Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando Theme Parks

With so many amazing Theme Parks in Orlando you’re completely spoilt for choice in this area. Theme Parks including Disney World Orlando, Universal Orlando, Seaworld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are the main reason most families come to visit Orlando. But with so much choice, how can you choose? Disney World Orlando and Universal Orlando both have multiple main parks and each park can easily take up days or even weeks of your vacation, but with all this choice, how do you choose? Well we have made this section to outline the main Orlando Theme Parks so you can make the most of your Florida vacation. Don’t forget that many Orlando Theme Parks offer packages, hopper passes, coupons or discounts so check out our blog for the latest deals.

Universal Studios, Orlando

Universal Orlando has the three main attractions: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and City Walk. Islands of Adventure is the home of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The latest edition Transformers The Ride 3-D is offered in the Universal Studios. Universal offers over twenty-five of the world’s most spectacular rides and attractions for everyone of all ages. You’ll battle villains with Spiderman in this 3-D thriller. Hold on tight for the white water rapids on Popeye & Blutos Bilge-Rat Barges. Plunge and hold on tight as you enter the darkness of the ride Revenge of the Mummy. Check out the high speed roller coaster and transform with the The Incredible Hulk Coaster. One of my personal favorites is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster where you get to choose your own music and you go as fast speeds.

At Universal, you have the option of dining inside either theme parks or at the Universal CityWalk. Most visitors enjoy going to Universal CityWalk for the variety of dining options. The world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe is the center and main attraction of all dining. Come relax at the Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and don’t forget to get one of their famous margaritas. If you loved the movie Forrest Gump then you are in for a treat. come stop by at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and try all the different ways you can eat shrimp. One of my personal favorites is Pat O’Briens because I love their Shepard Pies. Even if you are not wanting to go to the theme parks, come to City Walk and feast at the numerous restaurants.

If you happen to be coming to these theme parks. Please check out the major themes attractions during some certain seasons. If you love horror and haunted houses, during the months of September 20 and November 2 (these dates may change year by year), you should check out Universal’s Halloween Horror Night. These are serious of haunted houses that you walk through and plenty of scare zones. You are also able to enjoy the “normal” rides that are currently there. I advise that you should not bring young children to this event. This is strictly a night event that starts around 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. depending on the nights.

Get your gold, purple and green on because it’s Mardi Gras at Universal. This celebration brings out the spirit of New Orleans. Come and enjoy the live concerts, the spectacular parades, authentic Cajun food and the colorful street performers. During the day, this is a family event and you may also enjoy the rides and attractions between concerts. At night, Universal CityWalk because it’s very own New Orleans and becomes a huge after party until 2:00 a.m. I advise not to bring children to the after party. It’s for adults 21 and older to have a few drinks and dance the night away.

If you are the lucky family to arrive to Florida for a Christmas getaway, then you are in for a treat! Universal has two seasons greetings events in both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and  Universal Studios. Located in Universal Studios is The Macy’s Holiday Parade which features giant floats, marching bands, Santa and many more! Universal’s Islands of Adventure created the Grinchman where Seuss Landing has been completely transformed into a winter wonderland with plenty of Whos.

If your family happens to be visiting during the summer then check out the Summer Concert Series that are featured on selected Saturday nights. Please visit Universal’s website and take note that they only perform during June and July. Another two day concert is Rock the Universe at Universal Studios. Come and join Florida’s biggest Christian festival and enjoy watching the biggest names in Christian rock take the stage.

Prices: For a one day pass for an adult, the price is USD $128.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

Disney World, Orlando

Every child dreams of coming to Disney’s Magic Kingdom and experiencing the magic. So get your little princes and princesses ready for the time of their life. Disney features a plentiful amount of rides and attractions from toddlers to adults. Here are some of the most popular rides and attractions for the whole family. Hold on to your hats as you drop in and out  of desert caverns and speed through a haunted mine during Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Set foot into your own personal space ship and ride through the galaxy on the roller coaster Space Mountain. Make your way through the graveyards of The Haunted Mansion and let the ghosts and goblins give you a tour around the spooky house. Get ready to get soaked riding Splash Mountain as you help Br’er Rabbit escape from Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox. Other famous attractions include: Pirates of the Caribbean, Under The Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, It’s A Small World, and many more for families of all ages.

When it comes to dining, you and your family should always set up reservations. It’s best to be safe unless you wish to eat at restaurants with quick service where you grab a tray and pick what you want. Cinderella’s Royal Table is your own fairy tale dining experience since you get to eat in Cinderella’s Castle. It is encouraged that your little girls should dress up as princesses as they will get to pose with Cinderella herself in her extravagant castle. The Crystal Castle is a fantastic buffet where characters come around to say hello as you feast. So come and dine with Winnie the Pooh and Tiger and don’t forget to bring your camera. These are other phenomenal restaurants located in Magic Kingdom:  The Diamond Horseshoe, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant and many more!

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is always having events which include marathons, concerts and celebrating holidays. The two main Holiday Attractions is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These Holiday Attractions are fit for all ages and are a magical experience. Keep your eye out on the company’s website for other attractions and concert dates.

Prices: For a one day pass the price is USD $95.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. You can also buy a package deal of numerous days and park hop. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

Walk around the world in one day at Disney’s Epcot and enjoy the cultural experience. As you walk into the theme park, you are welcomed by a huge white ball known as the ride the Spaceship Earth where Disney brings you through the evolution of life. As you venture into Disney’s Epcot, you are greeted by different countries such as England, Mexico, Normay, Canada, China and many more! At some of these countries are specific rides such as The Spirit of Norway. One of the main attractions is Soarin’ which brings you to a 4-D experience of hang gliding around the world while you experience the smells. Also, bring your children to Nemo and Friends and go on an adventure with our favorite little fish.

I love Epcot for the variety of food. Every country has an assortment of dining experiences. Start your morning at the Rose & Crown & Dining room and get a cup of English Tea. Then you can choose for your lunch or dinner experience at Tokyo Dining and eat as if you were in Asia. There is also Chefs de France or Restaurant Marrakesh where you can feast on Moroccan delicacies such as roast lamb and shish kebab. You can also stop in Germany and enjoy a dinner and show performance or eat with the Mayans in Mexico. You and your family should book ahead to make sure you can enjoy these restaurants.

Disney’s Epcot holds and event between the dates of September 27 to November 11 (dates may change yearly) known as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Come and taste your way around the world by sampling wine and food from every country located in Epcot.  The following are the experiences that you can participate during this festival:

Special Experiences: Interact with celebrity chefs, join a Party for the Senses, sample international marketplaces and receive a first-class education in wine.
Sweet Events: Treat your sweet tooth to a seductive affair with a trio of tempting events, focused around the most decadent desserts and chocolate delights.
Demonstrations & Seminars: Get an education on wine, learn the wonderful “whey” cheese is made, discover “3D” Disney desserts and attend a Party for the Senses.
Eat to the Beat: Soak up the rocking sounds at this outdoor concert series, featuring nightly performances from a sizzling line-up of popular musical acts.

Prices: For a one day pass the price is USD $90.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. You can also buy a package deal of numerous days and park hop. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

Enter the largest animal theme park in the world and encounter the exotic animals and exciting adventures waiting for you! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to more than 1,700 animals ranging across 250 species. Check out the seven areas located inside the theme park: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A. areas.

Come and sit down at this dynamic show and see life through a bug’s point of view at It’s Tough To Be A Bug. Join Simba and friends at the Circle Of Life and go back in time on the attraction known as DINOSAUR. Plunge deep into Mount Everest and ride through the twists and turns on the Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountain roller coaster. There are many more rides fitted for all ages including some water rides! Set out on your adventures with these Animal attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Discovery Island Trails, Maharajah Jungle Trek, and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

Tusker House restaurant is a colorful buffet market area for you to feast on some African dishes along with American cusine.  The Yak and Yeti restaurant is a place for you to rela and replenish with an Asian feast in this beautiful Nepalese-style restaurant.

Prices: For a one day pass the price is USD $90.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. You can also buy a package deal of numerous days and park hop. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Step into the action with attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows. This park features 8 sections: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, Streets of America, Commissary Lane, Pixar Place, Mickey Avenue and Animation Courtyard areas.

Go back in time and visit your favorite muppets on their hiliarious adcenture on the Muppet Vision 3D. Then speed down through the ages of rock in roll with Areosmith on the Rock ‘n’ roller coaster starring Areosmith. Fight the droids and battle Darth Vadar on the attraction Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. Hold on tight as you enter the haunted hotel and meet some fellow ghosts in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

I absolutely love the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant because of the car booths. Here, the restaurant puts on a classic movie while you and your family enjoys eating and feeling as if you were in a car. The 50′s Prime Time Cafe has some of the best milkshakes so don’t forget to stop by and grab some as a dessert! If you loves buffets and meeting characters than the Hollywood & Vine is the perfect place for you and your family to relax and rejuvenate.

Prices: For a one day pass the price is USD $90.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. You can also buy a package deal of numerous days and park hop. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

SeaWorld, Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-life based zoological and theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Sea World is combined with the neighboring theme parks and resorts known as Discovery Cove and Aquatica, creating a an fun filled time for all family members.

SeaWorld Orlando’s mighty Kraken is a monster coaster from the sea. Consistently ranked one of the world’s top coasters by ride enthusiasts, this blazing fast floor-less steel coaster rises high into the sky. Find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience Manta. Riders are guided by a head-first, face-down inverted nosedive through out the attraction.Non-riders are in for their own kind of thrill in the Manta Aquarium with 10 stunning underwater habitats, over 100 rays, and thousands of colorful fish. After you’ve returned to land, don’t forget to stop by Stingray Lagoon where you can “pet” over 200 rays. For young children, the Shamu’s Happy Harbor is the perfect place for anyone to be a kid. There are several rides for guests at the height of 42-48 inches.

As you and your family walk around this beautiful theme park, check out these great places to dine at. One of my favorite experiences was dining at the Dine with Shamu restaurant where you are able to watch Shamu and eat your delicious food. Traveler’s Tip: You should make a reservation for Dine with Shamu. You can also check out these restaurants: Captain Pete’s, Shark’s Underwater Grill, and Mango Joe’s.

Welcome to Discovery Cove. This is the ultimate and one of a kind experience in Orlando Florida. The Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package includes a reserved 30-mintue dolphin interaction and snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish and ray in The Grand Reef. In the Freshwater Oasis you an encounter playful otters and you are able to fed exotic birds in the free flight aviary. There is a lazy river and beaches that you may relax on. You will have to make a reservation for this ultimate experience. Children must be at least six years old to swim with the dolphins and children ages 6-7 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the dolphin swim experience.

Aquatica is a water theme park near Sea World. Aquatica is unique because of their giant, side-by-side wave pools. The most popular ride is the Dolphin Plunge since there are two side-by-side enclosed tubes that you slide down through an underwater playful pod full of black and white Commerson’s Dolphins. If you have young children then the Kata’s Kookaburra Cove I the coolest place to be. There is also the Loggerhead Lane lazy river and Roa’s River white water ride. This park is created for all ages and has lockers that you are able to rent. If you wish to purchase a one day pass, the admission for adults is USD $45.00 and USD $40.00 for children online only. Aquatic also has packages for more days and combination prices for theme parks. You may also rent strollers and a cabaña.

Prices: For a one day pass the price is USD $82.00. The more days you buy, the cheaper it will be. You can also buy a package deal of numerous days and park hop. Don’t forget that there are student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts. There is usually a discount when booking online.

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St Georges VIllasOrlando Theme Parks