Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Orlando?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Orlando?
Many visitors spend seven days in Orlando during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to sample the delicious cuisine, find the best deals at the shops, take in a show, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Orlando is the theme park capital of the United States. It's the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and countless other lesser known parks. This is an iconic destination for families who come to experience the magic and wonder of a Disney vacation. There are many resorts to choose from as well, both on and off the Disney grounds.
Do you have one or two days to visit Orlando? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Orlando?
One day is probably not enough time here to visit Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks and the other activities. You will likely feel rushed, and to thoroughly enjoy everything, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule seven days here, after all. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.
How to spend a day in Orlando
When visiting Orlando, you absolutely can't miss Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks as it's the main reason visitors come to this famous city. It's very popular among families who will enjoy all of the activities available. When planning your trip, make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience the various areas, along with breaks to eat and relax, too. Keep in mind that many visitors spend seven days here, so you'll probably be missing out if you don't allow yourself plenty of time.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven ($50)
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Orlando?
A weekend is usually not enough time to experience Orlando, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks and the other activities. You'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
Downtown Orlando, Florida
How to spend 2 days in Orlando
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Orlando, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Orlando is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Orlando to Orlando Premium Outlets ($92)
- Private Shopping Tour from Orlando to Orlando Vineland Outlets ($101)
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Orlando is known for its wide range of shows. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Orlando, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.