Orlando, known as “The City Beautiful,” grew from citrus groves and cattle ranches into a global capital of theme parks and sunshine. Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and reshaped Central Florida, while nearby Cape Canaveral launched America’s space dreams. Today, artsy neighborhoods, lakes, gardens, and chef-driven kitchens add depth beyond the parks.

Expect blue-sky mornings and brief afternoon showers, especially in summer. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan indoor breaks at midday. If you’re renting a car, budget for toll roads; if not, rideshare is reliable, and the I-Ride Trolley is handy along International Drive.

Food is a highlight: from Vietnamese kitchens in Mills 50 to Michelin-starred dining at Grande Lakes. Coffee culture thrives, farmers markets buzz on weekends, and Disney Springs and Winter Park’s Park Avenue are surefire venues for an evening stroll and a great meal.

Orlando

The heartbeat of Central Florida delivers blockbuster attractions and quietly brilliant nature. In a single day you can kayak over glassy spring water, savor omakase in Audubon Park, then watch fireworks arc above Cinderella Castle.

Use this itinerary in flexible blocks. Tackle parks efficiently with early starts and breaks; intersperse crowd-free nature days and neighborhood wandering to keep energy high.

Getting there and around

• Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). From New York, flight time is ~2h50; Chicago ~2h40; Los Angeles ~5h. Typical roundtrip fares range ~$150–$450 domestically depending on season. Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. If flying from Europe, also check Omio.
• Airport to hotel: rideshare ~$30–$55 to the parks/downtown (20–35 minutes). Car rentals often run ~$35–$65/day; they’re useful for springs and the Space Coast. The I-Ride Trolley is great for International Drive; LYNX buses and SunRail serve select routes.

Where to stay (curated picks + search all hotels/holiday rentals)

• Search vacation rentals across neighborhoods: VRBO Orlando
• Browse hotels by area and budget: Hotels.com Orlando
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Bonnet Creek): Refined rooms, a tranquil lazy river, and golf—close to Disney but blissfully calm.
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort: Roof-top steakhouse Capa, fantastic pools, and top-tier service; ideal for special occasions.
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark (Lake Buena Vista): Spacious suites and kid-approved pools—great value for families.
• Rosen Inn International (International Drive): Wallet-friendly base with free parking and quick access to ICON Park and Universal.
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (on-site Disney): Skyline-themed suites and early park access perks; kids adore the theming.

Days 1–3: Downtown, Lake Eola, Mills 50, and International Drive

Ease into Orlando with scenic lakes and local neighborhoods, then sample the entertainment of International Drive and ICON Park. Keep park days for later—starting here sets a relaxed rhythm.

• Lake Eola and Downtown: Stroll under swaying palms, spot the iconic swans, and loop the 0.9-mile path. Pop into the Sunday farmers market if timing fits.
• Mills 50 murals + global eats: A vibrant corridor with Vietnamese, Lao, and modern Asian fare. Great for a casual lunch-hopping afternoon.
• ICON Park: Ride The Wheel for sunset views; check out family-friendly attractions and casual dining along the promenade.

Coffee & breakfast: Craft & Common (downtown) for seasonal lattes and burrata toast; Lineage Coffee (Mills) for expertly roasted pour-overs; Se7en Bites (Milk District) for a Southern biscuit breakfast and the famed salted-caramel pecan pie.

Lunch: Sticky Rice for Lao street food (don’t miss the crispy rice salad); Black Rooster Taqueria for achiote pork tacos; The Polite Pig at Disney Springs for brisket, smoked wings, and a deep bourbon list.

Dinner: The Ravenous Pig (Winter Park gastropub; house charcuterie and seasonal plates); Prato (wood-fired pizzas and cacio e pepe on Park Avenue); Kabooki Sushi (innovative nigiri flights and omakase).

Evening: Sip classic cocktails at Mathers Social Gathering (vintage library vibe) or The Courtesy (Winter Park) for thoughtful, seasonal concoctions. Beer lovers: Sideward Brewing (Milk District) for IPAs and excellent pretzels.

Days 4–6: Walt Disney World—Magic, Strategy, and Disney Springs

Dedicate two to three days to Disney’s four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Mix one full day with two half-days, or two full days plus an evening at Disney Springs.

• Strategy: Arrive before “rope drop,” ride headliners early, break midday at your hotel pool, then return for night shows. Consider paid Lightning Lane options for top attractions; policies evolve, so review your ticket details during booking.
• Magic Kingdom highlights: TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Happily Ever After fireworks. Classic snacks: a Dole Whip near Adventureland.
• EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’, and World Showcase grazing (Karamell-Küche caramels, Katsura Grill udon, and Les Halles pastries).
• Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Rise of the Resistance) and Toy Story Land (Slinky Dog Dash). For lunch, the Ronto Wrap is a sleeper hit.
• Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and evening bioluminescent strolls in Pandora.

Disney Springs dining: Wine Bar George (world-class by-the-glass pours, Saganaki on Fire), The Boathouse (seafood, amphicar docks), and Gideon’s Bakehouse (half-pound cookies—join the virtual queue).

Ticket option: Secure date-based entry in advance:

Walt Disney World Orlando Resort Base Ticket

Days 7–8: Universal Orlando—Harry Potter, Coasters, and CityWalk

Give Universal two days for the full effect—especially if you’re a Wizarding World fan. With a Park-to-Park ticket you can ride the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

• Islands of Adventure: VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Hit Hagrid’s at rope drop or late night.
• Universal Studios Florida: Escape from Gringotts, The Bourne Stuntacular, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• CityWalk evenings: Cowfish (sushi-burgers mashup), Voodoo Doughnut for late-night sugar, and live music at Hard Rock Live or the Red Coconut Club when programming allows.

Lunch: The Leaky Cauldron (pasties, bangers & mash) or Today Café for lighter bites. Upgrade with Universal Express Pass on busier days to cut waits.

Ticket option (Hogwarts Express access requires Park-to-Park):

Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents

Days 9–10: Florida Springs and Wildlife—Crystal Water and Quiet Trails

Trade roller coasters for emerald springs, manatees, and shady boardwalks. Pack water shoes, a dry bag, and a waterproof phone case.

• Rock Springs at Kelly Park: Glass-bottom kayaks glide over neon-clear runs shaded by cypress. Arrive early for parking; weekdays are quieter.
• Wekiwa Springs State Park: Easy paddling and short hikes—watch for herons and turtles. Consider a picnic at the main spring.
• Blue Spring (seasonal manatees): Peak manatee gatherings are typically winter months; boardwalks offer respectful viewing.
• Optional: Classic Central Florida airboat ride through sawgrass marshes to spot gators and wading birds.

Guided experience (Rock Springs, small-group):

Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

Eats nearby: After the springs, swing through Winter Park: The Ravenous Pig for house-made pastas, Buttermilk Bakery for kouign-amann, or Black Bean Deli for pressed Cuban sandwiches.

Day 11: Kennedy Space Center and the Atlantic

Drive ~45–60 minutes east to Cape Canaveral for NASA history, moon rockets, and interactive exhibits. If a launch is scheduled, it’s unforgettable from the causeways or beaches.

• Don’t miss: Space Shuttle Atlantis with the Shuttle Launch Experience, the Apollo/Saturn V Center (bus ride included with admission), Astronaut Encounter talks, and IMAX space films.
• Beach break: Cap the day with a quick dip or a stroll at Cocoa Beach before returning to Orlando.

Admission (plan at least 6–7 hours on site):

Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission

Fuel up: Grab a hearty breakfast at The Briarpatch (Winter Park; lemon-ricotta pancakes) or New Moon Market smoothies en route; dinner back in Orlando at Knife & Spoon (Michelin-starred steak and seafood) if you’re celebrating.

Day 12: Winter Park, Gardens, and Farewell

Wind down among oak-lined streets and lakeside gardens. This is Orlando’s cultured exhale—art, boats, and brunch.

• Harry P. Leu Gardens: 50 lush acres of camellias, roses, and shady paths—perfect for a quiet morning.
• Winter Park: Stroll Park Avenue boutiques, pop into the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum for a stunning Tiffany glass collection, and take the Scenic Boat Tour through canals and lakes.
• Final bites: The Glass Knife (entremets and crullers), Prato (ricotta gnudi), or Capa at Four Seasons for sunset steaks and city views.

Coffee and dessert: Foxtail Coffee for a last cold brew; Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream for guava pastelito or classic strawberry.

Add-on tips

• ICON Park aquarium: Great for a stormy hour with kids; pair with The Wheel for skyline photos.
• Night shows: EPCOT’s lagoon spectacular and Magic Kingdom fireworks are worth timing your park evenings around.
• Packing: Light rain jacket, portable battery, refillable bottle, quick-dry clothes for water rides and springs.

Optional extra experience (if you want another half-day attraction in town):

Summary: Over 12 days you’ll balance Orlando’s headline theme parks with glass-clear springs, neighborhood flavors, and a pilgrimage to the Space Coast. Plan early starts, savor long lunches, and let the evenings glow with fireworks or cocktails—this itinerary keeps wonder and rest in beautiful equilibrium.