Itineraries for Your Trip to Orlando
1 Day in Orlando for First Timers
Orlando is a dream destination for travelers looking for thrills, chills, and everything in between. When my family first traveled to the city when I was a kid, we went for the theme parks, and I had an absolute blast. Aboard the kid-friendly boat ride of the Walt Disney World® Resort’s It’s a Small World and on the adrenaline-pumping Universal Orlando Resort™ coasters, the four of us made incredible memories in Orlando.
In more recent years though, I’ve discovered that Orlando is more than just theme parks. Hidden between the rollercoasters and waterslides, there are gems such as postcard-worthy natural springs and interactive museums, charming farmers markets and peaceful lakes, all waiting to be explored during your one day in Orlando.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a taste of the theme park life, such as Universal Studios’ new Epic Universe.
Orlando gets hot and humid in the summer—visit between October to May for the best weather.
Start your one day in Orlando with an introduction to downtown Orlando. There, you’ll find a whole host of historic and natural sights that often go overlooked. Say hello to the swans at Lake Eola, hear tales of the ghosts of the Angebilt Hotel, and learn the storied history of Church Street Station, just to start. Set off on a guided tour with the option to include a scenic boat ride.
This afternoon, embark on a kayaking adventure along Rock Springs Run, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Orlando. During the 2.5-hour tour, you’ll paddle along beautiful turquoise waters, under the shade of moss-laden cypress trees. Keep on the lookout for Florida wildlife, including turtles, alligators, river otters, and deer. If you like, you can even take a dip in the clear spring water, which stays around 70°F (21°C) year-round.
You can’t visit Orlando without getting at least a glimpse of the theme park craze. Close out your day at the free-to-visit shopping district of Disney Springs®—just a 30-minute drive from downtown Orlando. Swap pins of your favorite characters at Pin Traders, listen to live music at House of Blues, create your own custom candy apples at Goofy’s Candy Company, or simply window shop for all sorts of Disney® merch. You can even catch the captivating Drawn to Life show by Cirque du Soleil as the acrobatic cherry on top!
