Orlando isn’t just theme parks; it’s a mosaic of neighborhoods, lakes, cypress-lined boardwalks, and a food scene that’s matured into one of the Southeast’s most exciting. Founded in the 1800s as a citrus and cattle hub, the city exploded after Walt Disney World debuted in 1971—yet it still keeps space for Sunday farmers’ markets, indie coffee roasters, and live oak-shaded streets.

Beyond Orlando’s parks, Central Florida’s natural springs run clear as glass and stay a refreshing 72°F year-round. The nearby Space Coast launches rockets that paint the night sky, while airboat rides skim the headwaters of the Everglades for a pulse-quickening look at gators and wading birds.

Practical notes: summers are hot with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; hydrate and plan indoor breaks. Driving is easiest (tolls are common), rideshare is plentiful, and theme-park dining often requires advance reservations. Pack sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket.

Orlando

Welcome to the Theme Park Capital of the World—home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and a constellation of attractions from ICON Park to SEA LIFE and Gatorland. But the city’s soul thrives in Winter Park’s museums and cafes, the Mills 50 district’s Asian eateries, and Lake Eola’s swan-filled calm downtown.

Top sights include Magic Kingdom’s classic dark rides, EPCOT’s World Showcase, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across Universal’s two parks, and day trips to Kennedy Space Center. Add a clear-kayak float in Rock Springs, a one-hour airboat blast, and evenings of craft cocktails at Mathers Social Gathering or a speakeasy like Hanson’s Shoe Repair.

Eat your way across Orlando: ramen at Domu, seasonal gastropub plates at The Ravenous Pig, Italian at Prato, sushi omakase at Kadence, tapas at Jaleo in Disney Springs, and desserts at The Glass Knife. Coffee? Try Foxtail, Lineage, Craft & Common, or Deeply Coffee for great espresso and pastries.

Where to stay (book with our partners):

• Search vacation homes on VRBO Orlando or hotels on Hotels.com Orlando.
• Resort luxury near the parks: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort or Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
• Great value on I-Drive: Rosen Inn International.
• Family-friendly suites and waterpark: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark.
• Immersive Disney theming: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

How to get there (fly into MCO):

• Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: NYC ~3 hrs, Chicago ~3 hrs, Dallas ~2.5 hrs, LAX ~5 hrs. Roundtrips often range $120–$450 depending on season.

Day 1: Arrival, ICON Park, and a Taste of Orlando

Morning: Fly into Orlando International (MCO). If you arrive early, grab a strong pour-over at Foxtail Coffee’s Milk District cafe and a guava pastry at Se7en Bites nearby—both local favorites.

Afternoon: Check in. If you’re on International Drive, wander ICON Park for an easy first-day stretch. SEA LIFE is great for kids; boutiques and the lawn offer low-key fun.

Evening: Dinner at The Monroe (Creative Village) for fried chicken, shrimp & grits, and a stellar Old Fashioned; or head to Disney Springs for Jaleo’s tapas (pan con tomate, gambas al ajillo). Nightcap at The Edison or gelato from Vivoli il Gelato before turning in early.

Day 2: Walt Disney World Classics

Morning: Pick one park for focus. For Magic Kingdom, “rope drop” Fantasyland then hit Space Mountain and Big Thunder. For EPCOT, start at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind via virtual queue, then tour World Showcase with coffee at Les Halles Boulangerie.

Afternoon: Break the heat with indoor shows (Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents) or EPCOT’s Living with the Land. Quick bites: Sleepy Hollow’s waffle sandwiches (MK) or Regal Eagle Smokehouse (EPCOT) with craft beer.

Evening: Book a sit-down: Skipper Canteen (MK) for adventurous flavors or Via Napoli (EPCOT) for wood-fired pies. Stay for nighttime spectaculars if showing. Ride-shares save the parking walk after fireworks.

Day 3: Universal Orlando—Two Parks, One Magical Train

Morning: Enter Islands of Adventure first to beat lines at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Then sip a Butterbeer in Hogsmeade and ride the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Leaky Cauldron (try the Toad in the Hole). Hit headliners: The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and The Bourne Stuntacular. Consider Express Pass if your date looks busy.

Evening: Dinner at Mythos (Mediterranean-leaning, caveside) or Bigfire in CityWalk. Sweet finish at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium—blackout cake or a towering milkshake.

Secure your tickets with this Park-to-Park option (lets you ride the Hogwarts Express): Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents.

Day 4: Kennedy Space Center—A Day on the Space Coast

Full day: Go behind the scenes of America’s space program. Tour the Rocket Garden, touch a moon rock, and stand awestruck beneath the Saturn V. The Space Shuttle Atlantis pavilion and Shuttle Launch Experience are musts; IMAX films are a great midday cool-down. If there’s a launch, arrive very early.

Book roundtrip transport and admission from Orlando here: Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee.

Evening: Back in Orlando, casual dinner at The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park (charcuterie, Gruyère biscuits, and the ever-popular burger). If you’ve got energy, stroll Park Avenue for gelato and window shopping.

Day 5: Airboats, East End Market, and Mills 50 Eats

Morning: Blast across the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat, spotting gators, bald eagles, and purple gallinules. It’s a quintessential Central Florida experience.

Reserve your ride: One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando.

Afternoon: Lunch at East End Market (try Domu Chibi Ramen, Gideon’s original bakery for half-pound cookies, or La Femme du Fromage for grilled cheese). Browse local makers and grab a cold brew at Lineage Coffee inside.

Evening: Mills 50 food crawl: start with small plates at Kadence (book if doing omakase), slurp noodles at Domu, or share Asian street food at Hawkers. Nightcap at The Guesthouse (bright, modern cocktails) or the vintage-styled Mathers Social Gathering downtown.

Day 6: Winter Park—Boats, Tiffany Glass, and Park Avenue Plates

Morning: Coffee at Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen on Park Avenue, then glide through canals and lakes on the historic Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour (great for architecture, wildlife, and Rollins College views).

Afternoon: Explore the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art for the world’s largest Tiffany glass collection. Lunch at Prato (house-made pastas, blistered pizzas) or The COOP for Southern staples.

Evening: Pre-dinner wine flights at The Wine Room using their Enomatic pours, then dinner at The Ravenous Pig or Luke’s Kitchen & Bar (Maitland) for wood-grilled seafood and steaks. Desserts at The Glass Knife—strawberry eclair or a decadent chocolate-on-chocolate slice.

Day 7: Chill Day—Pools, Shopping, and Disney Springs

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy your resort pool or lazy river. Late breakfast at Craft & Common downtown—try the lavender latte and the salmon toast.

Afternoon: Shopping run: Orlando International Premium Outlets (near Universal) or Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets (near Disney). If shopping isn’t your thing, rent a swan boat on Lake Eola and grab bao at Chi-Kin nearby.

Evening: Disney Springs night: cocktails with views at Wine Bar George, tapas at Jaleo, or steaks at STK if you’re celebrating. Consider tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” (showtimes vary) and finish with a cookie at Gideon’s—join the virtual queue early.

Day 8: Florida Springs—Clear Kayaks at Rock Springs

Morning: Head to Rock Springs for a glass-bottom clear-kayak eco tour through emerald channels under cypress and sabal palms. Wildlife is common—turtles, gar, and migratory birds on calm, crystal water.

Book your guided paddle: Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour.

Afternoon: Cool off with a swim at nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park (bring water shoes). Late lunch at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden—poke bowls, barbecue, or pizzas with a pint at Crooked Can Brewing.

Evening: Return to the city for dinner at Reyes Mezcaleria (house-made tortillas, ceviche, and a deep mezcal list). For a speakeasy vibe, try Hanson’s Shoe Repair—ask your hotel concierge about the nightly password.

Day 9: Lake Eola, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: If it’s Sunday, stroll the Lake Eola Farmers Market for local produce and crafts. Otherwise, take a leisurely walk around the lake and watch the swans glide past Orlando’s skyline.

Afternoon: Brunch at Se7en Bites (their buttermilk biscuits and salted caramel pecan pie are beloved) or The Strand for seasonal plates. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, then depart for MCO.

Evening: Fly home with a camera roll full of color and a new appreciation for Orlando’s balance of thrills, nature, and cuisine.

Optional swaps and add-ons: If you prefer more wildlife, consider the Wild Florida drive-thru safari; for kids, SEA LIFE at ICON Park is a hit; for thrill-lovers, tack on another day at Animal Kingdom for Expedition Everest and Pandora, or Universal’s Volcano Bay water park on a warm day.

Local logistics tips:

• Parking at major parks is paid; rideshare drop-off zones can save walking time.
• Book Disney dining and Lightning Lane passes in the app; arrive early and take an afternoon break.
• Summer storms roll in mid-afternoon—use that window for indoor shows, late lunches, or museum visits.
• For flights, compare times and fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com for the best deal into MCO.

Another Orlando wildlife option (if you want to swap a morning): Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch offers airboats plus a drive-thru safari and gator park in one stop.

In nine days, you’ll experience the best of Orlando—iconic theme parks, a day with NASA history, wild wetlands by airboat, and the crystalline springs that locals love. With thoughtful pacing, great meals, and a few strategic early mornings, this trip balances thrills with authentic Central Florida flavor.