14-Day Orlando Itinerary: Luxury, Theme Parks & Beyond
From the magic of Disney World to the thrill of Universal to incredible food and wildlife, this 14 day Orlando, Florida itinerary combines the must-see attractions with a few of my favourite experiences beyond the theme parks.
Orlando is an incredible destination, but everyone likes to do it differently, there are many ways to plan an Orlando trip.
After multiple visits, I have put together this itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. It combines the iconic theme parks to Orlando’s lesser known gems.
I have included different options on certain days so you can choose what works best for you or what works best based on the season.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (any links marked with * are affiliate links). If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay
Orlando has an incredible range of incredible accommodations, from luxury villas and beautiful resorts to Disney and Universal’s on-site hotels.
There are plenty of ways to plan your stay, but personally, I recommend splitting your time between Disney and Universal. This means you can enjoy the benefits of staying close to each set of parks without having to travel back and forth across Orlando.
My recommended split
Days 1-10: Stay at a Disney resort hotel, villa or off-site hotel close to Disney.
Days 10-14: Move to a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
I have done another blog post here, which goes through different accommodation options. But here are a few of my recommendations.
On-site Disney Property
Four Seasons Resort Orlando *- A luxurious resort that is perfect for adults while still offering plenty of facilities and activities for children. It is particularly well known for its incredible pool area, complete with a lazy river, making it a great option if you want a relaxing and upscale stay close to the Disney parks.
Villas
Reunion Resort - The villas on this resort are much more than just somewhere to sleep, with large private pools, plenty of space and some incredibly themed rooms. You can even find villas inspired by Avengers, pirates and princesses, which can be a brilliant choice if you are travelling with children.
Universal Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel *- One of my favourite Universal options if you want convenience. It is within easy walking distance of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Guests also receive Universal Express Unlimited for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, which can be a huge advantage on busy park days.
Loewes Royal Pacific* - Another great option, particularly if you want a slightly more relaxed resort atmosphere. It is conveniently located for the Universal parks and also includes Universal Express Unlimited for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Getting Around
Orlando isn’t a particularly walkable destination, so you’ll generally need to rely on a car, Uber or taxis, or hotel and resort shuttles to get around. If you’re planning to visit the theme parks and explore more of the surrounding area, having your own car can also give you more flexibility.
Day One - Arrive
Most visitors fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) although it is always worth checking Tampa International Airport as it might be cheaper and is only a two hour drive away from Kissimmee.
After arriving I recommend settling into your hotel.
Dinner - Chipotle
Chipotle is one of my personal favourite fast food restaurants and I highly recommend going here on your first night when you want something quick and easy.
Day Two - Magic Kingdom
Morning & Afternoon - Magic Kingdom
Let's be honest, as soon as you arrive in Orlando, you’ll probably be desperate to get to a theme park!
Even though I’m in my mid-20s and have visited Magic Kingdom several times, the magic is still there. There’s something special about walking down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle, no matter how many times you’ve been.
Magic Kingdom is home to some incredible attractions, including TRON Lightcycle, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Character Dining
If you’re travelling with children and want to include a character dining experience, there are some great options at Magic Kingdom:
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Dine inside Cinderella Castle while meeting some of the Disney princesses. It’s a particularly special experience for children and one of the most memorable dining experiences in the park.
Be Our Guest
Step inside Beast’s castle for a dining experience inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The restaurant is beautifully themed and offers a more upscale experience than many of the other dining options in Magic Kingdom.
The Crystal Palace
Located just off Main Street U.S.A., The Crystal Palace offers a buffet-style meal where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and some of his friends.
Food
To be completely honest, I don’t think Magic Kingdom has the best food in Disney World. Unless you particularly want to do one of the character dining experiences above, I’d save your money and either eat elsewhere or choose a quick service restaurant.
Top Tip - Make sure you watch the parades and entertainment, take some time to explore the different areas of the park and, of course, enjoy a stroll down Main Street U.S.A.
Evening - Magic Kingdom Fireworks
Make sure you stay into the evening for the nighttime spectacular. There’s something magical about watching the fireworks over Cinderella Castle, although I’d recommend finding your spot early if you want a good view.
Tip - Magic Kingdom can be a long day, so I’d recommend heading back to your hotel for a few hours in the afternoon if you need a break before returning for dinner and the fireworks.
Day 3 - Winter Park
After a full day at Magic Kingdom, I recommend taking a break from theme parks and exploring a different side of Orlando.
One of my favourite places to visit in Orlando that isn’t a theme park is Winter Park.
A picturesque destination just north of Downtown Orlando, known for charming streets, boutique shops, beautiful lakes and in my opinion some of the best food stops in the Orlando area.
Breakfast - Briarpatch
For breakfast I highly recommend Briarpatch. This is my favourite breakfast spot in the Orlando area and it is one I return to every time I visit.
The food is delicious, I recommend reserving a table in advance if possible. They offer dishes from avocado toast (my personal favourite), to all kinds of benedicts, pancakes and french toast.
This breakfast spot alone is worth the visit.
Morning - Explore Winter Park
After breakfast I recommend strolling around and exploring the boutique shops.
The shops include crystal shops, olive oil shops and book shops. It is the perfect place to spend a few hours.
Optional - Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
If you have the time and fancy something a bit different, consider the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.
It takes you through the lakes and canals surrounding Winter Park. You can spot some incredible homes on this lake and it is a really nice relaxing way to spend an hour.
I have never booked this tour in advance and have just turned up. Waiting times vary but it has never taken me too long.
Late Lunch - Mills 50
For a late lunch I recommend heading to Mills 50, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its fantastic food scene and a great selection of food spots.
Edoboy
Edoboy is a unique 8-person standing sushi bar, so booking in advance is essential due to its very limited seating.
The menu includes a selection of nigiri, torched nigiri and temaki. You choose what you would like to order and then get to watch the chefs prepare it right in front of you.
I haven’t been here myself yet, but it looks like such a cool and unique experience and is definitely on my list for a future visit!
Black Rooster Taqueria
If sushi isn’t your thing, Black Rooster Taqueria is another fantastic option. I visited on my last trip and absolutely loved it.
They have a great selection of tacos, with plenty of different fillings to choose from. I tried the pork belly and crispy fish tacos, and both were delicious!
Please note: Lunch service finishes at 2pm, so be sure to check the opening hours before heading over, particularly if you’re planning a later lunch.
Afternoon- Pool Time
After lunch, head back to your accommodation and enjoy a few hours relaxing by the pool. Recharge and relax before your next theme park day.
Day 4 - Animal Kingdom
Morning & Afternoon - Animal Kingdom
Today, head back to the parks and visit Animal Kingdom.
This theme park is all about animals, with incredible theming that takes you from Africa and Asia to Pandora. There are also some fantastic rides, including Kilimanjaro Safaris, Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.
A few places to eat/drink in Animal Kingdom
Tiffins
If you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal, Tiffins is one of the best options in Animal Kingdom. The menu takes inspiration from African, Asian and Latin cuisine, while the restaurant itself is beautifully themed around travel and exploration.
Satu’li Canteen
A great choice for a quick and casual lunch. Located in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen serves bowls with different proteins, grains and vegetables.
Nomad Lounge
One of my favourite places to take a break in Animal Kingdom. Located next to Tiffins, it’s a relaxed spot for cocktails, drinks and small plates, with a lovely travel-inspired atmosphere.
Dawa Bar
Located in Harambe, Dawa Bar is a great place to stop for a drink while exploring the Africa section of the park. They serve African beers, South African wines and a selection of cocktails.
Dinner - Jiko
Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (the restaurant is not located in Animal Kingdom), Jiko is the perfect place to end a busy day at Animal Kingdom.
The restaurant has an open show kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs at work while enjoying a menu inspired by African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine.
It’s widely regarded as one of the best restaurants on Disney property, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more special after a day in the park.
Day 5 - Florida Wildlife
Breakfast - Hash House A Go Go
For breakfast, I highly recommend visiting one of the two Hash House A Go Go locations in Orlando, either the one in Winter Garden (my personal favourite) or the one located on I-Drive.
Hash House A Go Go is an American chain known for massive portions and farm-style comfort food. A more casual option but the food is pretty good, but honestly I mainly like going for the massive portions and the huge menu.
Morning - Floridian Wildlife
Today, I recommend taking a break from the theme parks and discovering some of the incredible wildlife that Florida has to offer.
The best experience can vary depending on the season, so I recommend choosing your activity based on the time of year you’re visiting.
November to March - Manatees
During the cooler months, consider heading to Silver Springs, where you can take a clear-kayaking tour and get up close to Manatees.
This is probably my favourite wildlife experience in Orlando. Manatees are such beautiful animals, and seeing them completely wild in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
I’ve linked a tour here*:
The tour company I’ve linked has a Manatee Guardian certificate, which I think is really important. For this experience I recommend checking that the company follows ethical practices and prioritises the animals’ wellbeing.
Year Round - Apopka Wlidlife Drive
One hidden gem I only recently discovered is Apopka Wildlife Drive.
I love an airboat ride (which I’ll get to next), but if your main goal is to see lots of alligators, this is probably one of the best options.
Best of all, it’s completely free. The drive is an 11-mile, one-way route through Florida’s natural wetlands, and you can spot an incredible amount of wildlife along the way.
We saw so many alligators, even when it was absolutely boiling.
Year Round - Airboat
An airboat ride is a fast-paced and exciting way to experience Florida’s natural wetlands. As you speed across the water, you may spot alligators, turtles and a huge variety of birds along the way.
It’s a really fun and adventurous experience. That being said, I’ll be honest, when I’ve been on airboats before, I haven’t seen a huge amount of wildlife. I have linked a tour that looks good here*.
So, if your main goal is to see an alligator, I’d probably choose Apopka Wildlife Drive instead.
However, if you’re looking for a thrilling experience and the chance to explore a completely different side of Florida, an airboat ride is definitely worth considering.
Day 6 - Hollywood Studios
Morning & Afternoon - Hollywood Studios
Today, head to Hollywood Studios and experience some of Disney’s most thrilling rides and immersive attractions.
Hollywood Studios is all about movies and some of Disney’s most popular franchises. From stepping into the world of Star Wars in Galaxy’s Edge to exploring Toy Story Land, it genuinely feels like you’ve been transported into your favourite films.
Some of the best rides include Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Muppets Rock n Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania. If you’re a Star Wars fan, I’d definitely allow plenty of time to explore Galaxy’s Edge. Even just walking around the land is an experience in itself.
A Few Places to Eat & Drink in Hollywood Studios
Sci-Fi Dine-In
Okay, is this the best food you will ever eat? No. But is it one of the coolest dining experiences at Disney? Absolutely.
Sci-Fi Dine-In is designed to look like an old-fashioned American drive-in movie theatre. You sit in your own little car while classic movie clips and trailers play on a huge screen. The food is decent, but you’re really paying for the experience, and I think it’s worth doing at least once.
Oga’s Cantina
If you fancy a drink, head to Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge. This is one of the most fun places to grab a drink in Hollywood Studios, with a brilliant Star Wars atmosphere, themed cocktails and a lively bar setting.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Located in Toy Story Land, this restaurant makes you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy. It serves BBQ-style food and the whole restaurant is filled with oversized Toy Story decorations, making it a really fun dining experience.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, The Hollywood Brown Derby is Hollywood Studios’ signature dining restaurant. Inspired by the famous Brown Derby restaurants of old Hollywood, it has a more sophisticated atmosphere than many of the other restaurants in the park.
The menu features elevated American cuisine, including steaks, seafood and other dishes. It’s a great option for a special lunch or dinner if you want a break from typical theme-park food.
Evening – Fantasmic!
If you’re staying in the park until the evening, I highly recommend watching Fantasmic! This nighttime show combines live performers, projections, music, special effects and some of Disney’s most famous characters. It’s a brilliant way to finish your day at Hollywood Studios.
Day 7 - Mini Golf & Disney Springs
Today is all about enjoying some of the fun that Disney has to offer without committing to a full theme park day. After several busy days, this is a great opportunity to have a more relaxed morning, take things at your own pace and enjoy some different activities.
Morning - Mini Golf
Disney has two fantastic mini golf locations, each offering two completely different courses. It’s a great way to do something a little different while still enjoying the Disney atmosphere.
Please note: Disney mini golf is an additional cost and is not included with your park admission.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
Fairways Miniature Golf
The more challenging of the two courses. It doesn’t have as much theming as some of the other Disney courses, but if you’re looking for a proper game of mini golf rather than a themed experience, this is a great choice.
My boyfriend actually said it was the best mini golf course he has ever played, so it’s definitely worth considering if you are a fan of mini golf!
Fantasia Gardens
The more family-friendly option that is inspired by Disney’s Fantasia. The course features colourful music themed decorations, statues and scenes from the film, making it fun for families and Disney Fans.
Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
If your looking for something more fun and geared up for kids, Winter Summerland is a great option. This course has a fun Christmas theme and is split in two: Summer and Winter.
The festive theming makes this a particularly fun choice.
Afternoon & Evening - Disney Springs
After a morning of mini golf, head over to Disney Springs, Disney’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
Take your time wandering around the shops, browsing the Disney’s merchandise and enjoying the atmosphere. There’s plenty to see and do.
Shopping at Disney Springs
Some of my favourite shops include:
World of Disney
The ultimate Disney shopping experience and the largest Disney store on the property. It’s absolutely huge and packed with Disney merchandise.
The Lego Store
A great stop for LEGO fans, with some amazing displays.
Disney’s Days of Christmas
The Ganachery
A must-visit for chocolate lovers. You can watch chocolate being made and pick up some delicious treats to take with you.
There are also plenty of more traditional shops, including Sephora and Zara.
Things to Do at Disney Springs
Disney Springs isn’t just about shopping and restaurants. There are also plenty of additional activities and entertainment options, although these come at an extra cost.
Must do is Level 99
If you do one additional activity at Disney Springs, I highly recommend Level 99.
You can book either a 1.5 or 2.5 hour session, which gives you access to a huge variety of interactive challenge rooms. The challenges range from physical activities to puzzles that test your problem-solving skills.
I’ve previously done The Cube and the Crystal Maze in London, and I have to say, Level 99 beats both of them.
One of the things I love about Level 99 is that you go round completely independently. You can choose which rooms you want to attempt, meaning you can focus on the challenges that appeal you rather than having to follow a pre-determined route.
There’s such a huge variety of challenges that everyone in your group should find something they enjoy. This is definitely one of my must-dos for your trip.
Other Things to Do at Disney Springs:
If Level 99 doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other options:
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Go bowling while enjoying food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
House of Blues
Enjoy live music and soak up the atmosphere at this popular venue.
Coca Cola Store
Head up to the rooftop and try the famous tasting experience, where you can sample 16 different Coca-Cola drinks from around the world. Some are definitely better than others, but it’s a fun experience!
AMC Disney Springs
Catch a movie if you fancy a more relaxing evening.
Amphicar Tour at The Boatyard
Take a tour of the lagoon in a car/boat. It is very expensive but does look like a cool experience.
Raglan Road
Enjoy live Irish music, dancing and entertainment throughout the evening.
The Edison
A stylish venue offering live entertainment and a great atmosphere.
Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil
If you fancy something a little more spectacular, catch this incredible Cirque du Soleil show inspired by the world of Disney animation.
Where to Eat at Disney Springs
Disney Springs has a huge selection of restaurants, from quick-service options to some fantastic sit-down restaurants. There’s something for every budget and every type of food.
Quick-Service & Casual Options
The Polite Pig
A great option if you’re looking for delicious BBQ in a more casual setting. They serve smoked meats, sandwiches, sides and other Southern-inspired dishes.
Chicken Guy!
A casual spot specialising in chicken tenders and sandwiches, with a huge selection of sauces. A good option for a quick and relatively inexpensive meal.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
Famous for its enormous cookies and cakes. However, I would recommend skipping the long queue here. Later in this guide, I’ll share another way you can get your hands on Gideon’s famous cookies without spending ages waiting in line.
Table-Service Restaurants
The Boathouse
One of my favourite options at Disney Springs, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The waterfront setting also makes it a lovely place for a more relaxed meal.
Morimoto Asia
A great choice if you’re looking for Asian-inspired dishes in a beautiful setting. The restaurant is particularly impressive inside.
STK Orlando
A modern steakhouse with a lively atmosphere. This is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little more upscale.
Jaleo by José Andrés
A Spanish restaurant offering tapas, paella and a wide selection of Spanish-inspired dishes. It’s a great option if you want to share a variety of different plates.
Wine Bar George
If you’re a wine lover, this is definitely worth considering. They offer an extensive wine list alongside a menu of small plates and larger dishes. It’s also a great place to stop for a drink and a snack rather than committing to a full meal.
With so many restaurants and activities available, Disney Springs is a great place to finish your day. You can take things at your own pace, browse the shops, grab some dinner and enjoy some entertainment before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 8 - Epcot
Breakfast - Character Dining
Character dining is a great way to start your day, especially if you’re travelling with children, although adults can enjoy it too! It’s a fun and relaxed way to meet Mickey and friends while enjoying breakfast.
If you’re looking for a more upscale, prix-fixe experience, Topolino’s Terrace is probably my top choice. For a more traditional character breakfast (buffet style), Chef Mickey’s and Cape May Cafe are both great options.
Morning & Afternoon - Epcot
Epcot is my personal favourite theme park in Florida. Unlike the other Disney parks, Epcot feels like a mix of a theme park, food festival and trip around the world all in one.
The park is split into World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase, each offering something a little different.
World Showcase
If you’re reading this blog, you probably love travel, and for me, World Showcase is actually what started my love for travel.
Here, you can travel around the world without leaving Disney World. The World Showcase takes you through Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, the United States, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico.
The countries form a loop around the World Showcase Lagoon, and you can easily spend several hours wandering between them, admiring the architecture, exploring the shops and, most importantly, trying the food and drinks from each country.
And if you’re feeling brave, you can even drink around the world, although I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to do all 11 countries in one afternoon!
Some of the best rides include Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Soarin Around the World, Spaceship Earth and Frozen Ever After.
Where to eat in Epcot
Space 220
For a really unique dining experience, book Space 220. The restaurant is designed to make you feel like you’re travelling 220 miles above Earth, with an immersive “space elevator” taking you up to the restaurant.
Once inside, you’ll have panoramic digital views of Earth and outer space while you eat. It’s definitely more about the experience than finding the best food in Epcot, but it’s a really memorable option.
When it comes to Epcot food, I actually recommend walking around the pavilions, seeing what catches your eye and grabbing from whichever country looks best at the time.
There are so many different food and drink options around the World Showcase, from quick bites and snacks to sit-down restaurants, so it’s a great opportunity to be a little spontaneous.
Dinner - Capa
For dinner, I recommend heading to Capa, located at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
This Michelin-recommended restaurant specialises in Spanish-inspired cuisine and steaks, with a menu designed for sharing. The restaurant also has a beautiful rooftop setting overlooking the resort, making it a great choice for a special dinner after a day at the parks.
Day 9 -Relax
Morning & Afternoon - Relax
After a jam-packed ten days in Orlando, today is the perfect opportunity to slow down and relax before heading into your final few busy days at Universal.
Take the morning to enjoy your hotel or villa, have a leisurely breakfast and perhaps spend some time by the pool.
If you want to explore:
If you don’t fancy spending the whole day relaxing, I would recommend a trip to Kennedy Space Center. Located around an hour to an hour and a half from Orlando, it’s a fascinating day trip where you can learn about NASA and the Apollo missions, see historic spacecraft and get up close to real rockets.
It’s a great option if you want to experience something completely different from the theme parks.
Dinner - The Cheesecake Factory
For dinner tonight, head to an absolute American institution: The Cheesecake Factory. Famous for its huge menu, generous portions and, of course, its incredible cheesecakes.
The menu is huge, so there is something for pretty much everyone. My biggest tip is to leave room for cheesecake! I personally love the Red Velvet.
I recommend arriving early, especially if you’re visiting at a popular dinner time, as The Cheesecake Factory can get very busy.
One of the Orlando locations is at The Mall at Millenia, which makes it a great option if you’re planning an afternoon of shopping. The mall is one of the best places in Orlando for shopping, with a great mix of high-street and luxury stores.
Day 10 - Move into Universal Hotel
Breakfast - High Ball and Harvest
Before leaving your hotel ready for Universal, I recommend grabbing breakfast at Highball & Harvest. Located at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes this restaurant enjoys authentic Southern cuisine. They have a la carte and buffet.
Morning - Check-out Your Hotel
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your Disney hotel and make your way over to Universal Orlando Resort.
I’d recommend checking out of your Disney accommodation in the morning and heading over to your Universal hotel so you can make the most of the day. If you arrive before check-in you can always leave your bags.
Afternoon - Islands of Adventure
After checking in or dropping your bags off head straight over to Islands of Adventure and use the rest of the day to get some rides under your belt.
Depending on crowds, you could head straight for some of the bigger attractions such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. You can then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the different areas of the park, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.
I actually like doing this on your first Universal day because it means you can get your bearings, experience a few of the big rides and save plenty of time for the rest of your Universal days.
Dinner - Bigfire
For dinner tonight, I recommend heading to Bigfire at CityWalk. It has a really cool concept with a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere, making it a great place to relax after a busy day at the parks.
The restaurant has an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs preparing your food over an open fire. The menu focuses heavily on live-fire cooking, with a selection of meats cooked over two different types of wood to add extra flavour. They also serve fondue and, for a fun way to finish your meal, you can order tableside s’mores.
Day 11 - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Morning & Afternoon - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Start your day nice and early and make the most of Early Park Admission if you're staying at a Universal hotel. I recommend heading straight for some of the rides that typically have the longest wait times, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Once you've explored everything you want to do at Islands of Adventure, take the Hogwarts Express over to Universal Studios Florida. This is an attraction in itself and a great way to travel between the two parks while experiencing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Some of my favourite rides at Universal Studios include Revenge of the Mummy, MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Where to Eat in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
I don't have any particular restaurants that I would say you have to eat at inside the parks. There are plenty of options throughout both parks, so I'd recommend seeing what takes your fancy on the day rather than planning your entire day around food.
Extra - Great Movie Escape
If you have some extra time, The Great Movie Escape is a really fun experience and definitely worth considering.
You can choose between Back to the Future and Jurassic World, and it's much more than a traditional escape room. You'll move through multiple rooms and complete different challenges, with incredibly detailed sets and effects throughout.
It is a seriously high-budget experience and is done incredibly well. If you're a fan of either movie, it genuinely feels like you've stepped inside the film.
Day 12 – Epic Universe
Epic Universe is Universal’s brand-new park, and you definitely need to go! The theming throughout the park is incredible, and honestly, the whole place feels amazing. Every land is so immersive and there is so much to see and experience.
The Lands
Celestial Park – The main hub of Epic Universe, featuring the beautiful carousel, shops, restaurants and Stardust Racers.
Super Nintendo World – An incredibly interactive land featuring Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. It really feels like you have stepped straight into the games.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – A brilliant blend of 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic, with incredible architecture, details and attractions.
Isle of Berk – Step into the Viking village from How to Train Your Dragon, complete with rides, shows and, of course, plenty of dragons.
Dark Universe – A dark and atmospheric land inspired by the classic Universal Monsters, with some brilliant theming and attractions.
Tips
If Express Pass is an option, I would definitely consider getting it. Unfortunately, because the park was still so new when we visited (and some of my friends have experienced the same thing), rides can close down fairly often. When this happens, the crowds build up quickly and it can feel like everyone is trying to get on the same few attractions.
We unfortunately didn’t get as much done as we had hoped because of this.
If you are staying at a Universal hotel that offers Early Park Admission, make the most of it! Getting into the park early can make a huge difference, and you can get a lot done before the crowds really build.
Must-Dos
The shows are an absolute must. Both are incredible and well worth making time for:
The Untrainable Dragon
Located in Isle of Berk, this is such a fantastic show with amazing effects, impressive characters and some seriously cool moments.
Le Cirque Arcanus
A brilliant theatrical show with incredible effects and performances. Definitely worth seeing during your day.
Restaurants
Pizza Moon – Celestial Park
A really lovely restaurant with fantastic theming and a fun atmosphere. The pizza is genuinely really good and feels like a higher-quality quick-service option. It is also quick and well organised, making it a great choice if you want something tasty without spending ages eating.
Mac & Cheese Cone – Isle of Berk
I haven’t personally tried this one, but it is meant to be really good. It has loads of different flavours such as Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Atlantic – Celestial Park
For something a little more special, Atlantic is a high-end, full-service restaurant specialising in meat and seafood. The setting is beautiful, with an elegant Victorian-inspired design and a huge aquarium feature that creates a really impressive atmosphere. A great option if you want to sit down and enjoy a proper meal during your day.
Day 13- Volcano Bay
Morning and Afternoon - Volcano Bay
Today, I recommend spending the day at one of Orlando’s best water parks, Volcano Bay. Located at Universal Orlando Resort, it’s the perfect place to cool off after a busy few days exploring the theme parks.
There’s a great mix of relaxing areas, lazy rivers, water slides and more thrilling rides, so there’s something for everyone.
Dinner - East End Market
A food hall featuring some of Orlando’s top food entrepreneurs. It’s a great place to wander around and experience some of the best independent spots.
Top Spots:
Winter Park Biscuit Company
A fully vegan restaurant that will genuinely blow you away, you will forget you are eating vegan food. Definitely try the Chik Strips.
Domu
A modern Japanese restaurant which not only was in the 2022 Michelin Guide and voted the best ramen in Orlando. I recommend trying the wings and the ramen that most takes your fancy.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
These are the same famous cookies you’ll find at Disney Springs, but you can often get them here with barely any queue. Get a cookie. My favourites are the Original Chocolate Chip or the Banana Bread.
Day 14 - Time to leave
After an incredible trip filled with unforgettable memories in Orlando, it’s finally time to head home.
Final Thoughts
Orlando is truly my happy place, and I hope this itinerary has inspired you to plan your own unforgettable trip. While Orlando is famous for its incredible theme parks, there is so much more to discover beyond the parks too.
I hope this review has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for your next Orlando adventure, whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore even more of what the city has to offer.
If you’re looking for more Orlando tips, guides and inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other blog posts here:
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