Leave home early to allow time for parking/rideshare, baggage check and TSA — arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight. It's about 30–60 minutes to the airport depending on your starting point and morning traffic.
Typical nonstop flights run ~2.5–3 hours; you'll fly south across the Midwest and arrive in Orlando around midday. Book an early flight to maximize your first day.
Take an MCO shuttle, rideshare, or rental car to your hotel in the Orlando/International Drive or Lake Buena Vista area and check in. Allow time for luggage drop and quick orientation.
Classic Central Florida BBQ with roomy portions — a relaxed first meal to fuel your trip. Most locations are open midday; good for a quick, satisfying lunch.
A chef-driven gastropub known for seasonal American dishes and craft cocktails — great for a slightly upscale first-night meal (reservations recommended; kitchen usually opens at 5pm).
Both are lively after-dark entertainment districts with shops, street performers and nighttime energy; no park ticket required and many venues are open late (often until 10–11pm or later for CityWalk).
Drive or take a rideshare; arriving 30–60 minutes before official opening (commonly 9:00am) helps you get ahead of lines or use early entry if you have that benefit.
Spend the day on signature attractions (Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park rides, thrill coasters). Parks typically open around 9:00am and close 9:00–10:00pm; check the calendar for exact hours and consider Express Pass upgrades if crowd levels are high.
Waterfront dining with seafood and steak options; Disney Springs restaurants typically serve through 10pm, offering a relaxed post-park dinner environment (reservations recommended).
If you have energy, Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs have late-night entertainment; otherwise, recover at the hotel for the next day's drive to the coast.
Explore exhibits on Apollo, the Shuttle, and Artemis programs; the complex typically opens at 9:00am — allocate 4–6 hours to see the highlights, tram tours and simulators.
Quick lunch inside the complex so you can continue exhibits and the bus tour without losing time; options are cafeteria-style and open during visitor hours.
Short drive south to Cocoa Beach for an afternoon on the sand and a walk on the pier — the pier and beach are public (pier shops/restaurants have their own hours, often open late).
Seafood with ocean views — ideal for a relaxed coastal dinner; many beach restaurants serve dinner through 9:00pm (check specific restaurant hours and reserve if possible).
A calm morning breakfast and final packing; many cafés open by 7:00am and hotels offer grab-and-go options if you prefer an earlier start to the airport.
Harry P. Leu Gardens opens at 9:00am and makes for a peaceful stroll; alternatively, walk Park Avenue in Winter Park for shops and a lakeside feel before heading back to the airport.