Top 10 Theme Parks in Orlando
With so many world-class attractions in Central Florida, planning a trip to the theme park capital of the world can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here help you break it down so you can plan the parks like a pro. Here’s our pick of the Top Ten theme parks in Orlando
Walt Disney World – 4 Theme Parks
Are you one of the many that think of Disney World as a single complex? Then think again. Disney World is HUGE. We’re talking city huge. Like the size of San Francisco huge. Or twice the size of Manhattan. At over 43 square miles, there’s a lot of ground to cover when visiting Disney.
Walt Disney World is home to four individual theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom (MK)
- EPCOT (EP)
- Animal Kingdom (DAK)
- Hollywood Studios (DHS)
There are also 2 water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), 4 golf courses, 2 mini golf sites and an incredible sprawling dining and entertainment district called Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom
Although very much geared up to younger children, Magic Kingdom is enchanting for all ages. There’s just something special about strolling along Main Street, soaking up the magical atmosphere as you make your way towards Cinderella’s Castle.
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most spectacular fireworks found anywhere in the world. It can be surprisingly emotional the first time you see Tinkerbelle fly gracefully overhead as the night sky bursts into explosive color above the iconic castle.
With family favorites like Peter Pan and It’s a Small World, the little ones will love the magic. Parades, coasters, water rides and fireworks will thrill older kids.
Princesses, parades, castles, coasters, mermaids and the mighty mouse. Magic Kingdom really has it all.
EPCOT
Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is split into two distinctly different sections: Future World and World Showcase
Future World is home to several “lands” that showcase the past, present and future innovations of the world. There are thrill rides, kiddy rides, live shows and plenty of attractions. Family favorites include The Circle of Life, The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush (don’t miss that one!) For thrill seekers, Mission Space gives you two levels of thrill factor to choose from. Soarin’ is one of Disney’s most popular attractions. Make sure you snag a FastPass in advance!
World Showcase is home to 11 countries around Showcase Lagoon displaying local customs, cuisine, and quirks.
Take a stroll around the streets of London. Pick up an exquisite patisserie from France. Explore Canada with a 360-degree show. Take a taste of Asia in China. Watch majestic drummers in Japan. And you must join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Sven on a journey through Norway.
Clockwise, the countries in World Showcase are:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- United States
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Older kids will enjoy exploring the different countries while adults can experience dining and drinking around the world along with regular live music. For the younger kids, there’s a Kidcot Fun Stop at every country – craft station where kids can collect stamps and personalized souvenirs from each country.
The park closes with Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – a laser and firework show over Showcase Lagoon. Not to be missed.
Epcot is home to some of Disney’s best-loved annual festivals, including International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot Flower & Garden Festival and Festival of The Arts.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom’s sprawling 500 acres is home to over 1700 animals representing 250 species. Animal Kingdom is split into several different lands and continents, each representing individual customs and cultures.
Disney is huge on animal education and conservation and that commitment is evident throughout the park. Disney makes learning all about animals and habitats fascinating.
Head for the savanna and hop aboard a jeep for Kilimanjaro Safari, have a chuckle during It’s Tough to be a Bug or come face to face with a Yeti on a coaster that climbs Everest.
If you’re in the mood for a little fine dining, head to Tiffins – there’s something a little bit naughty experiencing high-class cuisine wearing flip-flops and t-shirts!
And when you’ve done all that, you can go galactic and visit a whole new world. Pandora: The World of Avatar is home to floating mountains, jaw-dropping scenery and out of this world cuisine. Pandora is also home to one of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides, Avatar Flight of Passage. Where else can you soar on the back of a banshee?
Hollywood Studios
This theme park is all about movies, music, shows, and television. Star Wars fans will love it here with an intergalactic ride, meet and greets with Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and more. Stormtrooper marches, Jedi training, and an explosive Galactic Spectacular fireworks finale complete the Star Wars line up.
There’s plenty more besides Star Wars though, including thrill rides like The Twilight Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. For some live action, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is a blast. Beauty and The Beast is an enchanting stage show, First Time in Forever is a Frozen themed comedy and sing-a-long show. All great fun!
The day draws to a close with Fantasmic, where Mickey has a bad dream that forces him to battle evil. Of course he saves the day with the help of a boatload of Disney pals, some special effects and fireworks.
Big plans are coming to Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a brand new themed land currently under construction due to open in 2019.
Toy Story Land is another brand new themed area currently under construction and scheduled to open 2018.
If Pandora: World of Avatar is anything to go off, these two new lands are going to be epic!
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando Isn’t Just One Park Either. Universal Orlando has 2 theme parks:
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
City Walk is a dining, retail, and entertainment complex sandwiched between the two theme parks. Volcano Bay is an immersive themed water park.
This working Universal Studios Florida studio is all about celebrating the world of movies and television.
Thrill seekers will love Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of The Mummy.
Jimmy Fallon’s Race Through New York is the newest addition to join the lineup of virtual attractions that already include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Transformers The Ride-3D, The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Terminator 2 3D.
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone and the ET Adventure are hits with youngsters.
Live shows include Animal Actors on Location! A Day in the Park with Barney, The Blues Brothers Show, and Fear Factor Live.
And of course, Universal Orlando is home to the world-famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Diagon Alley embraces the darker side of the hit movies. Cobbled streets, dark alleyways, and quirky stores make this place an absolute must visit. The fascinating line winding through Gringotts Bank to reach the main attraction, Escape from Gringotts, is almost as good as the ride itself.
The moody Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon perched grumpily on top of Gringotts Bank is the jaw-dropping, fire-breathing icing on the cake.
Islands of Adventure
With several themed lands, Islands of Adventure has quite rightly earned the accolade of being the number one theme park in the world.
This sister park to Universal Studios offers thrill rides for adrenaline junkies alongside colorful, whimsical kiddie areas. It’s the perfect park for all ages.
Marvel Super Hero Island is where superheroes hang out with mere mortals.
Toon Lagoon is where comic cartoons come to life. Sunday funnies fans will love it here.
Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Skull Island: Reign of King Kong and super kid-friendly Seuss Landing complete the picture.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter began its Florida life here when Hogsmeade opened in 2010. This incredibly atmospheric village features Hogwarts Castle looming above crooked snowcapped rooftops and cobbled streets. Rides include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which uses state-of-the-art technology and a little wizardry.
Film-famous shops, prop-packed restaurants, and live entertainment make this perfect for muggles and non-fans.
Discovery Cove
A day at Discovery Cove might come with a higher price tag than most, but it’s a really super special experience.
The all-inclusive ticket includes food and drinks for the entire day and access to SeaWorld and Aquatica. When you break it down, it’s really great value for such an exceptional day out. And there are not many places you can come up close and personal to dolphins and sharks!
Discovery Cove is much more of a resort than a theme park. It is rated the second best theme park in the world by TripAdvisor Traveler Choice Awards.
Admittance is limited to set numbers, so you must book well in advance, especially if you plan to incorporate a dolphin experience.
You can swim with dolphins and sharks, feed rays, snorkel through lagoons and reefs, take an underwater walking tour or ride the gentle current along Wind-Away River.
There are plenty of upgrades and additional encounters you can add on.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, who own Discovery Cove, also own Aquatica and Busch Gardens in Tampa.
Having come under serious fire in recent years, SeaWorld had to rethink strategies and have made big changes. With the introduction of new shows, new activities and re-designed thrill rides, SeaWorld is still a serious contender in the Orlando theme park world.
SeaWorld makes a HUGE contribution towards animal rescue and welfare and it’s evident throughout the park. Education is big on the agenda and they make it fun, interactive and interesting for kids to learn.
For thrill seekers, you can’t go far wrong with the recently relaunched and reimagined Kraken Unleashed – ride it as a regular coaster or use the virtual reality option for a totally unique ride. If you have a need for speed, Mantra and Mako are the coasters to head for.
There are lots of animal encounters, live shows, backstage tours and educational fun.
Throughout the year, SeaWorld is host to lots of special events and festivals so do check the schedules for when you are traveling.
Busch Gardens
Over in Tampa, Busch Gardens harmonizes thrill rides and animal encounters like nowhere else.
Adrenalin junkies will love the rush from dive coaster SheiKra, the plunge on Falcon’s Fury and the upward rush on Cheetah Hunt.
The whole family can take a spin on Cobra’s Curse, soar the park on Skyride or get a soaking on Congo River Rapids and Stanley Falls Flume.
Animal lovers will discover 12,000 animals. Tour the Serengeti Plain on the Serengeti Express, watch the Wildlife Docs, enjoy feeding encounters and see first-hand animal care.
Live shows include mischievous critters for animal lovers, rock and roll for music fans and Elmo Rocks for the little ones.
This is a whole day out, so plan to get there early and stay late.
LEGOLAND Florida
If you’ve got kids aged 2 to 12, LEGOLAND is sure to be a huge hit. There are 150 acres of interactive bricktacular fun with over 20 rides and attractions. Splash zones, kiddy coasters, imagination zones and even a driving and flying school will keep the kiddos occupied and happy.
Miniland USA includes creations for California, Las Vegas, Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Speedway, Florida, New York and Washington.
LEGOLAND was built on what was Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park and the original botanical gardens have been preserved.
Live stage shows feature Friends to the Rescue and Pirates Cove Waterski Show.
If you have any budding Ninja warriors in the family, they’ll love Ninjago World.
DUPLO Valley is especially for tots aged between 2 and 5. As well as a whole farmyard, there’s an interactive water play area and an indoor air-conditioned play area – the perfect excuse for adults to grab a much needed cool rest!
Once you’ve conquered the top 10 theme parks in Orlando, there’s plenty more to keep you going!
Is Golf your thing? Orlando Golf is amazing.
Retail Therapy? You’re in the shopping mecca for brand bargains.
Foodies traveling with you? They’ll be spoiled for choice for restaurants in Orlando.
Museums? State Parks? Art Galleries? Weird and Wonderful? Cinemas? Boat Cruises? Water Sports? Fishing?
Seriously, Orlando is endless! If you want to do all Top 10 theme parks in Orlando, you’ll need to plan on visiting Orlando again and again and again!
Special thanks to our Guest Blogger Sarah Elder who has gorgeous vacation rentals in the Orlando-Disney area called Orlando Insider Vacations.
Browse and Book more vacation rentals on Florida Rental By Owners.
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