Everyone who’s ever been on a well-earned vacation will know that while putting your feet up and relaxing is all part of the fun, there’s also an added element of pressure – pressure that stems from not wanting to miss out on anything, and potentially cramming in as much as you can into a short space of time.
It’s a fine line between creating a fun-filled itinerary and feeling overly rushed, especially if you’re traveling with children, but when you visit somewhere like Orlando, Florida, you’ll find that you can easily fill your weekend with great activities and experiences, without feeling like you’re constantly missing out on other things. It all depends on the type of vacation you want to have and the level of forward planning you decide to put into it to make it happen.
Read on to find out how you can enjoy a fun-filled weekend in Orlando without feeling like you’re racing against the clock.
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Make Getting Around Part of the Solution, Not the Problem
You want a fun-filled weekend in Orlando, which means you don’t want to waste valuable time waiting for shuttles or trying to get your head around the local public transport systems. You need to be able to get around quickly and comfortably with everyone in tow. Thankfully, you can quickly rent a car from the airport and enjoy all the flexibility and freedom that comes with it from the moment you land. Orlando is easy to drive around, and because many of its biggest and most popular attractions are spaced quite far apart across the city, having your own mode of transport will ensure logistics aren’t a problem!
What to Pack – and How it Makes a Difference
The more organized you are, the less time you’ll have to spend seeking out stores for swimwear, goggles, sunglasses, and medicines, or anything else you’ve left behind! Packing well for Orlando can ensure everyone is comfortable, cool, and ready for action! Consider the following suggestions.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
- For Families: Snacks, wet wipes, small backpacks for kids, a stroller if needed, and a portable phone charger.
- Entertainment & Extras: Camera or cell phone for photos, rain ponchos for sudden showers, and any tickets or passes printed or in digital form.
- Clothing: Light, breathable layers for daytime, a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking in parks and around attractions.
Plan Smart – Not Harder!
There’s a lot to see and do in Orlando, from glorious beaches and plenty of great shopping experiences to its world-famous theme parks, nature reserves, and more! So, rather than just leaning into spontaneity and hoping for the best, visitors are advised to plan ahead as much as possible.
This means focusing on what you want to achieve each day and planning that day accordingly. For example, if you want to have a theme park day, choose a specific day to make this happen and then plan that day well. This includes things like purchasing tickets, looking into options like lightning lanes or rope drop to skip the queues, finding out what shows and parades are on, and whether there are any character dining experiences you want to enjoy. Whatever you choose to do, remember that flexibility is always key. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, so have something else in mind to fill the gap or simply go with the flow.
Try to Balance the Excitement with Downtime
This is especially true if you have small children travelling with you, or if you find crowds and heat a little too overwhelming. The key to enjoying Orlando and its high-energy atmosphere is to make sure you work in some downtime throughout the day.
If you have a big theme park day planned, make sure you weave in plenty of other, smaller and relaxed activities so burnout doesn’t creep in. This could look like sitting in the shade and having a Mickey Waffle, strolling around Disney Springs, or taking in the air-conditioned shops in ICON Park. Why not head back to the hotel and enjoy a pool afternoon – it’s a great option after a busy morning in Orlando! Just remember to pack lots of snacks and have plenty of water breaks in the Orlando heat and sun. No one wants to spend their vacation feeling unwell!
Make the Most of Short Time
To make the most of your trip, you need to accept that you’re simply not going to see and do everything in Orlando in one weekend – but that’s ok! As long as you focus on what’s important for you and your family, you’re sure to have a great time, even if it’s just a short one. Starting your days nice and early and then having afternoon downtime before heading out again in the early evening is a popular way of managing time in Orlando.
Make use of technology and apps to make your trip run a little smoother and to enjoy it to the full. This could look like using Disney apps to manage and monitor the wait times in the theme parks, ordering food to your hotel, or booking things in advance.
Final Thoughts: Always Leave Room for Spontaneity
Planning is super important and key to making the most of your fun-filled weekend without feeling the pressure. However, leaving room for the unexpected is also essential. And some of the best vacation memories come from those impromptu moments! Whether it’s the hilarious waitress who had you all laughing in that diner you happened across, a magical street performer you saw by chance as you walked through ICON Park, or that moment you got chatting to some locals at a bar you happened to wander into.
If you’re with your children, consider letting them choose one activity each during the vacation, even if it’s a small one – just to keep everyone happy. And remember, the more flexible you are and open to changing your plans, the more fun you’ll be able to fit into your Orlando weekend.
Contributing Author, Julia Evans – Expert on helping you make vacations more magical.