How to Build a 3, 5, or 7 Day Orlando Family Vacation Itinerary
By Kate Cohen
February 5, 2026
Orlando is a globally loved destination when it comes to family vacations.
Our world class theme parks and family-friendly entertainment draw millions of visitors to Central Florida every year for magic and memory-making.
But with so much available to do, building an itinerary can feel overwhelming.
Let us help!
At Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, we’ve helped thousands of families make the most of their Orlando vacay.
We’ve put together some sample schedules to inspire your next trip.
Here’s how to build a 3, 5, or 7 day Orlando family vacation itinerary.
Key Takeaways
- Tips for Planning an Orlando Family Vacation
- 3-Day Family Itinerary: Orlando Highlights
- 5-Day Family Itinerary: A Balanced Adventure
- 7-Day Family Itinerary: The Full Orlando Experience
- How Staying in a Family-Friendly, Central Hotel Makes All the Difference
Tips for Planning an Orlando Family Vacation
1. Stay Central for Maximum Convenience
Our number one tip for making the most of your Orlando vacation?
Location, location, location.
Staying central means your itinerary will never be limited due to distance.
Take, for example, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista. Our hotel is conveniently situated amidst theme parks, shopping, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. As our guest, you’ll spend less time getting to your destination and more time enjoying it.
2. Build Rest Time into Your Schedule
It’s understandable to want to take advantage of every moment you spend in Orlando. But trust us, you’ll appreciate a bit of built-in downtime, too.
Regardless of how long you’re in town, make sure you set aside some time to give both your brain and body a rest.
If you’re staying at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, try lounging by one of our seasonally heated pools, watching the kids play in the splash pad, or enjoying a well-deserved drink at Comfort Zone Bar & Grille.
3. Balance Theme Parks with Free or Low-Key Activities
Packing your vacation full of theme park days is an easy way to burn out. Crowds, heat, and yes, cost, can push even the most prepared travelers to the brink of exhaustion.
Instead, balance your days at the parks with other Orlando activities that are easy on your timeline and budget.
Check out our beautiful natural parks, meander through museums, try a local restaurant, or treat yourself to a bit of shopping. Your body and your wallet will thank you.
4. Consider Transportation Options
Orlando is a sprawling city with a variety of neighborhoods, areas, and highways, making transportation an important consideration for any vacation.
You’ll likely have the most freedom if you have a car, though parking costs can add up, especially at theme parks.
On the other hand, rideshares will save you parking fees but can get expensive if you’re using Uber or Lyft every time you need to get somewhere.
Shuttles are a budget-friendly option, but you’ll have to rely on their schedule to get to your destination.
There’s no right or wrong way to get around Orlando. Just take the time to do your research and decide which option is best for you and your itinerary.
3-Day Family Itinerary: Orlando Highlights
A 3-day Orlando vacation may sound short, but it’s the perfect amount of time to check off a few items from your “must-see” list.
Day 1: Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios
Use the first day to visit your top choice theme park. Arrive early and prioritize your “must-do” attractions (while releasing the pressure to try and squeeze everything into a single day).
Once you’ve hit your favorite rides and shows in the morning, spend the afternoon doing character meet-and-greets or exploring designated kid zones and play areas.
If you’re at a park with a nighttime fireworks show, it’s definitely worth staying late and crossing it off your bucket list. Just know you may be fighting crowds on the way back to the parking lot.
If a day at the theme park from open to close isn’t feasible, you can always return to your hotel for a midday nap or some pool time, then head back to the park in time for fireworks.
Day 2: Animal Kingdom / SeaWorld / ICON Park
On the second day of your trip, check out a smaller theme park like Animal Kingdom or SeaWorld Orlando (pick based on your family’s interests, like animals, rides, shows, etc.).
Enjoy lunch at a kid-friendly restaurant and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Then, return to your hotel for an early evening of pool time and enjoy dinner somewhere close to where you’re staying.
A great non-theme-park option is nearby ICON Park, which is home to a variety of attractions including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, The Museum of Illusions, and the towering Orlando Eye observation wheel.
Day 3: Water Park + Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the third day of vacay is perfect for enjoying one of Orlando’s four epic water parks.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer cleverly themed environments (like a fully melted ski resort), whereas Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay transports guests to a tropical island getaway.
SeaWorld’s Aquatica is great for families of all ages with everything from splash pad playgrounds to thrilling water slides.
If you prefer to stay dry, enjoy a more relaxed final day of shopping, dining, and entertainment at a unique destination like Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk.
5-Day Family Itinerary: A Balanced Adventure
Five days in Orlando offers a wonderful balance of adventure and leisure for true vacation vibes.
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
Enjoy a classic family-friendly theme park experience by kicking off your vacation at Magic Kingdom.
Explore Cinderella Castle, check out classic rides like It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion, and meet your favorite Disney characters throughout the park.
Remember to bring an extra charging bank for your phone so you can capture every magical moment and memory all day long.
Day 2: EPCOT or Universal Epic Universe
Day two is the perfect opportunity to enjoy another day at the theme park tailored to the kiddos.
Families with toddlers should consider EPCOT, which is the perfect place to meet the most Disney princesses of any Disney theme park. Plus, it has toddler-friendly rides like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Older kids and teens may enjoy Universal Epic Universe, where they can tackle thrilling rides like Stardust Racers, meet a famous night fury dragon, and discover a new world of magic and wizardry.
Day 3: Rest Day + Resort Amenities
After two long days at the theme parks, day three is ideal for rest and recovery.
Play, lounge, and splash by the hotel pool on a hot day or, if you’re staying with us, burn off some extra energy on the Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista playground. The onsite arcade is perfect entertainment on a rainy day (or a sunny one, for that matter).
After a day of relaxing fun, treat yourself to a great meal, perhaps at one of the restaurants at nearby Disney Springs or Pointe Orlando.
If hanging at the hotel isn’t quite enough to fill your day, try a half-day activity like mini golf, bowling, or even catching a movie.
Day 4: Animal Kingdom or SeaWorld
Day four is the perfect time to return to the theme parks.
Sprinkle in some animal attractions with a trip to Animal Kingdom or SeaWorld Orlando, where you can admire some of the planet’s most remarkable creatures.
Animal Kingdom is also known for its sensational shows like The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue..and Beyond!
SeaWorld Orlando is home to some of the area’s best roller coasters, as well as Sesame Street Land for younger visitors.
Day 5: Water Park + Disney Springs/CityWalk
On your final day of vacation, unwind with some shopping at the Orlando outlets or one of the whimsical boutiques at Disney Springs.
Treat yourself to something extravagant and delicious at a dessert spot like The Sugar Factory in ICON Park or JoJo’s Shake Bar in Pointe Orlando.
Soak up some last-minute sun, grab your final souvenirs, and enjoy a restful last day of your trip.
7-Day Family Itinerary: The Full Orlando Experience
A full week in Orlando allows families to enjoy theme parks and nearby attractions as well as Orlando hidden gems and local hotspots.
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
Once again, we recommend kicking off your week in Orlando with a day spent among castles, princes and princesses, and Mickey Mouse himself at Magic Kingdom.
Enjoy the midday Festival of Fantasy parade as it strolls down Main Street U.S.A. or stick around until nightfall to catch the dazzling new Disney Starlight parade with illuminated floats.
There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at Magic Kingdom, from toddlers to teens and beyond.
Day 2: EPCOT or Hollywood Studios
Keep the theme park energy rolling on day two with a second Disney day.
Star Wars and Pixar fans will love a visit to Hollywood Studios, where Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land await.
If you’re looking for another nighttime show, be sure to stay late for Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios. This spectacular performance features pyrotechnics, fireworks, stunts, and aquatic special effects.
EPCOT is ideal for foodies, but it truly has something for everyone. Pro tip: don’t skip out on their beautiful aquarium, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, to spot thousands of marine animals including sharks, rays, turtles, manatees, and more.
Day 3: Rest Morning + Local Attractions
By day three, it’s time for a break from the theme parks.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel with breakfast (did we mention we have a kids eat free program at our onsite Fountain View Cafe?) and perhaps some pool time.
In the afternoon, check out a nearby kid-friendly attraction like Crayola Experience, WonderWorks, or Ripley’s Believe it Or Not. If you’re willing and able to travel toward Downtown Orlando, the Orlando Science Center is another fabulous option.
Day 4: Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure (Park-to-Park)
Universal Orlando Resort offers plenty of family-friendly fun, especially for older kids and teens.
Day four is all about adventure and thrills. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are conveniently located next to each other, so you can easily jump back and forth with a park-to-park ticket.
Don’t get us wrong, you could definitely spend a day at each park on its own. But when it comes to park-hopping, these two universal theme parks are a great and convenient option.
Day 5: Animal Kingdom or Epic Universe
Have we mentioned how much we love Animal Kingdom? It truly has everything: live entertainment, beautifully immersive animal exhibits, amazing food, and more.
Plus, it closes relatively early, alleviating the pressure to stay late for a fireworks show.
If you’re digging the Universal theme park vibes, check out Orlando’s newest park, Epic Universe. Here you’ll find five beautifully themed worlds inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO, classic Universal monsters, and the beauty of the celestial universe.
Day 6: Orlando like a Local
You’ve explored the entertainment district of Orlando: now it’s time to see its authentic side.
Make your way to Downtown Orlando and take a walk around beautiful Lake Eola Park. You can even rent a swan-shaped boat and paddle out onto the water for an even more breathtaking view.
Wander through the historic Leu Gardens for a gorgeous botanical experience or take in the sights of the wealthier residential area of Winter Park on the serene Winter Park boat tour.
Speaking of Winter Park, shop and dine your way down Park Avenue, a beautiful cobblestone street lined with high-end boutiques, stores, and restaurants.
Catch a family-friendly show at Orlando Family Stage or take the little ones to an indoor playground like The Burrow where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while they roam and play.
There are so many things to do in Orlando beyond its theme parks. The best part about taking a longer vacation here is that you’ll have more time to explore The City Beautiful for the remarkable, creative, diverse, and exciting place it is.
Day 7: Water Parks or Disney Springs
Give your vacation one last sprinkle of theme park magic with a day at one of Orlando’s entertaining water parks.
Alternatively, your last day is a great opportunity to go to Disney Springs and shop for any last-minute souvenirs. It’s also the perfect spot for a special final meal in Orlando at one of its wonderful restaurants.
However you end your trip, be sure to make time to soak in the wonder of your vacation and recharge before your journey home.
How Staying in a Family-Friendly, Central Hotel Makes All the Difference
The key to a memorable and enjoyable family vacation is setting yourself up for success. Staying in a family-friendly hotel with a convenient location is one of the best choices you can make while traveling.
Being close to all the entertainment and action means you spend less time traveling from place to place, balancing more fun and less stress.
Spacious, comfortable rooms are ideal for families who need a restful place to recharge at the end of a long day filled with sun and memory-making.
Hotels with amenities like pools and onsite breakfast make downtime a breeze (and hotels with playgrounds, splash pads, and arcades are even better!)
What do all of these must-haves have in common?
You can find them all – and more – at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Plus, we’re a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, meaning Disney has recognized us for our commitment to upholding specific standards and delivering outstanding customer service.
It also means you can benefit from close proximity to Walt Disney World theme parks, purchase park tickets at the attraction concierge desk in our lobby, and enjoy complimentary shuttles to select Walt Disney World theme parks.
Whether your vacation lasts for three days, five days, seven days, or longer, we would be delighted to host you and your family for a trip you’ll treasure forever.
Let Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista help you make the most of your vacation itinerary.
