Get the most out of the world famous theme parks on a short getaway in Orlando with this time-saving itinerary. Then use your Orlando hotel as a base to explore the best of the city’s culture and shopping.Begin your short getaway in Orlando at the world’s favorite theme park, Walt Disney World. Spend your morning at the Magic Kingdom, the original Disney World park. Pass through Cinderella’s Castle, then choose from half a dozen themed lands. Fantasyland features international marionettes and at Tomorrowland you can play Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. Walk along Main Street USA for souvenir shops packed with bejeweled wrist watches, Disney-themed clothing and Mickey Mouse ears. An array of restaurants serves sandwiches, hamburgers and salads.
Start: Magic Kingdom.
Nearest monorail station: Magic Kingdom
After lunch, take the monorail to Epcot Center. The second of Disney World’s theme parks, Epcot is divided into two. Future World’s attractions celebrate imagination and innovation, including the House of Innoventions, a futuristic, computerized house. Rest over tea in the British pavilion or beer and a warm pretzel in Germany in Epcot’s second section, World Showcase. This area highlights global cultures, foods and architecture.
Start: Epcot Center.
Nearest monorail station Epcot Center
Numerous cuisines compete for your attention at Epcot Center. Guests always dine under the stars at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico pavilion, where a recreated night sky is lit up by stars and candlelight. Marrakesh dishes up savory, marinated lamb, kebabs, couscous and thick cups of coffee in the Morocco pavilion. Stay on for the IllimuniNations fireworks and laser light show.
Start: Epcot Center.
Nearest monorail station Epcot Center
Spend the second day in the city itself. Leave your Orlando hotel and head for the trendy boutique shopping in Winter Park. Pick up gauzy tropical dresses, sexy sandals and crystalline jewelry from the shops of Park Avenue and Hannibal Square. Hand-made cheeses and citrus marmalades fill the shelves of Winter Park food markets. Rest on an inviting park bench.
Start: Winter Park.
Take a cab or rent a car
Explore the best of Orlando’s culture at Loch Haven Park, home to two of Orlando’s art museums. The Orlando Museum of Art holds a collection of Ansel Adams photographs, black-and-white prints celebrating the American West. Georgia O’Keefe’s vivid floral scenes are also popular. Loch Haven is also home to the Mennello Museum of American Art, where brightly-colored, primitive rural scenes take center stage.
Start: Loch Haven Park.
Take a cab or rent a car
Head back to Winter Park for bistro dining on Park Avenue. Try the sushi bar at the ultra-cool Room, decorated with dark wood banquettes and glowing orange ceiling lights. Contemporary American foods fill the menu at 310 Park South, including alligator tenderloin and several tuna preparations. Begin or finish with drinks at the Wine Shop, with an innovative Enotechnic system offering samples of hundreds of varietals.
Start: Winter Park.
Take a cab or rent a car
