5 days in Orlando: itinerary for first-timers (2026)

This plan puts one big park on each of the first four days and a Space Coast day last. Disney and Universal prices depend on the date, so choose your days first, then book tickets. Rest in the afternoon if you have young kids; the Florida heat is hard on little ones.

Day 1: Magic Kingdom

Morning: Arrive for opening (9:00 a.m. on a sample day, with early entry from 8:30 for eligible guests) and do the popular rides first.
Afternoon: Take a long midday break at your hotel, then come back for the rest of the park.
Evening: Stay for the fireworks over Cinderella Castle, or head out early if the kids are tired.
Getting around: Disney transport or your own car; confirm with Disney for your hotel.

Tours for day 1 ↗

Day 2: EPCOT

Morning: Start with World Nature rides like Soarin' Across America and The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Afternoon: Walk World Showcase. Sunshine Seasons serves halal meals without notice if you need lunch.
Evening: Stay for Luminous, the fireworks show, or finish at Disney Springs (open until about 11 p.m.) for a free evening stroll.
Getting around: Inside Walt Disney World; Disney Springs is also on Disney property.

Tours for day 2 ↗

Day 3: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

Morning: Begin at Islands of Adventure when it opens.
Afternoon: Move to Universal Studios Florida if your ticket covers both parks (a park-to-park ticket). Check that day's closing time; the park can close early on Halloween Horror Nights dates.
Evening: Dinner at your hotel or a halal restaurant on International Drive (see the halal section).
Getting around: Universal Orlando is at the north end of International Drive. Official Universal hotels offer free resort transportation.

Tours for day 3 ↗

Day 4: Epic Universe

Morning: Arrive at opening; it can reach capacity on busy days. Bring photo ID.
Afternoon: Visit Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, or Isle of Berk if you have younger kids.
Evening: Swap this day for SeaWorld if you want a calmer one (single-day tickets from US$59.99 online), or stop at ICON Park's free promenade.
Getting around: Epic Universe is a separate site near the Orange County Convention Center. Try the I-Ride trolley for SeaWorld or ICON Park.

Tours for day 4 ↗

Day 5: Kennedy Space Center

Morning: Be there at 9 a.m. and take the bus tour first, because the last bus leaves 2.5 hours before closing.
Afternoon: See the rocket exhibits and the other displays. Entry to the complex ends 1 hour before closing.
Evening: Drive back to Orlando for dinner. The complex is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Getting around: Rent a car or join a tour from Orlando.

Tours for day 5 ↗

Go deeper

Details for every stop

Things to do in OrlandoHours, prices and how to get to each sightSee the sights → Tours in OrlandoGuided tours and tickets on KlookBrowse ↗

Plan the rest

More for your trip to Orlando

Where to stay in OrlandoThe best areas, comparedRead →Renting a car in FloridaLicence, insurance and roadsRead →Things to do in Orlando8 sights with hours and pricesRead →Halal travel in OrlandoHalal food, mosques and where to stayRead →Orlando travel hubFlights, when to go, entry rules and every guideRead →

Getting there

Cheapest flights from Canada

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Everything for this trip: Orlando travel hub: flights, when to go and all our guides →

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Sources

Checked October 1, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

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