The United States practically invented the modern theme park. From Walt Disney World’s kingdom of imagination in Florida to Disneyland’s storied original in California, these parks blend artistry, engineering, and a dash of Hollywood spectacle. This itinerary is built for park lovers—parques temáticos fans—who want the best rides, nighttime shows, and foodie gems with smart logistics.

Over 16 days, you’ll ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, face off with dinosaurs on VelociCoaster, wander Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, warp into Super Nintendo World, and drift past fireflies on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We’ve balanced thrill days with mellow mornings and great meals, pointing you to local favorites near each resort hub.

Practical notes: tipping (15–20%) is customary, sales tax is added at the register, and car-free strategies work in Orlando/Anaheim with rideshares and hotel shuttles. As of 2025, Walt Disney World uses Lightning Lane Multi Pass/Singe Pass (pre-book windows vary); Disneyland requires park reservations (most tickets) and Genie+/Lightning Lane is purchased day-of. Crowd levels and prices are seasonal—midweek visits outside holidays stretch your budget.

Orlando (Days 1–8)

Orlando is the world capital of theme parks. Walt Disney World spans four parks and its own mini-city; Universal Orlando brings blockbuster thrills; SeaWorld adds marine shows and standout coasters. Plan for early starts, strategic breaks, and a few memorable dinners.

Getting there and around

• Fly into Orlando International (MCO). Search flexible fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; nonstop flights from major US hubs are frequent.
• Transit: hotel shuttles, rideshares, or rental car. If you’ll day-trip to Tampa for Busch Gardens, a car saves time (about 1.5 hours each way via I-4).

Days 1–4: Walt Disney World’s Headliners

Split four days across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Buy date-based tickets (no park reservation required at WDW as of 2025) and add Lightning Lane options for the busiest days.

• Magic Kingdom: Start in Fantasyland/Frontierland, ride TRON Lightcycle / Run near closing, and catch “Happily Ever After” fireworks. Consider lunch at Skipper Canteen (jungle-spiced plates, witty cast) or Columbia Harbour House (quiet upstairs seating).
• EPCOT: Rope drop Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind; later, graze the World Showcase—try Katsura Grill (casual udon in a serene garden) and Regal Eagle (solid BBQ). Evening show on the lagoon rewards staying late.
• Hollywood Studios: Prioritize Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror. Eat at Docking Bay 7 (galactic comfort food) or Woody’s Lunch Box (nostalgic melts).
• Animal Kingdom: Hit Avatar Flight of Passage at opening, then Kilimanjaro Safaris while animals are active. Satu’li Canteen’s bowls (charred protein, hearty grains) are among the resort’s best quick-service meals.

Park-day coffee & bites: Craft & Common (downtown) pulls excellent espresso; Foxtail Coffee Co. has multiple locations. Breakfast before parks at Se7en Bites (famous biscuits) or Keke’s Breakfast Cafe (big plates, kid-friendly).

Dinner ideas near the parks: At Disney Springs, The Polite Pig (bourbon and brisket), Morimoto Asia (Peking duck, sushi), and Wine Bar George (expertly curated by master sommelier George Miliotes) please varied tastes.

Days 5–6: Universal Orlando Resort

Dedicate one day each to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure; add Volcano Bay for a half-day if you love water parks. Express Pass can be a game-changer on weekends/holidays.

• Islands of Adventure: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster headline the thrills. Classic Spider-Man ride still dazzles with practical effects.
• Universal Studios Florida: Jump between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park ticket required). Don’t miss The Bourne Stuntacular—surprisingly cinematic.
• Where to eat: Leaky Cauldron (British pub fare), Three Broomsticks (roasted chicken, Butterbeer), and CityWalk’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (milkshakes worth sharing).

Day 7: Busch Gardens Tampa or SeaWorld Orlando

Busch Gardens Tampa: Africa-themed park with elite coasters (Iron Gwazi is a world-class hybrid) and notable animal habitats. Drive ~1.5 hours; tickets often run $84–$119.

SeaWorld Orlando: Pipeline and Mako coasters plus dolphin and orca educational presentations. Tickets ~$69–$109 with online promos.

Day 8: Flex Day—Pools, ICON Park, or Kennedy Space Center

Recharge by the pool, ride The Wheel at ICON Park, or head to the Atlantic for Kennedy Space Center (about 1 hour east) and Cocoa Beach. It’s an inspiring counterpoint to park thrills.

Where to stay in Orlando

• Rosen Inn International (value, International Drive; shuttles and easy dining nearby).
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark (family-friendly suites and slides).
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (golf-side elegance with park shuttles).
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (on-site theming and Early Entry; Skyliner access).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Orlando or vacation homes on VRBO Orlando.

Anaheim (Greater Los Angeles) (Days 9–14)

Anaheim is Disneyland’s home turf—Walt’s original “happiest place on Earth.” Nearby, Universal Studios Hollywood brings movie magic to life, while Knott’s Berry Farm mixes classic coasters and boysenberry treats. Add a beach sunset and a taco crawl, and you’ve got SoCal in one stay.

Getting there and around

• Fly MCO → LAX or SNA. Nonstop is ~5.5–6 hours; fares often from ~$130–$260 one-way off-peak. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Base yourself in Anaheim and rideshare to parks; consider a one-day car rental for Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia) if you add it.

Days 9–11: Disneyland Park + Disney California Adventure

Plan 2–3 days for both gates. Disneyland’s history glows on Main Street, U.S.A., while Galaxy’s Edge and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure deliver modern storytelling. At California Adventure, tackle Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, and the evening spectacular on Paradise Bay.

• Tips: Disneyland typically requires park reservations. Buy Genie+ (day-of) for Lightning Lane access; rope drop Fantasyland or head straight to Star Wars. Park Hopper helps for dining or show times.
• Where to eat: Blue Bayou (pirate-cove ambiance; reserve early), Plaza Inn (famously crispy fried chicken), Docking Bay 7 (solid bowls and entrees). In DCA, Carthay Circle (golden-age Hollywood) and Pym Test Kitchen (playful, oversized bites) are standouts.

Coffee & breakfast nearby: Portola Coffee Lab (precision espresso), Hidden House Coffee (cozy vibe), and Anepalco (legendary chilaquiles) in Orange. For casual dinners, the Anaheim Packing House food hall hosts Georgia’s (soul food) and Black Sheep GCB (gourmet grilled cheese).

Day 12: Knott’s Berry Farm

America’s first theme park still thrills with GhostRider (woodie with airtime), HangTime, and a lively Ghost Town. Try boysenberry soft serve—a nod to the farm’s roots. Tickets often under $75 with online deals.

Day 13: Universal Studios Hollywood + Super Nintendo World

Head to Hollywood for a full day. Rope drop Super Nintendo World (Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge) and spend time on the World-Famous Studio Tour—classic backlots and surprise effects make it uniquely LA. WaterWorld remains one of the best live stunt shows anywhere.

• One-night Hollywood option: Stay steps from the park at Loews Hollywood Hotel or choose style downtown at Freehand Los Angeles (rooftop pool, hostel/private rooms).

Day 14: Beach + City Eats

Recover by the coast in Huntington or Laguna Beach (both about 35–60 minutes from Anaheim, traffic depending), then sunset at the pier. Back in LA, dine at Langer’s (hand-cut pastrami #19), Guisados (stewed taco fillings on fresh tortillas), or explore Grand Central Market stalls.

Where to stay in Anaheim

• Search hotel deals: Hotels.com Anaheim or nearby vacation rentals via VRBO Anaheim.
• Consider a Hollywood add-on night for Universal day: Loews Hollywood Hotel or budget-chic Freehand Los Angeles.

San Diego (Days 15–16)

San Diego adds sun-kissed beaches, SeaWorld thrills, and taco culture. Mission Bay puts you close to the action; La Jolla’s coves and Balboa Park’s gardens invite slower strolls between park days.

Getting there and around

• Anaheim → San Diego: Drive ~1.5–2.5 hours (traffic-sensitive) or take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (~2 hr 45 min to Santa Fe Depot). Rideshares work well in town.
• Depart SAN on multi-city tickets; compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 15: SeaWorld San Diego + Mission Bay

Focus on coasters like Emperor (dive coaster) and Electric Eel, then enjoy orca/dolphin educational presentations and aquariums. Later, rent bikes along Mission Bay or catch the vintage amusements at Belmont Park.

Day 16: Legoland (optional) + Old Town or La Jolla

If traveling with kids, detour to LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad, ~35–45 minutes north). Otherwise, explore La Jolla’s sea lions at the Cove and grab sunset at Sunset Cliffs. History buff? Old Town’s preserved adobes and Mexican eateries make an easy finale.

San Diego eats and coffee

• Breakfast: Breakfast Republic (inventive scrambles) or Morning Glory (playful brunch, spectacular pancakes).
• Coffee: Better Buzz (signature Best Drink Ever) and Dark Horse (single-origin focus).
• Lunch/Dinner: The Taco Stand (house-made tortillas), Point Loma Seafoods (market-fresh), Phil’s BBQ (mesquite ribs), and Buona Forchetta (Neapolitan pies in South Park).

Where to stay in San Diego

• The Dana on Mission Bay (near SeaWorld, bayfront paths).
• Paradise Point Resort & Spa (island-style bungalows, family-friendly).
• The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows (retro-chic, great pool scene).
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Mission Valley/Zoo (good value with kitchenettes).
• More options: Hotels.com San Diego or VRBO San Diego.

Budget-savvy tips (fits a 53/100 budget)

• Visit midweek and shoulder season (late Jan–March, late Aug–Sept) for lower hotel rates and shorter lines.
• Buy multi-day tickets online in advance; skip Park Hopper if you prefer slower pacing and lower costs.
• Use Lightning Lane/Express strategically: splurge on the most crowded weekend day; go standby midweek with rope drop and late-night rides.
• Eat one meal outside the parks daily—Packing House in Anaheim, Disney Springs in Orlando, or local taco shops cut costs without cutting flavor.

Final travel note: If your dates are late summer/fall 2025, keep an eye on Universal Orlando’s new offerings as they roll out; adjust a flex day accordingly.

Wrap-up: In just over two weeks you’ll trace the evolution of American theme parks—from Walt’s original dream in Anaheim to the vast imagination of Orlando—while sampling beaches, tacos, and fireworks along the way. Thrills, storytelling, and smart pacing make this a feel-good, return-worthy trip.