Disney World is a dream destination for many people, but planning a trip there can be overwhelming. There are so many things to see and do, and so many factors to consider, such as when to go, where to stay, what to eat, and how to budget. That’s why we have created this 10 day Disney World itinerary, which will help you plan the perfect vacation for your family or friends. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide will give you the best tips and tricks to make the most of your time at the happiest place on earth.
10 Day Disney World Itinerary OVERVIEW
- The best time to visit Disney World is during the off-season, when the crowds are lower and the prices are cheaper.
- The best place to stay at Disney World is at a Disney Resort hotel, which offers many benefits, such as early park entry, free transportation, and themed amenities.
- The best way to get around Disney World is by using the complimentary Disney transportation system, which includes buses, monorails, boats, and gondolas.
- The best way to save money at Disney World is by using Genie+, a paid service that allows you to skip the lines at select attractions, and by booking dining reservations in advance.
- The best way to enjoy Disney World is by following a flexible itinerary that covers the highlights of each park but also leaves room for spontaneity and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival and Magic Kingdom
On your first day, you will arrive at Orlando International Airport and take the free Magical Express bus to your Disney Resort hotel. Check-in, drop off your luggage and head to Magic Kingdom, the most iconic and popular park at Disney World. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at Magic Kingdom:
- Ride the classic attractions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight, and It’s a Small World.
- Experience the thrill rides, such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Meet your favorite characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Belle, and Tinker Bell.
- Watch the parades and shows, such as the Festival of Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and Enchanted Tales with Belle.
- Enjoy the fireworks and projection show, Happily Ever After, which features scenes and songs from Disney movies.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at Magic Kingdom. Some of the best ones are:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: A themed restaurant that recreates the Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast. You can enjoy French-inspired cuisine in one of three elegant dining rooms. You can also meet the Beast after dinner.
- Cinderella’s Royal Table: A fine dining restaurant that is located inside Cinderella Castle. You can feast on royal dishes while being greeted by Cinderella and other princesses.
- Casey’s Corner: A casual eatery that serves American baseball favorites, such as hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and fries. You can also enjoy live piano music and a view of Main Street U.S.A.
Day 2: Epcot
On your second day, you will visit Epcot, a park that celebrates innovation and culture. Epcot is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at Epcot:
- Explore Future World, which features attractions that showcase science, technology, and nature. Some of the highlights are Test Track, Soarin’, Mission: SPACE, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and Spaceship Earth.
- Discover World Showcase, which features pavilions that represent 11 countries from around the world. You can enjoy authentic cuisine, entertainment, shopping, and attractions from each country. Some of the highlights are Frozen Ever After (Norway), Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico), Impressions de France (France), The American Adventure (USA), and Reflections of China (China).
- Experience Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France), a new attraction that opened in October 2021. It is a trackless ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat and takes you on an adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant.
- Enjoy Harmonious (World Showcase Lagoon), a new nighttime spectacular that debuted in October 2021. It is a show that celebrates the power of music and storytelling with fireworks, fountains, lasers, and projections.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at Epcot. Some of the best ones are:
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada): A fine dining restaurant that serves Canadian specialties, such as cheddar cheese soup, filet mignon, and maple crème brûlée. You can also enjoy an extensive wine list and a cozy atmosphere.
- Teppan Edo (Japan): A fun and interactive restaurant that features teppanyaki chefs who cook your food on a grill in front of you. You can enjoy dishes such as steak, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, along with sushi, noodles, and rice.
- Via Napoli (Italy): A casual and family-friendly restaurant that serves authentic Neapolitan pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts. You can also enjoy a view of the Italy pavilion and its replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Day 3: Hollywood Studios
On your third day, you will visit Hollywood Studios, a park that celebrates the magic of movies and entertainment. Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most popular and immersive attractions at Disney World, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at Hollywood Studios:
- Experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a land that transports you to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost in the galaxy. You can explore the shops and stalls of Black Spire Outpost, interact with characters and droids, and join the Resistance or the First Order. Some of the highlights are Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a ride that lets you pilot the iconic spaceship, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a ride that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
- Experience Toy Story Land, a land that shrinks you down to the size of a toy and invites you to play with Woody, Buzz, and their friends. You can enjoy attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster that twists and turns through Andy’s backyard, Toy Story Mania!, a 4D shooting game that tests your skills, and Alien Swirling Saucers, a spinning ride that features the little green aliens from Toy Story.
- Experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a new attraction that opened in March 2020. It is a trackless ride that takes you on a zany adventure through a cartoon world with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
- Experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a thrill ride that drops you 13 stories in a haunted elevator. You can also enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a roller coaster that launches you at high speed while playing rock music.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at Hollywood Studios. Some of the best ones are:
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: A themed restaurant that recreates a 1950s drive-in movie theater. You can enjoy American classics such as burgers, fries, milkshakes, and salads while watching sci-fi clips on a big screen.
- Oga’s Cantina (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge): A lively bar that serves exotic drinks and snacks inspired by Star Wars. You can also enjoy music by DJ R-3X, a former droid pilot who now spins tunes.
Day 4: Animal Kingdom and Water Parks
On your fourth day, you will visit Animal Kingdom, a park that celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature and wildlife. Animal Kingdom is the largest park at Disney World, and features six themed lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at Animal Kingdom:
- Experience Pandora – The World of Avatar, a land that immerses you in the stunning world of the movie Avatar. You can explore the bioluminescent rainforest, fly on a banshee, and sail through a river of wonders. Some of the highlights are Avatar Flight of Passage, a ride that simulates flying on a banshee, and Na’vi River Journey, a boat ride that showcases the flora and fauna of Pandora.
- Experience Kilimanjaro Safaris, a ride that takes you on a guided tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, where you can see over 34 species of African animals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
- Experience Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, a roller coaster that takes you on a high-speed adventure through the Himalayan mountains, where you encounter the mythical yeti.
- Experience Festival of the Lion King, a live show that features acrobats, singers, dancers, and puppeteers performing songs and scenes from The Lion King.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at Animal Kingdom. Some of the best ones are:
- Tiffins Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant that serves global cuisine inspired by the travels of the Imagineers who created Animal Kingdom. You can enjoy dishes such as tamarind braised short rib, whole-fried sustainable fish, and South American chocolate ganache.
- Satu’li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar): A casual eatery that serves healthy and customizable bowls with your choice of protein, base, and sauce. You can also enjoy beverages such as Pandora Sunrise and Night Blossom.
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Asia): A family-friendly restaurant that serves Asian fusion dishes such as honey chicken, Kobe beef burger, and mango pie. You can also enjoy a view of the Anandapur village and its artifacts.
In the afternoon or evening, you can also visit one of the two water parks at Disney World: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. Both parks offer fun and refreshing attractions for all ages, such as slides, pools, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Here are some of the differences between the two parks:
- Blizzard Beach has a winter theme, with snow-capped mountains and icebergs. It features attractions such as Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest slides in the world; Toboggan Racers, a slide that lets you race against your friends; and Ski Patrol Training Camp, an area for kids with slides and obstacles.
- Typhoon Lagoon has a tropical theme, with palm trees and shipwrecks. It features attractions such as Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water coaster that propels you with jets of water; Miss Adventure Falls, a family raft ride that takes you through a treasure-filled cavern; and Ketchakiddee Creek, an area for kids with slides and fountains.
Day 5: Rest Day
On your fifth day, you will take a break from the parks and enjoy some of the other activities and amenities that Disney World has to offer. You can relax at your resort, explore Disney Springs, play golf, or visit other resorts. Here are some of the suggestions for your rest day:
- Relax at your resort: You can take advantage of the facilities and services that your resort offers, such as pools, spas, fitness centers, arcades, and recreation activities. You can also enjoy some of the themed entertainment and dining options that your resort has, such as movies under the stars, character dining, and live music.
- Explore Disney Springs: You can visit Disney Springs, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district that features over 150 venues. You can find everything from Disney merchandise to designer brands, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, from live shows to movie theaters. Some of the highlights are World of Disney, the largest Disney store in the world; The Boathouse, a waterfront restaurant that serves seafood and steaks; The Edison, a steampunk-themed bar and lounge that features live entertainment; and The NBA Experience, a basketball-themed attraction that lets you test your skills and learn about the game.
- Play golf: You can play golf at one of the four championship golf courses that Disney World has: Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail. You can also enjoy mini-golf at one of the two themed courses: Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. You can book your tee times online or by calling (407) WDW-GOLF.
- Visit other resorts: You can visit other Disney Resort hotels and experience their unique themes and amenities. You can use the free Disney transportation system to get around, or rent a bike or a boat. Some of the resorts you can visit are Animal Kingdom Lodge, which features an African safari theme and a savanna with animals; Polynesian Village Resort, which features a South Pacific theme and a beach with a view of Cinderella Castle; Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which features a Victorian theme and a spa with various treatments; and Contemporary Resort, which features a modern theme and a monorail that runs through it.
Day 6: Magic Kingdom and Epcot
On your sixth day, you will revisit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and enjoy some of the attractions and experiences that you might have missed or want to repeat. You can also explore some of the hidden gems and secrets that these parks have to offer. Here are some of the suggestions for your sixth day:
- Explore Tom Sawyer Island (Magic Kingdom): You can take a raft to Tom Sawyer Island, a rustic island that features trails, bridges, caves, and forts. You can also find some hidden treasures, such as paintbrushes, fishing poles, and a secret escape tunnel.
- Experience The Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom): You can watch The Hall of Presidents, a show that features audio-animatronic figures of all 46 U.S. presidents. You can also see some historical artifacts and memorabilia in the lobby, such as George Washington’s sword, Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat, and Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize.
- Experience Living with the Land (Epcot): You can ride Living with the Land, a boat ride that takes you through greenhouses and labs where Disney grows and researches various plants and crops. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour that lets you see more of the agricultural innovations and techniques that Disney uses.
- Experience Impressions de France (Epcot): You can watch Impressions de France, a film that showcases the beauty and culture of France. You can also enjoy some French delicacies at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, a bakery that serves pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from some of the dining options that you might have missed or want to repeat at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Some of the suggestions are:
- Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom): A colonial-style restaurant that serves traditional American fare, such as turkey, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and apple pie. You can also enjoy the patriotic décor and the characters from the American Revolution.
- The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom): A buffet restaurant that features character dining with Winnie the Pooh and his friends. You can enjoy dishes such as honey-glazed ham, roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, and bread pudding.
- Biergarten Restaurant (Epcot): A festive restaurant that recreates a German Oktoberfest celebration. You can enjoy dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and apple strudel. You can also enjoy live music and dancing by a German band.
- Chefs de France (Epcot): A elegant restaurant that serves classic French cuisine, such as escargot, onion soup, beef bourguignon, and crème brûlée. You can also enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower and the World Showcase Lagoon.
Day 7: Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
On your seventh day, you will revisit Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and enjoy some of the attractions and experiences that you might have missed or want to repeat. You can also explore some of the hidden gems and secrets that these parks have to offer. Here are some of the suggestions for your seventh day:
- Experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (Hollywood Studios): You can ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a simulator ride that takes you on a random and unpredictable journey through the Star Wars galaxy. You can encounter different characters, planets, and scenarios each time you ride, making it a different experience every time.
- Experience MuppetVision 3D (Hollywood Studios): You can watch MuppetVision 3D, a 3D show that features the Muppets and their hilarious antics. You can also enjoy the pre-show area, which is filled with jokes and references to the Muppets.
- Experience Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom): You can ride Kali River Rapids, a raft ride that takes you on a wet and wild adventure through the Chakranadi River. You can also learn about the conservation efforts that Disney supports in Asia, such as the Disney Conservation Fund and the Sumatran Tiger Survival Plan.
- Experience Finding Nemo – The Musical (Animal Kingdom): You can watch Finding Nemo – The Musical, a live show that retells the story of Finding Nemo with puppets, actors, singers, and dancers. You can also enjoy the original songs composed by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the creators of Frozen.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from some of the dining options that you might have missed or want to repeat at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Some of the suggestions are:
- Woody’s Lunch Box (Hollywood Studios): A quick-service eatery that serves comfort food inspired by Toy Story, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, tater tots, and pop tarts. You can also enjoy the theming of Toy Story Land and the giant toys that surround you.
- Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios): A fine dining restaurant that recreates the famous Hollywood landmark that was popular among celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s. You can enjoy dishes such as Cobb salad, grapefruit cake, and filet mignon. You can also see the caricatures of famous stars on the walls.
- Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom): A casual eatery that serves smoked barbecue dishes such as ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and macaroni and cheese. You can also enjoy the view of Discovery River and Expedition Everest from the outdoor seating area.
- Tusker House Restaurant (Animal Kingdom): A buffet restaurant that features character dining with Mickey Mouse and his friends in safari outfits. You can enjoy dishes such as spit-roasted meats, curries, salads, and desserts. You can also enjoy the theming of Harambe Market Place and its African-inspired architecture.
Day 8: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
On your eighth day, you will visit Universal Orlando Resort, a theme park complex that features two parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal Orlando Resort is not part of Disney World, but it is a popular destination for many Disney World visitors who want to experience some of the attractions and experiences that are based on movies, TV shows, and books, such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, and Marvel. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at Universal Orlando Resort:
- Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a land that immerses you in the magical world of Harry Potter. You can explore Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, and ride the Hogwarts Express between them. You can also enjoy attractions such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a ride that takes you on a thrilling adventure through the bank vaults; Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a ride that takes you on a flying journey with Harry and his friends; and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a roller coaster that takes you on a wild ride with Hagrid and his creatures.
- Experience Jurassic Park (Islands of Adventure), a land that transports you to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. You can enjoy attractions such as Jurassic Park River Adventure, a ride that takes you on a boat tour through the park, where you encounter dinosaurs and a giant drop; Jurassic World VelociCoaster, a new roller coaster that opened in June 2021, which features high-speed twists and turns with velociraptors; and Camp Jurassic, an area for kids with slides, nets, caves, and fossils.
- Experience The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios), a simulator ride that takes you on a hilarious and chaotic journey through Krustyland, a theme park created by Krusty the Clown. You can also enjoy the theming of Springfield, the hometown of The Simpsons, and visit places such as Moe’s Tavern, Kwik-E-Mart, and Krusty Burger.
- Experience The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Islands of Adventure), a ride that combines 3D animation, special effects, and motion simulation to create an immersive comic book adventure with Spider-Man. You can also enjoy the theming of Marvel Super Hero Island, which features attractions based on other Marvel characters, such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, and Storm Force Accelatron.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at Universal Orlando Resort. Some of the best ones are:
- Leaky Cauldron (Universal Studios): A themed restaurant that recreates the pub from Harry Potter. You can enjoy British dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. You can also enjoy beverages such as butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and gillywater.
- Mythos Restaurant (Islands of Adventure): A fine dining restaurant that features a Greek mythology theme and a view of the park’s lagoon. You can enjoy dishes such as lamb burger, pad thai, and chocolate banana gooey cake.
- Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck (Universal Studios): A quick-service eatery that serves tacos inspired by The Simpsons. You can choose from options such as chicken, carne asada, fish, or veggie tacos. You can also enjoy the theming of the truck, which resembles Bumblebee Man’s costume from the show.
- Three Broomsticks (Islands of Adventure): A casual eatery that recreates the inn from Harry Potter. You can enjoy dishes such as roast chicken, ribs, cornish pasties, and apple pie. You can also enjoy beverages such as butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and firewhisky.
Day 9: SeaWorld and Aquatica
On your ninth day, you will visit SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, two theme parks that feature marine life and water attractions. SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando are not part of Disney World, but they are a popular destination for many Disney World visitors who want to experience some of the attractions and experiences that are based on animals, conservation, and adventure. Here are some of the must-do attractions and experiences at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando:
- Experience Mako (SeaWorld Orlando), a roller coaster that is the tallest, fastest, and longest in Orlando. It features a 200-foot drop, a top speed of 73 mph, and a smooth ride that simulates the movements of a mako shark.
- Experience Dolphin Days (SeaWorld Orlando), a live show that showcases the intelligence, beauty, and grace of dolphins. You can also enjoy Dolphin Encounter, an interactive program that lets you touch, feed, and communicate with dolphins.
- Experience Infinity Falls (SeaWorld Orlando), a raft ride that takes you on a journey through a rainforest, where you encounter rapids, waterfalls, and a 40-foot drop. You can also learn about the importance of freshwater conservation and how you can help.
- Experience Manta (SeaWorld Orlando), a roller coaster that lets you experience the sensation of flying like a manta ray. It features inversions, loops, twists, and turns, as well as a close encounter with real manta rays in an aquarium.
- Experience Ray Rush (Aquatica Orlando), a water slide that features three different elements: a water jet launch, a giant sphere, and a manta wing. You can enjoy the thrill of speed, height, and weightlessness on this slide.
- Experience Dolphin Plunge (Aquatica Orlando), a water slide that takes you through a clear tube that passes through a dolphin habitat. You can see the dolphins swimming around you as you slide down.
- Experience Roa’s Rapids (Aquatica Orlando), a fast-paced river ride that propels you with jets of water. You can enjoy the twists and turns of this ride without a tube or raft.
- Experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls (Aquatica Orlando), a water slide that features four different slides with drop capsules. You can experience the anticipation and adrenaline of not knowing when the floor will open and send you down.
For lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. Some of the best ones are:
- Sharks Underwater Grill (SeaWorld Orlando): A fine dining restaurant that features a view of a shark tank. You can enjoy dishes such as lobster bisque, grilled salmon, filet mignon, and key lime pie.
- Seafire Grill (SeaWorld Orlando): A casual eatery that serves American classics such as burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and wraps. You can also enjoy the theming of the restaurant, which features fire pits and lanterns.
- Banana Beach Cook-Out (Aquatica Orlando): A buffet restaurant that serves barbecue dishes such as ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and corn on the cob. You can also enjoy unlimited soft drinks with your meal.
- Waterstone Grill (Aquatica Orlando): A quick-service eatery that serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. You can also enjoy the view of the park’s lagoon and slides from the outdoor seating area.50’s Prime Time Café: A retro restaurant that serves home-style dishes such as fried chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, and macaroni and cheese. You can also enjoy the humorous interactions with your servers, who act like your family members from the 1950s.
