Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida? Brace yourself for five days of magic, unforgettable moments, and world-class entertainment. From thrilling rides to delectable dining and endless surprises, Walt Disney World offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo in search of the magic, this guide lays out the perfect five-day itinerary. Get ready to experience enchantment at every turn.
Day One
Your Walt Disney World adventure begins with the park that started it all, Magic Kingdom. This is where childhood dreams come alive, and Cinderella’s Castle welcomes you into a land of fantasy. Start your morning with a classic Disney staple, Main Street, U.S.A., and make your way toward the castle for that essential photo-op.
Your first stop? Fantasyland, home to charming rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World. Don’t forget to snag a Lightning Lane pass to minimize wait times. Afterward, head to Adventureland to explore Pirates of the Caribbean and grab one of Disney’s famous Dole Whips from Aloha Isle.
When hunger strikes, plan your lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant, where the iconic ballroom from Beauty and the Beast will transport you straight into the movie. Stick around until midday for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, a dazzling display of floats and characters.
Wrap up your night in Tomorrowland with adventures like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. And for the grand finale, don’t miss the Happily Ever After Fireworks Spectacular over the castle. There’s nothing quite like ending your first day with the sky lit up in true Disney fashion.
Day Two
Day two takes you to EPCOT, a park that seamlessly combines science, technology, and global cultures. Start your morning in Future World, where the attractions take you beyond imagination. Hit up Spaceship Earth (inside the iconic golf ball-looking structure) and the awe-inspiring Mission: SPACE. If you’re a fan of thrills, Test Track lets you design and test your very own race car.
By mid-morning, head to the World Showcase, a sprawling collection of pavilions representing countries from around the globe. Each pavilion offers something special, think margaritas and nachos in Mexico, pretzels and beer in Germany, and sushi in Japan. Pro tip? Pace yourself; there’s so much to eat and drink here that your taste buds may need a fast pass too.
For lunch, book a table at Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion. Their wood-fired pizzas are legendary. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the Showcase while enjoying performances like the Japanese drummers or the street performers of the UK Pavilion.
Top off your EPCOT day with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion and the beautifully choreographed Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular, combining pyrotechnics, fountains, and music from around the world. It’s EPCOT at its most enchanting.
Day Three
Hollywood Studios promises a star-studded Day Three, so roll out the red carpet for yourself. Start with the park’s newest and most popular addition, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Grab a galactic breakfast at Oga’s Cantina, then pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run. For serious Star Wars fans, don’t skip Rise of the Resistance, a cinematic ride experience unlike anything Disney has done before.
Next, venture into Toy Story Land, a whimsical area that shrinks you down to the size of a toy. Slinky Dog Dash is a playful coaster ride, while Toy Story Mania will test your aim in a 4D arcade shoot-off. Feeling peckish? Woody’s Lunchbox serves up gourmet twists on childhood favorites, like grilled cheese and tater tots.
Come afternoon, head to Sunset Boulevard for thrills on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Prefer live shows? Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are crowd favorites.
Dinner can be extra special at The Hollywood Brown Derby, offering a fine-dining experience with a classic Tinseltown vibe. End the day with Fantasmic!, a pyrotechnic and water show that will leave you humming Disney tunes all the way back to your hotel.
Day Four
Spend Day Four in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where nature meets Disney magic. Begin your day with a safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris, an open-air jeep adventure that gets you up close and personal with lions, elephants, and giraffes. Get there early for the best chance to see active animals.
Next, explore Pandora, The World of Avatar, where the bioluminescent forest feels out of this world. Here, the centerpiece ride Avatar Flight of Passage is nothing short of breathtaking, simulating a flight on the back of a banshee. It’s a must-do experience.
Lunch at Satu’li Canteen is another highlight of Pandora, with fresh and flavorful bowls inspired by the Avatar universe. After refueling, trek through Asia for the thrilling Expedition Everest roller coaster and mist-filled Kali River Rapids.
Animal Kingdom is also home to awe-inspiring stage shows like Festival of the Lion King, where acrobatics and music bring Simba’s story to life. Wrap up your wild day by dining at Tiffins, an elegant restaurant with globally inspired dishes, before catching Tree of Life Awakenings. This stunning nighttime projection show transforms the park’s iconic Tree of Life into a living canvas.
Day Five
Finish your Disney vacation with a mix of highlights or by revisiting your favorite park to savor a few more magical moments. If you’re unsure how to structure your last day, here are some ideas:
- Revisit any must-do rides you couldn’t fit in earlier. Maybe you skip back to Magic Kingdom for another spin on Space Mountain or a final look at It’s a Small World.
- Join a character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a close-up with Mickey and friends.
- Explore Disney Springs, a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub where you can pick up souvenirs and sample bites from world-class eateries.
End your trip with a dose of pixie dust at Magic Kingdom. Catch a performance of The Dapper Dans on Main Street or take one last nostalgic ride on The Jungle Cruise. Relish one more scoop of Disney ice cream or a churro as the park’s magic surrounds you.
A Few Pro Tips for Your Enchanting Trip
- Book reservations for restaurants and rides in advance through the Disney Genie+ app. Some of the best attractions and dining spots fill up quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the parks require a lot of walking, so keeping your feet happy is essential.
- Stay hydrated by keeping a refillable water bottle on hand. Florida’s heat can sneak up on you.
- Pack ponchos or umbrellas for sudden rain showers, which are common in Orlando.
- Take breaks during the day to avoid burnout. Enjoy a leisurely meal, or just sit and soak up the atmosphere.
By pacing yourself and planning strategically, you’re guaranteed to turn your Walt Disney World trip into a magical, stress-free experience.
Unforgettable Memories Await
From laughter-filled rides to delicious meals and jaw-dropping shows, Walt Disney World is where the mundane transforms into the extraordinary. With this five-day itinerary, you’ll not only visit the must-see attractions but also experience the true magic woven into the Disney experience.
Whether it’s your first trip or the latest of many, this enchanting adventure is sure to leave you counting down the days until your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
