3 Days in Orlando for First Timers

South Florida is full of sunshine and entertainment. From animal attractions to water parks and fairgrounds, Orlando is a great getaway spot. Here are our top tips for first-time visitors.

Published: July 18, 2024
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Heading to Orlando for a long weekend without any firm plans? Check out our suggestions for things to do during three days in Orlando. This itinerary is filled with tons of fun for the whole family and is designed to give you a great overview of the area’s best attractions.

This 3 day itinerary includes:

  • WonderWorks
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
  • Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World
  • The Wheel at ICON Park
  • Gray Line Orlando Tour
  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
  • Fun Spot America
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando

Only have a few days in Orlando? We’ve also put together a sample 2 day itinerary.

DAY 1 Stop #1:WonderWorks

WonderWorks Orlando is one amazing attraction. For starters, everything is upside-down! With more than 100 fun and interactive exhibits to explore, you’ll never tire of this place. Some highlighted exhibits include a 36-foot-tall indoor ropes challenge course, a 4-D Extreme Motion ride, simulated earthquakes and hurricanes, a machine that allows you to measure the speed of your baseball pitch, and many more!

Among these many delightful activities, a few of our favorites also include an awesome glow-in-the-dark ropes course and the always-enjoyable laser tag. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

two-cute-kids-watching-variety-colorful-aquarium

Home to more than 5,000 diverse sea creatures from vibrant, tiny little fish to a Giant Sea Octopus, SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando is an excellent place for those who love animals and all things aquatic. Filled with multiple themed habitats and several interactive components – including a very popular rock pool filled with sea anemones – this aquarium is a must-visit.

You should also make sure not to miss Orlando's only 360-degree ocean tunnel, which allows you to walk *under* majestic sea creatures.

Stop #3: Gatorland

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There’s no other place quite like it in the world – Gatorland is a truly unique destination dedicated to the most iconic of all Floridian creatures, the alligator. Of course, they’ve got a few crocodiles, too! You’ll experience everything from tours and performances to exhibits and nature walks, all contained within this 110-acre wildlife preserve. There’s even a petting zoo! (Don’t worry – there are no alligators there.)

Be sure to also check out their Gator Gully Splash Park, which turns this already awesome attraction into a delightful place to be amid Florida humidity. This attraction is a quintessential destination for the Orlando traveler. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Stop #4: The Wheel at ICON Park

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You've got to make sure you spend some time at the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast! The Wheel at ICON Park offers truly astonishing views of Orlando – stretching far and wide. No matter what time of day you plan to visit, we are sure you will have amazing sights of the Central Florida.

This place is an amazing addition to I-Drive. You're also very close to a number of other fun attractions that you could explore, either in addition to today's itinerary, or on another day. From an aquarium to a museum to a golf course, there is plenty to love about this area!

DAY 2 Stop #1: Gray Line Orlando Day Tour

Since you spent most of yesterday indoors, dedicate today to exploring the great outdoors. This day-long excursion provides a comprehensive perspective on the city of Orlando and its surrounding environs.From Lake Eola and charming Winter Park to the shopping distinct of Park Avenue and Disney’s City of Celebration, you’ll get a great overview of the area’s biggest highlights.

You’ll even get plenty of time on your own to spend exploring each distinct neighborhood. This tour lasts for approximately 7 hours. Because the tour does last all day, plan to each lunch along the way – perhaps along Park Avenue?

DAY 3 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® Florida

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is actually the biggest LEGOLAND® park in the world, and that’s saying something! This 150-acre theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, and gardens for you to explore – all of which are LEGO®-themed.

We should also note that this is primarily designed for children ages 12 and under, so if you're a party of all adults, or with older children, you can substitute another attraction for LEGOLAND -- perhaps the iconic Kennedy Space Center?

Check out our guide for tips on visiting LEGOLAND Florida before your visit. We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Fun Spot America

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Looking for some extreme fun? Then check out Fun Spot America, one of Orlando’s more accessible theme parks. It’s a great way for everyone to burn off some steam and to keep the kids entertained after lunch.

Some of the things to do at this amazing theme park include include go-karts, bumper boats, bumper karts, the White Lightning roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a suspended car called the Paratrooper. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Madame Tussauds Orlando

Madame Tussauds Orlando

For a final excellent I-Drive option to round out your three days in Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando is a fine choice. This international sensation offers excitement, inspiration, and just plain fun in one fun attraction.

Come here to see your favorite celebs in their signature scenarios, from Taylor Swift mid-concert to Shaq hitting a layup. Other themed areas include Film, History and Leaders, A-List, TV, and more. Don't forget to snap those perfect photos for Instagram!

Save up to 50% on Orlando attractions  

Remember, this 3 day Orlando itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Central Florida. A pass with Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Discover our full line-up of Orlando attractions from Kennedy Space Center to Fun Spot America.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Pick whichever Orlando attraction pass suits you, and save as you sightsee!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Orlando's Hidden Gems
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Orlando's Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path

Heading to a new city on vacation and seeing all experiencing all the top attractions is all well and good, but sometimes, you want to head off the beaten path and check out an area's hidden gems. Not only will you have smaller crowds and shorter queues, but it also gives you bragging rights when discussing said vacation with friends and family. That's why we're here to help. Check out our picks of Orlando's hidden gems, and get ready to blow people away. Including: Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Congo River Adventure Golf Gatorland Lion Country Safari and more! Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Orlando is known for many things; giant seaside properties, massive theme parks, and much more. But what Orlando also boasts is swamp land, and a lot of it. So, if you're in the city and want to see the side of it untouched by people, why not take an airboat tour of Orlando's swamps? With your expert pilot/guide in tow, you'll dash across murky waters in one of the most desolate places in America. Keep a camera or phone on hand because you'll need to take photos of alligators, turtles, birds, and many more species that call the swamp home. But let's be honest; the 'gators are the star of the show. If you want to almost guarantee you'll see them, you best take one of the earlier tours, because the best times to see them are before 10AM. Sure, that's an early start for a vacation, but it's worth it. Then when your tour ends, head to the gift shop for some 'gator-themed souvenirs. Congo River Adventure Golf There are many small joys in life. And while plugging a USB cable in the right way first-time is unarguably top of that list, right beneath it is mini golf. Nothing quite beats putting balls in holes without the pressure of impressing wealthy people. But have you ever mini-golfed in the Congo? No, of course not. Well, at Congo River Adventure Golf, you absolutely will. Featuring a full course of 18 challenging yet fun holes to overcome, you and some buddies will slowly work your way to the end, all the while surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and sneaky gorillas watching from behind rainforest. And, because it's in Orlando, you can also pet alligators, because of course you can. Congo River Adventure Golf is arguably one of Orlando's hidden gems, but it's absolutely worth a visit for a fun-filled afternoon. Gatorland What were we just saying about Orlando and alligators? While often overshadowed by the likes of Kennedy Space Center, SEALIFE, and a certain rodent-faced theme park, Gatorland may not be considered one of Orlando's hidden gems by locals or alligator enthusiasts. But for the rest of us, it probably is, and it more than earns its place on our list. For more than 50 years, Gatorland has brought the joy of alligators to the masses. And what joy is that, you ask? Well, you can watch a 'gator feeding frenzy at the Gator Jumparoo Show, watch death-defying shows of bravery at Alligators: Legends of the Swamp, and even pet some of the less-toothy animals at a petting zoo. There's plenty more to enjoy here, but you'll have to head there yourself to see it all. Lion Country Safari Orlando - and Florida in general - clearly has a love for wild and dangerous creatures. It must be from growing up so close to all them alligators. But the Lion Country Safari is 'gator-free, so if you're looking to see some exotic wildlife in their unnatural habitat - yes, including lions - then head on down for a rip-roaring time! You'll see giraffes, zebra, rhinos, and wildebeests all wandering around, doing what they do. And those are just some of the many wonderful beasts you'll encounter on your trip. Some will even come right up to your jeep, so prepare to snap some close-ups! And best of all, many people don't even know Orlando has a safari park, not only making it one of the city's hidden gems, but ensuring you won't have to queue for hours to see it all. Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour We're going back to the water for our next pic of Orlando's hidden gems, but we're getting a bit more up close and personal now. Sure, you can look beneath your feet on this Glass Bottom Boat tour, but why not take the plunge and go snorkeling instead? Hop aboard a 45-foot, fully-outfitted catamaran as you make your way to the not-so-famous Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges, where your ship will drop anchor and give you a chance to meet some sea life up close. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and a range of colorful fish as they swim all around you. Whether you're a snorkeling pro or a complete newbie, you're more than welcome to put some kit on and get in the water, so don't let a lack of experience stop you! Just make sure you bring your camera, and preferably a waterproof one! Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise And finally, we'll end our exploration of Orlando's hidden gems by exploring the world of those who can afford plenty of them. Yes, we're entering the world of the rich and famous, seeing where the money lives, and feeling deeply envious about the whole endeavor. Take this Millionaire's Row sightseeing cruise, and you'll board a luxury yacht to go and see luxury houses. You'll pass by Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Millionaire's Row, and much more, and your multi-lingual guide will be on hand to tell you what you're looking at. No matter rain or shine, you'll be well-served thanks to a fully air-conditioned viewing platform below deck, snacks and drinks to tuck into, and, of course, plenty of rich people's houses to photograph. And those are our picks of Orlando's hidden gems! Of course, there's plenty more to Orlando than the lesser-known attractions. So, if you want to see all of the city's best bits for one low price, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you're in complete control.
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