Friday, September 16: Arrival at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Saturday, September 17: Free Day - Explore the Contemporary Resort and Surrounding Areas
Sunday, September 18: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Monday, September 19: Epcot
Tuesday, September 20: Animal Kingdom
Wednesday, September 21: Magic Kingdom
Thursday, September 22: Free Day - Disney Springs, Mini Golf, Water Sports, Pool Day, etc.
Friday, September 23: Epcot's Food & Wine Festival (if scheduled) or International Drive Free Day
Saturday, September 24: Universal Studios
Sunday, September 25: Universal's Islands of Adventure
Monday, September 26: Departure
I assure you that I will be giving a much more in-depth rundown of my itinerary once I know if the Epcot Food & Wine Festival will cross my schedule, but for now I want to show you what you can do with a free day on International Drive.
For anyone that hasn't been to Orlando (or those that need a refresher), here's the map of Orlando and the locations of the parks:
SeaWorld isn't on my itinerary but I've listed it on the map for reference. Now, a closer view of International Drive:
And the black line basically traces I-Drive so that you can get an idea of the areas it touches. It's a tourist's dream! Along this busy road you'll find restaurants, shopping, go-karts, mini-golf, movie theaters, museums, and pretty much any other fun recreation you could ever want. I'm going to list some fan favorites below (** denote personal recommendations):
Mini Golf
Congo River Golf
Volcano Island Miniature Golf
Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf
Lost Caverns Adventure Golf
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf **
Like most mini-golf locations, you can score a free game with a hole-in-one!
Museums
WonderWorks - family/children's science center
Ripley's Believe it or Not! - odd and rare spectacles **
World of Chocolate - a dessert and coffee bar with an optional historical chocolate tour **
Titanic The Experience - artifacts and re-creations of the ship
Madame Tussauds - wax museum of celebrities and historical figures
Miscellaneous FUN
King's Bowl - bowling alley
Monkey Joe's - indoor playground for kids
Artegon Sky Trail - rope course and zip lines
Hard Knocks at Pointe Orlando - laser tag
Rebounderz - trampoline playground
America's Escape Game - small group challenge
CSI: The Experience - identify evidence and solve a crime
iFly Orlando - sky diving wind tunnel
Magical Midway - go karts and midway games
The Orlando Eye - 400 ft observation wheel
Escapology - 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and escape the room
I could list the restaurants but there wouldn't be enough space here to give each option adequate attention. I will say, however, that there are some honorable mentions that I just can't leave out:
- Hash House a Go Go
- Maggiano's
- B.B. King's Blues Club
Sage Fried Chicken and Banana Vanilla French Toast at Hash House a Go Go - the portions are huge!
And of course there are plenty of chain options such as Bahama Breeze, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Applebee's, as well as quick service stops like McDonald's, CiCi's Pizza, and Panda Express. There are meals to fit any budget!
No matter what your plans look like, you can be sure that there is no shortage of options on International Drive. Some places might be pricey so be sure to check out coupons on the visitor's site before you go, as well as the transportation options via the I-Ride Trolley if you prefer not to drive. Been to Orlando lately? Let me know your favorite stops!
