Orlando 1-day itinerary

Get to Universal Studios Florida at rope drop (park opens 8–9am depending on the season). Head straight to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — it hits 2-hour waits by 10am. Drink Butterbeer ($8.99 frozen) in Hogsmeade village while the crowds are still thin. Ride the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida for the Gringotts ride. The detail in the Wizarding World is astonishing — every shop window tells a story.

Hit the big rides: Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure (one of the best roller coasters on earth), the Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Revenge of the Mummy. Use the Universal app to check wait times in real-time — ride what's under 30 minutes and skip the rest. Break for lunch at CityWalk between the parks — Toothsome Chocolate Emporium has enormous milkshakes ($16) and decent burgers ($18). The Cowfish does sushi-burger hybrids ($15–20).

Head to International Drive (I-Drive) for Orlando's tourist corridor — it's tacky but fun. Ride the Orlando Eye observation wheel ($28) for sunset skyline views. Dinner at Tin Roof on I-Drive for live music and Southern comfort food ($14–22 mains) or keep it budget with a Cuban sandwich from a nearby food truck ($8–10). For drinks, head to the ICEBAR Orlando ($25 entry includes two drinks) — everything inside is made of ice, even the glasses.