Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Orlando?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Orlando?

Three days 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 3 days 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)

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.

After you've explored most of Orlando, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options ($99)

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat ($85)
  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt ($12)

Is 4 days enough time in Orlando?

Four days 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 four days, 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.

Orlando, Florida Orlando, Florida

How to spend 4 days in Orlando

If you have more than 4 days in Orlando, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Orlando. Plenty of amazing options are available.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Orlando.

Is 5 days enough time in Orlando?

With five days, you'll probably feel rushed to experience the major activities in Orlando. You really need more time to appreciate Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks and the other attractions. Many visitors prefer to have seven days to fully enjoy the area. If you have five days or less, we still have some suggestions of how best to spend your time here.

Downtown Orlando, Florida Downtown Orlando, Florida

How to spend 5 days in Orlando

With 5 days in Orlando, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time dining at local restaurants, browsing the shops, enjoying the theater, and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options ($99)

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.

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