Orlando
Trip to Orlando

Orlando

M
by Matthew Barnabee
Jul 15 - Jul 19, 2026
4 travelers
moderate budget
1

Arrival and Relaxation

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Arrive in Orlando, check into your Airbnb, and enjoy a relaxing evening getting settled. Prepare for the exciting theme park adventures ahead!

1:00 PMtransport

Arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Fly from Islip, NY to Orlando. Pick up rental car.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
60 min
Consider purchasing a SunPass for toll roads in Florida for easier travel.

Action Items

Book flights from Islip (ISP) to Orlando (MCO) (~$200/person)
Reserve rental car from MCO (~$50/day)
2:00 PMaccommodation

Check into Airbnb

Arrive at your Airbnb, unpack, and settle in. Take some time to relax and familiarize yourself with the accommodations.

Airbnb (to be determined)
120 min
Choose an Airbnb with a pool to beat the Florida heat!

Action Items

Book Airbnb for 4 people near Orlando (~$150/night)
Confirm check-in process with host
6:00 PMfood

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant. Consider trying some classic Florida cuisine like seafood or Cuban sandwiches.

4 Rivers Smokehouse (various locations)
90 min
4 Rivers Smokehouse is a popular choice for delicious BBQ.

Action Items

Research local restaurants near Airbnb
Check restaurant hours and make a reservation if needed
Highlights
Arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO)Check into AirbnbDinner at a Local Eatery
2

Universal Studios Adventure

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Immerse yourselves in the thrilling world of Universal Studios! Experience exhilarating rides, captivating shows, and explore iconic movie sets.

9:00 AMactivity

Universal Studios Florida

Spend the day at Universal Studios, enjoying rides like the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, and exploring themed areas like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

Universal Studios Florida
480 min
Arrive early to maximize your time and consider purchasing a Universal Express Pass to skip the lines.

Action Items

Buy Universal Studios tickets online (~$150/person)
Download the Universal Orlando app for wait times and show schedules
1:00 PMfood

Lunch at CityWalk

Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in Universal CityWalk. Options range from casual quick-service to sit-down dining.

Universal CityWalk
60 min
CityWalk can get crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Action Items

Plan a lunch spot in CityWalk
Consider Margaritaville or NBC Sports Grill & Brew
7:00 PMfood

Dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

Indulge in a unique dining experience at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, known for its extravagant desserts and steampunk atmosphere.

Universal CityWalk
90 min
Be prepared for a sugar rush!

Action Items

Make a dinner reservation at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium well in advance
Check the menu online
Highlights
Universal Studios FloridaLunch at CityWalkDinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
3

Magic Kingdom Day

Friday, July 17, 2026

Experience the magic of Disney at the Magic Kingdom! Meet beloved characters, enjoy classic rides, and witness the spectacular fireworks show over Cinderella Castle.

9:00 AMactivity

Magic Kingdom Park

Spend the day exploring the Magic Kingdom, riding iconic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and meeting Disney characters.

Magic Kingdom
480 min
Utilize Genie+ and Lightning Lane to minimize wait times. Arrive before park opening.

Action Items

Buy Magic Kingdom tickets online (~$150/person)
Make park reservations well in advance
Download the My Disney Experience app
1:00 PMfood

Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, a Frontierland restaurant with Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
60 min
Mobile ordering is recommended to save time.

Action Items

Check restaurant menu on the Disney app
9:00 PMsightseeing

Happily Ever After Fireworks

Witness the spectacular Happily Ever After fireworks show over Cinderella Castle, a breathtaking display of lights, music, and pyrotechnics.

Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle
30 min
Main Street, U.S.A. offers excellent views, but can be crowded.

Action Items

Find a good viewing spot for the fireworks at least an hour in advance
Check the show time on the My Disney Experience app
Highlights
Magic Kingdom ParkLunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and CafeHappily Ever After Fireworks
4

Exploring Local Flavors and Attractions

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Venture beyond the theme parks and discover the vibrant local culture of Orlando. Indulge in delicious cuisine, explore unique attractions, and experience the city's hidden gems.

10:00 AMshopping

Orlando Farmers Market

Visit the Orlando Farmers Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food vendors.

Lake Eola Park
120 min
The market is held every Sunday at Lake Eola Park. Arrive early for the best selection.

Action Items

Check Orlando Farmers Market schedule to confirm opening hours
Bring cash for purchases
12:30 PMfood

Lunch at Mills 50 District

Explore the Mills 50 District, known for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant street art. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants offering Asian cuisine.

Mills 50 District
90 min
Explore the surrounding shops and street art after lunch.

Action Items

Research restaurants in the Mills 50 District
Consider trying a Vietnamese Pho
3:00 PMsightseeing

Leu Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis with diverse plant collections and scenic landscapes.

Leu Gardens
120 min
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen.

Action Items

Purchase tickets to Leu Gardens online (~$15/person)
Check for special events or guided tours
6:00 PMfood

Dinner at Prato

Enjoy an upscale Italian dinner at Prato in Winter Park. Known for its handcrafted pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

Prato, Winter Park
120 min
Explore Park Avenue in Winter Park before or after dinner.

Action Items

Make a dinner reservation at Prato well in advance
Review the menu online
Highlights
Orlando Farmers MarketLunch at Mills 50 DistrictLeu GardensDinner at Prato
5

Departure

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Enjoy a final breakfast in Orlando before heading to the airport for your flight back to Islip. Reflect on the magical memories created during your Orlando vacation.

9:00 AMfood

Breakfast at Se7en Bites

Enjoy a delicious Southern-inspired breakfast at Se7en Bites, a popular local bakery and eatery.

Se7en Bites
60 min
Try their famous biscuits and gravy.

Action Items

Check Se7en Bites menu online
Arrive early as it can get crowded
11:00 AMtransport

Departure from Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Head to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for your flight back to Islip, NY.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
120 min
Allow ample time for airport security and potential delays.

Action Items

Confirm flight time and check-in online
Return rental car
Arrange transportation to the airport if needed
Highlights
Breakfast at Se7en BitesDeparture from Orlando International Airport (MCO)