6-Day Orlando Itinerary: Embrace the Magic of Walt Disney World

Stroll through Disney Springs, wandering World of Disney, The LEGO Store and the Marketplace Co-Op while you get your first taste of Disney atmosphere without using a park ticket.

Ride in a vintage-style Amphicar that drives on land then cruises onto the lake at Disney Springs for a short guided spin with skyline views.

Finish the night with a tasting tray or cold drink on the Coca-Cola Store rooftop, with views over Disney Springs and gentle evening music below.

Arrive before opening at Magic Kingdom to scan into Main Street U.S.A., soak in the first castle view and get a head start on the most popular rides.

Use Disney's virtual queue or pay for an Individual Lightning Lane to race on TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of Magic Kingdom's fastest and most in-demand coasters.

Work your way through Fantasyland staples like Peter Pan's Flight, "it's a small world", The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid.

Join the Keys to the Kingdom walking tour for behind-the-scenes stories, backstage access and those famous Utilidors beneath Magic Kingdom.

Spend the late afternoon on big favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad while lines ease a little.

Claim a Main Street or hub spot to watch Happily Ever After, with castle projections, fireworks and music that hits harder when you are tired and sun-kissed.

Arrive ahead of official opening to take advantage of Early Entry and head straight for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash.

Experience Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, an ambitious multi-part attraction that feels more like stepping into a movie than a ride.

Pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run, then wander Batuu's market stalls, photo spots and character encounters.

Hit Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania! and Alien Swirling Saucers, working Lightning Lane reservations around your timing if you purchased Genie+.

Sit down in air conditioning for shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! or Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage to rest your legs.

Book a VIP viewing package or dining package for the park's nighttime spectacular to secure a better spot without camping out for an hour.

Enter EPCOT at opening, ride Spaceship Earth inside the park's iconic geodesic sphere and get your bearings before the lines build.

Secure a virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT's spinning story coaster with a seriously catchy soundtrack.

Float over global landmarks on Soarin' Around the World, then cool off in The Seas pavilion with Nemo, aquariums and manatees.

Take an afternoon loop around World Showcase, snacking and sipping small bites from several countries instead of one big sit-down meal.

Queue for Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion, then float through the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico for a light, air-conditioned break.

Find a spot around World Showcase Lagoon for EPCOT's nighttime spectacular, timed perfectly after dinner.

Head to Universal Orlando Resort, scan into Universal Studios Florida and set up your Universal Express Pass if you opted to buy it.

Slip through the brick wall into Diagon Alley, ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and watch the dragon breathe fire over Gringotts Bank.

Use your park-to-park ticket to board the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross and ride to Hogsmeade Station with scenes outside your compartment window.

Spend the afternoon in Hogsmeade, tackling Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure along with Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts Castle.

Use the remaining afternoon to hit big thrill rides like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster or The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man depending on your nerve.

Start your last day at Disney's Animal Kingdom with an early ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris when the animals are most active.

Move to Pandora to fly a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, then drift through Na'vi River Journey's bioluminescent jungle.

Walk the animal trails in Asia and Africa to see tigers, gorillas and birds at your own pace, without queues.

Sit down for Festival of the Lion King, a high-energy show with live singers, acrobatics and big nostalgic hits.

For one last dose of thrills, ride Expedition Everest in Asia and then circle DinoLand U.S.A. for a final spin on Dinosaur if time allows.