We have planned this itinerary using the Orlando Freedom Ticket, which gives you full flexibility to visit 12 of Orlando's incredible theme parks.
Day 1: Relax & Adjust
You’ve just landed and the local time is 5 hours behind GMT, so take it easy and adjust to your surroundings. You have 14 days of unforgettable fun ahead! Most flights arrive into Orlando in the afternoon, so we’d suggest leaving the theme parks until tomorrow. If your hotel has a pool, take a dip and cool down from the Floridian heat, or laze away the afternoon on a sun lounger.
In the evening, depending on where you’re staying, head to either Universal CityWalk or Disney Springs for a delicious dinner. Both complexes offer world-class dining, live entertainment and plenty of shops.
Day 2: Magic Kingdom Park (Walt Disney World Resort)
A holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is all about experiencing the Disney magic and making unforgettable memories. What better place to start than than Magic Kingdom Park? We’re sure you’re desperate to see the iconic Cinderella Castle, so head right to the heart of the park and make this your first stop. It will give you that warm fuzzy feeling you can only get at Walt Disney World Resort!
Spend the rest of the day meeting your favourite Disney Characters, trying the exhilarating rides and watching the spectacular shows. There are 6 lands to explore and you should visit them all. Make sure you take your time - there really is SO much to see! Stick around until the evening to see the park’s grand finale; Happily Ever After. Watch in awe as fireworks illuminate the night sky and the castle comes to life with an amazing projection show.
Top tip: Magic Kingdom Park has the most rides of the four parks in Walt Disney World Resort, so it's unlikely you'll be able to do every ride in one day. Make use of the Disney Genie Service included in your Disney Magic Ticket to maximise your time in the shortest queues and the rides that best suit your tastes. You might even want to consider purchasing Genie+ for the day to gain access to Lightning Lanes on certain rides.
Don’t miss: TRON Lightcycle / Run - the newest ride in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
For the kids: Mad Tea Party - an opening day attraction that guarantees plenty of laughs.
Characters: Meet Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, and the one that started it all; Mickey Mouse.
Day 3: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
World-class rides and beautiful animal encounters are just some of the key attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Race around the track on Iron Gwazi, a wooden and steel hybrid coaster, come face to face with the 80-foot-tall King Cobra on Cobra’s Curse, and if you’re feeling brave enough try Serengeti Flyer, the park's brand-new attraction that is the tallest and fastest of its kind in the world!
Want to make your visit unforgettable? Be sure to try the Serengeti Safari Tour. Here you get up-close and personal to the wild habitat, with your chance to hand-feed a giraffe, could it get any better?
Top tip: If you are staying near Orlando and aren't hiring a car for your holiday, your Busch Gardens ticket includes free return coach transportation to multiple locations throughout Orlando on the Busch Gardens Shuttle Express.
Don’t miss: Falcon’s Fury, the 335-foot drop is for ultimate thrill seekers only!
For the kids: Sesame Street Safari of Fun is full of kid-sized rides and colourful shows featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends.
Day 4: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Walt Disney World Resort)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park might have previously been considered one of the parks you’d spend the least time at, but don’t underestimate it. Did you know, it’s actually the biggest of the Disney parks, spanning over 580 acres! With around 1,700 animals calling this place home, you can spend the day getting closer to nature, meeting Disney Characters, watching Broadway-style musicals and riding the legendary Expedition Everest.
Plus, you don't want to miss Pandora - The World of Avatar, a 12-acre land inspired by the blockbuster movie Avatar. Ride on the back of a Banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, or float along a sacred river into the depths of a bioluminescent rainforest on Na'vi River Journey.
Top tip: Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The slightly cooler weather usually means that the animals are more active than they are in the middle of the day.
For the kids: Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! is a musical stage show featuring Nemo, Dory, Marlin and their friends. This colourful show is not only fun and engaging for little ones, but it's also a great way to get them out of the sun for a while.
Characters: Meet characters like Mickey and Minnie in their finest jungle explorer attire!
Day 5: Universal Studios Florida (Universal Orlando Resort)
Jump right into the action of your favourite films and TV shows. You’ll be able to step 'on set' and watch in amazement as the stories you’ve seen on screen come to life before your eyes. That’s not all though, as Universal Studios Florida is also home to several thrilling rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers: The Ride- 3D. You can also experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. A visit isn’t complete until you’ve tried an ice-cold glass of the famous Butterbeer!
Top tip: Our Universal Orlando tickets include admission to both Universal theme parks, and if you want to know the best way to get between the two, it’s without a doubt the Hogwarts Express. Climb on board and enjoy the journey!
Don’t miss: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Look out for Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange on this action-packed adventure!
For the kids: Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast - the newest addition to the park which is an interactive shooter ride.
Characters: Minions, The Simpsons, Transformers, Hello Kitty and SpongeBob SquarePants to name just a few
Day 6: EPCOT (Walt Disney World Resort)
Discover the culture and cuisine of 11 different countries as you journey around the World Showcase in EPCOT. Try some traditional fish and chips in the United Kingdom Pavilion, quench your thirst with a German beer and indulge in some sweet treats at a French patisserie. If you’re up for a challenge, you can eat your way around the world, trying something from each country.
Little ones will love the chance to meet beloved Disney characters including Disney royalty like Anna and Elsa, and the loveable Donald Duck in his sombrero. EPCOT also has plenty of exciting attractions to enjoy. Sail through the icy land of Arendelle on Frozen Ever After, scamper around a French restaurant on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and test your nerve on the 65mph Test Track.
With the entire World Showcase to explore, live entertainment and character meet and greets, you’ll definitely need a whole day at EPCOT.
Don’t miss: There are a number of festivals held in EPCOT throughout the year. Depending on when you visit you might get to experience the International Festival of the Arts, International Flower and Garden Festival, International Food and Wine Festival or the International Festival of the Holidays.
For the kids: Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive show in The Seas Pavilion where kids can speak in real time with Crush and other characters from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
Characters: Meet the likes of Anna and Elsa, Belle, Mulan, Princess Jasmine and Snow White.
Day 7: Time to Shop
This day should be a little bit more relaxing, so you don't run out of steam before the end of your holiday! This is also a great time to enjoy a bit of retail therapy and souvenir shopping. The Florida Mall is only a short drive from the theme parks, and the Orlando Premium Outlets that are nearby offer great discounts on popular brands.
Alternatively, you could spend a day relaxing by the pool!
Day 8: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World Resort)
If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, Disney’s Hollywood Studios can’t be missed. Home to some of the most famous Disney rides of all time, the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the supercharged Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will push you to the limit! Then get ready to be transported to a galaxy far far away in the incredibly immersive land of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Whether you want to help pilot the Millennium Falcon, join The Resistance, build your own lightsaber and droid or just relax with an out-of-this-world cocktail, you can do it all here.
For a bit of a rest between heart-racing coasters, sit down for a show like Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage or Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
Top tip: Arrive at the park early and ride the most popular attractions first before the queues start to build up. Most people will head to Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land first, so Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will often have shorter queues despite it being one of the park's newest rides.
Don’t miss: Fantasmic! This unforgettable show will take your breath away. Featuring music, special effects, pyrotechnics and one million gallons of dancing water this extravagant musical spectacular can’t be missed. There’s even appearances from all your favourite Disney characters.
For the kids: Toy Story Land has a whole host of family-friendly attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, a rollercoaster with a slightly lower height restriction than some of the park's bigger rides, and Toy Story Mania!, where you can compete with your friends and family.
Characters: Olaf, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Chewbacca, and Mickey & Minnie Mouse.
Day 9: Universal’s Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando Resort)
Volcano Bay is like no other water park! This is the place where water park meets theme park, and combines luxurious relaxation experiences with thrilling attractions. The tropical paradise also promises little-to-no queuing thanks to the innovative TapuTapu wearable that lets you virtually wait in line! This means there’s more time to experience the exciting attractions and try the delicious foods on offer. The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the main attraction, and sends guests racing through the heart of the park’s striking centrepiece - a 200-foot-tall Volcano!
Top tip: The TapuTapu wearable not only banishes long queues, but allows guests to trigger special effects throughout the park with just a simple tap.
Don’t miss: Visit Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona to get a Waturi Fusion - a waffle cone filled with swirls of orange, banana, strawberry and blue raspberry soft serve.
For the kids: Runamukka Reef is great for the kids. The play area has bubbling geysers, water slides and water guns for soaking anyone nearby.
Day 10: SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando combines thrilling theme park experiences, with amazing animal encounters! Try world-class rollercoasters inspired by beautiful sea creatures, like Manta, Kraken and Mako, the tallest fastest and longest ride in the whole of Orlando. Get closer to nature with a range of unique animal experiences that let you explore colourful aquariums, feed sea lions and watch dolphins playfully splash in the water at the Dolphin Nursery.
Top tip: If you want to watch one of the shows, make sure you arrive early as the seats always fill up quickly.
Don’t miss: Try the brand new roller coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. This innovative ride will have guests harnessed in an upright position so it feels like they're really surfing the waves!
For the kids: Sesame Street Land has plenty of attractions designed just for little ones, including a splash pad that is perfect for cooling off from the Florida heat!
Day 11: Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Universal Orlando Resort)
It’s time for the action to continue! This park is home to some of the most thrilling roller coasters in Orlando. From the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man to The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, there is plenty of unexpected fun at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter fans can explore the village of Hogsmeade, enjoy a traditional British lunch at The Three Broomsticks and embark on an epic adventure on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
After your day exploring the park, stop by Universal CityWalk for a mammoth milkshake at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen- you won’t regret it!
Top tip: You might want to bring a poncho or waterproof jacket with you when visiting Islands of Adventure, as there are three water rides in this park that are guaranteed to get you soaked; Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges.
Don’t miss: Jurassic World VelociCoaster is an award-winning ride that takes you on a high-speed dash through the raptor paddock over land and water
For the kids: Visit Ollivanders, the place where the wand chooses the wizard, and get your very own wand.
Characters: Get ready to meet the Marvel superheroes, including Spider-Man, Captain America and Wolverine. You can see Betty Boop, The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch too.
Day 12: Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove isn’t included on the Orlando Freedom Ticket so you’ll need to purchase an extra ticket, but if you’re looking for a day of pure relaxation and want to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to go. Discovery Cove is an idyllic paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, where you can relax on the white sandy beach and laze the day away.
Leaving Discovery Cove until the later part of your holiday not only gives you something to look forward to, but also gives you a much-needed break. It can be nice to take a day in between all the theme park fun, for a more relaxing day out, and Discovery Cove offers just that.
Of course, that's not all you can do here. Guests can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime swim with beautiful bottlenose dolphins, explore the colourful Grand Reef, and discover sharks and tropical fish in SeaVenture - the underwater walking tour. The all-inclusive day resort allows you to eat and drink as much as you like throughout the day and has plenty to keep you entertained. Our customers often tell us that their visit to Discovery Cove was the highlight of their trip, so it’s definitely not a park to be missed!
Top tip: Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort which means food, drink, alcoholic beverages, lockers, wetsuits, towels and a souvenir snorkel are all included with your tickets.
Don’t miss: Make your visit unforgettable with a dolphin swim experience. The 30-minute encounter lets you get up close to the beautiful animals, and is something the whole family can enjoy.
For the kids: Kids will love the chance to go snorkelling in the Freshwater Oasis, and getting up close to the adorable otters.
Day 13: Wizarding World of Harry Potter/ Water Parks/ LEGOLAND Florida
There is plenty of magic just waiting to be discovered at the Universal Orlando Resort, and with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spanning over both parks, you might need an extra day to make the most of it all if you’re a big fan. Head to Universal Studios Florida to explore Diagon Alley, before getting the Hogwarts Express to the village of Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. There’s plenty of tasty treats, shops and live shows to enjoy. Make sure you go on the rides again while you’re there!
If you think you’ve already seen everything there is to see, you could spend the day cooling down at one of Orlando’s water parks. For thrill seekers, Aquatica boasts the tallest and steepest multi-drop tower slide in Orlando; Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. If you’re looking for something a bit tamer, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks are great fun for the whole family, although watch out for Summit Plummet’s 120-foot slope. If you're travelling with little ones, you might want to purchase LEGOLAND Florida tickets. Here, children can get creative by building LEGO models and experience more than 50 rides, attractions and shows that will keep the whole family entertained.
Top tip: Play this day by ear. If you have an Orlando Freedom Ticket, you have the flexibility to park hop or revisit one of your favourite parks from your holiday again at your leisure.
Day 14: Tick Something Off Your Bucket List
Orlando’s theme parks are some of the best in the world, but there’s plenty more to see outside of the parks. Why not end your trip on a high (literally!) with an unforgettable air balloon flight over Orlando? If you’re not keen on taking to the skies yourself, watch the professionals do it, and witness an extraordinary live rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center. Or, for something fun for the whole family, embark on an off-road adventure through 240-acres of woodlands, splash through lakes and prepare to get very muddy with the exhilarating Mucky Ducks experience.
If you’d prefer something more relaxing, you could spend this day visiting one of Florida’s beautiful beaches instead. Soak up the sun on the white sands of Clearwater Beach, and for an even more spectacular experience, why not try the Dolphin Encounter? Sail across the stunning emerald green eaters of the Gulf of Mexico with dolphin sightings guaranteed!
In the evening, visit I-drive for a nice meal and a few drinks to toast your holiday. You could even end your night with a ride on the 400-foot-tall Wheel at ICON Park!
Ready to start planning your dream holiday? Find out which combination ticket package is for you and get booking!
