Theme parks are world-class, but there's a lot more here than standing in line for Space Mountain. The trick is knowing what's actually worth your time -- and your money -- when you've got kids in tow.
Two real itineraries, built for families. Each one is ready to customize in TripDeck -- drag activities around, add your own ideas, share with your travel partner.
Best for a long weekend. Hit the highlights without burning out. One park day, one Universal day, one non-park breather.
The full experience. All the major parks plus a rest day, a water park or LEGOLAND day, and Kennedy Space Center. Enough time to actually enjoy it.
Orlando is the obvious pick for a family trip -- and for good reason. Here's what makes it work.
Beyond the headline parks, these are the experiences Orlando families remember most. Sorted by "this was worth every minute" factor.
The castle, the rides, the fireworks. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at rope drop, Buzz Lightyear for the little ones, Space Mountain for teens. The one park that delivers for every age group.
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the best ride in Orlando. The Butterbeer is overpriced but mandatory. Hogwarts Express between parks is part of the magic. Park-to-park ticket required.
Real rockets, real launch pads, real astronaut encounters. The Atlantis exhibit is jaw-dropping. "Lunch with an Astronaut" is genuinely cool -- you eat lunch with someone who's been to space. Book ahead.
Perfect for ages 3-10. Everything is LEGO-themed, the rides are gentle, and the Miniland USA section is genuinely impressive. The water park is a perfect add-on in warm months.
Kilimanjaro Safaris in the morning when the animals are most active. Flight of Passage in Pandora is one of the best rides Disney has ever built. Do a half day -- the park closes earlier than others.
Test Track lets kids design their own car. Frozen Ever After is a must for the Elsa-obsessed. World Showcase: walk the countries, eat around the world. Mexico's boat ride is toddler-friendly and air-conditioned.
The Wheel (observation wheel) gives great views and is calm enough for toddlers. SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds are right there. The combo ticket for all three saves about 30%.
Free to enter. Good restaurants, the LEGO store is basically a free play area, and the Void VR experience is genuinely cool for kids 10+. A solid low-cost evening option.
These activities (and many more) are already loaded in TripDeck. Drag them onto your days to build your schedule.
Open the 6-day plan →What an Orlando family trip actually costs for a family of four. Parks eat most of the budget -- plan accordingly. Based on real 2026 prices.
| Item | 6-Day Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disney parks (3 days) | $1,200 - $1,800 | $109+/person/day. Multi-day tickets save per day. |
| Universal (1 day, park-to-park) | $480 - $600 | $120+/person. Express Pass extra but worth it. |
| LEGOLAND or water park | $200 - $400 | LEGOLAND ~$90/person. Typhoon Lagoon ~$70/person. |
| Kennedy Space Center | $180 - $250 | $57 adult, $47 child. "Lunch with Astronaut" extra. |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $600 - $1,500 | Off-site: $100-180/night. Disney resort: $250-500/night. |
| Food (6 days) | $600 - $1,200 | Park food is $15-25/person/meal. Eat outside parks when possible. |
| Car rental (6 days) | $200 - $400 | Needed for Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND. |
| Total (excl. flights) | $3,500 - $6,200 | Lower end = off-site hotel + fewer park days. |
You have limited time. Here's where to focus -- and what you can comfortably leave off the itinerary.
Yes, but manage expectations. Magic Kingdom and LEGOLAND are the best parks for under-4s. EPCOT and Animal Kingdom have enough low-key rides to fill a half day each. Universal is tough with toddlers -- most rides have height requirements. Budget for stroller rentals ($15-$35/day at parks) and plan for afternoon naps.
Minimum 4 days to hit the major parks without rushing. A week is ideal -- it gives you a rest day and time for a non-park experience like Kennedy Space Center. Trying to do everything in 3 days will leave everyone exhausted.
Late September through early November. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, temperatures drop to the low 80s, and you'll catch Halloween events at the parks. February through early March (before spring break) is also good. Avoid mid-June through August -- the heat and humidity are miserable and every park is at peak capacity.
Different, not better. Universal wins for kids 8+ (better thrill rides, Harry Potter). Disney wins for kids under 8 (more gentle rides, character meet-and-greets, the magic factor). If your kids are 5-12, do both.
Pick a trip length, then drag and drop activities to build your perfect family itinerary. Share the link with your travel partner -- changes sync in real time.
Or plan a custom trip with any dates and destination.