Welcome to Orlando! As you hop off the plane at MCO, prepare yourself for a magical trip. With a variety of shopping, incredible dining experiences, breathtaking natural wonders, and world-class amusement parks — your Orlando weekend trip will be nothing short of amazing.
Check out this expansive ULTIMATE 3-Day Orlando Itinerary that will cover just about every incredible corner The City Beautiful has to offer!
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Side note: This post was written by Emily, a long-time local of Orlando! This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate Orlando weekend trip itinerary. Locals know best!
Table of Contents
How do I get to Orlando?
The closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), and is about 20-30 minutes away from all of the Orlando hotspots. Because Orlando is so spread out, it’s highly recommended for visitors to rent a car.
Having a rental car will not only make it more convenient to come and go as you please, but also help you move through your itinerary a lot faster as opposed to waiting for public transportation or shuttle services that hotels and theme parks offer.
What is the best time to visit Orlando?
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason! Whether you’re coming in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, be prepared for humidity and to SWEAT!
If you’re coming strictly for the theme parks, January, February, and May are great times to come. The weather won’t be too unbearable, and you’ll avoid most of the holiday crowds.
If you’re looking to explore more of the city and the surrounding areas, March to May is a nice time, while you’ll still be hot, it won’t be too unbearable (in July the temps usually hover in the 90s°.)
Where should I stay in Orlando?
When determining where you want to stay in Orlando, it’s important to keep in mind which activities you’re looking to take part in.
Hitting up the theme parks? If so, are you leaning toward Disney, Universal, or Sea World?
Interested in seeing what the downtown life is like? Or maybe interested in strolling around the quiet surrounding neighborhoods?
There are so many options when selecting a hotel in the Orlando area! Here are some recommendations that offer a wide variety to best suit your vacation needs!
My Personal Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Orlando – If you’re looking for a no-frills hotel that is clean and offers comfortable beds, check out the Hilton Garden Inn!
- Mid-range Option: Hilton Orlando – This Hilton is perfect for those who are looking to do a little bit of everything during their visit. It’s situated close enough to downtown that you can take an Uber or Lyft and not pay an arm and leg, but also close enough to the theme parks where you won’t have to drive too far (if you plan on getting a rental car), plus it’s close to the airport!
- Luxury Option: AC Marriott Orlando – This hotel is for folks who are looking to spend more time in the city. Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, this hotel not only offers amazing views (seriously, check out the AC Sky Bar) but also has incredible amenities and luxe rooms that will make you feel like Orlando royalty for a weekend.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive – Bringing your four-legged friend on your Orlando adventure? This Wyndham hotel is the one for you! It’s moderately priced, clean, and has good access to the city and surrounding Orlando hotspots.
- Unique Option: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando – If you plan on hitting up Universal or any attractions in the vicinity, the Hard Rock Hotel is not only the perfect location, but it also offers amazing amenities like an award-winning spa and resort-style pool (that has underwater speakers so you can jam out while swimming!)
3-Day Orlando Itinerary
Are you ready to explore all that Orlando has to offer? Here is a breakdown of how I would spend 3-days in this magical city! Put on your sunscreen and your comfortable walking shoes because we have a lot of ground to cover during this Orlando weekend trip!
Day 1 in Orlando: Explore Hidden Gems Downtown!
Morning
Instead of hitting the ground running at one of the theme parks, I think it’s best to ease your way into your Orlando vacation. Today is all about exploring the city and surrounding areas!
After waking up, head over to Osphere for a delicious breakfast. Make sure to go to the Lake Eola location as this will be near your first stop.
Afternoon
After you’ve fueled up on brunch, it’s time to head outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather! Since you’ll be close to Lake Eola, head over to the lake and rent one of the peddle-operated swan boats!
This is a popular activity with Orlando locals because it gives you the best view of the city skyline and a chance to photograph some of the swans swimming around the lake!
After you’re finished at the lake, it’s time to check out an amazing botanical oasis at Leu Gardens. This is the perfect place to take in all the beautiful flora and fauna Florida has to offer. You and your group will love exploring this 50-acre park!
Evening:
After spending all day outside in nature, you’ve probably worked up quite the appetite. Once you’re done freshening up at your hotel, head out and check out the bustling downtown Orlando area!
If you’re in the mood for some contemporary American fare, look no further than the Stubborn Mule! Once you’re done with dinner and still on the hunt for some exciting Orlando sites, check out Mathers Social Gathering for the ultimate speakeasy experience.
Insider Tip: To get to know the backstory of how Mathers came to be, check out the bar’s full unique history here! (And don’t forget to grab the secret password to get upstairs!)
Day 2 in Orlando: Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure!
Morning:
After spending a relaxing day in nature, it’s time to pump up the volume a bit and head over to one of Orlando’s world-class amusement parks! Because, let’s best honest, you can’t go to Orlando without going to at least one. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective trip, I’d recommend checking out Universal and Islands of Adventure for a day.
These parks are great because you get a little bit of everything — coaster thrills, immersive experiences, and a wide variety of dining options!
Start your morning off by grabbing coffee and a breakfast sandwich at a local favorite, Craft and Common (some of the best chai lattes in town!).
Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to hit the parks!
Insider Tip: It costs $30/day to park in the Universal garage. The only way to really get around paying for parking is if you plan on attending the parks or CityWalk after 6:00 pm, which is when they lift the parking fee.
Afternoon:
Whether you’re a fan of the Hulk, Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park, or Harry Potter — Islands of Adventure has a little bit of everything to offer! It’s also the park I would recommend starting with, so you can check the big thrill rides off your list.
After you’ve got your thrills from exploring the Jurassic Park area and hanging out with Spiderman, grab a butterbeer (the frozen version is my personal favorite!) and walk around Hogsmeade for a bit, take a ride through Hogwarts Castle for a magical journey.
Insider Tip: Once you’re ready to switch over to Universal, hop on the Hogwarts Express! This is an easy way to get from one park to the other without having to physically walk out of the park — just make sure you have your admission ticket handy.
Evening
Close your evening out at Universal by taking a spin on Men in Black (perfect for people who have three people in their party), hop on The Mummy, or grab a drink at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill.
Insider Tip: Unlike Disney parks, Universal does not do fireworks every night. Be sure to check the park’s event calendar to see if your trip aligns with their fireworks schedule before waiting for a grand finale!
After you’ve left the park and looking for a place to grab a bite, check out the variety of restaurants in CityWalk. Some of the more popular spots include NBC Sports Bar and Grill, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Margaritaville, and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Day 3 in Orlando: Gators and a Disney Springs Grand Finale!
Morning
You’ll probably still be recovering after spending a long day in the parks, so you can ease into your last day in Orlando by checking out at a breezy brunch spot, Café Tu Tu Tango.
They offer a tapas-style, small-plate menu which is perfect for you and your group to try a variety of dishes. If you’re in the market to end your trip with a bang, they even offer they offer a pretty awesome bottomless brunch deal at $32.22, which includes the entire brunch menu!
Afternoon
Once you’ve got your breakfast fix, it’s time to head out in the great outdoors to spot some wildlife! One of the hallmarks of Florida is not only the theme parks and beaches, but the critters that call it home. That’s why I recommend taking an airboat ride to fill your adventurous Florida quota.
Insider Tip: If you’re a photographer, this is the time to bring your camera to snap some amazing wildlife shots! The airboats are a great way to get up close to some of the state’s most well known critters.
Evening:
As I said before, you simply can’t go to Orlando without getting a dose of theme park magic in. While I’m not putting “visiting a Disney park” on this list, I am putting “spend an evening in Disney Springs” on this list.
This is the perfect way to end your ultimate 3-day Orlando itinerary because it offers a little bit of everything (and of course, free parking!) Disney Springs is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and fun experiences!
If you’re in the mood for some delicious charcuterie and an expansive wine list, head over to Wine Bar George or if you’re an Indiana Jones fan looking for some handcrafted cocktails, check out The Hangar Bar.
If you’ve got dinner on your mind, check out Paddlefish for delicious steaks, seafood, and a vast variety of wine.
Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more fun and quirky — then head on over to the infamous Rainforest Cafe for traditional American fare with a rainforest twist. No matter what you choose, Disney Springs is a great spot to spend your final night in Orlando!
Other things to do in Orlando
Orlando is jam-packed with fun things to do. There’s no way you could squeeze all the adventures into just 3 days. Here’s a list of more of my favorite things to do in Orlando so you can customize your weekend trip itinerary to be perfect for you!
- Orlando Eye ($29 per person) – Located in Icon Park, the Orlando Eye is the best attraction for those looking to get a bird’s eye view of the city!
- Rock N Roll Heaven – Who says you can’t support small businesses? This vintage record store is the perfect spot for music lovers who are looking for a unique shop while beating the Florida heat.
- Big Daddy’s Karaoke – This upbeat hangout is the perfect dive bar to sing your heart out!
- East End Market – Looking to shop and munch on some local cuisine? Head over to East End Market, located in the Audubon Park Garden District. One of the standout locations is the infamous Gideon’s Cookies! Insider Tip: Gideon’s Cookies originated at this location, if you aren’t able to go to East End Market for cookies, try the Disney Springs location!
- Orlando Science Center ($24 for adults, $18 for kids) – Are you a science nerd looking for a cool place to hang out in the afternoon? Check out the Orlando Science Center which is home to some pretty cool space and science collections and even an IMAX theater. This is perfect if you have little one on your trip.
- WonderWorks ($36.99 for adults, $27.99 for kids) – Another great attraction for those traveling with kids to Orlando. WonderWorks offers a wide variety of exhibits from earthquake simulators to 4D extreme motion rides.
- The Mall at Millenia – Looking to shop til you drop? The Mall at Millenia is a great spot to do some shopping and dining while you wind down your Orlando trip. With over 150 stores, you’ll have a lot of exploring to do!
Tip! Be sure to check out the Orlando CityPass BEFORE visiting as you could save up to 50 percent on the area’s top attractions!
Where (else) to Eat in Orlando:
Looking for more delicious restaurant options for your 3-days in Orlando?! Here are more of my favs!
- The Monroe – This is a trendy spot for those looking for unique mains and refreshing handcrafted cocktails. Plus, the inside is totally IG- and date-night-worthy so you can snap some great shots while you enjoy your meal!
- Jinya – While Jinya has several locations across the country, if you’re in the mood for ramen, definitely consider checking it out while in Orlando. If you end up going, you must order the Brussels Sprouts Tempura — they’re to die for!
- King Bao – If you are a Bao fan, King Bao is the spot for you! They even have bao desserts that are to die for such as the Tarzan (for the banana and Nutella fans) and the Igloo (for caramel and ice cream lovers)
- Hawkers – On the hunt for some Asian street eats? Look no further than Hawkers! Some of the stand-out dishes include Korean Fried Chicken, spring rolls, and chicken satay.
- Se7en Bites – If you’re craving more of a Southern vibe, Se7en Bites has some of the best in the Orlando area! Be sure to get there early enough to enjoy their specialty chicken pot pie.
- Black Bean Deli – You simply can’t go wrong with Cuban food. At Black Bean Deli, you’ll get a taste of incredible Cuban classics like the classic Cuban sandwich, maduros, and ham croquetas.
- The Glass Knife – This is the spot for those who have a sweet tooth. The Glass Knife does a great job of offering delectable desserts and also savory options, and even a delicious weekend brunch menu!
Other Tips to know before visiting Orlando:
- Sunscreen – It cannot be overstated enough how important sunscreen is for a trip to Orlando! Even if you come during the colder months, the sun will still find a way to peek through the clouds.
- Portable Fan – You can bring a battery-powered one, or a paper fan, whatever you need to cut through the humidity while standing in line at Universal!
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so it’s best to bring a comfortable pair of shoes!
- Bathing Suit – Even if you don’t plan on going to the beach, it’s still nice to have the option to take a dip in your hotel pool or hot tub.
- Bug Spray – Remember, you’re essentially visiting a swamp and the mosquitoes here are no joke!
- Waterproof Mascara – While this may be reserved for those of us who wear makeup, it’s good to pack a waterproof mascara so you don’t have make up running down your face the whole day!
Orlando Weekend Trip Map
It’s officially time to start planning the perfect Orlando weekend trip! Use this map full of the locations we discussed to help you get started!
One Weekend on Orlando Isn’t Enough
As you can tell from this expansive list, it’s almost impossible to only spend one weekend in Orlando.
Feel free to customize your 3-day Orlando itinerary based on what interests you and the group you’re traveling with. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your magical journey to Orlando!
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