Which Amusement park to Choose in Orlando? Info, Tickets, advice
Looking for information on Orlando amusement parks? You are in the right place to know everything! In this article I give you more information on the different amusement parks that exist in Orlando. Known for its sun and its palm trees, Orlando concentrates an impressive number of amusement parks. So faced with this vast choice, which are the ones to visit first? What is my favorite amusement park and finally which one I recommend.
To help you decide, below are Orlando's most famous parks (which unfortunately are also the busiest...) like Disney and Universal. But you will also see that the city has other equally interesting parks to discover. If you do not yet know what to do in Orlando, know that visiting at least one amusement park is a must if you are in the region. For you, we have made a small overview of the amusement parks of Orlando! Follow the leader !
On the agenda of this article
- Which park to choose in Orlando?
- Walt Disney World, the largest of Orlando's parks
- Universal Orlando: The Orlando Park for Adults
- UniversalStudio
- Universal Islands of Adventure
- Volcano Bay
- Rates for the Universal Studio park
- SeaWorld parks, for those who love nautical shows
- Sea World
- Aquatica
- Discovery Cove
- Legoland Florida, the Orlando park for the little ones
- Walt Disney World and its various parks
- Disney's Magic Kingdom
- Disney's Hollywood Studios/MGM Studios
- Disney's Animal Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Walt Disney World water parks
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
- Disney's Blizzard Beach
- Other Orlando Parks
- Can we do several parks in one day?
Which park to choose in Orlando?
For those who don't have time to read the whole article, here are my tips for choosing your park in Orlando. In general, I recommend that you book your tickets several weeks in advance, because the Orlando parks are in high demand. There are often days and even periods when there are no more tickets available.
If you have children, then without hesitation I advise you to go to the Walt Disney World parks.
If you are an adult and love movies and cinema, I definitely recommend Universal Studio Park.
If you have young children, then I advise you to go to Legoland which is really ideal for toddlers.
If you want to see dolphins and killer whales, then I recommend going to SeaWorld.
To check the availability and the prices of the different parks, I advise you to book directly on Ceetiz (the site is reliable and in French, it is also on this one that I had reserved my different tickets.
Walt Disney World, the largest of Orlando's parks
Walt Disney World is THE biggest Disney complex in the world. In Orlando, there are 6 parks in all: 4 theme parks and 2 water parks.
Not to mention that there are many hotels in the resort, hundreds of shops and quantities of services of all kinds.
If you have children and the Disney universe enchants you, this is THE park not to be missed. It is the largest Disney park in the world. On the other hand, be careful, there are many people who come from all over for this park. I advise you to book your tickets far enough in advance because often there is no more room during the big periods. For admission to a theme park, it is necessary to count from 174 € per adult and 165 € per child (3-9 years). You also have the possibility of taking passes for the 4 parks over several days.
You can take a multi-day access pass and stay outside the park (it will be much cheaper for you because hotels are expensive).
I'm talking about the different Walt Disney World parks (Disney's Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and EPCOT) a little further down in the article
Universal Orlando: The Orlando Park for Adults
Universal Studio
Universal Studio Orlando is Walt Disney World's biggest competitor. This park in Orlando is based on the theme of cinema and targets a more adult audience, fans of cinema and blockbuster movies. It revolves around different areas, each with a special theme like The Simpsons, Despicable Me or Shrek. 3D and 4D are often in the spotlight and the realism of the sets is pushed to the extreme.
Note that the Harry Potter Orlando park remains the busiest area. Its attractions are always packed, such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (roller coasters and 4D) or Hogwarts Express: King's Cross Station: the Hogwarts Express train that allows you to go to the second park (but only if you have opted for a "park to park" ticket).
The other attractions of the park not to be missed are especially:
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Universal Islands of Adventure
There are also Harry Potter attractions in this park (in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter section) including Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley but the other lands are just as interesting. We thus find the world of Marvel comics, King Kong, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, The Minions…
The attractions include thrills (high speed, vertiginous fall, waterfalls, eddies, etc.), special effects of all kinds and 3D and 4D simulations. The priority ones are:
Skull Island Reign of Kong
Jurassic Park River Adventure
and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.
Volcano Bay
This all-water park opened in early summer 2017. It's perfect for cooling off in the Florida sun.
At its center is a gigantic volcano, Krakatau, with waterfalls, giant slides and heaps of caverns. There are also many relaxation areas with artificial white sand beaches (River Village, Wave Village) and playgrounds for the little ones (Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef).
As for the thrills, it is in Rainforest Village that you will experience them, in particular aboard the Krakatau Aqua Coaster roller coaster and by doing mini-rafting thanks to the Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides attraction.
Of all the parks in Orlando, Universal Studio is hands down my favorite because I love cinema and movie sets. On the other hand, children will prefer Disney World.
As for the Disney park, I strongly recommend that you buy your tickets well in advance because availability a few days / weeks before is rare! Some months there are no more tickets several weeks before.
Seaworld
SeaWorld parks belong to the “SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment” group. They are three in number and are located next to each other. They draw the visitor into the world of the sea whether during the encounter with marine animals or during the attractions.
Sea World
Opened in 1973, it is one of the largest marine parks in the world but also the most famous. The aquariums are huge, the demonstrations and shows with amazing animals. Killer whales (despite the controversy surrounding them) and dolphins are simply magical. As for sea lions and seals, children will enjoy the show.
Note that the park is also a center for search and rescue of the marine environment. Here you can see endangered manatees and turtles.
The main attractions are those where you can observe the animals:
Shark Encounter, an underwater tunnel that plunges visitors into a world of sharks;
- Penguin Encounter, the area of puffins and urias;
- Wild Arctic, an aquarium with Beluga whales, walruses and polar bears;
- Dolphin Cove, the bottlenose dolphin pool;
- Dolphin Nursery, the dolphin nursery;
- Shamu Up Close, the killer whale pool;
- Manatee Rescue, the manatee pool.
As for thrill rides, try Journey to Atlantis and Kraken Unleashed. But you will have to have a strong heart to board these roller coasters! Just like with the Mako and Manta roller coasters.
Do not forget to go see the shows "One Ocean", the exceptional show with the killer whales and "A'lure The Call Of The Ocean", the story of a fisherman who fell into the sea and who ends up by discovering the beauty of the seabed. The replica of the city of Key West and the Waterfront are also not to be missed. To enter this park in Orlando, it costs 106 €, adult and child over 2 years old.
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821.
Aquatica
Like other water parks, there are pools, slides and rivers. But here it is the South Pacific that is in the spotlight and the spaces are more dedicated to teenagers and adults.
Opened on March 1, 2008, the park is always full, especially during hot weather.
Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821.
Discovery Cove
Opened on July 1, 2000, this park is a small tropical paradise that allows you to interact with marine animals.
On the spot, it is especially necessary to go to the Dolphin Lagoon where you can swim with dolphins and rays and to the Grand Reef's which allows you to dive in a scuba in the middle of the fish.
Must-do attraction? Surely Ihu's Breakaway Fall: you are standing in a cabin that opens under your feet and makes you fall. A real adrenaline rush!
The price of this park? From €216 for children over 2 years old!
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821.
Legoland Florida, the Orlando park for the little ones
Legoland Florida opened in 2011. Currently, it is one of the largest Lego parks in the world. It is mainly intended for children between 2 and 12 years old.
Among the attractions, there are a few roller coasters like Coastersaurus and Flying School, rides (Island in the Sky…), shows, a creation zone (Imagination Zone), many playgrounds like Duplo Farm and a school of driving, the Ford Driving School.
Part of the park is dedicated to the water park, “Legoland Water Park”. There are slides, rapids descents and wave pools.
You can even walk around Miniland USA, an area where famous monuments from around the world are reproduced such as the Golden Gate Bridge or the buildings of New York…. For skip-the-line entry, count from €116.
Address: 1, Legoland Way – Winter Haven, FL 33884. Please note that this park is 45 minutes from Orlando!
Walt Disney World and its various parks
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Disney's Magic Kingdom is the first and most visited Disney theme park in the world. It is therefore a must! The whole magical and enchanting world of Disney is there and young and old evolve among the most famous Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Snow White, Cinderella, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear or Tic et Tac.
The park is divided into lands all organized around a theme:
- MainStreet USA at the entrance to the park with the shops
- Fantasyland, the magical world of Disney princesses
- Discoveryland, the world of the future with 3D and 4D attractions.
- Adventureland, the exotic and oriental world, where you can meet Jasmine and Aladdin
- Liberty Square, a land in homage to post-independence America and the creation of the USA
Frontierland, where we find ourselves at the time of the conquest of the west.
The attractions are numerous (among the best known: Pirates of the Caribbean Pirates of the Caribbean), as are the shows and parades. Do not miss the fireworks which take place every evening at 9 p.m. and the closing show “Once Upon A Time”. For the entrance, it is necessary to count from 174 € per adult and 165 € per child (3-9 years).
Address: 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Disney's Hollywood Studios/MGM Studios
Entirely devoted to the magic of cinema, Disney's Hollywood Studios park is also divided into lands. For example, there is Toy Story Land, where you feel like you are evolving in a gigantic universe and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (since August 2019).
There are of course many thrill rides like:
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an elevator that rises and drops abruptly at the end of 13 floors.
The Rock'n'Roller Coaster, a roller coaster racing through the dark at breakneck speed.
The Stars Tours, a 3D simulator dedicated to the world of Stars Wars.
Shows are played every day like the one on Indiana Jones. As for “Fantasmic”, the evening show, it is not to be missed! For the entrance, it is necessary to count from 174 € per adult and 165 € per child (3-9 years old)
Address: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest of the 4 Disney parks and the last. In this huge zoo which has more than 1,700 animals (lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, monkeys…), immersion is total. We have the impression of being in Africa and Asia, while being surrounded by the magic of Disney cartoons (including The Lion King, Nemo or The Jungle Book).
Of course, there are many experiences. For example, you can go on a safari aboard a bush bus, the Kilimanjaro Safarisun and attend shows by raptor tamers.
The most popular attraction is The Everest Expedition, Legend of the Forbidden Mountain where you board a small train to the summit of Everest. The decor is fabulous and even if the wait is a bit long, we wait our turn in a museum dedicated to the search for the Yeti.
What not to miss:
The “Tree of Life” sculpture, a giant tree with carved animals, at the entrance to the park in the Discovery Island/The Oasis area
Pandora land: The World of Avatar, on the theme of James Cameron's film The attractions are breathtaking (notably Na'vi River and Flight of Passage) and the scenery so fabulous that it really feels like being on the planet Pandora (the creatures , the forest, the floating mountains…)
Rafiki's Planet Watch, the animal nursery where caregivers take care of sick animals
Dinoland USA, the special area reserved for dinosaurs
And the Rivers of Light show in the evening
For the entrance, it is necessary to count from 174 € per adult and 165 € per child (3-9 years old)
Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830
EPCOT
The Epcot park, Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow (which corresponds in French to “Experimental Prototype of a Community of the Future”), was considered totally futuristic when it was created in 1982. Today it is totally obsolete. Young children are not fans of it at all. Especially since there are few attractions and you have to walk a lot (there is no means of transport).
The park is divided into 2 Future Worlds, the Future World with science-based attractions and World Showcase where there are replicas of towns and villages of 11 different nations (11 pavilions) with their peoples and cultures.
The interest of this park is that you have the impression of taking a small trip around the world. You can have your picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in a telephone booth in London…. It's a total change of scenery in just a few hours!
There is also a center for research and nature conservation, a greenhouse but above all the attraction Frozen Ever After on the theme of the cartoon Frozen (the Snow Queen).
Attractions not to be missed:
Soarin' around the World, which simulates a hang-glider flight over magnificent landscapes;
Test Track that takes us aboard a car that spins at high speed
Spaceship Earth in the geosphere at the park entrance;
and the evening show “IllumiNations”
For the entrance, it is necessary to count from 174 € per adult and 165 € per child (3-9 years).
Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821.
Walt Disney World water parks
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Perfect for cooling off on hot days, the park transports visitors to the Caribbean. On the program: swimming pools (including a large wave pool), palm trees and white sand, idleness and fun (giant slides, buoy course, descents of rapids, surf spots, lagoons, aquariums, etc.).
The best? No need to lug around a lot of stuff: you can rent everything you need on site: a locker, life jackets, towels...
Address: 1145 East Buena Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830.
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Here it is rather the Arctic pole that is in the spotlight (a surprising contrast with the heat of Florida!) but the attractions are a bit the same: giant slides, rafting, swimming pools…. We are simply in a ski resort setting with fake snow everywhere.
The funniest attractions are:
- Summit Plummet, the tallest and fastest slide in the world;
- Runoff Rapids, slides that take you down Mount Gushmore;
- Teamboat Springs, 400 meter rafting.
Address: 1534 Blizzard Beach Drive, Orlando, FL 32836
Other Orlando Parks
Other parks are less known but they also offer more or less sensational attractions:
Magical Midway
This park is especially to be done for its attractions:
- StarFlyer, giant swings,
- SpaceBlast, roller coaster
- and Go Karts (high-speed kart tracks).
Address: 7001 International Dr – Orlando, FL 32819.
Titanic Experience
With its faithful reconstruction of the liner (the Grand Staircase, the cabins, the machinery, the promenade deck) and its guided tour, you really have the impression of traveling back in time and finding yourself on board the Titanic.
Address: 8445 International Drive – Orlando, FL 32819.
The Holy Land Experience
This park is totally different from the others. It is a Christian park based on the theme of the Old and New Testaments. It transports the visitor to Palestine, at the time of Jesus. We learn more about his life, his torture and his death.
The museum of the park exhibits quantities of ancient religious objects. And the visitor can discover replicas of Jerusalem from the time of Jesus (Model of Jerusalem), the Great Temple of Jerusalem (The Great Temple), the Stations of the Cross (Calvary's Garden Tomb) and the Jerusalem market (Jerusalem Market Place).
Address: 4655 Vineland Rd – Orlando, FL 32811.
Can we do several parks in one day?
If you want to do several parks in Orlando, I advise you to stay several days there. For me, it's not really possible to do several parks in Orlando in the same day. Tickets are relatively expensive overall and it would be a shame not to take the time to visit and exploit the full potential of the park you choose.
In addition the parks are really big so you will have plenty to do in one day Don't forget either that the parks are very busy and that there will necessarily be waiting at the attractions (during the summer it's is even very long).
In any case if you are in Florida or on vacation in Miami (by the way if you don't know what to do in Miami, I have a complete article on the subject), I recommend that you spend at least a day in a Orlando parks. It's really magical!
