Orlando, USA-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Magic Kingdom Fun

  • Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Coop, a fried chicken joint in downtown Orlando.
  • 9:00 AM: Head to Magic Kingdom (get tickets in advance or purchase on-site) and experience the iconic Cinderella Castle. Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours (EMH) if you’re staying at a Disney hotel.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant, which serves French-inspired cuisine with a nod to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
  • Afternoon: Visit Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. Don’t miss the Festival of Fantasy parade!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ohana at Polynesian Village Resort or California Grill at Contemporary Resort. Both offer stunning views of Magic Kingdom.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which offers luxurious rooms and a monorail stop to Magic Kingdom.

Day 2: Wizarding World and City Exploration

  • Morning: Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade Village (Universal Orlando Resort) for a butterbeer and exploration. Use the park-to-park ticket option to experience both Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Moe’s Southwest Grill, a casual spot with great burritos and tacos.
  • Afternoon: Head back to Universal CityWalk for shopping, dining, or entertainment. Check out the vibrant street performers and live music acts.
  • Evening: Dine at The Capital Grille in The Mall at Millenia, which serves upscale steaks and seafood.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, a stylish resort with direct access to Universal CityWalk.

Day 3: Kennedy Space Center and Dinner

  • Morning: Drive to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (about an hour from Orlando) and explore exhibits, meet astronauts, and experience a simulated space shuttle launch.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at the complex’s Astronaut Encounter Theater or head back to Orlando for more options.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical garden featuring tropical plants, gardens, and a butterfly garden.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boheme, an upscale restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine with live jazz music.
  • Accommodation: Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, which offers luxurious rooms and a spa.

Day 4: Gatorland and Lake Eola

  • Morning: Visit Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles. Don’t miss the live gator show!
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Lake Eola Inn, a waterfront restaurant with great burgers and sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Explore downtown Orlando’s historic district, including Lake Eola Park, a picturesque lake with beautiful gardens and walking paths.
  • Evening: Catch the evening fireworks display (seasonal) or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and heat during peak summer months.
  • Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
  • Bring a power bank for your phone, as charging can be limited in some areas.
  • Consider purchasing a Park Hopper ticket for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios or a Park-to-Park ticket for Universal Orlando Resort.

Tips:

  • Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours (EMH) if you’re staying at a Disney hotel.
  • Use the My Disney Experience app to reserve FastPass+ experiences, check wait times, and order food.
  • Consider purchasing a Universal Express Pass for priority access to popular attractions.
  • Don’t miss the street performers and live music acts in CityWalk.

Transportation:

  • Rent a car to explore the surrounding area or use Uber/Lyft services.
  • Take advantage of free parking at many hotels and restaurants.
  • Consider purchasing a SunRail ticket for public transportation between Orlando and nearby cities.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Orlando!