Orlando-Walt Disney World Travel Guide

#1 in Best Winter Family Vacations

1-Day Itinerary in Orlando-Walt Disney World

Explore the best things to do in Orlando-Walt Disney World in 1 day based on recommendations from local experts.

Day 1

#1
Walt Disney World Resort

#1 in Orlando-Walt Disney World

Local Pick: Must-see

Excessive, exhausting and expensive, Walt Disney World Resort is above all else enchanting. Composed of four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach), 21 hotels and the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment complex, this sprawling property features iconic sights and rides like Cinderella Castle, "it's a small world," Spaceship Earth and the recently opened Pandora – The World of Avatar. Even Anaheim's Disneyland can't compete, according to some.

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Amusement Parks Type

More than Full Day Time to Spend

Walt Disney World Resort

Excessive, exhausting and expensive, Walt Disney World Resort is above all else enchanting. Composed of four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach), 21 hotels and the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment complex, this sprawling property features iconic sights and rides like Cinderella Castle, "it's a small world," Spaceship Earth and the recently opened Pandora – The World of Avatar. Even Anaheim's Disneyland can't compete, according to some.

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Find Tours & Tickets

10-15 minutes by car

#9
I-Drive Free

#9 in Orlando-Walt Disney World

Local Pick: If Time Allows Free

The International Drive Resort Area is one of Orlando's most diverse regions to visit. Situated less than 10 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, this area features a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including WonderWorks, two outlet malls, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Pirate's Cove miniature golf course. Eateries here offer all sorts of cuisines, or travelers can enjoy a meal while watching a magic-, pirate-, comedy- or circus-themed show. For night owls, I-Drive boasts a B.B. King-affiliated blues club, a Howl at the Moon dueling pianos venue, a Señor Frog's restaurant and bar, the world's largest permanent ice bar and more.

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Entertainment and Nightlife Type

2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

The International Drive Resort Area is one of Orlando's most diverse regions to visit. Situated less than 10 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, this area features a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including WonderWorks, two outlet malls, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Pirate's Cove miniature golf course. Eateries here offer all sorts of cuisines, or travelers can enjoy a meal while watching a magic-, pirate-, comedy- or circus-themed show. For night owls, I-Drive boasts a B.B. King-affiliated blues club, a Howl at the Moon dueling pianos venue, a Señor Frog's restaurant and bar, the world's largest permanent ice bar and more.

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Locals' Picks for Orlando-Walt Disney World

Universal's Volcano Bay features an impressive 200-foot volcano that looms over the park.

5 Great Orlando Water Parks – Locals' Picks

There’s usually a long line outside of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which has mastered carnivorous treats with its juicy brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and a variety of poultry.

Locals' 6 Favorite Orlando Dining Spots

5 Ways to Save on Your Orlando Vacation

House of Blues Orlando is a popular concert venue with a

Locals’ 8 Favorite Bars in Orlando

Crooked Can Brewing Company rotates in seasonal beers and bourbon-barrel-aged brews.

6 Breweries to Visit in Orlando – Locals' Picks

NASA nerds will delight in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, an interactive tribute to man's quest off the planet.

The 7 Best Orlando Museums – Locals' Picks

7 Great Orlando Theme Parks – Locals' Picks

Shop till you drop at these retail hot spots.

The 6 Best Places to Shop in Orlando – Locals' Picks

Explore More of Orlando-Walt Disney World

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Best Hotels

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Map

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Universal Orlando Resort

When to Visit

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