List Of Orlando Theme Parks

Universal Studios Florida™ - Universal Orlando Resort

When you want to feel like a star in an unforgettable landscape then the best Orlando theme park for you is Universal Studios Florida. Located in the greater Orlando area, the Universal Studios Florida is situated on 108-acres that are packed with 15 thrilling rides, 24 shows and several arcade areas that are themed after incredible movies that were produced or created by Universal Studios. You will be thrilled walking through the grounds that feature themed rides such as E.T. Adventure, Hogwarts Express and Revenge of the Mummy. Universal Studios Florida Orlando theme park will raise your adrenaline after you Race through New York with Jimmy Fallon and you can calm down with laughter while on the Simpsons Ride. Your heart will thump while riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and your wits will be challenged by MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack. There are numerous attractions for children that include Shrek 4-D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster. Your child will be pleased spending a Day in the Park with Barney and with Animal Actors on Location! Other great shows for everyone are the Blues Brothers, Terminator 2: 3-D and Fear Factor Live will leave you speechless. There are dozens of unique things to do and watch at Universal CityWalk Orlando theme park like attending a Blue Man Group show or listening to the Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom. You will enjoy award winning food at places like the Hard Rock Cafe and the fun never stops at Margaritaville.

Universal's Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando Resort

If you like to combine thrilling movie themed rides with plenty of other areas to relax then the best Orlando theme park for you and your family is Universal's Islands of Adventures. Located adjacent to Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure is situated on 101-acres of intense adventure that will leave you awestruck with lasting memories. Universal's Islands of Adventure will have your heart pumping while you are on the Dragon Challenge or Doctor Doom's Fearfall. Families will be pleased with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station will make you feel like you are in the movie. Other rides like Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges and Jurassic Park River Adventure will have you screaming with fright. Children will enjoy One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish as well as Pteranodon Flyers and Flight of the Hippogriff. Family entertainment is everywhere with superb shows like the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Poseidon's Fury and Skull Island: Reign of Kong and children will laugh forever while watching Oh! The Stories You'll Hear. When you are ready for some arcade games then try Jurassic Park Games or the Kingpin's Arcade where you will find all the carnival type games you have always enjoyed and children will be thrilled with Toon Lagoon Games. As the sun goes down there are plenty of other venues at Universal's CityWalk where the action continues into the evening at places like Pat O'Brien's, the Red Coconut Club and the Blue Man Group is a great family show.

Photo by Jeremy Thompson

Kennedy Space Center

One of the more popular Orlando theme parks to visit is the Kennedy Space Center which is ideal for all travelers who are interested in space explorations as well as our country's history. Located near Titusville on the eastside of the Intracoastal Waterway, not far from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is a fascinating place to see with numerous hundreds of exhibits that outline space travel through the various stages of accomplishments and failures. The Kennedy Space Center has 31 exhibits within five main attractions/exhibits for you to view which include the Heroes and Legends Museum where you can view the Rocket Garden and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame; a Behind the Gates tour where you will see many of the historic launch sites via a bus tour; The Race to the Moon features an actual Saturn V moon rocket and you can view the Atlantis at the Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other and you can even take a simulated shuttle ride. Lastly NASA Now and Then highlights present missions as well as the preparation for future space travel. You can even witness a live launch on specific days that are open to the public. Other attractions include an IMAX Theater and everyone is surprised at the number of hands-on interactive stations that are on exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center. Be prepared upon entering to go through security lines and you can bring a picnic lunch in a soft sided cooler to enjoy at the Visitor's Center Complex.

Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

When you want to visit one of the more popular Orlando theme parks which bring the magical world of Disney to life, then you must take a trip to Disney's Magic Kingdom. Located in the Bay Lake area of the greater Orlando area, Disney's Magic Kingdom is situated on 107-acres with six distinct areas which include Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland and Liberty Square. Your family will never forget meeting Mickey Mouse and all the loveable Disney characters that roam the grounds from Dumbo to Cinderella to Buzz Lightyear. Disney's Magical Kingdom is loaded with family friendly rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, the Astro Orbiter and the Jungle Cruise. In addition you can enjoy classic Disney themed rides like “it's a small world”, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight and the entertaining Pirates of the Caribbean. Overall there are 37 stunning attractions that will help your family share lasting memories forever. As you wander around Disney's Magical Kingdom Orlando theme park you will be thrilled with the shows like Mickey's PhilharMagic, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire and you will laugh at the Muppets during their Great Moments in American History performance. The fun doesn't stop when the stars come out at night with spectacular firework shows every night that will leave spell bound. Disney's Magical Kingdom also features several unique dining venues from the Diamond Horseshoe to Gaston's Tavern to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.

Photo by jcsandoval4

Epcot - Walt Disney World

When you are ready to visit an Orlando theme park that is concentrated on the spectacular achievements of the human race then you should plan to go to Epcot. Located in Bay Lake within the greater Orlando area, Epcot is situated on 300-acres of land that is split into two distinct sections that are Future World and the World Showcase. Future World is loaded with 39 superb attractions with many involving nature such as Turtle Talk with Crush, the Circle of Life and Bruce's Shark World. Within Future World there is a huge aquarium with hundreds of species from the oceans around the world as well as a living coral reef. There are unique adventures at Future World like scuba diving and swimming with dolphins. If you like thrill rides then try Test Track or Mission: Space and family friendly rides include Soarin', Spaceship Earth as well as Living with the Land. The World Showcase area concentrates on eleven countries from around the world like the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, China and Norway. You will be fascinated at the culture of each individual country as well as the contributions that each country has made to better the world, presented at Epcot Orlando theme park. Children will like attractions like Frozen Ever After and Kidcot Fun Stops. You won't miss Mickey Mouse as many of the well-known characters come to life like Nemo, Mulan and Snow White. There are superb dining options that highlight the culture of these eleven countries through food and drink as well as through excellent interactive attractions.

Photo by Christian Benseler

Animal Kingdom - Walt Disney World

When you are interested in combining animals, nature and thrilling rides then the best Orlando theme park for you to visit is Disney's Animal Kingdom. Located in Bay Lake just outside of Orlando, Disney's Animal Kingdom is situated on 580-acres of lush habitats that represent such places in the world as the Himalayas, African savanna and the rainforests of the Amazon. Within Disney's Animal Kingdom there are 39 brilliantly conceived attractions that range from a Maharajah Jungle Trek to a Kilimanjaro Safari to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. All these fabulous attractions bring nature and animals to the forefront. You will witness gorillas, elephants, giraffes, Gibbons, Flamingos as well as hippopotamuses living within a gorgeously constructed habitat that is similar to their native home lands. When you are ready for some adrenaline you can hop on the TriceraTop Spin, Wildlife Express Train or take a thrilling ride on the Dinosaur, the Primeval Whirl or the Kali River Rapids. You will be pleased with the Conservation Station and the Discovery Island Trails are highlighted with waterfalls. Entertaining shows from Finding Nemo-The Musical to Meet Baloo and King Louie to Festival of the Lion King will bring pleasure to everyone in the family whether young or old. Nighttime is special at Disney's Animal Kingdom Orlando theme park with the luminescent Tree of Life, Discovery Island Carnivale and the fabulous firework display as well as light show during the Rivers of Light performance.

Hollywood Studios - Walt Disney World

If you like to combine fabulous movies with adrenaline pumping rides and entertaining shows, then the perfect Orlando theme park for you is Disney's Hollywood Studios. Located in Bay Lake near Orlando, Disney's Hollywood Studios is situated on 137-acres of action packed fun which combines a variety of famous movies with interactive attractions. Disney's Hollywood Studios brings thrilling excitement to your body as you will feel just a movie star when you stroll around the park. Disney's Hollywood Studios Orlando theme park has 11 spell binding attractions which range from thrill rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith to Star Tours-The Adventure Continues. Families will enjoy the Toy Story Mania! as well as the Great Movie Ride and watching Muppet Vision 3-D. Your children and you will be excited to meet such Disney characters as Buzz Lightyear, Olaf and you can shake Mickey Mouse's hand or they can take a shot at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Nighttime brings superb firework shows and the daytime entertainment includes Fantasmic!, Stars Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and the Beauty as well as the Beast-Live on Stage.

Typhoon Lagoon - Walt Disney World

When you are ready to mix a little water with a fun filled day of excitement then the perfect Orlando theme park for you is Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Located in Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is situated on 56-acres that resemble an area of land after a typhoon with hundreds of items thrown around in chaos. Within Disney's Typhoon Lagoon there are eleven great water attractions that will make the whole family happy for the day. Attractions range from adrenaline filled rides like Humunga Kowabunga to the Crush ‘n' Gusher to the Bay Slides. While you visit Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Orlando theme park you will be happy with the family attractions that include Castaway Creek, Gangplank Falls, the Storm Slides as well as Miss Adventure Falls and Ketchakiddee Creek is ideal for younger children with a soft sandy beach. You will be amazed at how quickly you travel down the water on your raft through mystical areas that can only be created by Walt Disney's imagination. The Whitecap Cove is an entry tidal pool and if you want big waves then you should hang out at the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool which throws 6-feet tall waves at you every 90 seconds and if you are really adventurous you can even take a surfing lesson. There are opportunities to rent umbrellas, private cabana type structures and there is an assortment of food as well as beverage selections sold onsite.

Blizzard Beach - Walt Disney World

If you like the excitement of mixing a water filled day with plenty of adrenaline, then the ideal Orlando theme park for you is to take a trip to Disney's Blizzard Beach. Located in Bay Lake just outside of Orlando, Disney's Blizzard Beach is situated on 66-acres of land that is fashioned after a mythical ski resort which has magically turned into a wonderland of fast flowing water. Disney's Blizzard Beach features eleven attractions that range from body slides to raft rides to a lazy river. Your family will be happy with floating down the gentle waters of Cross Country Creek to the waves that can be found in Melt-Away Bay. Adrenaline packed slides like the Downhill Double Dipper and the Summit Plummet will leave lasting memories to every brave person. You can race each other at Toboggan Racers and the Slush Gusher will leave you awestruck. Children will be pleased with Tike's Peak which is packed with fountains just for the little ones. When you want to get to the top of Mount Gusher then take a ride on the Chairlift and everyone can try out the Ski Patrol Training Camp. There are plenty of options for food and drink at Blizzard Beach Orlando theme park as well as umbrella and private cabana style units you can rent to keep you in the shade.

Universal's Volcano Bay - Universal Orlando Resort

When you want to visit one of the newest Orlando theme parks which combines water fun with thrilling rides then you should take a trip to Universal's Volcano Bay. Located adjacent to Universal Studio Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay is situated on 53-acres with a 200-foot volcano towering over the fun filled grounds that include 18 new attractions which are sure to please everyone in the family. This exciting new water park is bringing new technology to visitors with the TapuTapu wrist band which will allow you to skip the lines and return at your designated time. You can explore such thrilling new rides as Krakatau Aqua Coaster, the Ko'okiri Body Plunge, the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides as well as Punga Racers which will have you racing through underwater sea caves. Wave Village brings Waturi Beach which sits at the base of Krakatau and is perfect for swimming. River Village is ideal for those who are seeking big waves to carve from two massive walls of water. Tot Tiki Reef is superb for children and Kopiko Wai Winding River will take you through a mystical tropical landscape. The Rainforest Village is full of excitement from Taniwha Tubes to TeAwa the Fearless River to the stunning Puka Uli Lagoon. There are unique dining opportunities in all three areas of Universal's Volcano Bay which include Bambu, Whakawaiwai Eats and the Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club.

SeaWorld Orlando

One of the top Orlando theme parks for families and travelers who like to learn more about the world's marine life and combined with exciting thrill rides is SeaWorld Orlando. Located in 15-miles south of Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando is situated on 200-acres that allow you to experience 30 different activities from aquariums to thrill rides to animal shows. Marine life experiences include thirteen such fabulous spaces as a Wild Artic Habit with beluga whales; Stingray Lagoon; an excellent Shark Encounter viewing area; a Pelican preserve; the Pacific Point Preserve highlights seals; the Manta Aquarium has a 360 degree view for guests; the Jewel of the Sea Aquarium is packed with colorful marine life; Dolphin Cove is perfect for watching dolphins play and the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin has five species of penguins. You will be intrigued by the Turtletrek which is a 3D 360 degree theatre that explains the vulnerability of these sea creatures. There are nine thrilling rides at SeaWorld Orlando including the monster roller coasters Kraken and Mako. Other family oriented rides at SeaWorld Orlando theme park include the kid friendly Shamu's Happy Harbor, the Flamingo Paddle Boats and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Marine life shows are highlighted by One Ocean which showcases orca whales as well as Dolphin Days and children will be pleased with SeaWorld and Bubble Legendary present Pop.

Aquatica - SeaWorld Orlando

One of the more popular Orlando theme parks with families and guests of all ages is the Aquatica waterpark. Located adjacent to SeaWorld Orlando, Auqatica is a superb water adventure park that is fashioned after regions in New Zealand and Australia with several features from waterslides to wave pools to raft rides to lazy rivers. Aquatica has three thrilling water body/mat slides that include a fascinating Dolphin Plunge through a glass tube that runs through waters filled with dolphins as well as Ihu's Breakaway Falls which is three drop slides combined with a speed slide which are all 80-feet tall. The five exciting raft rides include Omaka Rocka where you descend into one of two slides which have a tornado funnel layout and the Whanau Way with four double raft slides. Aquatica Orlando theme park also features two lazy rivers including the Loggerhead Lane which flows through a dolphin exhibit and two wave pools with differing waves. There are two children's areas which include the Kata's Kookaburra Cove with smaller slides and the Walkabout Waters features ladders with dumping water buckets.

Discovery Cove - SeaWorld Orlando

When you are interested in one-on-one encounters with numerous marine animals, then the best Orlando theme park to visit is Discovery Cove. Located just south of SeaWorld Orlando, the Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort that is packed with underwater adventure and marine animal interaction. Discovery Cove offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that include snorkeling, swimming and a special unique dive helmet which allows for an exciting once-in-a-lifetime marine life experience. There are three specific areas within Discovery Cove which include the Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis and the Dolphin Lagoon. Each area has a specific activity where you can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon; the Explorer's Aviary features hundreds of birds from parrots to flamingos; the Freshwater Oasis allows for encounters with playful otters and marmosets; Seaventure takes you underwater with a unique dive helmet so you can get close sharks through a huge panoramic viewing window; Serenity Bay is a gorgeous beach area where you can swim; the Grand Reef allows you to cross a bridge over shark infested waters and the reef allows you to view thousands of colorful tropical fish and the Wind Away River is complete with beaches, underwater caves and tumbling waterfalls within a beautiful rainforest landscape. An added bonus to this all-inclusive day resort is unlimited food and drink throughout your day, so that you can truly indulge in a day of fun.

Forever Florida

One of the best Orlando theme parks to explore nature and add a bit of adrenaline to your day is an eco-adventure filled day at Forever Florida. Located 52-miles southeast of Orlando, Forever Florida is situated on 4,700-acres of natural Florida landscape that includes several different unique eco-systems. You will be overjoyed with the amazing activities within Forever Florida which include an adrenaline filled zipline adventure that has you soaring almost 70-feet above the ground over seven different tension cables and there are also two sky-bridges for thrill seekers. Other outstanding attractions at Forever Florida include a wonderful guided horseback ride through nature while you listen to interesting facts about the eco-system and you can even participate in a cattle roundup on the Crescent J Ranch where you will play cowboy for a day. Nature hikes with trained naturalist lead you through the area and there is even camping option you can select. Your day at Forever Florida Orlando theme park will be complete with fun-filled activities while viewing incredible animal species like turtles, alligators as well as the endangered Florida panther play in their natural habit and part of your park admission goes to the Allen Broussad Conservancy which is instrumental in protecting Florida's native eco-systems.

Wild Florida Wildlife Park

When you are ready to view incredible animals in their natural habit and take an incredible ride on an airboat, then the perfect Orlando theme park for you is the Wild Florida Wildlife Park. Located 63-miles southeast of Orlando, the Wild Florida Wildlife Park are situated on Lake Cypress within the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. You will be pleased with viewing over 200 animals from around the world which include species such as alligators, wild hogs, bald eagles and turkeys. Other fascinating creatures you will have an opportunity to view are sloths, lemurs, zebras and bobcats. You will enjoy the sights and sounds of the walk-in bird aviary which houses parrots, ducks and birds from around the world. There are alligator feeding shows and interesting lectures throughout the day about the other exotic animals that call Wild Florida Wildlife Orlando theme park home. Another exciting thing to do while visiting is to take an adrenaline filled airboat ride which allows you to get closer to these amazing animals in their natural environment. If you want more take a Ranch Buggy where you will travel through the Doc Partin Ranch which is one of the oldest working cattle ranches in Florida.

Gatorland

When you are interested in combining the unique natural wonders of Florida with several adrenaline filled rides then Gatorland is an ideal Orlando theme park for you to visit. Located 20-minutes south of Orlando and north of Kissimmee, Gatorland is situated on 110-acres of man-made swamps and bayous that are packed with a variety of animals from alligators to turtles to snakes to crocodiles. Gatorland has been around for over 60 years thrilling guests with boardwalk walkways over the swamp areas allowing for pure viewing pleasure of these animals in a simulated natural environment. You will be pleased strolling through the “Alligator Capital of the World” where you can actually view a rare leucistic white alligator. The park also features a free-flight aviary packed with birds, several unique animal shows from alligator wrestling to feedings and there is even a petting zoo for kids. When you are ready to raise your adrenaline then try the Screamin' Gator Zip Line which sends you soaring 1,200-feet above the alligator infested waters below. Besides the petting zoo children will enjoy the Gatorland Express Train. There are several features that will upgrade your experience like following a trainer for a day and you can even take part in Gator Wrestlin' Show.

Photo by Andrea Westmoreland on Flickr.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND is fast becoming one of the must see Orlando theme parks for families and all theme park enthusiasts. Located in the town of Winter Haven just 45-minutes from Orlando, LEGOLAND is situated on 150-acres which are packed with more than 50 attractions, rides and shows which are specifically geared for families with children that are 2 to 12 years of age. LEGOLAND has a magnificent manicured garden landscape that is enhanced by the numerous LEGO models that are on exhibit throughout the park. Specific areas within LEGOLAND include LEGO Technic, Land of Adventure, Miniland USA, the Beginning, LEGO Kingdoms, World of Chima, Pirates Cove, DUPLO Valley, LEGO City, Imagination Zone, Heartlake City and LEGO Ninjago World. You will be thrilled with several roller coasters that include Project X and the Flying School. Several interactive rides exist which are highlighted by the Lost Kingdom Adventure and the Quest for CHI. Other exciting attractions include small scale replicas of the Kennedy Space Center, Las Vegas as well as New York City. You will be amazed at the variety of shows that range from the Live Stage Show “Friends to the Rescue” to the Wells Fargo 4D Theater. Another added bonus is LEGOLAND Water Park where you can float down a lazy river, stand in a wave pool and there are plenty of body as well as tube slides for you to enjoy.

Photo by VisitCentralFL

Fun Spot America

Fun Spot America is a superb Orlando theme park that will remind you of the glory days of amusement parks in the United States. Fun Spot America has two separate locations which are Orlando near Universal Studio and near Kissimmee which resides close to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Your family will be thrilled with the excellent rides, carnival type games and an arcade where you can redeem your tickets for prizes. Fun Spot America is the only family-owned theme park in the area where admission is free and you pay for whichever rides you wish. Each park has plenty of adrenaline filled rides such as in the 14-acre Orlando park site where you will find the only wooden roller coaster in Orlando and at the 9-acre Kissimmee park site you can ride on the 300-foot tall SkyCoaster which is the tallest of its kind in the world. At the Orlando location there are over 30 fun rides filled with thrills and the Kissimmee location features 19 brilliantly fun rides. Each Orlando Fun Spot America theme park offers a unique multi-level go kart track, plenty of family rides and there is a children's area specifically for the younger ones in your family. Fun Spot America Orlando theme park is a perfect place to spend a relaxed day of adrenaline filled fun and when you get hungry there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat within the park.

Photo by Stephen Weppler

The Holy Land Experience

When you are searching for an Orlando theme park that is perfect for religious groups and organizations then the Holy Land Experience is an ideal selection. Located at 4655 Vineland Road within the Millenia area, the Holy Land Experience is structured after the city of Jerusalem and recreates the setting of the 1st century in Judea. The Holy Land Experience features eight specific areas of interest that are packed with religious artifacts and items of worship with the Scriptorium holding the Van Kampen Collections; the Wilderness Tabernacle will explain the plan for redemption through Jesus Christ and understand more about the sacrificial systems as well as the Ark of the Covenant; Calvary's Garden Tomb which features an empty tomb where you can pray; Golgotha walking tour which highlights the crucifixion of Christ; the Great Temple is a replica of the temple that was constructed on Mount Moriah; the Jerusalem Market Place will take you to an ancient city; Smile of a Child Adventure Land is packed with fun games like a climbing wall and miniature golf course; there is also a huge Model of Jerusalem which portrays the various areas of the city that were important to the people and lastly there is the Church of All Nations where you can watch live reenactments of the crucifixion, resurrection and Christ's rise to heaven. The Church of All Nations at The Holy Land Experience Orlando theme park also holds mass, baptismal services, Christian oriented musical and theatrical events.