Two Seniors - Potential itinerary
We have a cruise already booked - round trip from Miami - thinking about this itinerary:
Day 1) Fly into Orlando airport (we live in Arizona) - spent that night at a nice Orlando airport hotel - convenient to the Brightline train station
Day 2) Take private car hire to DisneyWorld - to spend the day (we really only just want to "experience" the park - Mostly the Magic Kingdom - Mainstreet, just 2 or 3 rides, lunch at fun sit-down restaurant - train around the park when our feet get tired - nice restaurant at sit-down restaurant - maybe watch the fireworks (yes -we know that one day is hardly enough for most people) - take private car back to hotel at the Orlando airport - night 2 at that hotel
Day 3) take the Brightline train down to Miami to catch cruise ship
Seeing comments/suggestions - Thanks !!
Your itinerary sounds very doable and well-paced for seniors who want to experience DisneyWorld without the stress of full park immersion. A one-day visit to Magic Kingdom focusing on Main Street and a few rides is a realistic plan, especially if you plan to rest often and use transportation within the park.
Day 1 – Orlando Arrival
- Stay near Orlando International Airport for convenience. Options include the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport or the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside, which are both comfortable and close to the airport and Brightline station.
- Evening: If you have energy, you could enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel or nearby, as traveling from Arizona may be tiring.
Day 2 – Magic Kingdom Experience
- Private car hire is ideal for seniors, allowing flexibility and comfort. Travel time from the airport area to Magic Kingdom is roughly 30–40 minutes.
- Park plan: Focus on Main Street, U.S.A., a few gentle rides (e.g., “It’s a Small World,” “Jungle Cruise,” or the “Liberty Square Riverboat”), and enjoy the parades and atmosphere.
- Consider using the park train or resort monorail to move around if walking becomes tiring.
- Lunch: Choose a table-service restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere, such as The Crystal Palace or Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
- Fireworks: Watching the fireworks from Main Street is perfect for a one-day visit. There are designated viewing areas if you want a clear view without crowds.
- Evening: Return to your hotel via private car. Allow extra time for evening traffic if staying late.
Day 3 – Brightline to Miami
- Take the Brightline train from Orlando to Miami. Ensure you book tickets in advance, as seats can sell out, especially during peak travel periods.
- Brightline provides a smooth, comfortable journey and avoids the stress of driving and parking in Miami.
- Arrive in Miami with ample time to reach your cruise ship terminal. Depending on your train arrival, you may have a short window to grab a snack or coffee before boarding.
Additional Suggestions
- Consider purchasing Genie+ for Magic Kingdom to minimize wait times for a few key rides. This is particularly helpful if your goal is a relaxed experience with limited rides.
- Pack light snacks and water, as staying hydrated in Orlando heat is important, especially for seniors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks often to fully enjoy the park without fatigue.
Overall, your plan balances convenience, comfort, and the experience of DisneyWorld in a manageable way. It allows you to enjoy the Magic Kingdom highlights without rushing and ensures a stress-free transition to your Miami cruise.
