Orlando FL Itinerary: Unveiling Hidden Gems and Epic Adventures
World-renowned theme parks, nightlife escapades, and nearby beaches—there’s nothing quite like a trip to Orlando with its perfect climate and countless attractions.
So, you’re ready to start planning your dream Orlando vacation, but you only have 3 days in Orlando? Not to worry, we have you covered with our 3 day Orlando itinerary.
With so many options, it’s hard to know where to begin in this Central Florida wonderland, so we’ve provided a handy “How to Spend 3 Days in Orlando Itinerary.” Three days is the perfect time to hit the hot spots, soak up the famous Florida rays and feel the town’s good vibrations.
Of course, you know Orlando is home to the world’s two colossal amusement parks, Disney World Resorts, and Universal Studios Florida. What’s more, the city is bursting with less crowded activities and a multitude of museums, venues, and airboat rides. You can also visit the sunshine state’s pride: Kennedy Space Center.
We have the top-rated activities at your fingertips, but it’s your job to choose which to squeeze in 3 days. An unbelievably epic experience awaits you, and if you don’t have time for it all, you can always come back!
Day 1 in Orlando – Choose your Theme Park
You probably didn’t choose Orlando for its gorgeous scenery but the plethora of fantastic theme parks full of themed rides, fireworks, and magical shows. We suggest you start your trip with a bang and hit the ground running. Our “3 Day Itinerary Orlando” begins with your choice of theme park!<
Walt Disney World Resorts: No 3 day trip to Orlando Florida is complete without visiting the most magical place on earth. When entering the Magic Kingdom, you take on a Disney state of mind. Its spellbinding allure is simply sublime, delighting all who enter. Walt’s dream is alive and visible in every detail, every worker, and every ride. You could spend 3 days in Orlando at Disney World alone.
Are you ready for a smashing good time? We’ll provide you with the Disney deets, but you must pick the park. Disney has four theme parks and two water parks. Get your Disney World tickets through Tripster for the best online rates.
Magic Kingdom: The reasons to discover this park are endless; if you’ve never been, this should be at the top of your list.
Character greetings at Cinderella’s Castle with Mickey and the Princess gang, epic rides like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean. The fun and enchantment lie around every bend.
Hollywood Studios: This park is also full of heart-racing rides and characters. Most people choose this Disney destination for the spectacular Star Wars World.
Animal Kingdom: Encounter wild animals, exotic jungle trails, and the enthralling Pandora—World of Avatar.
Epcot: Disney’s newest experience receiving rave reviews is the Guardians of the Galaxy! Epcot also features the Wine & Cheese Festival and is home to 11 pavilions representing international countries.
Disney’s Water Parks: Of course, everything Disney does is epic, so naturally, its two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are a fabulous retreat on a hot day.
Evening at Walt Disney World: Take a dinner break to rejuvenate before more magical fun. Disney features an extraordinary nightly fireworks display. In addition, you can buy a park hopper pass and knock two parks out in one day. Guests will be able to visit the second park starting at 2:00 p.m.
Universal Orlando Resort: With a butterbeer in one hand and a wand in the other— you might find yourself in Hogwarts heaven. We suggest you begin your Universal experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™-Diagon Alley™– where Potterheads unite to celebrate all wondrous things.
This crooked, winding alley is famous for its mysterious powers, shady patrons, and wizard establishments like the Leaky Cauldron™. Then, navigate through terrifying vaults, sidestepping villains like Voldemort, Bellatrix, and trolls in Escape from Gringotts™. This indoor roller coaster is a motion simulation, 3-D/4-D experience.
Fun Fact: The massive fire-breathing dragon atop the Gringotts ride breathes actual flames of 3,560 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then take the Hogwarts Express, which transports you to more thrilling rides and adventures. Even if you’re not enthralled with the World of Harry Potter, this is an incredible experience you can’t skip. Tripster has the best Universal Orlando deals on 1-Park and 2-Park Day Tickets
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There are more can’t-miss parks and rides in Universal Islands of Adventure with superheroes, dinosaurs, and other magical creatures. Attractions include Jurrasic Park River Adventure, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers and the newly remodeled Incredible Hulk Coaster. Young’uns’ will especially enjoy Dr. Suess Landing, with numerous playgrounds to explore
Pro TipWith A Universal Express pass, you can skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Get Real-Time Attraction Updates by downloading the Official Universal Orlando Resort app and finding what’s open and which rides offer the Virtual Line experience.
Evening at Universal Studios Orlando: If you spend your day at Universal Orlando, plan to dine and shop at the park’s epicenter, CityWalk, at night. Come back after 6 p.m. when parking is free and enjoy live music abounds.
There are also fab clubs and restaurants like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.
Day 2 in Orlando – Explore Orlando
By day two, you may feel like a low-key day, but by this, we by no means mean boring! We suggest exploring downtown Orlando or International Drive.
Fill up the second day of your Orlando 3 Day Itinerary with any of these attractions.
Beat the heat and crowds on a fast and furious electric go-kart ride at I-Drive Nascar. You could also take the less beaten path by taking one of the many airboat rides through the everglades. Or, get your fill of world-class dining and shopping—this dynamic destination has it all.
If it’s museums you’re craving, Orlando has Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and WonderWorks. However, if the salty air has you longing for a more aquatic setting, you could grab Sea Life Orlando Aquarium tickets and come face to face with sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
Check Tripster for various packages and options, from world-class attractions to dinner shows!
Evening at Disney Springs: This dining and shopping mecca is filled with great take-home souvenirs, Disney gifts, t-shirts, and, did we mention, outstanding restaurants and bars. It’s free to enter but come hungry to experience an array of fine dining, popular seafood, and other unique eateries.
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Kids will adore T-Rex, a dinosaur-themed café, while adults should try the Edison for specialty cocktails, entertainment, and delicious American cuisine.
Disney Springs features specialty stores like the NBA Experience and popular chains like LEGO® Store, Pandora jewelry, M&Ms, and the Art of Disney for rare art and collectibles.
Enjoy popular shows like Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or great comedy shows like WonderWorks Outta Control Dinner Show.
Day 3 in Orlando – Hit the Parks Again
There’s always plenty more to see and do at Disney World and Universal Orlando, but we have you covered if you are up for something new. This is the final day of your “Orlando Itinerary 3 Days,” so make it count!
SeaWorld Orlando: This magical aquatic haven is a sea lover’s wish come true with dolphin encounters, thrilling rides, shows, and interactive animal exhibits.
Plunge down the world’s tallest river rapid drop, Infinity Falls, or soar through the air on MAKO, Orlando’s tallest and fastest coaster. Tripster has discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets you can bundle with other experiences.
For more savings, choose special packages like Discovery Cove Day Resort Package + SeaWorld & Aquatica Orlando. This combo will get you into three Orlando attractions that will fill up your 3 days in Orlando!
Kennedy Space Center: Just a short one-hour drive from Orlando, you’ll find an exhilarating whirlwind of education and exploration at the Kennedy Space Center
Tourists can sight a SpaceX launch, possibly from anywhere in the city, or take an in-depth tour of the Launch Control Center, where NASA first sent mankind to the moon. In addition, the museum features the Space Shuttle Atlantis, important rocket artifacts, and space memorabilia.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Visiting Orlando means being surrounded by dozens of world-class theme parks, including LEGOLAND Florida Resort!
Both little and big kids will delight at this 150-acre family theme park. LEGOLAND Florida features more than 50 kid-friendly rides, attractions, and shows. In addition, families can enjoy the adjacent water park, botanical gardens, and a 4-D movie experience.
Evening at Icon Park: This entertainment destination features more fun and games to end your trip on a high note. With over 50 restaurants, boutiques, and funky bars, ICON Park’s premier attractions are not to be missed.
For more thrill rides, try Freefall, the tallest drop tower in the world, or The Wheel, a stunning 400-foot tall Ferris wheel and observation deck. Of course, there’s also the kid-friendly classic carousel ride, plus more dining and shopping locations for that last-minute gift.
3 Days in Orlando Travel Tips
When to Visit: Wondering when is the best time to visit Orlando in 3 days?
The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May. You’ll get excellent weather and the best deals for travel and lodging (excluding holidays and spring breaks). But beware, summer and fall can be hot and muggy with late afternoon thunderstorms.
Also, June through November is hurricane season. These days are perfect for mornings at the theme parks and afternoons at one of the many inside air-conditioned museums.
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Hotels Near the Parks
Tripster offers the lowest rates on all Orlando lodging, including vacation homes and luxury resorts.
We can help you find the closest, most convenient hotels next to Disney Parks, Universal Orlando, International Drive, and the convention center. We’ve even got the inside scoop on the top hotels that offer free shuttle service to the parks, too!
Save even more when you combine a hotel with your attraction tickets with an Orlando package!
Discover why over 60 million people visit each year and love this “City Beautiful.” Orlando’s abundant parks, recreation, and wildlife make it a must-hit holiday.
Booking your trip through Tripster couldn’t be easier. Don’t forget to check out attraction tickets and bundle packages designed to save you time and money. Tripster also has the best deals on Disney World Tickets, Universal Studios Orlando tickets, SeaWorld Orlando tickets, and LEGOLAND Florida tickets, to name a few. So, pack your bags now and start planning your 3 days Orlando trip today!
Orlando FL Itinerary FAQs
What is The Best Day to Go to Universal Studios Orlando?
When planning your adventure to Universal Studios Orlando, many seasoned visitors suggest Tuesday as the optimum day. Going on a Tuesday often means less crowded parks, shorter lines for attractions and a more relaxed overall experience. Truly, leveraging weekday availabilities – specifically, Tuesday – could result in having the most magical time at Universal Studios Orlando.
Is Universal Orlando or Disney Better?
When comparing Universal Orlando and Disney, the decision often boils down to personal preference. Each offers unique benefits and attractions. However, if you’re more interested in large rides like roller coasters, Universal is going to be your best bet.
Have You Been to Orlando?
What would you do with 3 days in Orlando? How do you design your Orlando itinerary?
