Orlando is the ultimate playground for kids and adults alike, combining thrilling theme parks, interactive science centres, lush parks and gorgeous beaches to explore during your cruise holiday.
With everything from Disney magic to the odd rocket launch, Orlando is a destination that promises big smiles and lifelong memories for the whole family. And with Cruise & Stay options available, you can extend the adventure to places like the Bahamas for a holiday that’s part theme park fun, part beach escape.
If you’re planning a Florida holiday and wondering how to make the most of your time, this guide has you covered. Here’s the ultimate 10-day Orlando itinerary that hits all the highlights, with each day packed full of activities for every age.
Is Orlando good for families?
Orlando isn’t just the theme park capital of the world; it’s a dream destination for families. You’ll find endless activities catering to all ages and interests, from young children to teens and adults.
The best part? Most attractions offer child-friendly dining options and entertainment geared toward younger visitors, making it easy to keep everyone happy.
So, whether you’re zooming through the roller coasters at Universal, marvelling at space shuttles at Kennedy Space Center, or exploring Orlando’s parks and beaches, there really is something for everyone.
Planning a family trip to Orlando
For families looking to maximise their Orlando adventure, it’s important to plan your trip carefully and consider what you want out of your Floridian holiday. If you’re hoping to include a little downtime and relaxation in between the theme parks and other tourist hotspots, there’s plenty of opportunities.
Cruise & Stay packages provide an exciting way to extend your holiday, allowing you to fully explore areas that you may have only spent a day or two in during your cruise. Whether that’s an extra day at Disney or another day lounging around on Cocoa Beach, a Cruise & Stay holiday is an ideal way to get a bit more out of your getaway.
The ultimate Orlando itinerary for families
Here’s your 10-day family itinerary to experience Orlando to the fullest. If you’re staying longer, don’t be afraid to add in an extra day to relax in between or move the days around to fit your schedule. We’ve included a couple of days at the city’s most action-packed destinations so you can make sure to soak up the sunshine and the culture of Orlando.
Day 1: Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom & EPCOT)
Kick off your Orlando holiday with Disney’s Magic Kingdom, where Cinderella’s Castle, It’s a Small World, and thrilling rides like Space Mountain await. Little ones will love meeting their favourite characters, while older kids can try out the park’s famous coasters.
After a day of fairytale fun, hop over to EPCOT in the evening to explore its World Showcase, where you can “travel” to 11 different countries, each with themed dining and attractions. The nightly fireworks will cap off your first night with a bang, ready for day 2.
Our food recommendation: Dine at Via Napoli in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion for family-style pizzas that everyone will love.
Day 2: Kennedy Space Center
Blast off to the Kennedy Space Center for a day of space exploration. Kids and adults alike can marvel at the history of NASA’s space missions, see real spacecraft, and even try out astronaut simulators. A highlight for families is the Shuttle Launch Experience, where you can feel what it’s like to blast off into orbit.
Our food recommendation: Try Orbit Café at the Space Center, which offers child-friendly options like pizzas and burgers.
Day 3: Lake Eola Park
Take a breather from theme parks with a relaxing day at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Kids can enjoy the swan boat rides on the lake, and parents will appreciate the beautiful scenery. There’s also a playground, which makes it a perfect spot for a low-key day with space to unwind.
Our food recommendation: Head to World of Beer, which serves up family-friendly fare and a wonderful view of the lake.
Day 4: LEGOLAND Florida
A dream come true for any LEGO fan, LEGOLAND offers rides, water play areas, and tons of LEGO-themed attractions. Ideal for younger children, LEGOLAND features everything from roller coasters to interactive play zones and LEGO replicas of famous landmarks.
Our food recommendation: The Burger Kitchen is a great burger joint where Sparky the chef cooks up an all-new menu perfect for the entire family.
Day 5: Universal Studios
Dive into the magic of movies at Universal Studios, where families can enjoy rides and shows inspired by blockbuster films and TV shows like Harry Potter, The Simpsons, and Despicable Me. If you have Potter fans in the family, don’t miss the chance to stroll through Diagon Alley and board the Hogwarts Express.
Our food recommendation: Try The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley for British-inspired dishes like fish and chips, maybe giving you a taste of home away from home.
Day 6: Cocoa Beach
Recharge with a day at Cocoa Beach, only about an hour from Orlando. Enjoy some sand, sun, and waves as you relax on Florida’s coastline. For families, there are gentle waves and plenty of spots to grab an ice cream or beachside snack, and for the more adventurous amongst you, there’s sure to be a wave to ride.
Our food recommendation: Check out Coconuts on the Beach for a casual meal with ocean views, offering everything from seafood to sandwiches as well as fantastic live music.
Day 7: Walt Disney World Resort (Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom)
For day 7, you can head back to Disney to explore Hollywood Studios, home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Kids can fly the Millennium Falcon, build their own lightsaber, and even meet characters from the movies like Kylo Ren and Rey! Then, make your way to Animal Kingdom, where you can see exotic animals, ride the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage, and experience the musical Festival of the Lion King.
Our food recommendation: Try Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora area for a huge range of Na’vi inspired food that is both tasty and unique!
Day 8: Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a great place to explore on a quieter day. With interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, outer space, and the natural world, kids will stay engaged while learning about the wonders of the universe as well as the world around them.
Our food recommendation: If you just want a quick bite to eat then check out Subway within the Science Center or head to nearby 4 Rivers Smokehouse for some of the best BBQ in Orlando.
Day 9: Islands of Adventure (Universal)
Another trip to Universal for Islands of Adventure. This day will be filled with thrill rides and character meet-and-greets. From Marvel superheroes to Jurassic Park dinosaurs, the attractions here are action-packed, with highlights like the VelociCoaster for the thrill seekers and the family-friendly Pteranodon Flyers.
Our food recommendation: For a themed dining experience, Mythos in the Lost Continent area offers a great mix of Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cavern-like setting that’s a brilliant and immersive experience for diners.
Day 10: ICON Park
Oh no! The last day! Well, you can wrap up your Orlando trip with a visit to ICON Park. This entertainment complex offers attractions like The Wheel, a 400-foot Ferris wheel with amazing city views, allowing you to take one last look at this action-packed city. Other family-friendly activities include Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, making it an ideal final-day stop.
Our food recommendation: Try Yard House at ICON Park for an eclectic mix of options, from burgers to pasta, so even the fussiest of eaters can leave with a belly full of food.
Top Cruise Lines for Orlando Cruises
Surely, after hearing all you can get up to in just 10 days in Orlando, you’re ready to book your Florida cruise with Cruise Nation. Well, there are a few options to consider for cruise lines that we work with, here are just a few of them.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Known for its family-friendly activities, Royal Caribbean offers everything from rock climbing and ice-skating to waterslides and kids’ clubs. Its Bahamas itineraries are perfect for a short island escape after Orlando, with stops at private islands like CocoCay.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Offering a relaxed “freestyle” cruising experience, Norwegian caters to families with their Splash Academy kids’ program and an array of family suites. Cruises from Port Canaveral often include stops in the Bahamas, giving you that tropical experience along with beach time.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers a European twist on cruising, with family-friendly services and dedicated kids’ zones featuring LEGO and Chicco play areas. The line’s Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral include stops in the Bahamas, plus lots of family amenities onboard.
Princess Cruises
Known for its upscale yet family-friendly atmosphere, Princess Cruises features excellent kids’ programs and hands-on activities like “Movies Under the Stars.” With varied itineraries to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Florida it’s a lovely way to unwind.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival’s fun-first approach is perfect for families, offering water parks, sports zones, and themed kids’ clubs. Sailing to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Carnival cruises keep the entertainment coming, both onboard and onshore.
Orlando offers families the best of all worlds – thrilling theme parks, hands-on learning experiences, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. By exploring Florida on a cruise holiday, you can blend excitement and relaxation for the ultimate family holiday. So, pack your bags (and your appetite) for an Orlando holiday that’s bound to create lifelong memories for the whole family.