpack to store everything!

Day 2 & Day 3: Unleash Your Inner Child

These two days are perfect for diving into the Disney experience. With four theme parks and two water parks to choose from, you’ll want to plan ahead. You can either dedicate one full day to each park or opt for a Park Hopper Pass if you’d like to mix and match.

For a more relaxed trip, we recommend focusing on one park per day so you can truly soak in the atmosphere without rushing. If you’re up for a challenge, though, feel free to tackle more!

Whichever parks you choose, be sure to check the schedules for special events, parades, and fireworks—for example, no trip to Magic Kingdom is complete without catching the nighttime spectacular.

Yes, you’ll be tired after two full days of magic, but trust us—it’s worth it. And don’t worry, we’ve built in some downtime coming up in the itinerary to recharge.

For tips on choosing which Disney parks to visit and making the most of your time, check out our full guide here: (Link to blog)

Day 4: Your Adventure, Your Way

After two action-packed Disney days, Day 4 gives you some flexibility. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure day. Whether you want to bask in the sun, get inspired by space exploration, or indulge in retail therapy, Orlando has you covered. Here are three great ways to spend it:

Cocoa Beach & Dolphin Tours

Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a classic Florida escape where you can slow down and soak in the coastal vibes.

Beach Time: Stretch out on soft golden sand, splash in the surf, or just watch the waves roll in. It’s the perfect reset after the high energy of Disney.

Dolphin Adventure: Hop on a boat tour around the Banana River Lagoon, one of the best places to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Tours range from relaxed sightseeing to eco-adventures where guides share local wildlife facts. Check out the schedules here: Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours .

Cocoa Beach Pier: This lively hub offers restaurants, bars, surf shops, and stunning ocean views. Grab a cocktail, watch locals ride the waves, or, if the timing’s right, witness a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral—an unforgettable sight.

Parking at the pier is paid and single-entry only, but plan ahead and it’s well worth the convenience. Whether you stay for a few hours or the whole day, Cocoa Beach delivers both relaxation and adventure in one stop.

Kennedy Space Center

If sand isn’t your thing, aim higher—literally. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about 1.5 hours from Orlando and offers a full day of exploration and awe.

Space Shuttle Atlantis: Stand nose-to-nose with this legendary shuttle and feel the weight of history.

Shuttle Launch Experience: Strap in for a heart-pounding simulation of what astronauts feel during liftoff.

Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center: Get up close with one of the largest rockets ever built and walk through exhibits that capture the drama of the moon missions.

Rocket Garden: A striking outdoor display of historic rockets that makes for amazing photos.
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex: Step into the future of space exploration, featuring spacecraft and missions that are preparing us for Mars and beyond.

Astronaut Encounters: Meet real astronauts, watch inspiring IMAX films, or (for an added cost) sit down for a small-group chat with someone who has actually been to space.

This isn’t a laid-back beach day, but it’s an incredible mix of education, inspiration, and hands-on fun. Families, space buffs, and curious travelers alike will find something unforgettable here.

Shopping Day

Sometimes the best “vacation day” is the one spent browsing, strolling, and maybe splurging a little. Orlando is a shopping destination in its own right, with something for every taste and budget.

Orlando International Premium Outlets: A treasure trove for bargain hunters, featuring over 160 stores from Nike to Coach at discounted prices.

The Mall at Millenia: Sleek, modern, and upscale, this mall offers luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple, paired with fine dining options—great if you’re after a more high-end experience.

The Florida Mall: A family-friendly spot with over 250 stores, a wide range of dining choices, and even kid-friendly attractions.
Make it a full day or just pop in for a few hours—either way, you’ll likely come away with something new in your suitcase.

End Your Day Right: However you choose to spend Day 4, wrap it up with some downtime. If your hotel or Airbnb has a pool, unwind with a dip and maybe a casual dinner. After all, vacations aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re also about balance, and today is the perfect chance to recharge before diving into the next adventure.

Day 5 & Day 6 – Universal Parks

Time to shift gears! After a slower day, the next two are packed with adrenaline, fantasy, and movie-magic adventure. Universal Orlando is a must-visit for thrill-seekers, families, and Harry Potter fans alike.

Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

Between thrilling rides, movie-themed attractions, and endless photo ops, Universal has something for everyone. For Potterheads, the highlight is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. From sipping butterbeer to casting spells with an interactive wand, it’s pure magic.

Insider Tip: If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express, you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket since the train connects Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It’s more than just transportation — it’s an immersive experience in itself.

Other must-dos:
Hunt down the hidden details and Easter eggs tucked into Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Don’t miss the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Try mobile food ordering through the Universal app to skip long lines at restaurants.

Locker Note: Many thrill rides require you to store bags, phones, and valuables in lockers, so keep that in mind when planning your day.

Where Disney is whimsical and sweet, Universal has a darker, more adventurous energy — witches, wizards, dinosaurs, dragons, and larger-than-life action.

Epic Universe

If you have two days, dedicate your first to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, and save the second for Epic Universe — the newest Universal park in over 20 years! This cutting-edge destination features five immersive worlds:

Celestial Park – A lush, central hub with gardens, rides, and dining.
Dark Universe – A thrilling land of classic Universal monsters.
Ministry of Magic – A magical expansion for Harry Potter fans.
Isle of Berk – Soar with dragons in a “How to Train Your Dragon”-themed land.
Super Nintendo World – Step into the worlds of Mario, Donkey Kong, and more.

With so much to explore, Epic Universe deserves its own day. It’s bold, fresh, and designed to impress.

Day 7 – Rock Springs, Rest & Packing

By now, you’ve had your fill of parks, rides, and adventure. To avoid cutting into your final theme park days with last-minute errands, we recommend making Day 6 a slower-paced day. It’s your chance to recharge, explore something different, and get everything ready for your trip home. After all, you don’t want to return needing a vacation from your vacation!

Orlando has so much more to offer beyond its parks, and Rock Springs is a local gem. Spend the morning floating along the crystal-clear lazy river, rent a glass-bottom kayak, or take a gentle hike through the lush trails. For something a little different, horseback riding is also available in the area. It’s a peaceful way to experience Florida’s natural beauty while giving your body a break from rollercoasters and crowds.

After your adventure, head back to your hotel or Airbnb. Wrap up your packing, pick up any last-minute souvenirs, and then treat yourself to a nice family dinner to close out your trip. Think of this day as your reset button, leaving you refreshed and ready to transition home.

Day 8 – Travel Day

We've come full circle. It's time to say goodbye to Orlando! Pack up, grab your snacks for the road or flight, and head out. Wishing you safe travels home—and may your next adventure come soon.