Orlando: where family dreams come true
There are places that immediately bring out the child in all of us… and Orlando is definitely one of them.
Located in the heart of sunny Florida, Orlando is a destination where fairy tales become real, movie worlds come alive and every day feels like a new adventure. It is the place where you can walk through the gates of Disney World in the morning, step into the world of Harry Potter in the afternoon and end your day watching the sunset with a cold drink in your hand.
For families, Orlando is almost impossible to beat. The combination of world-famous theme parks, warm weather, endless activities and the typical American “everything is bigger” feeling makes it a destination your kids will remember for years.
But Orlando is not just about theme parks. The best Florida holidays are often a mix of excitement and relaxation. A few magical park days, a villa with a swimming pool, shopping for American goodies, discovering beautiful beaches and exploring a little more of Florida.
We created this 2-week Orlando itinerary to help you find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxing family time.
How to get to Orlando
From the Netherlands, Orlando is easy to reach. Several airlines fly from Amsterdam, and the flight time is around 10 hours.
We always recommend comparing different airports and travel dates before booking. Sometimes flying from Düsseldorf or Brussels can save quite a bit of money, especially for a family holiday.
✈️ Travelicious tip: Don’t only look at the cheapest flight. Check baggage allowance, departure times and flexibility too. A slightly more expensive ticket can sometimes make your journey much easier with children.
We usually compare flights through platforms such as Skyscanner and Kiwi https://kiwi.tpk.lu/yeKdZ0b5 and Tix to find the best options.
Getting around Florida
A rental car is almost essential when visiting Orlando and the surrounding areas. The city is very spread out, and having your own car gives you so much more freedom.
Want to spend the morning at a theme park, take a break at your villa in the afternoon and go out for dinner in the evening? With your own car, it is easy.
We personally like using Discover Cars, https://discovercars.tpk.lu/ciSbEadR because their all-in insurance makes travelling much more relaxed.
🚗 Travelicious tip: Florida is made for road trips. Don’t underestimate the distances, but also don’t be afraid of them. Driving through Florida with palm trees outside your window is part of the adventure!
Where to stay in Orlando with kids
One of the best things about Orlando is the choice of accommodation.
Many families choose a hotel close to the parks, which can be convenient when you want to maximise your theme park time.
However, our favourite option for families is often a villa with a private pool.
After walking thousands of steps through Disney or Universal, there is nothing better than coming home, jumping into your own pool and enjoying a relaxed evening together.
Look around areas such as:
- Lake Buena Vista
- Kissimmee
- Davenport
- ChampionsGate
These areas are popular with families because they offer space, pools and easy access to the parks.
The best time to visit Orlando
Florida is sunny almost all year round, but choosing the right time can make a big difference.
The quieter periods are usually outside school holidays, especially:
- January and February
- November
- beginning of December
The weather is often lovely and the parks are generally less crowded.
Summer holidays are also a popular time for European families, but be prepared for heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms.
June until November is hurricane season. Most holidays go completely according to plan, but Florida weather can be unpredictable, so keeping some flexibility is always a good idea.
Your 2-week Orlando family itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Orlando – start slowly
After your flight, collecting your rental car and adjusting to the time difference, we recommend keeping your first day relaxed.
Pick up some essentials at a big American supermarket like Walmart or Target (which is honestly an experience in itself!), settle into your accommodation and enjoy the pool.
Because tomorrow the magic begins…
Days 2-6: The Orlando theme park magic
Day 2: Magic Kingdom – the Disney dream
For many families, this is the moment they have been waiting for.
Walking down Main Street USA and seeing Cinderella Castle for the first time is something special. The music, the atmosphere and the excitement on children’s faces make this a memory you will keep forever.
Magic Kingdom is the Disney experience many people dream about:
- meeting favourite characters
- enjoying classic attractions
- watching the parade
- ending the day with the magical fireworks
Our biggest Disney tip? Don’t try to do everything.
Take your time, enjoy the details and remember that the magic is often found in the small moments.
👉 Read our full guide: Disney World Orlando with kids: everything you need to know
Day 3: Universal Orlando Resort – stepping into movie worlds
Universal Orlando feels completely different from Disney.
Here you don’t just visit a theme park; you step into your favourite movies.
The absolute highlight is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Walking through Diagon Alley, exploring Hogsmeade and taking the Hogwarts Express between the parks feels incredibly special, even if you are not the biggest Harry Potter fan.
But Universal is much more than Harry Potter. The incredible theming, movie worlds and family attractions make it a fantastic day out.
👉 Read our full guide: Universal Orlando with kids: the ultimate family guide
Day 4: Relax day – shopping, swimming and Disney Springs
After two big theme park days, your feet might appreciate a slower day.
This is the perfect moment to:
- relax by the pool
- explore Disney Springs
- visit the outlet malls
- buy some typical American snacks
Disney Springs is a great evening destination. Entrance is free, there are plenty of restaurants and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Families love places like T-Rex, where dinner becomes an adventure surrounded by dinosaurs.
Day 5: SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is a wonderful addition to your Orlando holiday, especially for families who love animals.
It combines:
- amazing marine life
- educational experiences
- shows
- attractions
It is a different experience from Disney and Universal and gives you another side of Orlando.
👉 Read our full guide: SeaWorld Orlando with kids: everything you need to know
🐬 Travelicious tip: When buying your ticket, keep your receipt. SeaWorld regularly offers return opportunities where you can visit again for free within a certain period. Always check the current conditions when booking.
Day 6: Choose another magical day
With so many parks, one Orlando holiday is never enough.
Depending on your family, choose another favourite:
Disney fans might love:
- Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Land
Universal fans might want another day exploring the parks.
Or simply enjoy a relaxing day before your next Florida adventure.
Day 7: Kennedy Space Center
After several theme park days, Kennedy Space Center is the perfect change of pace.
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this is where you discover the incredible story of NASA and space exploration.
Highlights include:
- rockets
- astronaut experiences
- space missions
- Space Shuttle Atlantis
Children can learn while having fun, and many parents are surprised by how fascinating this day trip is.
Days 8-10: Florida beach escape
After all the excitement, it is time for some beach days.
Florida has some incredible family-friendly beaches.
Clearwater Beach
A favourite for families:
- soft white sand
- calm water
- beautiful sunsets
- dolphin cruises
Cocoa Beach
Closer to Orlando:
- relaxed surf atmosphere
- wide beaches
- perfect combination with Kennedy Space Center
This is the part where you slow down, build sandcastles, swim and enjoy the Florida lifestyle.
Days 11-13: Miami and the Florida Keys
Continue your Florida adventure south.
Miami with kids
Miami is colourful, vibrant and surprisingly family-friendly.
Explore:
- South Beach
- the Art Deco district
- Little Havana
- Wynwood Walls
- a boat tour around Biscayne Bay
👉 Read our guide: Miami with kids: the best family tips
The Florida Keys
The drive to Key West along the Overseas Highway is an adventure by itself.
The turquoise water, bridges and tiny islands make this one of the most beautiful road trips in the USA.
Enjoy:
- colourful streets
- relaxed island vibes
- beautiful sunsets
- snorkelling trips
👉 Read our guide: Florida Keys with kids: the ultimate family road trip
Day 14: Back to Orlando
Depending on your flight time, return to Orlando for your journey home.
Maybe squeeze in:
- one last shopping trip
- your favourite American breakfast
- one final swim
And start dreaming about your next Florida adventure…
Because that is the thing about Florida: one trip is never enough.
Our Travelicious Florida tips
Don’t rush
Florida has so much to offer that it is tempting to plan every minute. But the best memories often happen between the highlights.
A pool afternoon, an ice cream after a park day or watching the sunset together can be just as special.
Balance is everything
The perfect Florida holiday combines:
✨ magic
✨ adventure
✨ relaxation
✨ family time
Plan your theme parks wisely
Tickets can be confusing, especially when visiting multiple parks. Compare the different options before booking and think about what fits your family best.
Continue your Florida adventure
Want to discover more?
Read our other Travelicious guides:
🎢 Disney World Orlando with Kids: Our Honest Family Guide + Best Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
🪄 Universal Orlando with kids: movie magic, adventure & the ultimate family day out
🐬 SeaWorld Orlando with Kids: Our Surprising Family Adventure
🌴 Miami with Kids – Sunshine, Beaches & Family Fun
🚗 Road Trip from Miami to Key West – Sun, Tarpons & Key Lime Pie
Florida is not just a holiday destination. It is a place where family memories are made.
