Orlando Amusement Parks
There may be no more famous location for amusement parks than Orlando, Florida. If you just spent one day at each of the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort parks alone, you wouldn’t be able to see them all in a week! Add to those parks world-renowned Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Gatorland and you can see why Orlando is so popular with amusement park enthusiasts.
Walt Disney World Resort
It is unlikely for anyone to take an Orlando vacation without plans to visit the Disney World Resort. Called the jewel of the theme park industry, this property is actually located in Lake Buena Vista and features four major theme parks, two water parks, more than 20 hotel resorts, a giant sports complex and a massive mall. Although everyone loves it, the Magic Kingdom will appeal most to those with younger children, while Epcot will be more educational. For the adventurous, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a number of spine-tingling thrill rides. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park will delight everyone with its animal-filled safari theme.
Visiting any one of these theme parks for a day will wear you out, so plan to spend a day at one of the two water parks on the Disney property. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both as well themed as you’d expect from Disney.
When ready to shop and eat, a visit to Downtown Disney gives you the opportunity to explore virtual DisneyQuest and be entertained at the House of Blues.
Universal Studios Orlando
Like Disney, Universal Studios Orlando offers visitors multiple park experiences, as well as the Universal CityWalk entertainment and shopping complex. Although at first glance it may seem the two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, are geared mostly for adults and teenagers, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. While learning about how movies are made at Universal Studios, kids will especially enjoy the Shrek 4-D attraction and Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone. At Islands of Adventure, kids will love Suess Landing and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls log ride. Some of the best thrill rides in Orlando are found at Universal and those looking for an adrenaline rush won’t want to miss the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure. Using the force of an F-14 fighter jet, you’ll go from 0 to 40 mph in two seconds. At Universal Studios Orlando check Revenge of the Mummy - a psychological thrill ride. This completely unique experience will take you up to 45 mph in complete darkness.
Be sure to reserve a day to visit Wet ’n Wild, Universal’s exciting water park. Not just a day at the beach, Wet ’n Wild was voted by Amusement Business magazine as America’s number one water park. Take it easy while floating down the relaxing Lazy River, or get your heart pumping on thrilling Brain Wash. Either way, Wet ’n Wild offers fun for the whole family.
Sea World Orlando
Just like Disney and Universal, Sea World Orlando offers guests multiple park experiences. Specializing in giving visitors a glimpse into the ocean, SeaWorld educates and entertains visitors, while Aquatica is all about playing in the water. Amazing Discovery Cove is one of the highest rated attractions in Orlando. Be prepared - this park is pricey. But keep in mind that your entry fee includes breakfast, lunch, all drinks and snacks, use of a wetsuit and towels, the dolphin interaction and a pass to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa.
Gatorland
As the alligator capital of the world, Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory specializing in giving visitors an up-close look at these living fossils.