There’s lots to see and do, and experience in Orlando, Florida. Whether you love theme parks, beautiful beaches, shopping, nature trails, or endless sunshine, Orlando is undoubtedly a dream destination for all sorts of people, from families and couples to friends and solo travellers alike! But with so much to enjoy in Orlando, if you’ve never visited before, you might find planning your vacation itinerary a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to see, but you don’t want to miss anything either! 

Well, in this post, we’ve put together a simple 5-day itinerary that covers some of the most enjoyable, iconic, and interesting things to see and experience in Orlando, Florida. Use it as a guide to help you plan your own vacation and to ensure you’re making the most of your first trip to The City Beautiful. 

Getting Around Orlando

One thing all new visitors should be aware of is that Orlando is a big place! And many of its main attractions are spread out across the city, so getting from one place to another as quickly and as comfortably as possible is definitely recommended. Many visitors consider Orlando airport car hire, that way they’re ready to start their vacation from the moment they land. Hiring a car from the airport gives you instant flexibility and convenience. There’s no waiting around for shuttles, no public transport routes to understand or rush around for, and no tired or cranky children to contend with whilst you struggle with your luggage or day bag! 

Just imagine driving around The City Beautiful, taking in the sights in your very own, fully air-conditioned vehicle! It’ll certainly set the tone for your visit, making it straightforward and stress-free. If you think that a hire car is the right choice, then make sure you always have some spare change ready for any toll roads or parking payments. 

Day One: Welcome to Orlando

You’ve just arrived, and even though you have your hire car at the ready, it's best to ease into the excitement of your vacation and this amazing destination slowly. To kick things off and once you’ve checked into your hotel, head to International Drive.  This lively area is filled with restaurants, attractions, and entertainment options that give you a taste of Orlando without the intensity of the big theme parks. Ideal if you’re travelling with little ones or if you’ve had a long-haul flight. 

If you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants and solo dining options for quick and inexpensive eats that taste great and will leave you feeling satisfied. ICON Park is great for casual dining spots, boutiques for a little bit of retail therapy, and even live entertainment. If you want to check out Orlando from above, take a ride on The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel offering stunning views over the city.

Day 2: Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom

When in Orlando, a trip to Disney World is probably a must! It’s a sure-fire way to immerse yourself in Orlando’s fun and magical atmosphere, and there’s nowhere better to begin than in the iconic Magic Kingdom Park. If you only have one day to spend here, you’re going to need to plan ahead as much as possible. This means booking lightning lanes for certain rides and even getting to the park before it officially opens so you can make the most of their “rope drop” option, where visitors can enjoy shorter queues for the most popular rides. 

Classic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion are perfect for first-time visitors and offer the true Disney experience, so don’t miss those! Then take the afternoon to enjoy a few parades, sit in the shade, or line up for some character meets and great photo moments. Remember, Orlando can get hot, so plan breaks in shaded spots, stay hydrated, and use indoor attractions as a way to cool down. Then end your day with the spectacular fireworks show at Cinderella’s castle, it’s a beautiful and often moving finale to a fantastic day in the park. 

Day 3: Universal Orlando Resort

It’s day 3 already - can you believe it? If you’re ready for another theme park, then Orlando Resort is calling! Whether you love a particular franchise like Harry Potter, or a particular TV show you can’t get enough of like The Simpsons, you’ll find an amazing variety of rides and immersive experiences in Universal that will make you feel like you’re part of the action. 

Rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure are an absolute must for any visitor, and you can easily spend an entire day here simply soaking up the incredible atmosphere, theming, and thrilling rides! 

Day 4: A Day of Adventure Beyond Theme Parks

Day 4 means stepping away from the theme parks for a while and enjoying some of the other incredible attractions that Orlando has to offer. One of the best and most popular is a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Filled with incredible exhibits and experiences, visitors can learn if they have what it takes to be an astronaut, as well as learn about those who made space travel possible. If you’re lucky, you might even see a real rocket test launch during your visit! Remember to bring your camera, you’re going to need it! 

Day 5: Natural Escapes – Wekiwa Springs State Park

Orlando isn't just about theme parks! Here you’ll also find an abundance of natural beauty, walks, trails, and flora and fauna that’s totally unique to the area. A trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park is a wonderful way to wind down your first trip to Orlando. 

Here you can take a dip in the crystal-clear spring water, which stays a refreshing 72°F all year, rent a kayak or canoe on-site and paddle down the peaceful Wekiva River, or bring a picnic and enjoy and explore over 13 miles of incredible trails and nature walks that are suitable for all levels. It’s hard to believe that Disney World is only a 45-minute drive away from all this natural beauty! 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. A simple but incredibly jam-packed 5-day itinerary for your first-ever trip to Orlando! What would you like to experience first?