disney world itinerary

5-Day Orlando Itinerary

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Starting Point: International Drive Area

Day 1 Orlando Itinerary: Magic Kingdom

Breakfast

  • Se7en Bites (617 N Primrose Dr) – Southern breakfast
  • Alternative: Briarpatch Restaurant (252 N Park Ave, Winter Park) – Brunch favorite

Morning

  • Arrive at Magic Kingdom for rope drop (45 minutes before opening)
  • Head straight to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Frontierland attractions
  • Space Mountain
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Lunch

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom) – French-inspired
  • Alternative: Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom) – American colonial

Afternoon

  • Haunted Mansion
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Splash Mountain
  • Peter Pan’s Flight

Dinner

  • California Grill (Contemporary Resort) – Fine dining with fireworks view
  • Alternative: ‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort) – Family-style Hawaiian
  • Watch Disney Enchantment fireworks show

Day 2 Orlando Itinerary: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

Breakfast

  • The Market Place (Hard Rock Hotel) – Quick service
  • Alternative: Voodoo Doughnut (CityWalk) – Unique doughnuts

Morning

  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World
  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Lunch

  • Three Broomsticks (Islands of Adventure) – British pub fare
  • Alternative: Thunder Falls Terrace (Islands of Adventure) – BBQ

Afternoon

  • Take Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • The Mummy
  • Men in Black Alien Attack
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Dinner

  • Bigfire (CityWalk) – American grill
  • Alternative: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium – Steampunk restaurant
  • Universal’s Cinematic Celebration show

Day 3 Orlando Itinerary: EPCOT

Breakfast

  • First Watch (Various locations) – Healthy breakfast
  • Alternative: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe (Multiple locations) – Classic breakfast

Morning

  • Arrive early for rope drop
  • Head to Test Track
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Spaceship Earth

Lunch

  • Space 220 Restaurant – Themed space dining
  • Alternative: Garden Grill – Character dining with Mickey

Afternoon

  • World Showcase exploration
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Sample international snacks and drinks

Dinner

  • Takumi-Tei (Japan Pavilion) – High-end Japanese
  • Alternative: Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion) – Steakhouse
  • Watch Harmonious nighttime show

Day 4 Orlando Itinerary: Local Orlando & Disney Springs

Breakfast

  • The Glass Knife (276 S Orlando Ave) – Artisan bakery
  • Alternative: Maple Street Biscuit Company (Multiple locations) – Southern

Morning

  • Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
  • Charles Hosmer Morse Museum (Tiffany glass)
  • Park Avenue shopping
  • Farmers’ Market (if Sunday)

Lunch

  • Prato (124 N Park Ave) – Modern Italian
  • Alternative: Ravenous Pig (565 W Fairbanks Ave) – Gastropub

Afternoon

  • Disney Springs exploration
  • World of Disney store
  • Aerophile balloon ride
  • Shopping at The Landing

Dinner

  • Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs) – Pan-Asian
  • Alternative: Wine Bar George (Disney Springs) – Wine country cuisine
  • Catch live music at House of Blues

Day 5 Orlando Itinerary: Animal Kingdom & Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Breakfast

  • Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – African with savanna views
  • Alternative: Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – Buffet

Morning (Animal Kingdom)

  • Arrive for rope drop
  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Expedition Everest
  • Dinosaur

Lunch

  • Tiffins (Animal Kingdom) – Signature dining
  • Alternative: Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom) – Quick service

Afternoon (Hollywood Studios)

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Dinner

  • Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort) – Mediterranean
  • Alternative: 50’s Prime Time CafĂ© (Hollywood Studios) – American comfort food
  • Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular

Theme Park Tips:

  • Download My Disney Experience and Universal apps
  • Book Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes early
  • Use Early Park Admission when available
  • Make dining reservations 60 days in advance
  • Bring portable phone charger
  • Use single rider lines when available
  • Take afternoon breaks during peak heat
  • Use resort transportation systems

Practical Tips:

  • Rent a car for local exploration
  • Pack rain gear and sunscreen
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Stay hydrated
  • Check crowd calendars before visiting parks
  • Consider park hopper options
  • Book Universal Express Pass if budget allows
  • Make dining reservations well in advance

Weather Notes:

  • Morning and evening activities recommended in summer
  • Afternoon thunderstorms common
  • High humidity year-round
  • Pack layers in winter months
  • Indoor alternatives for rainy days

Emergency Contacts:

  • Emergency number: 911
  • Orlando Police: (321) 235-5300
  • AdventHealth Celebration: (407) 303-4000
  • Disney First Aid Centers in each park
  • Universal First Aid in each park
  • Urgent Care: CentraCare (Multiple locations)
  • Pharmacy: Walgreens/CVS (Multiple locations)

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