48 hours in Orlando

Did you sit at the window on your eleventh birthday, scanning the skies for an owl with your invitation to Hogwarts? Have you used the Force to open automatic sliding doors at the grocery store? Perhaps you look up at the moon on a clear night, wishing you could be exploring among the stars. No matter the inspiration, 2 days in Orlando will make your wildest dreams a possibility. Considering how many theme parks, entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops are in The City Beautiful, you might feel overwhelmed with possibilities. That’s where we come in. We have put together the ultimate weekend itinerary in Orlando to ensure you make the most of every minute.

Day 1

7:00 AM - Feast on an indulgent breakfast

Fuel up for your 48 hours in Orlando with a hearty breakfast at Keke’s Breakfast Café. This local favorite follows the motto “It’s like your favorite diner grew up and went to the city.” We couldn’t put it any better. From waffles to omelets, you can’t go wrong with this menu. We recommend the Florida Pancakes, topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and powdered sugar. Fill up an extra cup of coffee, you have a big day ahead of you.

09:00 AM - Feel the magic of the wizarding world

Be the first in line at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and rush over to Ollivander’s Wand Shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After your wand chooses you, practice your magic throughout the park. You always knew you had magic in you, and this is the chance to practice your skills. Wander through the rest of Diagon Alley and roar through the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid. In Jurassic World, you come face-to...teeth? with velociraptors and a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Hold on tight at the Jurassic Park River Adventure, featuring an 85-foot drop to escape these hungry creatures.

12:00 PM - Sip on some butterbeer

Find your way back to Hogsmeade for a hearty meal at Three Broomsticks. You always wanted to sip a Butterbeer in this rustic tavern, and today that becomes a reality. Chow down on turkey legs, pasties, or shepherd’s pie. Adult witches and wizards can even enjoy a Hog’s Head Brew, one of Hagrid’s favorites.

2:00 PM - Pick up some Galleons at Gringotts

Take the Hogwarts Express to King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios and stop by Gringotts Bank to pick up some galleons. Take a ride on the Escape from Gringotts ride, featuring a fire-breathing dragon, Bellatrix Lestrange, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Who would have thought the dragon would be the least scary thing you come across? Live your life a quarter of a mile at a time with Dom, Letty, Roman, and Hobbs on Fast & Furious: Supercharged. Save time for Gru and the gang on Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and bring an extra banana for your new friends.

6:00 PM - Tap into the Leaky Cauldron

Bangers and Mash from the Leaky Cauldron. A burger and Buzz Cola at Krusty Burger from The Simpsons. Pizza with Woody Woodpecker at KidZone Pizza Company. The dinner choices are endless in Universal Studios, but save room for dessert. Enjoy Pumpkin Juice or Butterbeer Ice Cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. Grab a dozen at Lard Lad Donuts or a Brain Freezin’ D’oh-Nut Sundae. Need a pick-me-up to power you through the rest of the night? Don’t worry...there’s a Starbucks.

7:30 PM - End the day with some more Magic

Give your legs a break for the rest of the night at the Amway Center for an Orlando Magic Game. Don’t panic if a large, green dragon comes to say hello. That’s just Puff the Magic Dragon, the team mascot. With any luck, you might even get to see him launch off a trampoline and make a slam dunk at halftime. 

Day 2

07:00 AM - Enjoy a morning in Lake Eola Park

Stretch out those legs with an early-morning walk (or run) through Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. Need a break to stretch or catch your breath? Pause to enjoy the contemporary art pieces throughout the area, organized by Art Orlando. You have another full day ahead of you, so fill up with breakfast at First Watch.

09:00 AM - Dive into the world of Disney

Beat the crowds to Walt Disney World Resort, with four parks in one spot. Hop in the Millennium Falcon and make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Support the struggle against the First Order on Rise of the Resistance. You can even build your own lightsaber, an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. Sith or Jedi, everyone wants a droid sidekick with an attitude, and you can create one at Droid Depot. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe, this is the Way. Don’t forget the classic rides and attractions, from Main Street, U.S.A. to Tomorrowland. Roar along Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland and stroll the Hall of Presidents at Liberty Square. Use the Monorail to access Future World at Epcot, home of the iconic Spaceship Earth. If you need to cool off, a visit to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach will make quite the splash.

12:00 PM - Grab lunch at the Rainforest Cafe

You have 400 restaurants to choose from throughout the parks and resorts in Walt Disney World. For the sports lover, grab a seat at ESPN Zone and catch all the live games on massive televisions throughout the restaurant. Don’t leave without a picture at the SportsCenter desk, where you can break down your meal with instant replays and post-meal interviews. Welcome to the Big Show! You can also visit the classic Rainforest Cafe for a dining experience like none other. Listen to the singing birds through thundering rainstorms, and keep an eye out for gorillas and elephants. 

1:00 PM - Take your trip to outer space

While Orlando is known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, it is also home to Kennedy Space Center. This is the primary launch point for NASA’s human space travel missions. Feel the force of liftoff on the Shuttle Launch Simulator, meet an astronaut, and see retired rockets from real space missions. Learn more from an awe-inspiring IMAX film and touch a real moon rock in the exhibit area. If you have time, take an airboat safari tour of the nearby Saint Johns River, which you can arrange at the Kennedy Center.  

05:00 PM - Catch incredible views at ICON Park

Get one last look at the skyline of Orlando from 400 feet above on The Wheel at ICON Park. After a full day of exploring and walking, your favorite part of this ride might be the air-conditioned capsule. Snap a selfie as the sun sets on Orlando behind you and reflect on your whirlwind of a weekend. 

06:00 PM - Dinner at Señor Frogs

For your final meal before your return home, and you deserve to go out with a bang at Señor Frogs. Start your meal with the corn on the cob appetizer, sweet corn topped with cheese, chili powder, lime, and mayonnaise. Save room for one more iconic dessert with the What the Frog Brownie. Throughout your meal, sit back and enjoy the live entertainment and music while you scroll through the photos of your visit.

We’d love to hear your Orlando tips in the comments below. Hint: make sure you’re logged into Facebook to share your knowledge with us.

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