Planning Tools
Welcome to my planning tools downloads archive. My free downloadable content has increased exponentially since I started the site with an aim to help first time travellers plan smarter so they can have their best holiday. In order to keep things accessible, all available downloads can be accessed from this page.
Planning Downloads
Area Maps.
Orlando Area Map
An overview of the greater Orlando tourist area including Lake Buena Vista (Disney World), Kissimmee and International Drive (Universal Orlando and Seaworld).
International Drive Area Map
A more detailed map of the International Drive corridor, home to numerous midway attractions, thousands of hotel rooms and other entertainment options. I-Drive is bookended by Seaworld in the south and Universal Orlando and Premium Outlets in the north.
Kissimmee Area Map
Kissimmee is 20 minutes south of International Drive, better known as Highway 192 and the gateway to Disney World. Entertainment options are thinner here than International Drive but the historic Old Town district has plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. Kissimmee is peppered with gated villa communities and thousands of hotel rooms stretching wither side of World Drive, the main road in and out of Disney World.
I-Ride Trolley Marker Map
If you’re staying on International Drive and not driving, use the I-Ride Trolley to get around. Inexpensive and convenient, the I-Ride Trolley System stops outside or near many popular tourist hotspots on International Drive. This map shows you where the stops are in relation to popular attractions.
Lynx 311 Disney Springs Express Map
Although not as popular nor as frequent as in the UK, there is a public transport network in many parts of the States. The company responsible for operating bus services throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties is Lynx. Their new 311 Express service connects Orlando International Airport and Disney Springs with several stops en route. This is the map for that Route.
Budgeting.
Budgeting Spreadsheet
Want to sort out your own holiday but not sure where to begin? Use my budgeting spreadsheet to manage the costs of your trip.
Planning.
Hotel Cost Comparison Calculator
When comparing costs of various hotels it’s important to always factor in hidden costs such as service charges and resort fees etc. My hotel costs comparison calculator helps you to compare the true cost of staying onsite or offsite, value, moderate or deluxe and any other hotel, villa or Air BNB you can think of in between.
Blank Holiday Planning Template
A blank 2 or 3 week holiday planning spreadsheet so you can map out what you would like to do and when plus keep track of park opening hours and magical extras that you’ve booked to make your trip extra special.
Packing Ticklist
Never leave home without everything you need to have a brilliant first visit to Orlando. You can get everything you need locally but you can pay quite the premium for certain items. Use this packing ticklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing.
Disney Genie Lightning Lane Guide
Disney Genie & Lightning Lanes have received thier biggest update since the service was launched in late 2020.
This update brings new perspective, pre-planning tools (for some) and changes the way you reserve rides during the day. This new guide has all the information you need along with free planning downloads.
Park Downloads
Each park has up to 4 separate downloads. A multi-page guide and an attraction tick list to help you prioritise what you would like to do on your visit. To help you plan smarter I also have downloadable attraction height restrictions including all the water parks and up-to-date digital park maps so you can visualise where each attraction and experience relates to each other.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has the most attractions and experiences of all Disney World's theme parks. Some newer attractions have height requirements but the majority of things here can be experienced by anyone.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is almost unrecognisable from where it began . Its small footprint is now home to some of Disney World's most popular attractions. A limited selection of top-tier attractions makes this park the most frustrating when trying to use Genie+.
Typhoon Lagoon
Disney World's tropical-themed island getaway is ideal for a day away from the main parks. Thrill seekers are catered for with a surprising choice of slides and a water coaster. Typhoon Lagoon may not have the biggest slides but it focuses on quality over quantity.
EPCOT
EPCOT may be a far cry from Walt's original vision but investments in the park's attraction lineup has brought an injection of recognisable IP's to go with the popular festival series and fireworks that the park is known for.
Animal Kingdom
The biggest park by area in Disney World but an absolute joy to just walk around. Animal Kingdom may currently lack the big name attraction draws of other parks but Disney is ready to start spending big to bring the popularity back to this underrated park.
Blizzard Beach
Only Disney could pull off a melting ski resort as a water park. Blizzard Beach is packed with slides and lots of water-based fun for kids of all ages. The faux snow facades may not be as relaxing as the palm-fringed shores at Typhoon Lagoon but you'll be busy with the slides.
Universal Studios Florida
From a place you could "ride the movies" to a place that immerses you in them. Production has all but stopped here although there are still working soundstages many are used for Universal's popular Halloween Horror Nights events, a pop culture phenomenon that started here.
Volcano Bay
The replacement for the world's first true water park, Wet 'N' Wild has a wild selection of attractions in its tiny triangular footprint. Innovative queuing options, plenty of sunbeds and fine white sandy shores keep people returning to Orlando's newest water park.
Islands Of Adventure
One of the world's most innovative parks has been going strong now for over 20 years. Recent investment has introduced new levels of thrills to an already outstanding attraction selection and added to the park's enviable worldwide reputation.
Epic Universe
OPENING SUMMER 2025
The first theme park built from the ground up in over 20 years in the continental US promises a level of immersion never before seen in a theme park setting. Cutting edge technology and a world-class attraction mix will make Epic Universe the hottest ticket in town for years to come when it finally opens in the summer of 2025
Seaworld
Orlando's self confessed "roller coaster capital", Seaworld Orlando has come a long way in its 40+ year history. Traditional animal-based shows are gradually being phased out in favour of thrilling new experiences as Seaworld pivots to a marine-themed adventure park.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Originally the Anheuser Busch Brewery but now owned by the same investment group that owns Merlin parks in the UK, Busch Gardens Tampa is an African-themed thrill lovers paradise. It's the roller coaster capital not just of Florida but the Southern US.
Aquatica
Aquatica welcomed over 900,000 guests in its opening year, catapulting it to the 4th most visited water park in the US. Seaworld continues to innovate, educate and invest in new experiences and attractions. 4-time winner of Best Outdoor Water Park in the US, Aquatica is still a top water park choice and surprisingly affordable with ticket bundles to the main Seaworld park over the road.
Adventure Island Tampa
A world-class regional water park, Adventure Island is a 5-minute drive from Busch Gardens in Tampa. If you're doing a twin center holiday Adventure Island should be high on your list, the slides are fun but don't add anything trip-worthy to what you will already find in Orlando's selection of water parks.
Legoland Florida
One of the most beautiful of all Legoland Parks, set along a lake shore, popular Legoland attraction staples can be found here along with exciting unique additions just for this park. Since opening Legoland Flroida has expanded with onsite hotels, Peppa Pig World next door and a small water park perfect for young families who want to stay for a day or two.
