Orlando grew from citrus groves to the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” thanks to visionary parks and the space-age boom along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Beyond roller coasters, the city hides leafy neighborhoods, James Beard–noticed kitchens, and freshwater springs where manatees drift like gray blimps.

Universal Orlando Resort is the star for movie lovers—two parks stitched by the Hogwarts Express, plus Volcano Bay’s tropical water thrills. Nearby, the Kennedy Space Center reveals Saturn V giants and the astronaut stories behind them, while ICON Park’s wheel frames evening skies on International Drive.

Expect warm sun and quick afternoon showers year-round; pack breathable layers, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. Ride reservations are handled in the Universal Orlando app, lockers are required on some coasters, and early park entry is a huge perk if you stay at a partner hotel. Orlando dining ranges from Cuban bakeries to modern Southern brunches—come hungry.

Orlando

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure bring movies to life: Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Spider-Man headline the thrills. CityWalk adds neon, live music, and sweet stops like Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Voodoo Doughnut.

Beyond the parks, stroll Winter Park’s brick-lined Park Avenue, browse East End Market’s local purveyors, or sip third-wave coffee in Mills 50. Nature lovers can skim the headwaters of the Everglades by airboat or drift over crystal springs where manatees winter.

• Top sights: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, ICON Park, Lake Eola, Winter Park, Kennedy Space Center (day trip).
• Local eats to know: Se7en Bites (modern Southern brunch), The Ravenous Pig (gastropub), Domu (house-made ramen), Black Rooster Taqueria (Yucatán-leaning tacos), The Polite Pig (smoked meats), Hawkers (Asian street plates).
• Fun fact: The first commercial flight in U.S. history took off in Florida—fitting for a city that now welcomes one of the country’s busiest airports (MCO).

Where to stay (Universal area and beyond):

• Waldorf Astoria Orlando — refined pools, golf access, and easy theme-park logistics.
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort — top-tier service, lazy river, and a serene spa for recovery days.
• Rosen Inn International — wallet-friendly on International Drive near ICON Park.
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark — family suites with slides and splash zones.
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort — larger-than-life themes and Skyliner access if you plan a Disney evening.
• Browse more: VRBO Orlando | Hotels.com Orlando

Getting there and around:

• Flights to MCO: Major U.S. hubs offer nonstop flights (≈2–5 hours). Typical roundtrips can range $150–$350 booked 4–8 weeks ahead. Search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Local transport: Rideshares are plentiful; parking at Universal starts around typical large-venue rates. Consider the I-Ride Trolley for hops along International Drive. Staying at Universal-area hotels shortens transfers and lets you rope-drop marquee rides.

Day 1: Arrival, ICON Park, and an Ocean Tunnel Evening

Morning: Travel day. Aim for a midday arrival at MCO so you can settle in and stretch your legs before dinner. Grab a light snack at your hotel and hydrate—Florida’s humidity sneaks up on you.

Afternoon: Check in and head to International Drive. Ride The Wheel at ICON Park for a skyline overview, then stroll for people-watching and street performers.

Evening: Dive under the sea at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium—Florida’s only 360° ocean tunnel is a kid-pleaser and jet lag–friendly.

For dinner, try Cafe Tu Tu Tango (artist-studded walls and global small plates) or Tapa Toro (paella and flamenco energy). Cap it with a warm butter cake from The Capital Grille at Pointe Orlando if you crave a classic dessert.

Day 2: Universal Studios Florida — Movies, Magic, and Diagon Alley

Morning: Enter Universal Studios Florida early with Park-to-Park access via Universal Orlando Park-to-Park Tickets so you can ride the Hogwarts Express later between lands.

Bee-line to Diagon Alley: ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, exchange Muggle cash at Gringotts Money Exchange, and sample butterbeer. Breakfast at Leaky Cauldron (English breakfast or a quick bacon buttie) keeps you inside the magic.

Afternoon: Hit marquee rides while lines are reasonable: Transformers, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (pick your song), and The Bourne Stuntacular for shade and special effects. Grab lunch at The Today Cafe (porchetta panini) or Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck for a fast bite.

Evening: Ride the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade just before sunset for atmospheric views. Exit to CityWalk for dinner: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (savory crepes, then outrageous milkshakes) or Antojitos Cocina Mexicana (fresh guac at your table, mariachi). Night owls can linger at CityWalk’s Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf.

Day 3: Islands of Adventure — Coasters and Creatures

Morning: Rope-drop Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure if available, then take on Jurassic World VelociCoaster—lockers are mandatory; travel light. Coffee fix at Croissant Moon Bakery (almond croissant + latte) before Marvel Super Hero Island’s The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Afternoon: Cool off in Seuss Landing and explore Poseidon’s mythic corners. Lunch at Mythos (fall-apart lamb meatballs; airy dining room carved like a grotto) or Thunder Falls Terrace (smoky rotisserie).

Evening: Loop back for a second VelociCoaster run as temps drop and lines shorten. Dinner at Cowfish (sushi-burger hybrids and creative rolls) or Bigfire for wood-grilled steaks. Finish with Voodoo Doughnut’s maple bacon bar to-go.

Day 4: Volcano Bay and a Relaxed City Night

Morning: Spend the morning at Volcano Bay. TapuTapu wearables hold your place in line—race on Krakatau Aqua Coaster, then float with the lush views on Kopiko Wai River. Breakfast bites: coconut muffins or fruit bowls inside the park, or swing by Voodoo Doughnut beforehand.

Afternoon: Return to your hotel for a pool siesta or spa hour. Coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co. (Nitro taps and seasonal cold brew) or Lineage Coffee Roasting (precise pour-overs) to recharge.

Evening: Explore the Mills 50 neighborhood. Dinner at Domu (rich, silky tonkotsu; wings lacquered in kimchi butter) or The Strand (seasonal plates, neighborhood feel). For cocktails, The Courtesy (Mills 50 location; balanced classics) or Mathers Social Gathering (Victorian lounge, smart dress suggested).

Day 5: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip — Rockets and Astronauts

Morning: Join the coach for Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee. Your guide sets expectations and maps the day’s exhibits on the drive east.

Afternoon: Stand beneath the Saturn V, tour Space Shuttle Atlantis, and try the Shuttle Launch Experience. Don’t miss the Rocket Garden and any live astronaut talks if scheduled. Lunch at Orbit Cafe keeps you close to the main exhibits.

Evening: Return to Orlando. Casual dinner near your hotel: The Polite Pig (smoked brisket with citrus slaw) or Hawkers (roti canai, laksa). Walk Lake Eola’s fountain loop if you want a breezy cooldown.

Day 6: Wild Florida — Airboat Thrills and Winter Park Charm

Morning: Glide across the headwaters of the Everglades on the One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando. Watch for gators, roseate spoonbills, and turtles as your captain skims sawgrass marshes.

Afternoon: Head to Winter Park. Take the Scenic Boat Tour across lakes linked by fern-draped canals, then browse Park Avenue’s boutiques. Lunch at Prato (wood-fired pizzas and house pastas) or Bosphorous (balloon bread with silky hummus).

Evening: Explore East End Market for local bites (Gideon’s original bakery case sells out early; check hours). Dinner at The Ravenous Pig (seasonal charcuterie, griddled burgers, and clever cocktails) or Black Rooster Taqueria (achiote pork and citrusy ceviches). Nightcap at The Guesthouse (bright, plant-filled bar) or Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. for local suds.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Last Tastes, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Se7en Bites (signature biscuit sandwiches and a salted-caramel pecan hand pie) or Hash House A Go Go (oversized Midwest-meets-brunch plates). If you prefer a stroll, hit Disney Springs for souvenir shopping and a quick bite at Everglazed or The Polite Pig.

Afternoon: Pack up and depart for MCO. If you have a spare hour, swing by Craft & Common downtown for a final cold brew and a stroll past the murals on Orange Avenue.

Evening: Fly home with butterbeer memories and a camera roll full of coasters, rockets, and pink Florida sunsets. Safe travels!

Practical Tips for Universal Days

• Rope drop strategy: Arrive 45–60 minutes before posted opening; knock out Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster early.
• Express Pass math: On peak days, the time saved can justify the price. On shoulder seasons, smart rope-drop planning may suffice.
• Lockers: Mandatory for select coasters; carry a compact sling. Free small lockers are available at some attractions during your ride window.
• Hydration and storms: Afternoon showers are common—embrace ponchos and keep exploring. Refill water at quick-service spots.

Book the essentials: Flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Hotels via Hotels.com Orlando or VRBO Orlando. Universal entry with Park-to-Park tickets.

In one week, you’ll master Universal’s headline rides, drift through a 360° ocean tunnel, skim the Everglades by airboat, and stand under the Saturn V. Orlando’s energy, from neon CityWalk to brunch gems and oak-shaded canals, lingers long after the last butterbeer sip.