Walt Disney World in Orlando opened in 1971 as Walt Disney’s bold “Florida Project,” growing into a 43-square-mile resort with four theme parks, two water parks, over two dozen hotels, and a dining-and-entertainment district that rivals a mid-size city. It’s not just rides—it’s a full-blown destination with wildlife treks, live shows, world cuisines, and iconic fireworks.

Today’s Disney World blends nostalgia with tech-forward ease: Lightning Lane Multi Pass (the successor to Genie+) and Single Pass help you skip lines, while virtual queues power headliners like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Resort transport (monorails, Skyliner gondolas, boats, buses) makes getting around easy, and Early Theme Park Entry benefits on-site guests.

Plan on warm weather, quick afternoon showers, and lots of walking. One-day park tickets typically range from ~$109–$189 per adult (plus tax) depending on the date; Multi Pass usually runs ~$15–$35/day and Single Pass for top rides ~$12–$25 each. Make dining reservations up to 60 days out, use Mobile Order for quick-service meals, and pack a refillable bottle—you’ll find free water at most counters.

Orlando (Walt Disney World)

Orlando is theme park central with a serious food scene—think Southern comfort at Disney Springs, refined tasting menus in resorts, and inventive snacks at every turn. Beyond rides, you’ll find savanna-view lounges, BoardWalk street performers, and skyline fireworks best seen from monorail resorts.

Top sights this week: Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks, EPCOT’s Luminous: The Symphony of Us, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios, and Pandora – The World of Avatar’s bioluminescent nightscape in Animal Kingdom. Between parks, float in a lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon (or Blizzard Beach when it’s the one operating), or sample pastries at Les Halles in the France pavilion.

Getting there: Fly into Orlando International (MCO). Typical nonstop times: 1–3 hours from the East Coast, 4–6 hours from the West Coast, 8–10 hours from major European hubs. Search flight deals via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From MCO to Disney hotels: 25–35 minutes by rideshare (~$35–$65), or 45–70 minutes by shared shuttle (commonly ~$16–$20 per adult one-way).

Where to stay:

• On-site (easy transport + early entry): Value: Disney’s Pop Century (Skyliner access); Moderate: Disney’s Caribbean Beach (Skyliner hub), Port Orleans – French Quarter (serene, compact); Deluxe: Disney’s Polynesian Village (monorail, fireworks beach), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (savanna views), Disney’s Beach Club (walk/boat to EPCOT & Studios).
• Hotel deals: Compare across Orlando’s on-site and nearby options on Hotels.com.
• Vacation rentals (space + kitchens): Look at Windsor Hills, Storey Lake, and Reunion Resort for townhomes with pools and free parking—great for families. Browse options on VRBO.

Day 1: Arrival + Disney Springs

Morning: Travel day. If you can, aim for a mid-day landing so you can settle in and still enjoy the evening. Use the flight time to confirm your park days, set up your Lightning Lane plan, and glance at menus to prioritize Mobile Orders.

Afternoon: Check in and head to Disney Springs for a gentle start. For a late lunch, try The Polite Pig (modern barbecue—burnt ends, jalapeño cornbread, bourbon bar) or Chicken Guy! (fast, flavorful tenders with 20+ sauces). Coffee fix: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea has seasonal cold brews and giant donuts.

Evening: Shop World of Disney and DisneyStyle, then choose dinner: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (famous fried chicken, cheddar drop biscuits, hummingbird cake), The Boathouse (dockside oysters and lobster rolls with amphicar rides passing by), or Wine Bar George (small plates, 140+ wines by the ounce—get the burrata and Saganaki on fire). Dessert at Gideon’s Bakehouse (half-pound cookies; join the virtual queue early). Live music and step-dancers at Raglan Road if you want a nightcap show.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom – Fairytales and Fireworks

Morning: Arrive 30–45 minutes before Early Entry if you’re at a Disney hotel; otherwise, arrive before regular opening. Join the 7:00 a.m. virtual queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run; if you want to guarantee it, consider a Single Pass. Hit Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight early, then cruise Tomorrowland with Space Mountain and PeopleMover. Breakfast: Sleepy Hollow (fresh fruit waffle sandwich) or Main Street Bakery for a quick latte.

Afternoon: Adventureland and Frontierland loop: Jungle Cruise (skipper jokes never get old), Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Lunch: Skipper Canteen (playful pan-Asian/African/Latin flavors—get the “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is) or Columbia Harbour House (lighter New England seafood; sit upstairs for quiet). Catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade along the hub or Frontierland for easier viewing. Take a resort break via monorail if it’s hot—Kona Cafe at the Polynesian has Dole Whip nearby on the beach.

Evening: Return for Haunted Mansion at dusk and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (new songs and a joyous drop finale). Grab a corn dog nugget box at Casey’s Corner and stake out a central hub spot for Happily Ever After—the castle projections and aerials are worth the wait. Post-fireworks rides in Fantasyland often have shorter waits; end with a classic: it’s a small world or the carousel.

Day 3: EPCOT – Food, Tech, and World Showcase

Morning: At 7:00 a.m., join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (or buy a Single Pass). Rope drop Soarin’ Around the World, then Living with the Land for a peek at Disney’s hydroponic gardens. Coffee and a pastry run at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in France—try the croissant jambon fromage or a strawberry tart.

Afternoon: If Test Track is open during your visit, design and race your concept car; if it’s under refurbishment, substitute Mission: SPACE (Green for milder, Orange for intense). Lunch picks: Via Napoli (thin-crust wood-fired pizza; the Mezzo Metro is shareable) or Regal Eagle Smokehouse (solid brisket and a great outdoor patio). Stroll World Showcase—La Cava del Tequila in Mexico for a thoughtful margarita flight, pressed apple strudel at Karamell-Küche in Germany, and the House of Good Fortune in China for unique snacks.

Evening: Dinner at Space 220 (if you snag a reservation; the “elevator to orbit” is a showstopper) or Biergarten (oom-pah band and hearty buffet, great for groups). Claim a lagoon spot for Luminous: The Symphony of Us; watch the reflections on the water near the Italy or Japan pavilions for gorgeous photos. After the show, enjoy a slow exit—gelato in Italy or a night walk through Japan’s lantern-lit gardens is a serene finale.

Day 4: Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Blockbusters and Nighttime Spectacle

Morning: If Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must, purchase a Single Pass or rope drop it at opening. Then tackle Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Coffee: The Trolley Car Cafe (Starbucks) on Hollywood Boulevard; for a savory snack, Ronto Roasters’ Ronto Wrap is a cult favorite.

Afternoon: Lunch at Docking Bay 7 (try the Felucian Kefta or Endorian Fried Chicken Tip Yip) or Woody’s Lunch Box (grilled cheese and totchos). Book Oga’s Cantina for a musical, buzzy pit stop—non-alcoholic concoctions are just as fun. Classic thrills: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (if operating during your visit). Pause in the shade with a Brown Derby Cobb Salad, invented here and still the best version in town.

Evening: Stick around for Fantasmic!—arrive 30–45 minutes early for central seating. Before the show, Sunset Boulevard is stellar for photos at golden hour. Post-show, crowds thin: sneak in one more spin on Runaway Railway or a Toy Story favorite before close.

Day 5: Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Nature and Adventure

Morning: Rope drop Flight of Passage in Pandora (or buy a Single Pass) and then Na’vi River Journey. Coffee and a colossal cinnamon roll at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery or creature comforts at Creature Comforts (Starbucks). Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris while animals are most active in the morning—look for giraffes on the savanna bends.

Afternoon: Explore Maharajah Jungle Trek and Gorilla Falls Trail. Lunch at Satu’li Canteen—build-your-own bowls with char-grilled chicken or chili-garlic shrimp over grains and veggies. If you like coasters, Expedition Everest is smooth, scenic, and especially fun in the back row. Cool off at Nomad Lounge—bread service and churros with views over the river are hard to beat.

Evening: Animal Kingdom winds down earlier than other parks; catch Feathered Friends in Flight if showtimes align, then wander Pandora at dusk as the pathways glow. For a special dinner, Tiffins offers refined, travel-inspired dishes (short rib, butter chicken, and beautiful desserts). End with Tree of Life Awakenings—short projection shows that feel like living storybooks.

Day 6: Water Park + Resort Hopping + Mini Golf (Recharge Day)

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy your hotel pool, or head to the currently operating water park (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach; hours often 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Expect gentle waves in the giant surf pool, lazy rivers, and family raft slides. Quick bites: Leaning Palms (Typhoon Lagoon) or Lottawatta Lodge (Blizzard Beach) for fresh salads and flatbreads.

Afternoon: Monorail resort hop: start at Disney’s Contemporary (Outer Rim lounge views), continue to the Grand Floridian (try a tea pastry or the lobby’s pianist), then the Polynesian for Dole Whip by the beach. Alternatively, glide along the Disney Skyliner and explore the Riviera (espresso and a pistachio pastry at Le Petit Café) and the BoardWalk (street performers, arcade games). Mini golf at Fantasia Gardens is a whimsical break.

Evening: Choose a special dinner with a view. California Grill atop the Contemporary pairs sushi and oak-fired steaks with a direct line-of-sight to Magic Kingdom fireworks. ‘Ohana at the Polynesian serves family-style skewers and noodles; time your table or step to the beach to watch fireworks with synchronized music. Nightcap along Disney’s BoardWalk at AbracadaBar (themed to magicians of yesteryear) or a final round at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch + Last Sips and Souvenirs

Morning: Pack, then savor a last hurrah brunch. Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort) offers a refined character breakfast with terrific views; Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a vibrant buffet with African-inspired flavors (don’t miss the French toast bread pudding). Coffee to-go from Joffrey’s and a last ride on the Skyliner if time allows.

Afternoon: Swing through Disney Springs for souvenirs—World of Disney for ears and apparel, Marketplace Co-Op for artsy finds. Grab a quick lunch at Blaze Pizza (custom pies in minutes) or Everglazed for an over-the-top sandwich and a cold brew. Depart for the airport with rideshare or shuttle; budget 60–90 minutes from hotel door to gate.

Evening: Flight home. Make notes on favorite rides and restaurants—you’ll thank yourself when planning the next trip.

Park strategy notes (current as of March 2025):

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass + Single Pass: Book Multi Pass for mid-tier rides (timed entries) and Single Pass for headliners like TRON, Cosmic Rewind, Rise of the Resistance, and Flight of Passage. Prices vary by date; buy early for best times.
• Virtual queues: TRON and Cosmic Rewind use virtual queues at 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (in-park for the afternoon drop). Turn on phone notifications and practice the taps.
• Early Entry: Disney hotel guests can enter 30 minutes early daily; Deluxe and Deluxe Villa guests often have select Extended Evening Hours—gold for short lines.
• Dining: Reserve table service 60 days ahead; use Mobile Order at peak lunch hours (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Quick-service entrees are typically $12–$18; table service averages $35–$60 per adult; signature dining can be $75–$120.
• Transport: Monorail connects Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian; Skyliner links EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. Boats and buses round out the network.

Book your trip: Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then compare stays on Hotels.com or find spacious condos and villas on VRBO.

In one week you’ll ride marquee attractions, taste your way around EPCOT, and watch fireworks from the best seats in the house. With smart use of Lightning Lane, midday breaks, and great dining, this Orlando itinerary balances thrills and downtime—so you leave energized, not exhausted.