Florida's World Famous Theme Parks
Aquatica, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, Kennedy Space Centre, Busch Gardens, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Downtown Disney, Disney Hollywood Studios, to name but a few. All or most of these names will be very familiar to you, even if you have never been to Orlando before.
Whichever parks you visit, we can almost guarantee you will want to go back year after year. New rides are added to each of these parks every year, visit the relevant web-sites to find out more about a particular park.
Regular visitors to the theme parks will always suggest you arrive early to avoid the crowds. This also gives you the option of going back to your villa and relaxing by the pool during the hottest part of the day, then returning refreshed to the parks for the early evening entertainment.
Below you will find a brief description of the major theme parks in and around Orlando.
Aquatica
Aquatica, SeaWorld’s new water park, officially opened on March 1st 2008. Aquatica is the first full size park to be built in Orlando since Discovery Cove in 2000 (which is also a SeaWorld park).
Inside Aquatica is a 59 acre park with 80,000 sq ft of beach, 6 rivers, 2 wave pools, 36 water slides, 2 kiddie play areas and 3 restaurants. The park can accommodate up to 16,000 visitors at one time which makes it the highest capacity water park in the state of Florida. Don’t worry though, it will not feel overcrowded and there are plenty of sun loungers, chairs and beaches for everyone.
The signature ride for Aquatica is the Dolphin Plunge. A unique water ride which consists of two 300ft long tubes which take you through a crystal clear lagoon, home to Aquatica’s famous black and white Commerson’s dolphins.
If the Dolphin Plunge is not for you, just watch the antics of the Commerson’s dolphins from the viewing area by the Waterstone Grill restaurant. You can even dine in the restaurant and watch the Commerson’s at your leisure.
The beautiful soft sandy beaches have two different wave pools:
Cutback Cove has huge 5ft waves to knock you off your feet.
Big Surf Shores has mellow ‘bobbing’ waves to soothe and cool you in the midday sun.
In each pool the waves run for 8 minutes 3 times every hour at 15, 35 and 55 minutes past the hour. Both have very large clocks which can be seen from almost anywhere in the park, so no real need to take your watch on the beach or near the water. Each wave pool has six lifeguards watching over you and your children.
For the children there are two great areas with their own ‘starter’ water slides, paddling pools and play areas.
The three restaurants in Aquatica cater for all tastes and some have much more healthy options than most water parks:
Waterstone Grill - has freshly made sandwiches and salads.
Mango Market – Fresh wood fired pizzas, chicken strips and fries or chicken strip wraps and fresh salads and fresh fruit.
Banana Beach Cookout – Beef burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs are available in this ‘all-u-can-eat’ restaurant.
Aquatica private cabanas are also available for hire at approx $150 per day. This price includes your locker, sunscreen, lunch, soda water/juice, $25 off merchandise and a whole lot more, so worth the money if you are looking for a private area for the day.
SeaWorld Adventure Park
SeaWorld is a truly magical place and the most popular marine life park in the world. There are many things to see and do with the animals at SeaWorld, with a wonderful mix of animals, shows and exciting rides.
Get up close and personal with the dolphins and enjoy touching and feeding them, unbelievable but true. They just love the attention, and young or old, it is a magical feeling and will leave you with a big smile on your face.
A show not to be missed is "Blue Horizons". The world famous killer whale, Shamu, will amaze you as she literally flies through the air. This is the most popular show at SeaWorld, so get there early and settle in to the best seats - but watch out for the splash, it goes further than you think.
If it’s more thrills and spills you are after we dare you to try Kraken the fastest, longest and most nerve racking ride you will come across in Orlando. Go on a journey to Atlantis, a fast and furious water coaster.
For a little time out, have a wander along The Waterfront. Try the wonderful restaurants and eat lunch in a lovely marina setting.
Discovery Cove
The highlight of your day is to get close and personal with the beautiful bottle nosed dolphins. First, you will get to learn about the dolphins, how they live and feed. Then you go into the water and touch, feed and even swim with the dolphins. There is no greater feeling and it will be a day you will remember for the rest of your life (you get the opportunity to buy a video/dvd of your personal experience).
You will be provided wet suits, towels, personal lockers and snorkeling equipment on arrival at Discovery Cove. Your mask & snorkel are brand new, and yours to keep, so take them home with you as a souvenir of the day.
Discovery Cove is an absolute haven and a complete change of pace to the theme parks. Here you can relax in plush tropical surroundings, snorkel in the coral reefs and swim with thousands of tropical fish. Have your feet tickled by the stingrays, see sharks close up, feed birds in the aviary and relax on the beach.
The cost of the day includes your lunch too, which in itself is a gourmets delight, with lots of choice of different foods. Everything is freshly cooked, and you get three courses, with enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite.
Discovery Cove limits the numbers of visitors each day, which ensures no crowds, the personal attention of staff, and peace and tranquility for all concerned - even the animals and birds seem to be on vacation.
Universal Studios
At Universal Studios you actually ‘ride’ the movies. All the greats are here for you to experience. You must try the 3D adventures such as:
Terminator 2 3D - with motor bikes revving, Cyborgs and lasers. Your job is to help save mankind in this fantastic show.
Why not try a peaceful boat trip in Amityville, but watch out JAWS is in hiding somewhere and may attack any minute. Want to try the subway, head for Earthquake – but beware, the ceiling will cave in, the roads and rails crack and tankers burst into flames. This is an earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter Scale. On Twister you will feel, see and hear the devastation as the Twister swirls through the town.
Men In Black – join a training mission on an interactive ride to save the earth from aliens. Travel through time and zap those pesky creatures. Very popular, and you will want to go back. Aliens sorted now try Back to the Future and Soar through time and space.
Join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona, on further adventures from where the film left off.
Revenge of the Mummy is one of the most exciting rides at Universal Studios. A terrifying, psychological ride which will plunge you into total darkness at death defying speed – try it if you dare.
Kids and adults will have great fun in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone . Here you can see the live shows such as Animal Planet, all your favourite TV animals are here to show you how it’s done, a very funny and cute show. Be sure to see Beetle Juice, a graveyard blast with Rock‘n’Roll - great entertainment for the whole family.
Climb aboard the rocket for Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, and go on a wild chase through the toons with SpongeBob the Rugrats and many more.
When walking through the streets, watch out for the Blues Brothers. Jake and Elwood do a real live concert in the street, along with the rest of the cast and, of course, the audience.
Universal Islands of Adventure
More spills, thrills and fun in Islands of Adventure. Five themed islands give you adventure rides, myths, legends, comic book and cartoon characters.
Marvel Superhero Island is where you will find The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman on this interactive 3D ride. Fly through the air, climb buildings and speed through the streets with Spiderman. If you dare, try The Incredible Hulk, but hold on tight, with speeds of 40mph in 2 seconds you are taken on a roller-coaster high speed adventure. On Dr Doom’s Free-fall Rocket you will soar 150ft into the air and then, before you know it, plunge right back down again.
In the Lost Continent, full of ancient myths and legends, beware of the Dueling Dragons. Probably the most talked about and exciting inverted roller-coaster ride ever, where the Dueling Dragons (ice and fire) take you on a hair raising high speed ride of up to 55 mph. The Dragons pass within inches of each in a fight 125 ft in the air.
Poseidon’s Fury takes you deep under the sea, and, as the ancient Gods battle against each other with fireballs, lasers and underwater explosions, you will wonder whether you are trapped forever.
Not to be missed is The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad. A lively, funny stunt show which will have you laughing, booing and cheering as Sinbad and his friend Kabob try to rescue the princess from the wicked witch.
Jurassic Park takes you on a real life journey back in the time when dinosaur’s ruled the earth. Take a river raft ride and observe the dinosaurs in their natural habit, but beware, if one of them breaks through the fence, your only escape is an 85 ft plunge into total darkness, who knows where you might land.
Toon Lagoon presents to you Popeye, Pluto and the lovely Olive Oyl, take a trip on their Bilge-rat Barges for a white water rapid ride. Don’t forget the spinach. If you want to tire out the little ones, let them have a run around Popeye’s ship with 3 levels of interactive play.
Seuss Landing is where all of Dr Seuss characters come to life. Sit on the sofa and take a ride through his story land. Thing One and Thing Two are there to bring the expected chaos, but will it all be tidied before mum gets home ?
The Caro-Seuss-el is a magical merry-go round for the little ones. Sitting upon one of Dr Seuss creatures such as Dog-alopes or Aqua-moptops, the children can chat away, and the creatures will respond, with a blink of the eyes, a turn of the head or a wiggle of the ears.
You will meet most of your superhero’s and cartoon characters wandering along Comic Strip Lane. Make sure you have your camera ready to get a photo of them greeting your family.
Universal City Walk
Universal City Walk is the entertainment area you will probably enjoy most in the evenings, however. Fully pedestrianised, here you will find live entertainment, cinemas, clubs, bars and themed restaurants including the world’s largest Hard Rock Café, the Motown Café, NBA Pat O’Briens and many more.
Kennedy Space Centre
Out of this world literally. The Kennedy Space is situated approximately 50 miles from Orlando, but well worth a day trip. This is a working centre, therefore times and openings should be checked as show schedules may be altered due to launch operations.
In the Rocket Garden there are eight authentic rockets to explore. You will also meet genuine astronauts and be able to ask them questions about their unique experiences.
The IMAX Cinema has 2 large screens 5 stories high. Travel on a 3D journey to the International Space Station or experience the thrilling sensations of space flight. There are interactive exhibits and astronaut training simulators.
Saturn v Centre go through the launch sequence of Apollo in a replica of Firing Room and visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a great African themed adventure park at Tampa Bay, just over an hour’s drive from Orlando. Encounter endangered animals on the Rhino Rally, an off-road safari adventure.
Even more thrills and spills on world class roller-coasters such as Kumba, Montu, and the newest Cheetah Chase, where you ride through a maze of revolving dips and hairpin turns. All bigger and faster than ever.
There are shows which will delight and entertain you such as KaTonga.
Adults can visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and learn the art of beer making – whilst having a small sample or two of this delicious brew.
Note - you may find that your SeaWorld or Discovery Cove tickets also include entrance to Busch Gardens, so check when you buy.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has 7 amazing lands to explore, and of course there's Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Cinderella and a whole host of characters to meet you there in their Magical Castle. If you want thrills, speed, and splashes try Splash Mountain, Dig Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain. Magic Kingdom has lots of shows, and fireworks for you to enjoy too.
Top Tip if you arrive at the park before it opens (see guide for opening times) you will see Mickey and all his friends arriving for work on a train.
Animal Kingdom
Five lands for you to explore. Why not try Kilimanjaro Safaris and travel across the 100 acre African Savannah to see elephants, zebras, hippos, gorillas and a whole host of other animals. Animal Kingdom is a great adventure. Be sure to take your breath away on the "Expedition Everest" ride.
On Dinosaur you will travel back in time and come face to face with the dinosaur. This ride is action packed. Want to see more animals? Try the Wildlife Express Train where you get close to the animals and learn more about the wildlife.
Epcot
Epcot is a wonderful world of technology. Get ready to be thrust into outer space on Mission SPACE. Try Test Track, a high speed ride while testing out a new car.
Visit the World Showcase and travel through France, Italy, Germany and Norway. You can also visit United Kingdom, if you are missing home. Here you will find, fish and chips and you can have a drink at the Rose and Crown Pub. Then visit the Rocky Mountains in Canada before moving on to China and Japan.
Not to be missed at the end of the day is IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth with lasers, music and fireworks lighting up the World Showcase.
In the fantastic Soarin you will fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite and many more wonders of the world.
Hollywood Studios
There are lots of shows to see here, such as Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Indiana Jones a fantastic stunt show. Star Wars has a fantastic simulator trip called Star Tours, travel at the speed of light on a trip to the Deathstar Space Station with C3PO and R2 D2 . Visit the sets for TV shows and films.
The Extreme Stunt Show, with engines revving, fireworks, Lasers and lots more action will take your breath away.
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is a fantastic wintry wonderland, with slides and rides aplenty. Travel at 60 mph down Summit Plummit, take a relaxing ride on the lazy river Cross Country Creek. Believe it or not they even have a winter wonderland, where you can Toboggan down the snow slope, try out the Ski Patrol Training Camp and then stop for lunch overlooking Mt Gushmore at Lottawatta Lodge.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
When the heat is rising what better way to cool off than in the giant wave pool or on one of the water slides. Try Castaway Creek, a nice slow and winding river ride. If you want something a little more daring try white water rafting on Gangplank falls or dare yourself to swim in Shark Reef, where you will snorkel through a coral reef full of colourful fish and, yes, real live sharks !
Downtown Disney
Take a stroll around Downtown Disney. A waterfront location with almost 100 shops, restaurants, and attractions. There are also a number of cinemas, so relax, have lunch and put your feet to a good film.
DisneyQuest is also located in Downtown Disney. DisneyQuest is an indoor interactive theme park. You can even ride on a roller coaster that you have designed personally.
Cirque Du Soleil
Situated, once again, in Downtown Disney is this fantastic, unbelievable international show, combining daring acrobatics and street entertainment. The costumes are dazzling and outrageous, this show will have something to amaze and please everybody.
Disney's Boardwalk
Award winning restaurants, home brewed beers and the Atlantic Dance Hall Disco - have a good old sing song and enjoy the atmosphere.
Pleasure Island
When evening falls, dance and dine the night away with a variety of clubs providing live music and stage shows. Be sure not to miss the nightly fireworks and dazzling parades. Every night is New Year’s Eve.