Why go
Orlando is home to some of the world's biggest theme parks, but there is more: clear spring-fed rivers, lakeside towns and Florida's Space Coast an hour away.
What to pin
01The theme parks Pick your parks first and plan a rest day between them.
02Kennedy Space Center About an hour east, with rockets you can stand beneath.
03Wekiwa Springs Swim or paddle in a clear spring north of the city.
04Winter Park Lakes, a scenic boat tour and a walkable main street.
Where to stay
Near the parks you plan to visit, International Drive for restaurants, or Winter Park for something calmer.
When to go
January to April and October to early December avoid the worst heat. Summer brings afternoon storms; hurricane season runs June to November.
Ideal pace
Plan for 4-6 days. Travel slowly enough to notice where you are instead of racing through a checklist.