Exploring Orlando
Discover the magic beyond the theme parks with this easy-to-follow Orlando itinerary featuring world-famous attractions, incredible resorts, restaurants, and unforgettable experiences—all planned for you. Best HotelsBest ToursExploring Orlando
Discover the magic beyond the theme parks with this easy-to-follow Orlando itinerary featuring world-famous attractions, incredible resorts, restaurants, and unforgettable experiences—all planned for you.
3 Day Orlando Itinerary
Day 1
Spend the day experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World, then head to Disney Springs for dining, shopping, live entertainment, and a perfect ending to your first Orlando day.
Day 2
Experience Universal Orlando Resort before exploring International Drive, home to ICON Park, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and some of Orlando’s most popular nightlife
Day 3
Slow things down with Winter Park and Park Avenue, explore Orlando’s local dining and neighborhoods, then finish the day around Lake Eola or downtown Orlando
Local Tips
✅ Don’t try to do every theme park in one trip—choose your must-dos and leave time to enjoy your resort.
✅ Book popular restaurants, theme park experiences, and tours in advance, especially during holidays and school breaks.
✅ Plan outdoor attractions and theme parks early in the day during the summer—afternoon showers are common
✅ Leave the theme park bubble at least once. Winter Park, downtown Orlando, Lake Nona and local neighborhoods show you a completely different side of Orlando.
✅ Build in a resort or pool afternoon. Orlando has some incredible resorts that are worth enjoying instead of treating your hotel as just a place to sleep.
Best Time to Visit
October through April offers cooler temperatures for exploring Orlando, but expect larger crowds around major holidays.
How Long to Stay
3–5 days is perfect for an Orlando getaway, it gives you time for theme parks, resorts, and exploring beyond the parks.
Walkability
Orlando is spread out and is not generally walkable, although areas like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk are easy to explore on foot.
Family Friendly
Orlando is one of the ultimate family destinations, with theme parks, water parks and activities for every age.
Pet Friendly
Orlando has plenty of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants with outdoor patios, parks, and walking areas, but always check individual policies before visiting.
Parking
Most Orlando attractions and resorts offer parking, but fees vary significantly. Factor theme park, resort, and hotel parking costs into your vacation budget.
Average Daily Budget
Most travelers expect to spend between $250 and $600+ per day for a mid-range Orlando vacation, depending on park tickets, hotel choice and dining.
Weather
Orlando is warm year-round with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer afternoons often bring brief showers so pack for both sunshine and rain
Top 4 Orlando Hotel Suggestions
Whether you’re looking for over-the-top luxury, a family-friendly resort, a great value near Disney, or a vacation-worthy pool, these are some of my favorite places to stay in Orlando.
LUXURY
Four Seasons Resort
An incredible AAA Five Diamond resort inside Walt Disney World Resort with a 5 acre water park, pool, spa, golf, incredible dining, and even views of the nightly Disney fireworks
RESORT
Caribe Royale Orlando
An all-suite resort just minutes from Walt Disney World with a huge resort pool, dining, family-friendly amenities, and enough to do that you’ll actually want to spend time at the hotel
FAMILY
Margaritaville Cottages
Margaritaville Cottages have kitchens, multiple bedrooms, private pool options, nearby Sunset Walk and access to a true resort-style Orlando vacation experience.
BEST VALUE
Drury Plaza Hotel
One of my favorite Orlando values with free hot breakfast, the nightly Kickback, a resort-style pool and complimentary transportation to all four Disney World theme parks
Top-Rated Orlando Tours
Theme Parks
Airboat Tours
Dinner Shows
Wildlife Tours
Air Tours
Day Trips
Best Food & Drink
1. The Boat house
Waterfront dining, seafood, steaks, and beautiful sunset views in Disney Springs.
📍 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista
2. Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Serving creative, globally inspired small plates in an art-filled atmosphere.
📍 8625 International Dr., Orlando
3. Domu
A local favorite known for ramen, creative cocktails and its famous wings
📍 3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando
4. Columbia
Classic Spanish and Cuban cuisine overlooking the lake in beautiful Celebration.
📍 649 Front St., Celebration
5. Prato
Modern Italian cuisine and one of the signature dining spots along beautiful Park Avenue in Winter Park.
📍 124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
What to Pack
From beach days and poolside essentials to travel favorites, discover the products we recommend to make your Florida vacation more comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
Beat The Florida Heat
Cooling towels, fans, water bottles, electrolyte packs and more.
Family Travel Favorites
Parent-approved travel products for kids, babies, and family trips.
Resort and Pool Must Haves
Everything for pool days, spa days, and relaxing Florida vacations.
Luxury Vacation Upgrades
Sometimes it’s the little upgrades that make a vacation feel truly luxurious.