October 2025 Itinerary help

Question

Hi, me and my partner are going to Orlando in October this year and taking the 2 boys (13 & 11) for the first time! So excited but also slightly daunting with information overload!

Any thoughts, tips, recommendations would be gratefully received on our proposed itinerary please!

We will likely be hiring a car. Aware it looks quite full on but just want to make sure we can fit in and see as much as we possibly can while we are there.

Wednesday 22nd October - Morning flight from LHR to Tampa airport staying at

Holiday Inn Orange Lake Resort

Evening at Disney Springs for dinner/ or Starlight/Happily Ever After shows at Magic Kingdom

Thursday 23rd - Rope drop Magic Kingdom / Mickeys Not so Spooky Spectacular

Friday 24th - Rope drop Hollywood Studios / Fantasmic show

Saturday 25th- Discovery Cove

Universal City Walk / Hard Rock Cafe for dinner

Sunday 26th - Morning - Rope drop Animal Kingdom. Afternoon - Typhoon Lagoon

Evening - Disney Springs for dinner / Rainforest Cafe

Monday 27th - Rope drop Epic Universe / Toadstool Cafe

Tuesday 28th - Volcano Bay / i-Drive crazy golf

Wednesday 29th - Rope drop Universal Studios/ Halloween Horror Nights

Thursday 30th - Rope drop Epcot/ Luminous show

Friday 31st - Rope drop Islands of Adventure

Saturday 1st November - Daytime - Kennedy Space Centre / Evening - Magic Kingdom for the Starlight/Happily Ever After shows (if too tired to do this on arrival evening)

Sunday 2nd Seaworld / Clearwater

Flight home 10.15pm

Answer

It sounds like you have an action-packed and exciting itinerary planned for your Orlando trip! With a little organization, you’ll be able to make the most of each day and keep everyone entertained. Here are a few tips and suggestions to make your vacation even smoother:

Rest Days – Your schedule is packed, but try to include some downtime between park visits if possible. Orlando’s theme parks can be overwhelming, especially with younger kids. A bit of rest, especially after longer park days, can make a huge difference in keeping everyone energized and enjoying the experience.
Hydration & Snacks – October can still be hot in Florida, so make sure everyone stays hydrated. Carry refillable water bottles and pack some snacks for energy during park days. You’ll be walking a lot, so keeping energy up is key!
Parking Tips – If you're driving to the parks, be prepared for parking fees. Consider parking at Disney resorts for some flexibility and ease, or use rideshare options if you prefer not to deal with parking at the theme parks. The resort you're staying at (Holiday Inn Orange Lake) is close enough for easy driving access to most parks.

Now, here are a few thoughts on your itinerary:

Wednesday 22nd (Arrival & Disney Springs) – It's great that you're planning a relaxed evening at Disney Springs after your flight. The Starlight or Happily Ever After shows at Magic Kingdom are perfect for winding down and kicking off your trip with some Disney magic. You may want to check showtimes for the best experience.
Thursday 23rd (Magic Kingdom) – Starting early with rope drop is a smart move! Be sure to plan out must-see attractions in advance, such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular is a great nighttime event for families with kids—expect it to be busy, so get there early for a good spot!
Friday 24th (Hollywood Studios) – Rope drop at Hollywood Studios is a must, especially for popular attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Fantasmic is a spectacular show, but keep in mind that it can be crowded, so planning ahead for your seat is essential. You may want to arrive 30–45 minutes early to secure a good spot.
Saturday 25th (Discovery Cove & Universal City Walk) – Discovery Cove is a wonderful experience, especially for a more relaxed day, but be prepared for a full day of fun, as it includes swimming with dolphins and enjoying the park’s many animal exhibits. City Walk and the Hard Rock Cafe are great options for dinner afterward, but it may be late, so keep that in mind when scheduling dinner.
Sunday 26th (Animal Kingdom & Typhoon Lagoon) – Animal Kingdom offers a great mix of rides and animal exhibits. Don’t miss Pandora – The World of Avatar and the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Afterward, Typhoon Lagoon will provide a nice break, but make sure you have the energy for both! You could consider splitting these activities between the morning and afternoon for a more leisurely pace.
Monday 27th (Epic Universe & Toadstool Café) – Epic Universe is an exciting addition to Universal Orlando, and if you're visiting it on opening day, expect larger crowds. Be sure to prioritize your must-see attractions and be prepared for a busy day. The Toadstool Café is a great dining experience, so don't rush through it—take time to enjoy the atmosphere.
Tuesday 28th (Volcano Bay & Mini Golf) – Volcano Bay is a relaxing water park, but be mindful of the weather. If it’s hot, the park can get crowded, so plan on arriving early to get the best spots. i-Drive crazy golf is a great way to unwind after a day in the water, and it's always fun for the whole family.
Wednesday 29th (Universal Studios & Halloween Horror Nights) – Universal Studios is packed with great rides, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Be sure to fit in the popular attractions early, as the park can get busy later in the day. Halloween Horror Nights is an awesome experience but be prepared for long lines and scary scenes. Check the event schedule to ensure you're not missing anything you want to see!
Thursday 30th (EPCOT & Luminous Show) – EPCOT is a wonderful mix of attractions and dining. The Luminous show is spectacular, but since it’s relatively new, expect it to draw larger crowds. Try to plan the rest of your day around it, especially if you want a prime viewing spot.
Friday 31st (Islands of Adventure) – Islands of Adventure is a must for thrill-seekers. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park are highlights, but it’s also great for roller coaster fans. The park is large, so be sure to check the showtimes and attraction availability ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Saturday 1st (Kennedy Space Center & Magic Kingdom) – Kennedy Space Center is a fantastic experience, but be mindful of the time. If you're planning on returning to Magic Kingdom later in the day, make sure you have enough time to enjoy both. The Starlight/Happily Ever After shows are great, but if you're too tired, don’t feel bad about skipping them.
Sunday 2nd (SeaWorld & Clearwater) – SeaWorld is a wonderful park with animal exhibits, shows, and roller coasters. Clearwater offers stunning beaches if you want to relax before your flight, but you’ll need to plan for the drive back to the airport in time for your evening flight.

Overall, it looks like a fantastic itinerary with a great balance of theme parks, water parks, and relaxation. Don’t forget to take breaks when needed and keep an eye on the weather—it can be hot and rainy, so staying flexible will help. Enjoy your Orlando adventure!

October 2025 Itinerary help

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions