8 Best Theme Parks in Orlando

Magic Kingdom retains its place as the premier amusement park for young children who want to be dazzled by their favorite characters come to life and experience that unmistakable, extraordinary Disney charm. Founded in 1971, it was the first attraction to open at Orlando’s sprawling Walt Disney World. Disney's Magic Kingdom is spilt into 6 different ‘lands’ across an enormous 107-acre site – Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Main Street, and Liberty Square.

One-half of the wider Universal Orlando complex, Universal Studios draws in the bumper crowds with its long lineup of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. Get up close with those naughty yellow minions from Despicable Me, fly across Springfield with the Simpsons, ward-off alien attacks in the MEN IN BLACK simulator or get lost in a world of magic at Harry Potter’s Escape from Gringotts ride. The action here is more focused on delivering an immersive movie experience, with state-of-the-art technology used throughout the range of simulators.

Epcot’s huge spherical design is one of the most instantly recognizable images of Disney World. This science-themed attraction has 2 areas: Future World, demonstrating human endeavor and innovation, along with World Showcase, a permanent world’s fair with 11 nations represented around a giant manmade lake. The fun of Epcot is really found in just strolling around and soaking up the incredibly realistic sights.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure® has received international awards for its extensive range of rollercoasters and attractions. Its different zones include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™-Hogsmeade™, Marvel Super Hero Island®, The Lost Continent®, Toon Lagoon®, Jurassic Park®, Skull Island™, and Seuss Landing™. The list of family-friendly attractions at this huge park is long enough to last a few days. Thankfully multi-day passes are available, so you save more for each extra day you buy.

Legoland Florida is a 150-acre theme park based on the iconic Danish-invented construction toys. It features over 50 rides, shows, attractions, shops and restaurants, making it one of the biggest theme parks in Orlando. Legoland Florida also has a separate waterpark, with its own selection of rides and attractions including a wave pool, lazy river and slides.

Aquatica® is located south of Downtown Orlando. Alongside all the water park essentials like head-to-head slides, rapids, and high-speed flumes, Aquatica also delivers a few unique attractions. The Dolphin Plunge® lets you slide through a water shoot with actual dolphins swimming around you (they’ll even try to race you as you zipper along, if you’re lucky). Another popular water ride at Aquatica is the oblivion-style drop at Ihu’s breakaway Falls®.

Fun Spot America is one of the few independent theme parks in Orlando. Located across International Drive from the sprawling Universal Resort, this particular Orlando amusement park stays clear of any branded rides promoting movies or Hollywood gimmicks, Instead, you'll find plenty of adrenaline-filled rollercoasters, go-karting tracks, and a whole bunch of attractions for younger kids to enjoy.