The Orlando area is home to some incredible theme parks; so many of them, in fact, that it’s been dubbed the Theme Park Capital of the World. Walt Disney World Resort features multiple theme parks, all varying in their own unique ways. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios are all part of the Disney World park system. Universal Orlando Resort is similar in that it, too, contains individual theme parks: Volcano Bay, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. Make sure you’re getting tickets to the park you want to explore and consider purchasing a package deal if you want to go into more than one park. Here’s our guide to the best theme parks in Orlando; read up and choose wisely!
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Perhaps the best all-around deal for your money, the Islands of Adventure includes admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade. Join muggles and wizards alike as you enter Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before you hop on a broomstick and soar high above the ground on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride.
You’ll also get the chance to ride the Hogwarts Express, but be sure to purchase park-to-park admission tickets to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, which is housed inside Universal Studios Florida.
Aside from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure also features seven different themed areas, including Marvel’s Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, and Seuss Landing. Don’t miss the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, the Jurassic Park River Adventure, or Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. The mixture of thrill rides and movie and television-themed entertainment makes for a great experience at this Universal park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A part of the Disney World Resort, this theme park is all about the entertainment world. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a crowd pleaser for all ages, as is the lightning-fast thrill ride, the Rock ‘n Roll Coaster Starring Aerosmith. There’s also a full Toy Story Mania where park-goers can play interactive carnival games, ride a larger-than-life-size Slinky roller coaster, and play a 4-D shooting game based on the hit movie.
Characters from Frozen, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones make daily appearances and performances, so keep an eye out for your favorite stars. If you’re a true Star Wars fan, you’ll want to check out Star Wars Launch Bay; props from the movies are on display and you can play Star Wars-themed games while you’re there.
Legoland
Okay, so you may have to drive an hour outside of Orlando to get to this one, but if you have young kids, it’s well worth the trek. Although geared toward 2-12 year olds, Legoland is a fun experience for all Lego-lovers. There’s the Flying School roller coaster, great for anyone over 44 inches tall, and a water park that will keep everyone cool on a hot Florida day. There’s also a virtual roller coaster called The Great Lego Race that kids will absolutely love, and adults might just find themselves enjoying it, too. Open your imagination and enter the world of Legos!
Epcot
Imagine walking around 11 different countries, taking in the sights and sounds, and still getting to hop on a few rides. Well, at Disney’s Epcot you can do just that. This park celebrates technological innovation and international culture, and it’s one of the most popular parks for adults. At almost every country’s dedicated pavilion, adults (21+) can buy an alcoholic beverage and a snack that represents that country. The park also features a NASA-style space simulation ride, a boat ride inside the Mexican pavilion’s Aztec Temple, and a virtual reality ride where you’ll feel like you’re soaring around the world. Plus, there are plenty of other rides and attractions in Epcot you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Busch Gardens
Although you’ll have to drive an hour outside of Orlando to enjoy it, Busch Gardens continues to be one of the premier theme parks in the area. With more than 10 thrill rides, a Rising Tide Conservation exhibit, and a wildlife park, Busch Gardens is stacked when it comes to entertainment.
Go on a safari tour and see everything from sloths and meerkats to penguins and lions up close; this zoo isn’t just the largest in Tampa, it’s one of the largest in all of North America. This park is definitely worth the short trip outside of Orlando.
Aquatica by Seaworld
Awarded Orlando’s Best Waterpark by the Orlando Sentinel in 2017, Aquatica offers as much fun and excitement as it does relaxation. Looking for a tan? Hop on an inner tube and float down Loggerhead Lane, a lazy river that promises to offer you some R & R. Rent a cabana for an extra luxurious day in the sun. This park is perfect for families, as it has multiple water play areas. Its two gigantic, side-by-side wave pools also make it a great place for the seasoned swimmer. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, Omaka Rocka, and Whanau Way are three awesome water slide rides.
For the biggest thrill in the park, though, head straight to Taumata Racer where you and 7 friends can compete side-by-side as you dive headfirst on a mat down this monster of a water slide.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It’s not technically considered a zoo, but Animal Kingdom comes pretty close! Hop on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride and spot giraffes, lions, and elephants in their habitats. Take a self-guided tour through the Maharajah Jungle where you’ll get to see tigers, Komodo dragons, and dozens of colorful bird species. The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail features hippopotamuses, plenty of fish species, and, of course, gorillas. Don’t miss the Avatar Flight of Passage, a virtual reality ride where you’ll fly over the awe-inspiring land shown in the movie Avatar.
Last, but certainly not least, head to Expedition Everest where an abominable snowman awaits your arrival before you drop down the side of the Himalayan Mountains.
Other Notable Parks
Universal Studios Florida (features second Harry Potter Land: Diagon Alley), Universal’s Volcano Bay (features multiple water slides and Waturi Beach, a blue lagoon with tropical theme), and Disney’s Magic Kingdom (home of the iconic Cinderella Castle).
Orlando is a city filled with entertainment, nature, and good, old-fashioned fun. If you’re looking for a new apartment in the area, or are considering a move to the Theme Park Capital of the World, check out these apartments for rent.
Contenu associé
