Theme Parks in Orlando, Florida

Why Orlando?

Orlando is a great location for theme parks. The mild climate with its balmy winters ensures that parks can stay open throughout the year, yet Orlando is far enough away from the coast to be spared the brunt of severe storms, including hurricanes. A well developed interstate system allows easy access to the Orlando metro area and surrounding communities without creating insurmountable traffic congestion, and the Orlando International Airport, just a few miles from most of the parks, is convenient for out-of-area visitors.

This favorable geography has led to Orlando being home to several of the world’s most popular theme parks, including major resorts operated by both the Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios as well as other popular parks and attractions.

Central Florida Theme Parks

Orlando is home to many fun attractions, including elegant boutique shopping, outlet malls, museums, gourmet dining, and other worthwhile sights. The major theme parks, however, are Orlando’s most valuable tourist attractions.

• SeaWorld Orlando: This aquatic theme park is home to sharks, stingrays, dolphins, penguins, polar bears, Florida manatees, and other creatures that guests can interact with through well designed exhibits and feeding times. The park’s observation tower offers stunning views of Orlando, and thrill-seeking guests will enjoy the park’s floorless roller coaster, Kraken, as well as the family coaster, Shamu Express, and other fun rides.
• Universal Studios: Guests are invited to “ride the movies” at this park with its stunning attractions featuring detailed special effects and immersive ride experiences. From classic family films such as E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial and Shrek to science fiction fun like Men In Black, guests can jump into their favorite roles and be a part of some of Hollywood’s most popular movies.

Dueling Dragons, Islands of Adventure

• Universal Studios Islands of Adventure: Guests interested in more of an adrenaline rush will enjoy Universal Studios’ sister park, Islands of Adventure. Spectacular roller coasters dominate the landscape, from the massive Incredible Hulk powered launched coaster with its seven inversions to the dramatic Dueling Dragons Fire and Ice inverted coasters. Younger guests and those young at heart will enjoy the magic and wonder of Seuss Island, including the one-of-a-kind carousel of Seuss-like characters, and even more magic is brewing at the park with the new Harry Potter section of the park currently in development to open in 2009.
• Wet ‘n Wild: This immense water park offers guests a splashtastic good time with watery attractions ranging from a classic lazy river to a disco-themed group tube slide. One of the park’s signature slides is Bomb Bay, where riders plunge down a nearly vertical descent before a slippery runout, and younger guests will enjoy the integrated children’s water park.
• Old Town Kissimmee: Nostalgic fun can be found at this simple theme park set in an outdoor mall atmosphere. A wide array of shops is available along the promenade, and an amusement area includes a range of kiddie rides and the wild Windstorm carnival roller coaster. Guests can also enjoy one of the first Scrambler rides in the world along with more modern thrill rides. Weekly car shows are a fun attraction reminiscent of yesteryear at this small park.

Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort complex with its multiple parks is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. While every hotel at Disney World and many of the stores are fascinating attractions on their own, the major theme parks annually entertain millions of guests seeking a slice of Disney magic.

• Typhoon Lagoon: This shipwrecked water park is a splashing good time for all ages and includes an assortment of attractions for children, teens, and adults.
• Blizzard Beach: This second water park at Disney World has a chill in the air with its snowy theme, complete with icicles and drifts among the water slides.
• Magic Kingdom: This is the most familiar of the Disney theme parks, with Cinderella’s Castle at the center of the park ringed by different “lands” showcasing the magic of imagination.
• Animal Kingdom: This park offers wild thrills for all guests, whether they are interested in simply viewing the many exotic animals and birds at the park or if they want to brave the thrilling rides, such as the Primeval Whirl spinning mouse roller coaster.
• MGM Studios: This park goes behind the scenes of the Disney magic with stunning shows and tours to show guests what goes into making a movie. This park is also home to the infamous Tower of Terror drop ride and the outrageous launched Rock’n’Roller Coaster featuring music by Aerosmith.
• Epcot: This futuristic park explores modern technology with the intense Mission: SPACE ride as well as embraces many unique cultures with restaurants, exhibits, and boutiques.

Visiting Theme Parks in Orlando, Florida

Windstorm, Old Town Kissimmee

Guests visiting Orlando theme parks can make the most of their vacation with these tips:

• Visit the parks when crowds are lighter: summer months and holidays are busiest, while January, September, and early December are the least crowded months.
• Be prepared for summer humidity and heat by wearing plenty of sunscreen, staying hydrated, and pacing strenuous activities.
• Budget carefully for theme parks – tickets can cost $50 or more per park, so look for discount tickets, package deals, and other savings whenever possible.

There are enough theme parks in Orlando, Florida to fill an entire vacation with nothing but thrills and excitement. By knowing what different parks offer and how to visit them effectively, guests can enjoy every minute of their Florida getaway.