Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is a destination where both the young and the young at heart can play, explore, activate their imaginations and make memories that last a lifetime. With new theme parks being created often and new rides and attracting being installed at some of the classics, there is always something new and thrilling to be discovered.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove came up with a brilliant idea: Restrict guest access to only 1,300 visitors per day. This makes it feel more like an exclusive resort than it does a crowded theme park. Here you can enjoy memorable interactive experiences with dolphins, sting rays, sea otters, tropical fish and exotic birds. Another genius idea the park had was to make the admission fee all-inclusive, so once inside you never have to worry about food, towels or snorkeling equipment.
Islands of Adventure
Universal brings you “Islands of Adventure,” a theme park where some of your favorite movie experiences come to life. Your kids will absolutely love wandering through the world of Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Feel like huge scares? Then experience the thrilling raft ride past the enormous dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park River Adventure. And for a surreally good time, head for Seuss Landing where your children can meet their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, then continue on to the Marvel Super Hero Island and fly through the air on one of its many attractions.
Epcot
Epcot started out as a theme park to showcase the latest in innovation and in the years since its opening it has become one of Orlando’s largest and most popular theme parks. After taking days to explore all that Epcot has to offer, you’d never guess it is only 305 acres large. There’s an aquarium, a promenade around a manmade lagoon, 11 different pavilions celebrating the nations of the world and numerous educational and imaginative attractions like the famous Spaceship Earth.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando seems to have been created by the imaginations of children instead of adults. It’s one of those destinations that have thought of everything. Combining the very best of an aquarium, zoo, water park AND amusement park, Aquatica offers 38 slides and 84,000 acres of white sand beaches that have private cabanas you can rent, so you and your family could spend days here and never tire of it. Did we mention the Dolphin Plunge ride – a clear tube water slide that winds you through the Commerson’s dolphin habitat!
LEGOLAND Florida
Whether you like LEGOS or not, LEGOLAND is about as cool a theme park as you’ll ever visit. The park features 50 rides plus outstanding shows and attractions spread out over 150 acres. Designed for children between the ages of 2 and 12, LEGOLAND is a great destination for those families traveling with little ones. But don’t expect to leave the park without stopping by the Big Shop to bring some new LEGO toys home with you.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Perhaps the most beloved park in all of Orlando, the Magic Kingdom is where dreams really do come true. No trip to Orlando would be complete without visiting and meeting Mickey and all of his pals, or riding the many charming rides based on Disney classic movies. Visitors to the park can enjoy Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland and Fantasy Land.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios brings all of your favorite movie characters to life. Whether you’re in your 40s and want to experience the thrill of meeting E.T., or 4 and want to experience the thrill of meeting Shrek, the park is a destination where every age of imagination is brought to life.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney Animal Kingdom has taken the concept of a zoo and elevated it to something extraordinary; of course that’s what Disney does with everything it creates. Take your family on an African safari without ever leaving Florida and see real live giraffe and elephants and over 1,500 animals representing 250 species. Take a raft ride down the Amazon or ride a train through Mount Everest – this park is beyond fun and thrilling!
SeaWorld Orlando
If you’ve ever dreamt of meeting Shamu, the world’s most famous killer whale, then head to Sea World where you can also meet and watch all kinds of underwater life like sea lions and otters. You can hop on one of their many thrilling rides and roller coasters and catch some funny live action shows as well.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
How to get into show business without ever really trying, that’s what the Hollywood Studios offers visitors. Get a behind the scenes look at Hollywood by enjoying live stunt shows, animation galleries, a backlot tour and a plethora of thrilling rides and attractions like Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror.
After reading about all of these amazing theme parks, you’re probably realizing that Orlando is indeed the most magical place on Earth and are booking your trip right now.
Need a Places to Stay?
The Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa is a breathtaking resort with 4.5-acre glass atrium & tropical gardens and near many theme parks. It is located a half-mile mile from Walt Disney World Resort (Disney’s Maingate East), this resort is near the Arabian Nights Dinner Show and Downtown Disney Area. SeaWorld, Universal Studios Florida, and Pointe Orlando shops are within 10 miles. Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa features 2 pools, 5 restaurants, live gator feedings, and nightly entertainment. And to top it all off, this resort has a 20,000-square-foot health spa which includes 25 treatment rooms, a fitness facility, and a full-service salon. Doesn’t this place sound perfect for a getaway?
Insider Secrets
We would enjoy to hear any of our reader’s insider secrets, if any of you have traveled to Orlando and want to share some of your travel experiences there. For example, Where did you stay and how did you like it? Did you find any interesting restaurants or attractions that you enjoyed and want to write about? How did the locals treat you? Please share your experiences below in the comment section. Our community of avid travelers and dolphin lovers would like to hear what you did and your travel advice.
