Orlando Universal Studios and Walt Disney World Family Trip from Boise

Morning: Boise to Orlando

Plan an early departure from Boise Airport so the group has time for check-in, security, and a connection; this route will typically take about 7–10 hours total. With 14 travelers, arrive roughly two hours before departure and keep medications, chargers, swimsuits, and one change of clothes in carry-ons in case checked bags are delayed. After landing at Orlando International Airport, allow 60–90 minutes for baggage, regrouping, and the rental-car process.

Afternoon: Vans and Hotel Arrival

Collect the pre-reserved vans or large SUVs at the Orlando International Airport rental-car center, confirming that every driver is listed and that car seats or booster seats are ready if needed. The drive to the Universal Orlando hotel area generally takes 25–35 minutes via FL-528 and I-4, though evening traffic can add time. Make a quick grocery or pharmacy stop only if necessary; after a travel day, getting everyone checked in and settled is more valuable than trying to fit in extra sightseeing.

Evening: CityWalk Dinner and Bowling

Once refreshed, take an easy one-hour stroll through Universal CityWalk, which is free to enter and usually stays lively into the evening; parking is generally complimentary after 6 p.m., though policies can change. Have dinner at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, where the broad menu works well for a large mixed-age group and the elaborate milkshakes are the main event. Expect about $25–$50 per person before gratuity, and join the waitlist early or request a reservation because a party of 14 may not be seated immediately.

After dinner, head to the Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort bowling alley for an optional relaxed hour. Check the day’s lane availability and operating hours before walking over, since lanes can fill quickly and bowling fees, shoe rental, and food or drinks are extra. Keep this last activity flexible: families who are worn out from the flight should return to the hotel, while the adults can divide supervision so the children get a little fun without turning arrival night into a late one.

Morning: Major Rides at Universal Studios Florida

Arrive at Universal Studios Florida about 30–45 minutes before the scheduled opening so your group can clear security and be near the gates when early entry begins. Start with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, then work toward Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers: The Ride-3D before wait times build. The park generally opens around 9:00 a.m., but hours and early-entry access can change, so check the Universal Orlando app the night before. With 14 travelers, split into smaller ride groups when needed; the park’s child-swap rooms are especially useful for families with younger children. Wear comfortable shoes, bring refillable water bottles, and budget roughly $130–$180 per adult for a one-day ticket if tickets have not already been purchased, plus food and souvenirs.

Late Morning and Lunch: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley

Spend the late morning wandering through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley, where the tucked-away entrance, crooked storefronts, interactive wand locations, and window displays are best enjoyed without rushing. Allow about two hours, particularly if the children want to try several wand effects or browse Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. For lunch, eat at Leaky Cauldron, whose hearty British-style meals—such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie—are convenient for a large group. Expect about $18–$30 per person, and try to arrive before the busiest noon period; mobile ordering or joining the restaurant queue in the Universal app can save time.

Afternoon: Characters and a Relaxed Finish at Universal CityWalk

After lunch, use the Universal Orlando app to check the day’s character schedules and choose encounters that suit the younger children, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes. Meet-and-greets can appear in different areas of the park, so treat this as a flexible block rather than crossing the park repeatedly for one character. When everyone is ready to leave, walk through Universal CityWalk for an easy evening stroll and snacks. CityWalk is open late, and most venues are casual, but a group this size should expect waits at peak dinner hours; splitting up briefly for ice cream, pretzels, or other snacks makes the end of the day smoother. Universal parking is typically around $30 for regular daytime parking, though hotel transportation or a rideshare drop-off can avoid the parking garage; if you are driving, remember the walk from the garage to the park entrance can take 15–20 minutes.

Morning: Islands of Adventure’s Big Rides

Arrive at Universal’s Islands of Adventure 30–45 minutes before the posted opening, allowing time for security and the walk from the parking garage. Go first to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, then head to Jurassic World VelociCoaster before the lines build; both have 48-inch height requirements and are best handled with the group’s older children and adults rotating through. Use the official Universal app for live wait times, mobile ordering, and height information. Afterward, regroup around The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a good all-family attraction with a shorter height requirement, and plan a brief water-and-snack break—January is cooler, but Florida sun still catches up with a large group.

Late Morning and Lunch: Hogsmeade

Spend about 90 minutes wandering The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade, including the shops, snowy village details, and the area around Hogwarts. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is here if some family members want another major attraction, though its motion effects can bother younger children. For lunch, settle into Three Broomsticks around 11:00 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. to avoid the busiest window; budget roughly $18–$30 per person, with hearty platters and child-friendly options. With 14 travelers, split into two ordering lines or use mobile ordering where available, then choose a table before everyone collects food.

Afternoon: Seuss Landing and a Flexible Finish

Walk through Seuss Landing after lunch and give the younger children 60–90 minutes for colorful attractions such as The Cat in the Hat. This is a useful slower-paced section after the morning coasters, and adults can take turns accompanying children while others rest in the shade. Finish at The Incredible Hulk Coaster viewing area in Marvel Super Hero Island: thrill-seekers can ride while the rest of the group watches launches and regroups nearby. The park commonly operates into the evening, but confirm January 23 hours in the Universal app; if everyone still has energy, continue nearby rather than forcing another long queue. Expect parking around $32 for standard daytime parking, with rideshare drop-off at the Universal Orlando Transportation Hub as an easier option for three families.

Morning: A Slower Start at Universal Volcano Bay

Make this the relaxed day of the Universal portion of the trip. Check the official app for the January opening time—Universal Volcano Bay often opens later or adjusts operations seasonally—and aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before opening. If you are driving, use the Universal Orlando parking garage; standard parking is usually around $32 before tax, with a complimentary shuttle connecting the garage to the water park. With 14 people, reserve a few complimentary lounge chairs early, or consider a paid cabana or premium seating area if available. Bring waterproof phone pouches, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes; winter temperatures can be pleasant but breezy, and water attractions may close temporarily for cool weather or lightning.

Start with the Krakatau Aqua Coaster before the queue builds, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes. The ride uses rafts and can be a fun shared challenge for the older children and adults, while younger kids can enjoy the surrounding wave pool and calmer play areas at their own pace. Keep your group flexible rather than trying to move all 14 people together—set a meeting point near the park’s central volcano, and use the Universal app for wait times and weather alerts. Around midday, eat at Whakawaiwai Eats, budgeting about $15–$25 per person; order in waves so one adult from each family can hold your seating while others collect food.

Afternoon and Evening: CityWalk Games and Doughnuts

After roughly five to six hours at the water park, change and take the shuttle or walk through the parking complex to Universal CityWalk. Allow 20–30 minutes for drying off, collecting belongings, and regrouping. Your next stop is Universal’s Great Movie Escape, where the group will split into smaller teams for an interactive themed escape-room experience; the full activity takes about 1½ hours, and advance reservations are wise for a party this large. It is indoors, making it a good late-afternoon choice if the weather turns cool. Finish at Voodoo Doughnut, where unusual doughnut flavors make an easy shareable dessert—expect about $5–$12 per person. CityWalk generally remains open late, but confirm attraction and restaurant hours in the app before leaving the hotel; rideshare pickup is at the designated transportation area, while the parking garage usually charges after the initial free evening window.

Morning

Arrive at Magic Kingdom Park before opening—ideally around 7:30–8:00 a.m., depending on the day’s posted hours and Early Entry eligibility. If driving, remember that parking is at the Transportation and Ticket Center, followed by the monorail or ferryboat to the entrance; with 14 people, rideshare drop-off at the Transportation and Ticket Center can be simpler than coordinating several cars. Head into Fantasyland first for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, allowing about an hour with the standby queue; check the My Disney Experience app that morning for wait times or Lightning Lane availability. Keep the group together with a designated meeting point, since younger children can easily get separated in the opening rush.

After the coaster, wander toward Cinderella Castle and use the hub or the castle forecourt for the group photo—morning light is usually kinder, and this avoids trying to gather everyone later. Continue into Adventureland for Jungle Cruise, a good breather after the busier Fantasyland start and suitable for all ages. Grab water and a small snack before the queue, especially for the children; January is cooler, but the Florida sun still catches up with you. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes for the castle stop and about an hour for the cruise, with extra flexibility for stroller parking and bathroom breaks.

Lunch and Evening

For lunch, keep your Liberty Tree Tavern reservation in Liberty Square; the all-you-care-to-enjoy meal typically runs about $40–$65 per person before tax and gratuity, and reservations are especially valuable for a group this large. Expect about 90 minutes, making it a useful reset: let the kids eat properly, refill water bottles, and consider a short, informal break afterward rather than forcing everyone straight into another attraction. Spend the afternoon meandering through the park at an easy pace, regrouping near Cinderella Castle or Main Street, U.S.A. as needed. For Happily Ever After, claim a viewing area along Main Street or the central hub well before showtime—check the official app for the exact schedule, as nighttime entertainment varies. After the fireworks, wait 15–20 minutes before leaving; the crowds at the monorail, ferryboat, and buses are much more manageable, and your group can exit together without rushing.

Morning

Arrive at EPCOT around 7:30–8:00 a.m., depending on the posted opening time and whether your group is eligible for Early Entry. Have tickets, park reservations if required, and the Disney app ready before security; with 14 people, split into smaller walking groups rather than trying to stay in one cluster. Begin in World Celebration with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, using your earliest reservation or virtual queue return time, then fit in any other prebooked attractions while crowds are still building. Move on to The Seas with Nemo & Friends in World Nature; allow about 90 minutes for the gentle ride and the excellent aquarium afterward. January mornings can be cool, so bring a light layer, but afternoons are often warm enough for short sleeves.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk back toward World Celebration for lunch at Connections Eatery, a practical choice for a large mixed-age group because everyone can order separately from globally inspired options. Budget approximately $15–$25 per person, and use mobile ordering if available to reduce the wait; plan about an hour. After lunch, take your time exploring World Showcase clockwise, beginning with Japan, then Morocco, France, and the United Kingdom. This section is best enjoyed as a stroll rather than a checklist—browse the shops, gardens, cultural displays, and entertainment, and let the children take breaks along the lagoon. Allow roughly three hours, with plenty of water and comfortable shoes.

Evening

Stop at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion for shareable pastries and light snacks, budgeting about $5–$15 per person. It is a useful rest stop before the nighttime show, though seating can be limited, so send one or two adults ahead to find a table. Finish at World Showcase Lagoon with Luminous The Symphony of Us, checking the official Disney app for that evening’s schedule because showtimes and operation can change. Arrive 30–45 minutes early if the whole group wants a clear lagoon view; after the fireworks, wait a few minutes before leaving, since the exit paths and transportation queues are busiest immediately afterward.

Morning: Rise of the Resistance and Batuu

Arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 45–60 minutes before the posted opening time. With 14 people, have one adult confirm everyone’s tickets and app access while the rest of the group clears security in smaller clusters. Head first to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, unless a Lightning Lane reservation makes more sense; standby waits can climb quickly, and the attraction may occasionally pause. Afterward, settle into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a couple of hours—wander through Batuu’s winding alleys, browse the Resistance and First Order areas, and let the children spot the small details rather than rushing from ride to ride. Keep water handy and use the My Disney Experience app to monitor waits.

Lunch and Afternoon

Eat at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo around midday, when the shaded seating becomes especially valuable. Expect roughly $15–$25 per person; mobile ordering through the Disney app is the easiest option for a large group, though place orders in a few batches so meals do not arrive all at once. After lunch, walk to Toy Story Land and allow about two hours for Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania!, and the colorful family attractions. Slinky Dog Dash is popular, so use a Lightning Lane if the wait is too long for the younger children. January weather is usually comfortable, but bring a light layer for the evening and plan a short indoor break if anyone needs a reset.

Evening: Sunset Boulevard and Fantasmic!

Continue to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard. The thrill-seekers can ride while younger children or anyone avoiding the drop attraction browse the nearby shops and shaded areas; check the posted height requirement before joining the queue. Have a snack or early dinner nearby rather than leaving the park, then arrive at Hollywood Hills Amphitheater 30–45 minutes before Fantasmic! if the show is operating that night. Showtimes and capacity vary by calendar, and the amphitheater can fill well before curtain, so verify the schedule in the Disney app. Afterward, stay together through the exit crowds and agree on a meeting point near the entrance; rideshare pickup can be slow, while Disney transportation is included with park admission but may require a wait.

Morning

Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 45–60 minutes before the posted opening time. If you’re staying near Universal, allow roughly 30–40 minutes by car via I-4 W, plus time for parking and the internal tram; rideshare drop-off is generally easier for a group of 14. Start in Discovery Island, then make your way to Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora—The World of Avatar. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass may be available depending on the 2027 system, so check the My Disney Experience app before leaving the hotel; otherwise, expect a potentially long standby wait. Give the simulator experience about an hour, including the queue.

Late Morning and Lunch

Continue to Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa, ideally before the warmest part of the day, when many animals are active. The experience itself is about 20 minutes, but allow up to 1½ hours for walking and waiting. Afterward, walk to Satu’li Canteen in Pandora for lunch—customizable bowls, cheeseburger pods, and large portions make it one of the better quick-service choices for a mixed-age group. Plan on $15–$25 per person, and use mobile ordering to avoid sending one person to manage a large counter order.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa, where the shaded paths and animal habitats make a welcome change from ride queues; allow about an hour, but let the children set the pace. Then return toward Discovery Island and settle at Nomad Lounge for snacks and nonalcoholic drinks, budgeting roughly $10–$25 per person. It is a good place for the adults to regroup while younger travelers cool off, though seating can be limited and walk-up waits are common. Check the park app for the day’s closing time and nighttime entertainment, but avoid adding another major attraction—Animal Kingdom is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, and the group will appreciate an early dinner or return to the hotel after Nomad Lounge.

Morning: Hotel Checkout and Transfer to Orlando International Airport

Check out of your Lake Buena Vista hotel about 3–4 hours before the scheduled flight, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes to reach Orlando International Airport via FL-528 East—longer if traffic or rental-car return lines are heavy. For 14 travelers, assign one adult to confirm passports or IDs, boarding passes, medications, chargers, and children’s carry-ons before loading the vehicles. If you rented vans, refuel near the airport and return them at the Rental Car Center; the airport’s automated people mover connects the rental facility with the terminals, so keep essentials in a day bag rather than buried in luggage.

Midday: Orlando International Airport

After returning the vehicles and checking bags, follow signs to your airline’s terminal and security checkpoint. Plan extra time for a large group: families may be split into separate security lines, and January mornings can still be busy. Once through security, regroup near the departure gate rather than trying to stay together through the entire terminal. MCO has restaurants, coffee counters, children’s play areas, and the Orlando International Airport train-style people mover, but food near the gate can be expensive—buy snacks and refillable water bottles after security if the flight is long.

Afternoon and Evening: Return Flight to Boise

The Orlando–Boise trip will usually take about 7–10 hours total with a connection, depending on the airline and layover city. Keep tablets, headphones, snacks, empty water bottles, and a change of clothes accessible for the children; winter connections can also mean delays or colder weather on arrival. After landing at Boise Airport, collect checked bags before splitting up for rideshares, family pickups, or prearranged vehicles. Have each family confirm its own bags and transportation before leaving the baggage claim area, especially if the flights arrive late or the group is divided across connections.