MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Walt Disney World

Day Trips from Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Florida, USA Travel Guide

Universal Orlando Resort

Approximately 10-15 miles north of Walt Disney World. Travel time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Reach via taxi, rideshare, or rental car. Organized tours available. Easy to visit independently.

Allocate a full day for each main park, or 2-3 days to experience both main parks and popular attractions thoroughly.

Attractions

  • Universal Studios Florida
  • Islands of Adventure
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Volcano Bay Water Park

Natural Escapes

Florida features many natural attractions beyond the theme parks, with opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Wekiwa Springs State Park is approximately 30 minutes north of Orlando. This park features clear, natural springs. Blue Spring State Park is approximately 45 minutes north of Orlando, known as a winter refuge for manatees.

Activities & Wildlife

  • Swimming and kayaking at Wekiwa Springs
  • Manatee viewing at Blue Spring
  • Boardwalks for wildlife observation

Closest Beaches

Florida features flat landscapes with numerous lakes, wetlands, and pine forests. These areas exhibit distinct natural beauty.

Atlantic & Gulf Coasts

  • Cocoa Beach (1 hour east)
  • Daytona Beach (1 hour north-northeast)
  • Clearwater Beach (2 hours west)

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Manatee Season

  • November through March
  • Manatees gather in warm spring waters
  • Unique viewing opportunities at Blue Spring State Park
  • Perfect for viewing

Bird Migration

  • Fall and Spring
  • Various migratory birds arrive
  • Ideal for birdwatching in wetlands
  • Parks offer prime viewing

Transportation Options

  • Rental CarFlexibility
  • Rideshare ServicesConvenient
  • AmtrakTrain connections
  • Greyhound/FlixBusBus connections
  • Universal Orlando20-30 mins
  • SeaWorld Orlando15-25 mins
  • Kennedy Space Center1 hour
  • Legoland Florida45 mins

Local Travel Tips

For independent exploration, consider a rental car for maximum flexibility. Organized tours streamline your day with pre-arranged transport.

Cultural Excursions

Discover Florida's history and diverse culture with day trips to nearby historical towns and rural areas.

Historic Winter Park

Charming town with upscale shops, restaurants, and museums. Scenic boat tours. Approximately 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando.

St. Augustine

Oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Features historic forts like Castillo de San Marcos. Approximately 2 hours northeast.

Rural Villages

Clermont is west of Walt Disney World, known for rolling hills and citrus groves. Kissimmee has "Old Florida" charm with cattle ranches and airboat tours.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum

Located in Historic Winter Park. Features a large collection of Tiffany glass and American art.

Highlights

  • Louis Comfort Tiffany art
  • Art Nouveau exhibits
  • American art collection

Castillo de San Marcos

A historic fort in St. Augustine, a national monument, dating back to the Spanish colonial era.

Highlights

  • Oldest masonry fort
  • Spanish colonial history
  • Cannon firing demonstrations

Travel Considerations

Time needed for explorationVaries by destination
Best modes of transportRental car suggested
Local guidesAvailable for dives
Cultural sitesBeyond main attractions
Pilgrimage sitesNot a main draw
Seasonal considerationsYear-round suitable

Eco-Friendly Travel

  • Respect natural habitats
  • Minimize waste
  • Support local guides
  • Choose eco-certified tours
  • Learn local customs

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Florida vacation beyond Walt Disney World to experience more of what the state offers.

Recommendations for Adding Days

2-3

Orlando Theme Parks Combo

Add 2-3 days for Universal Orlando Resort and/or SeaWorld Orlando. Experience more world-class theme parks.

2

Beach Getaway

Add 2 days for a relaxing beach trip to Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic coast or Clearwater/St. Pete Beach on the Gulf Coast.

1-2

Space & History

Add 1-2 days for a visit to Kennedy Space Center and historic St. Augustine, combining science and colonial history.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Miami/South Florida: Approximately 3-4 hours drive south.
  • Florida Keys: Approximately 6-7 hours drive south of Orlando.
  • Tampa/St. Petersburg: Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive west.
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Theme park in Tampa.
  • Dali Museum: Art museum in St. Petersburg.
  • Beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.

Transportation Connections

  • Rental car for flexibility.
  • Amtrak for train connections to Miami and Tampa.
  • Greyhound and FlixBus for bus connections.
  • Flights for Miami or West from MCO, especially for the Florida Keys.
  • Consider organized tours for convenience.
  • Options for longer regional travel.

Suggested Longer Routes

East Coast Scenic Drive

Start in Orlando, then head to Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine, and finally Jacksonville, exploring coastal attractions.

Gulf Coast Loop

Begin in Orlando, then proceed to Tampa/St. Petersburg, Clearwater/Sarasota, Naples, Everglades City, and conclude in Miami.

Florida Keys Adventure

Drive from Orlando to Miami, then continue south along the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys.

Transportation for Extensions

Rental car ideal for flexibility. Amtrak, Greyhound, FlixBus, and flights are additional options for regional travel.
← Previous
Things to Do in Walt Disney World
← Back to Walt Disney World
Next →
Walt Disney World Travel Tips

Next Up: Walt Disney World Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Walt Disney World Travel Tips