How many park days do I need?
Four to six park days covers headline Disney and Universal parks without rushing; add a rest day between big park days.
.jpg?width=1920)
🇺🇸 United States travel guide
North America · North AmericaFamily
Orlando Travel Guide
Things to do in Orlando — Theme-park capital of the world
Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
Why visit Orlando
Orlando is the global hub for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and family resorts, with lakeside neighbourhoods and Kennedy Space Center within day-trip range.
Orlando is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, ICON Park / The Wheel instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 110–240 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: January–April and late August–early December for milder crowds and weather. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
January–April and late August–early December for milder crowds and weather
Weather
Humid subtropical — hot wet summers, mild winters; afternoon storms common in summer
Airport
Orlando International (MCO)
Getting around
Disney/Universal transport for parks; rental car for Winter Park and Space Center
Experiences
Things to do in Orlando
1
Walt Disney World Resort
2
Universal Orlando Resort
3
ICON Park / The Wheel
4
Kennedy Space Center day trip
5
Lake Eola Park
6
Winter Park and Rollins College
7
International Drive
8
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Budget travel
Free things to do in Orlando
ICON Park / The Wheel
Lake Eola Park
Winter Park and Rollins College
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Winter Park boat tour
Leu Gardens
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Orlando itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Visit The Orlando Museum of Art
- Visit Orlando Auto Museum
- Eat at 310 Lakeside
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe
- Eat at A Land Remembered
Prefer a full 11-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Orlando itinerary guide.
Budget
Orlando trip cost
Budget
USD 50–85
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 110–240
per person / day
Luxury
USD 275–455+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Orlando, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Orlando
Estimated total (USD)
$3,090
≈ $1,545 per person · $441 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $180/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Orlando mid-range ground costs (budget 50–85 · mid 110–240 · luxury 275–455+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
4 Rivers Smokehouse
BBQ · Central Florida BBQ favourite
- $$
The Ravenous Pig
American · Winter Park gastropub landmark
- $
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Breakfast · Local breakfast chain locals love
- $$$$
Victoria & Albert's
Fine dining · Disney Grand Floridian tasting-menu icon
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Walt Disney World · Flagship Disney luxury stay
- $$$
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel
Universal Orlando · Early park access favourite
- $$$$
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Bonnet Creek · Golf-resort luxury near Disney
Shopping
- Disney Springs
- Icon Park
- Winter Park Village
Nightlife
- Disney Springs
- Universal CityWalk
- Thornton Park
Museums & culture
- Orlando Museum of Art
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Local foods to try
- Florida citrus
- Theme-park classics
- Cuban spots near downtown
Hidden gems
- Winter Park boat tour
- Leu Gardens
- Wekiwa Springs
Travel tips
- Buy park tickets and Lightning Lane / Express passes before you fly
- Midweek park days are usually quieter than weekends
- Stay on-site if early park entry matters to your group
In pictures
Orlando gallery
Photos: Quintin Soloviev, 350z33 (talk), Michael Rivera, elisfkc2, Benoît Prieur — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Orlando travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Orlando?
Top picks in Orlando include Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, ICON Park / The Wheel, Kennedy Space Center day trip. See the full list and itinerary on this Orlando travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
January–April and late August–early December for milder crowds and weather.
How many days do I need in Orlando?
Plan at least 2 days in Orlando for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Orlando?
Popular stays in Orlando include Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Orlando cost?
On the ground in Orlando (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 50–85 per person per day, mid-range about 110–240, and luxury about 275–455+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Orlando, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
