By Kate Cohen
January 2, 2026
Imagine a land of magic and mystery, a place where wizards, princesses, and dragons roam, and adventure sparkles in the air.
Picture a place filled with castles and coasters, where nostalgia meets innovation.
This incredible – and real – location is Orlando, the ultimate destination for unforgettable vacations, impactful conferences and conventions, and meaningful memory-making.
Whatever brings you to Central Florida, you may find yourself with a spare day in your itinerary. We highly suggest using your extra time to explore one of Orlando’s spectacular theme parks.
With four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks, three Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, and SeaWorld Orlando (not to mention four fabulous water parks), it’s impossible to explore them all in one day.
So, you may be asking yourself, “I have one day to spend in Orlando’s theme parks – which one should I pick?”
We’re here to help you choose the best single theme park experience for you. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing
- Overview of Orlando’s Major Theme Parks
- Best Choice for a One-Day Visit: Park-by-Park Breakdown
- In Conclusion: Which Park is Most Worthwhile for One Day?
- Bonus Tips to Maximize Your One Day in an Orlando Theme Park
- Stay Close to Orlando’s Best Theme Parks at Rosen Centre
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing
There are several things to think about before picking a single theme park to visit.
Who are you traveling with?
Is this a solo excursion? Are the kids coming, too?
What are your interests?
Are you a thrill seeker? A Potter-head? A Disney-lover? An animal enthusiast?
How much time do you actually have?
Do you have a full day? An evening? Do you need to account for transportation? What time of year are you traveling, and do you need to think about how much time you’ll be waiting in line?
What’s your budget?
Theme park ticket costs can be hefty. Add food and beverage costs, ticket enhancements, and other experiential add-ons, and your day at the theme park can easily break your budget.
Have you been to Orlando’s theme parks before?
Is this your first time visiting an Orlando theme park? Do you want to explore somewhere new? Are you considering park -hopping? Are you focused on hitting your favorite attractions?
Overview of Orlando’s Major Theme Parks
With eight major theme parks and an array of other themed destinations throughout Central Florida, Orlando offers plenty of options for a day full of adventure and memory-making.
Walt Disney World is home to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Disney also has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Universal Orlando is comprised of three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe. Their water park is Volcano Bay.
SeaWorld Orlando has some of the most exhilarating roller coasters in Orlando, as well as one-of-a-kind animal encounters. They also own Aquatica, another awesome water park, and Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive resort where you can spend the day snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
If you’re willing to drive, LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, about an hour from Orlando, and is perfect for visiting with younger kids.
Best Choice for a One-Day Visit: Park-by-Park Breakdown
If you’re unfamiliar with your theme park choices, here’s a brief breakdown of each park.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom
If you’re looking for a classic Walt Disney World experience, then Magic Kingdom is a must.
Here, you’ll find the iconic Cinderella Castle and Main St. U.S.A. lined with nostalgic shops and dining.
It’s also home to beloved attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion.
Newer attractions in Magic Kingdom include the sleek and thrilling coaster TRON Lightcycle/Run and the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagining of the classic Splash Mountain.
Can it be done in a single day?
As Walt Disney World’s most popular theme park, you may find yourself battling crowds and waiting in some long queues. While you may not be able to take on every attraction, you can certainly fill an entire day with everything there is to do at Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is known for its impressively immersive lands and blockbuster rides.
A visit to this theme park is a must for Star Wars fans, who can experience their very own galactic adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Toy Story Land is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the beloved Pixar franchise, especially younger guests.
Hollywood Studios is also known for a variety of shows, including the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
At night, the breathtaking outdoor show Fantasmic features stunts, pyrotechnics, and all your favorite Disney characters.
Can it be done in a single day?
With an early start and a good game plan, you can absolutely hit all the Hollywood Studios highlights in one day.
EPCOT
If you’re looking for a theme park with amazing food and culture, EPCOT is a sure bet.
The World Showcase features 11 country pavilions, celebrating the diverse flavors, traditions, architecture, and entertainment of countries like Mexico, China, German, Italy, France, Norway, and more.
Throughout the year, EPCOT hosts a variety of unique festivals that introduce new outdoor kitchens, exciting concerts, and fun themes.
While EPCOT holds appeal for adult guests who love its relaxed pacing and food and beverage options, it’s also one of the best theme parks to meet beloved Disney princesses and experience family-friendly rides like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Can it be done in a single day?
You can certainly make the most of a single day spent at EPCOT. From exciting rides to delicious food and drinks, you can get a great sense of what this park has to offer in one day.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom the most underrated Walt Disney World theme park.
It offers an exciting blend of rides and live animal exhibits and experiences, including the amazing Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Take in a colorful and vibrant show like The Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
This park is also home to Pandora, a fantasy land inspired by the imaginative Avatar franchise.
New Zootopia attractions, an interactive Bluey experience, and the brand-new Tropical Americas land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones are sure to add new appeal to Animal Kingdom as well.
Can it be done in a single day?
Absolutely. With shorter hours and fewer rides, many guests find Animal Kingdom to be the most manageable theme park to visit in one day.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Home to the legendary VelociCoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and the innovative Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is ideal for coaster-loving thrill seekers.
Here, you’ll find the quaint, snow-capped wizarding village of Hogsmeade, with Hogwarts Castle and the immersive ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ hidden within.
Can it be done in a single day?
Yes, but you’ll want to prioritize must-do rides like VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, whose lines can all be long and time-consuming.
Universal Studios Florida
Movie lovers are sure to love exploring the rich cinematic landscape of Universal Studios Florida.
Classic rides like MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, E.T. Adventure, and Revenge of the Mummy transport you into worlds of fantasy and adventure.
Wander the streets of Diagon Alley, lined with magical shops and experiences. Make your way to Gringotts Bank to take on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, an exciting ride rivaled only by its incredibly detailed queue.
Rides based on other movie and television franchises like Minions, Transformers, and The Simpsons can be found in Universal Studios Florida, too.
Can it be done in a single day?
Yes, especially if you spend your time exploring the cinematic franchises you love best.
NOTE: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are right next to each other, making park hopping a breeze. If you want to hit the headliners in both parks (and are okay spending a little more on admission), buy a 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket and get the best of both theme parks.
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, opened its doors in May 2025.
Located about 3.5 miles from Universal’s two other theme parks, the sprawling Epic Universe is a land of adventure well worth exploring.
This park is comprised of five uniquely themed worlds that immerse guests into the universes of How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo, Universal’s classic movie monsters, Harry Potter, and a celestial-inspired haven.
Thrilling rides like Stardust Racers, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment feature incredible technology and imagination for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Can it be done in a single day?
Between the theme park’s shows, rides, and other attractions, it can be a challenge to fit everything into one day. Plus, as Orlando’s newest theme park, it’s still drawing larger crowds, making wait times a potential setback.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a fabulous theme park jam-packed with exhilarating rides, unique animal encounters, and lots of family-friendly fun.
Observe and learn about incredible marine animals like dolphins, orcas, manatees, sharks, walruses, and so many more, as well as SeaWorld’s global conservation efforts.
Rides like Mako, Kraken, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, and Manta reimagine the roller coaster experience with innovative designs.
Sesame Street Land is perfect for SeaWorld Orlando’s littlest guests, who can meet their favorite furry characters and take on kid-sized rides for plenty of fun.
Can it be done in a single day?
SeaWorld Orlando offers guests rides, entertainment, education, and more. If you prioritize what you want to spend your day experiencing, you can certainly make the most of one day at SeaWorld.
In Conclusion: Which Park Is Most Worthwhile for One Day?
Best for Thrill-Seekers: Universal Islands of Adventure
This coaster-packed theme park keeps guests screaming with excitement all day long. SeaWorld Orlando is a solid runner-up.
Best for Disney First-Timers: Magic Kingdom
You can’t beat the magic and nostalgia of Magic Kingdom, especially if you’ve never been to Walt Disney World.
Best for Families with Kids: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Epic Universe
Magic Kingdom encapsulates the true whimsy and fantasy of Walt Disney World, while Animal Kingdom offers air-conditioned shows and unique animal experiences to keep little ones entertained. Epic Universe’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and Isle of Berk are sure to delight guests of all ages, too.
Best for Adults/Couples: EPCOT
Enjoy eating and drinking your way “around the world” at EPCOT, as well as taking on exciting rides like Test Track, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Soarin’ Around the World.
Best for Solo Travelers: Universal Studios Florida
A fair number of rides at Universal Studios Florida feature single rider options, meaning you can save significant time by filling in empty seats. This means more opportunities for adventure and way less waiting in line.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Your One Day in an Orlando Theme Park
Once you choose which theme park to visit, be sure to put these tips to good use to save even more time.
- Arrive Early: If you arrive at a theme park before it officially opens, also known as “rope dropping,” you can take advantage of lower crowds and shorter waits for popular attractions.
- Consider splurging on Lightning Lane/ Express Passes: Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando theme parks offer add-on (and sometimes costly) passes that allow guests to access shorter lines at various attractions.
- Prioritize your top 3–5 attractions: Make a list of the handful of attractions you want to experience most so you can prioritize them throughout the day.
- Mobile food ordering: Instead of waiting in line to order food, save time with theme park apps for mobile ordering.
- Know when to skip parades or shows: If you need a break throughout the day, a parade or show can be the perfect opportunity to rest. However, if you have a long list of must-see attractions, you may want to skip time-consuming performances.
Stay Close to Orlando’s Best Theme Parks at Rosen Centre
There is no one answer to which theme park you should visit if you have an extra day to spare.
The “best” theme park to visit depends on your personal priorities. Align your choice with what you value most, whether it’s thrilling rides, epic entertainment, or classic nostalgia.
Whichever theme park you choose to explore, spend less time traveling and more time exploring when you stay at a centrally located hotel like Rosen Centre Orlando.
Our hotel offers spacious accommodations, delicious onsite dining, and even a full-service spa to help you fill any extra time you may have.
Whatever brings you to Orlando, make sure you give yourself the gift of a comfortable stay for the duration of your trip.
