Your Orlando Playbook: What to Do, Where to Go, and What to Skip

Make the most of your time without burning cash or energy. This is the straightforward plan people wish they had before they booked.

First-timers

Families

Couples

Food-focused

Where to base yourself

Onsite resorts

Best for park-first trips. Perks like early entry and reliable shuttles save time. You’ll pay more, but you get your hours back.

Lake Buena Vista / Kissimmee

Great value and lots of condos. Ideal if you want kitchens, space, and quick access to parks without resort prices.

International Drive / Downtown

Central for non-park attractions, dining, and nightlife-lite. Good for mixed itineraries.

Rule of thumb: If parks are 2+ full days, stay close. If you want museums, neighborhoods, and day trips, go central.

What to do (and why it’s worth it)

Theme parks (selectively)

Pick one major park per day. Don’t hop unless you love logistics.
Arrive 30–45 minutes before opening. That early hour is priceless.
Plan 1–2 must-do rides, then let the rest be flexible.

Beyond the parks

Winter Park: brunch, boutiques, scenic boat tour, museums.
Lake Eola: swans, skyline views, low-stress morning.
Kennedy Space Center or an airboat ride: easy day trips.

Where to go by traveler type

Families

One headliner in the morning, one show at night. Everything else is bonus.
Midday swim or nap to avoid meltdowns.
Easy wins: character-lite breakfasts, evening parades, boat rides.

Couples

Evening park hours, rooftop drinks, lagoon sunsets at the Polynesian.
Winter Park dinner + stroll. Save one splurge meal.

Thrill-seekers

Be at rope drop, single-rider when available.
Target marquee coasters in the first 90 minutes.

Food-focused

Hit one farmer’s market or food hall.
Share big portions at lunch, save budget for one standout dinner.

What to skip (or limit)

Park hopping on peak days. You’ll spend time in lines and transit instead of rides.
Three sit-down meals a day. Slow, expensive, and too filling. Do one great meal, not three average ones.
Shopping early in the trip. Wait. You’ll choose better and carry less.
Midday ride queues. Heat + longest waits. Use that time for breaks or indoor shows.

Decision hack: If an add-on doesn’t save you at least 60 minutes or deliver a “wow” memory, skip it.

Saving money without killing the fun

Breakfast in-room and pack snacks.
Share large quick-service portions at lunch.
Refillable water bottles. Electrolytes help.

Buy souvenirs at the end.
Skip add-ons you won’t use all day.
Weekday flights, shoulder-season dates.

Weather and comfort

Expect quick afternoon storms. Pack a compact poncho.
Rotate two pairs of broken-in walking shoes.
Sun protection: SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses. Hydrate often.

3-day sample plan

Day 1: Park day. Rope drop, 2–3 headliners, long lunch indoors, evening show.
Day 2: Winter Park morning, scenic boat tour, nap/pool, Disney Springs dinner and music.
Day 3: Optional second park or Kennedy Space Center. Sunset at a lagoon-side resort.

One-screen checklist

Choose base: onsite vs central.
Pick one park per day, arrive early.
Block a midday break.
Pack: poncho, SPF, charger, refillable bottle.
Plan one splurge meal, not three.

Search This Blog