No two Disney vacations are the same. Every person has different interests and each family wants different things out of their trip. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation. But, my Walt Disney World Itinerary can help guide you through planning your trip.
This is my suggested 5-day Walt Disney World vacation–including when to visit each park and where to eat. Plus, you only need a 4-day park ticket for my 5-day Walt Disney World Itinerary!
Note: You will need to confirm park closing and show times upon your arrival. QS indicated Quick Service Restaurant and TS is Table Service Restaurant (need a reservation).
Walt Disney World Itinerary Day 1: Disney Springs
Once you arrive in Orlando, Florida, go to your hotel to check-in.
When you have settled in, it’s time to check out Disney Springs. If you’re not familiar with Disney Springs, it’s the area’s ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Learn more about Disney Springs in this informative post. Be sure to stop in World of Disney!
Dinner: Chicken Guy! (QS), Polite Pig (QS), Terralina Crafted Italian (TS), Paddlefish (TS)
Dessert: Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
When you’re finished exploring Disney Springs, head back to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep for your first park day.
Walt Disney World Itinerary Day 2: Magic Kingdom
9 AM: Arrive at Magic Kingdom. Take pictures in front of Cinderella Castle before the park gets crowded.
Breakfast: The Plaza Restaurant (TS) or Crystal Palace (TS Character Dining with Winnie the Pooh and friends)
10 AM: Haunted Mansion
11 AM: it’s a small world
12 PM: Space Mountain or Splash Mountain
Lunch: Columbia Harbor House (QS), Pinocchio Village Haus (QS), Casey’s Corner (QS), Be Our Guest (TS)
Go back to the hotel and rest.
4 PM: Meet Mickey Mouse At Town Square Theater
5 PM: Jungle Cruise or Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
6 PM: Pirates of the Caribbean or Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Dinner: Pecos Bill (my favorite QS), Liberty Tree Tavern (TS)
7 PM: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
8 PM: Disney Enchantment fireworks show
The line for the monorail back to the Ticket and Transportation Center will be long, so I recommend shopping on Main Street, taking more pictures, or getting in line for the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train (right before park closing–may be the same time as the fireworks show).
If there’s time: The Hall of Presidents, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade (3 PM), Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney World Itinerary Day 3: Pool & Hollywood Studios
Take the morning off to recharge. Explore your hotel, spend time by the pool, or just watch Netflix. You’ll need a break for the next two days.
2:30 PM: Arrive at Hollywood Studios
3 PM: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
4 PM: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! or Frozen Sing-Along
5 PM: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
6 PM: Mickey and Minnie Starring In Red Carpet Dreams or Star Wars Launch Bay (meet Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and BB-8)
Dinner: Backlot Express (QS), ABC Commissary (QS), 50’s Prime Time Cafe (TS), Baseline Taphouse (TS), Hollywood and Vine (TS character dining with Mickey and friends)
7 PM: Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Mania!
8 PM: Wonderful World of Animation projection show
Be sure to visit the shops along Hollywood Boulevard on your way out of the park. Hollywood Studios has some of the best shopping.
If you’re with kids: Lightening McQueen’s Racing Academy, Voyage of The Little Mermaid, Disney Junior Dance Party!
Tip: I highly recommend that Star Wars fans make a reservation to have drinks at Oga’s Cantina. It’s an incredibly unique experience!
Walt Disney World Itinerary Day 4: Animal Kingdom & Disney Springs
8:30 AM: Arrive at Animal Kingdom. Take pictures in front of the Tree of Life.
9 AM: Flight of Passage or Na’vi River Journey
10 AM: Festival Of The Lion King
11 AM: Kilimanjaro Safari
12 AM: Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Affection Section
Lunch: Harambe Market (QS), Caravan Road (QS), Dino-Bite Snacks (QS), Yak and Yeti (TS), Rainforest Cafe (TS), Tiffins (TS)
1 PM: Expedition Everest or DINOSAUR
2 PM: It’s Tough To Be A Bug
Go back to the hotel and rest.
6 PM: Go to Disney Springs for the evening.
Dinner: Chicken Guy! (QS), Polite Pig (QS), Terralina Crafted Italian (TS), Paddlefish (TS)
Dessert: Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
If you’re interested in having a drink at Disney Springs, swing by Wine Bar George. I love the Froscato!
Walt Disney World Itinerary Day 5: Epcot
Start your day exploring one of the Disney resorts by having breakfast or lunch at one.
Breakfast: ‘Ohana (Character Dining at the Polynesian with Lilo and Stitch), Trattoria al Forno (Character Dining at the Boardwalk with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric), Cape May Cafe (Character Dining at the Beach Club with Disney Pals), Chef Mickey’s (Character Dining at the Contemporary with Mickey)
Lunch: Grand Floridian Cafe (Grand Floridian), Ale & Compass (Yacht Club), Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
1:30 PM: Arrive at Epcot
2 PM: Spaceship Earth
3 PM: Soarin’ Around The World
4 PM: Living With The Land
5 PM: Frozen Ever After
Dinner: Yorkshire County Fish Shop (QS), Lotus Blossom Cafe (QS), La Cantina de San Angel (QS), Via Napoli (TS), Le Cellier Steakhouse (TS), Tokyo Dining (TS)
7 PM: Beauty And The Beast Sing-Along
8 PM: Harmonious fireworks show
If you are looking for character meet and greets, Epcot has lots: Snow White (Germany), Ralph and Vanellope (ImageWorks), Jasmine (Morocco), Pluto (Legacy West), Mulan (China), Anna and Elsa (Royal Sommerhus), Joy (Future World West), Donald Duck (Mexico), Belle (France), and Alice (United Kingdom).
If there’s time: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, American Adventure, Mission: SPACE
Have a Magical Day
That’s how I would spend my 5-day Walt Disney World vacation. While there is so much to see and do, it’s important to take time to recharge and regroup, too.
Have a magical vacation!
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Article written by Taylor Pittman Hardy of Wherever I May Roam.
Read more from Taylor at:
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort (FL)
