Florida, US, United States · Trip plan
5 days in Orlando
Walt Disney World, Universal and Christmas at the theme parks.
- Best time
- Oct – Mar
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $350 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,500
Planning a 5-day trip to Orlando? Here's a day-by-day Orlando itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Autumn to spring brings mild weather and holiday events: Halloween nights, Epcot's festivals and Christmas parades.
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, with Walt Disney World's four parks, Universal's three and much more.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to March: 12–25°C, mild and dry.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Orlando
- 01
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle and classic Disney rides.
- 02
Epcot
World Showcase and seasonal festivals.
- 03
Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Epic Universe.
- 04
Kennedy Space Center
Rockets and astronauts, an hour east.
Day by day
Orlando itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
- Morning
- Arrive at rope drop and head straight for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
- Afternoon
- Classic rides: Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain.
- Evening
- Watch the fireworks over Cinderella Castle.
Use the My Disney Experience app for wait times.
- D2
Day 2: Epcot
- Morning
- Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track first thing.
- Afternoon
- Eat your way around the 11 World Showcase pavilions.
- Evening
- Luminous fireworks over the lagoon.
Epcot hosts seasonal festivals almost all year.
- D3
Day 3: Universal Orlando
- Morning
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure.
- Afternoon
- Ride the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.
- Evening
- Dinner at CityWalk.
You need a park-to-park ticket for the train.
- D4
Day 4: Kennedy Space Center
- Morning
- Drive an hour east to Kennedy Space Center.
- Afternoon
- See the Space Shuttle Atlantis and walk under a Saturn V rocket.
- Evening
- Back to Orlando.
Check the launch schedule; you might see one.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- A last park morning or Disney Springs shopping.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow time for airport security.
Shorter or longer
Orlando in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Orlando
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Orlando
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Key West & the Florida Keys.
What it costs
Orlando trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $180 | $1,800 |
| Mid-range | $350 | $3,500 |
| Luxury | $800+ | $8,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Orlando is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Orlando for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Orlando
Dole Whip
Pineapple soft serve at Magic Kingdom.
Butterbeer
At the Wizarding World.
Food & wine booths
Around Epcot's World Showcase.
Getting there
How to reach Orlando
- Travel
- Orlando International Airport is 25–35 minutes from the parks.
- Getting around
- Disney buses and monorail; a car or rideshare for Universal.
- Buy Lightning Lane or Express passes to skip queues.
- Arrive at rope drop for the big rides.
Before you go
What to pack for Orlando
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Orlando trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Orlando?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Orlando. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Orlando trip cost?
Roughly $180 a day per person on a budget, $350 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,500 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Orlando?
Oct – Mar. Autumn to spring brings mild weather and holiday events: Halloween nights, Epcot's festivals and Christmas parades.
Where should I stay in Orlando?
Budget: Hotels on International Drive (I-Drive), from about $120 a night. Mid-range: Disney Moderate Resorts (Walt Disney World), from about $300 a night. Luxury: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort (Walt Disney World), from about $900 a night.
How do I reach Orlando?
Orlando International Airport is 25–35 minutes from the parks.
Is 4 days enough for Orlando?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Orlando?
November to March: 12–25°C, mild and dry.
What food should I try in Orlando?
Dole Whip: Pineapple soft serve at Magic Kingdom. Butterbeer: At the Wizarding World. Food & wine booths: Around Epcot's World Showcase.
How do I get around Orlando?
Disney buses and monorail; a car or rideshare for Universal.
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