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Orlando is home to some of the biggest and most epic theme parks in the world–Disney World, Universal Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort–so if you’re a theme park-lover, it’s probably already on your bucket list! And while it may not be as popular and iconic as other cities in the United States like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York, this Florida city is packed with adventure and fun, making it totally worth the visit.
If you’re planning a trip to the United States and rounding up the best cities to include in your itinerary, we have a 3-day Orlando itinerary jam-packed with thrills and adventures, perfect for tourists of all ages. So if you’re wondering what to do in Orlando, read up and you might just include a quick getaway to Florida in your itinerary!
How to go from Orlando International Airport to Downtown Orlando
Photo credits: Wikipedia Commons
When getting from Orlando International Airport to downtown or your hotel, airport taxis and rideshares, like Uber, are often the first options that come to mind. While these are convenient choices, you might not be aware that you can also book airport transfers, which can bring you to your destination without the hassle of hailing a taxi or booking an Uber – especially during peak travel hours!
1. Private Airport Transfers - Orlando International Airport
For a smooth and stress-free journey from the moment you grab your bags to the time you arrive at your hotel, booking a private airport transfer is the way to go! By reserving it in advance, you can avoid the hassle of competing for a taxi or Uber with other travelers and avoid unexpected price surges. These private transfers can conveniently take you to and from popular destinations and hotels in and around downtown Orland, so all you need to do is book online, and you’re all set!
2. Shared Airport Transfers - Orlando International Airport
Shared airport transfers offer a more affordable, semi-private option if you’re looking to save a bit of pocket money. While they’re just as convenient as private transfers, you’ll share the ride with other travelers and may make a few extra stops along the way. It’s a great chance to meet fellow adventurers while saving money – so it’s definitely a win if you’re on a budget!
Getting around Orlando
1. Public Transportation
The LYNX Bus Service offers a wide network of routes throughout Orlando, making it an excellent option for those who want to experience the city like a local. For just around $2 per ride, you can hop on a bus and easily explore the city, all while keeping your travel budget in check!
2. Car rentals
Alternatively, if you have a lot on your Orlando itinerary and want to maximize your time, renting a car is a great option—it’s a common choice for travelers in the U.S. anyway! With a rental car, you’ll have full control over your schedule (well, minus any road traffic that might occur), allowing you to make the most of your three-day Orlando trip and fit in everything you want to see and do!
Where to stay in Orlando
We truly believe that your hotel can make or break your trip. It impacts how well you rest, how much time you save commuting, and ultimately, just how much you enjoy your experience! To help you make the most of your trip, here are a few hotel recommendations to consider while planning your Orlando itinerary:
1. Signia by Hilton Orlando - An Official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a top choice for travelers heading to Florida, especially those planning to visit the famous Disney parks. As an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel and prime location just minutes from the Disney grounds, it’s convenient for those spending most of their time at the parks. After all, experiencing everything the resort has to offer typically requires more than just a single day!
Prices start at: USD 260 per night
Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
2. Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
Lobby of Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
Another popular and must-visit spot in Orlando is the Universal Orlando Resort, making Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel one of the most popular hotels in the area. Like other Hard Rock Hotels around the world, this one offers a unique blend of music and luxury in the hotel atmosphere – a perfect place to stay for those wanting to soak in some rock n’ roll vibes while enjoying top-notch hotel amenities.
Plus, guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort also get some awesome perks, including early park admission and a free Universal Express Unlimited ride access, which typically costs around USD 160 per person! This pass lets you skip the regular lines at select attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure such as the ultra-famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter for free – an absolute wow!
Prices start at: USD 260 per night
Address: 5800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, 32819
3. Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown
If you’d prefer to stay a bit further away from the theme parks and closer to the heart of the city, Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown is a great choice. It’s conveniently located near a number of tourist attractions such as the ICON Park, Orlando Science Center, and Lake Eola Park, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore more of Orlando’s downtown in their Orlando itinerary.
Prices start at: USD 175 per night
Address: 730 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
3-day Orlando Itinerary
Day 1: Start your Orlando trip with a full day of fun at Walt Disney World Resort
Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
Why not start your adventure off on a magical note? Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is the biggest and most visited theme park in the world, and rightfully so! With six parks (two of them are water parks, perfect for when you’re going during the summer), there are endless attractions, roller coaster rides, and fantasy and magic for everyone at the resort.
As you may already be thinking, it is not possible to explore all six parks during a single day’s visit. But no worries because we’ve got your back with our complete guide to Walt Disney World Resort to help you maximize your visit at the park! While it might be hectic, you can still visit multiple parks within the day – it’s up to you! You can always get a 1-Day Park Hopper ticket that will give you access to more than one park per day. So, here are a few extra pointers to even help you out on day one of your Orlando itinerary:
Photo credits: www.traveljunction.com, The colorful parade at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida with Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
For first-time visitors, we recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios theme parks. The Magic Kingdom houses all the classic Disney attractions that we all grew up with and have come to love – Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and the Happily Ever After fireworks at the end of the night. On the other hand, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has movie-themed attractions, which, again, are all close to the heart if you’re one who grew up watching Disney movies, such as Toy Story Land, the famous Tower of Terror ride, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Epcot Center main entrance
On the other hand, you can also head to the EPCOT theme park as it is the only one in the world, so you’re sure to enjoy attractions that you won’t see anywhere else. The EPCOT theme park celebrates human achievements in terms of technological innovation and features 11 country pavilions focusing on culture that will take you around the world. So, if you’re interested in these themes, then you should definitely put EPCOT on your list.
We know it can be daunting to just choose one or a couple when you’re already at the resort! But regardless of which parks you end up picking, we’re sure you’ll have an absolutely fantastic time and are all ready for another adventure on day two!
Day 2: Have another jam-packed day at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort ticket
While not as massive as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort is just as jam-packed with adventure and even more thrills! Universal has bigger and more intense roller coaster rides, so if you’re traveling with a group of adults (who, of course, love the adrenaline rush), this day is something to look forward to, especially since you’re bound to experience iconic Hollywood films you grew up watching as a roller coaster ride or attractions over here.
Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort
You can check out our ultimate guide to Universal Orlando Resort to help plan out your day, but here we also have some pointers you can consider to help maximize your visit!
If you’re a movie buff, then there is no question that you should spend most of your day at Universal Studios Florida, as it features roller coaster rides themed after our favorite movies! One of the most popular attractions at Universal Orlando (or perhaps, the world?) is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can walk through Diagon Alley and go on a roller coaster ride as Harry escapes from the Gringotts (remember the bank in the film that looked like a roller coaster ride?).
The Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster is another must-visit, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a high-speed roller coaster perfect for adrenaline junkies (plus points because you can choose your own custom music for an elevated roller coaster experience!)
Jurassic World Velocicoaster at Universal Orlando Resort
There are many other more exciting attractions at the resort, such as the Jurrasic World VelociCoaster over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, so of course, you can also opt to visit two parks in one day! Thankfully, Universal Orlando offers a 2 parks in 1 day ticket so you can make the most of your visit.
And if you want to maximize it even more, we highly recommend getting an Express Pass so you can skip the lines and go on as many rides as you would at the resort! While it might be a bit pricey, this is something we highly recommend putting a little more in the budget because, after all, who wants to spend all day lining up for rides?
Day 3: Explore the wonder of outer space and end with a scenic view of downtown Orlando
Space shuttle leaving the grounds of Kennedy Space Center in Florida
After back-to-back theme park adventures, you deserve a relaxing day of just exploration on the 3rd day of your Orlando itinerary! You can explore the wonders of outer space at the Kennedy Space Center where you can check out NASA’s space programs. It’s about an hour’s drive from Orlando, so a car rental would be convenient on your third day. While it might take a bit of time to get there, the journey’s worth it! You’re in for interactive exhibits such as being able to walk through real NASA rockets, go on astronaut experiences, and even witness live launch viewings (if you’re there at the right time!).
After your space exploration, you can head back to downtown Orlando where you can enjoy the city’s gorgeous skyline by heading to one of the city’s rooftop bars or hopping on the Orlando Eye – the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast! If you still have energy left, there are also still other things to do in Orlando besides Disney, such as taking a stroll by Lake Eola or hopping on the I-Ride Hope-On-Hop-Off Trolley to see the most popular hubs around downtown.
Klook Tip: You can check out the Orlando Klook Pass, which will give you access to Orlando’s best attractions, including its two major theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, for a fraction of the cost!
Heading to New York next?
With just a 2 to 3-hour direct flight from Orlando, New York is an iconic U.S. city that you simply shouldn’t miss out on. If you haven’t decided on your next adventure yet after Orlando, then we definitely recommend heading to the Big Apple. Here are some travel guides to convince you even more and help get you through planning!
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