Arrival day
Thursday 6 MayCheck in, walk the campus with your graduate and book a celebration dinner.
- FreeLake Eola Park.
- EatDisney Springs
UCF graduation weekend 2027: things to do in Orlando
7 to 9 May 2027 · ExpectedOrlando, United States
UCF Commencement brings parents, grandparents and siblings to Orlando for a weekend. The ceremony takes a morning: this guide covers where to stay, the celebration dinner and what to do with the rest of the time.
Know before you go
- Confirm the date and ticket rules on the school's commencement page: guest tickets are often limited.
- Book the celebration dinner when you book the hotel. Every restaurant in town is full that weekend.
Airport to Addition Financial Arena
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami.
East Orlando; campus parking.
Public transport directions to Addition Financial Arena
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kissimmee | Cheaper hotels and vacation homes. |
| Mid-range | International Drive | Restaurants and shuttles to the parks. |
| Splurge | Disney and Universal resort hotels | Early park entry. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Orlando near Universal
- Mid-range: Universal's Endless Summer Resort
- Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule for 7 to 9 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Ceremony day
Friday 7 MayCeremonies take the morning. The afternoon is for photos and a long lunch.
- EatEast End Market
- Easy outingAirboat ride with alligators
The day after
Monday 10 MayA free day before everyone leaves. A good time for a trip out of town.
- Half-daySprings kayak tour
- EatICON Park restaurants
Grandparents and siblings
Low walking and kid friendly.
- Family pickMagic Kingdom ticket
- Rain or heat backupKennedy Space Center
Family-friendly picks
- Theme parks.
- SEA LIFE and ICON Park.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Disney Springs and CityWalk.
7 tours worth booking for UCF
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom ticket | Full day | Families |
| Universal Epic Universe | Full day | Families |
| Kennedy Space Center | Full day | Families, Bad weather |
| Airboat ride with alligators | Half day | Families |
| Springs kayak tour | Half day | Families |
| Gatorland | Half day | Families |
| Dinner show | Evening | Families, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Orlando Science Center.
- Crayola Experience.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car or rideshare outside Disney's own buses. ESPN Wide World of Sports is inside Disney property.
Day trips from Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center: 1 hour
- Daytona Beach: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for UCF.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is UCF Commencement 2027?
The next edition is 7 to 9 May 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Addition Financial Arena?
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami. East Orlando; campus parking.
Where should I stay for UCF Commencement?
For most visitors the best base is International Drive: Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.
What else can we do around UCF Commencement?
Good short outings in Orlando include Airboat ride with alligators, Springs kayak tour, Gatorland. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near UCF Commencement?
Family-friendly picks: Magic Kingdom ticket, Universal Epic Universe, Kennedy Space Center. Theme parks.
How far is Addition Financial Arena from Orlando centre?
About 19 km in a straight line. East Orlando; campus parking.
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