The best theme parks in Orlando, predictably, are dominated by Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The reason is simple: these aren’t just 2 separate parks, but actually whole worlds of family-friendly fun, with around a dozen different parks between them, as well as numerous shows, performances, dining and nightlife hubs. Ticket options here are flexible and often a bit confusing, but generally, you can purchase single-day, multi-day, and ‘park-hopper’ passes.
Away from Mickey Mouse and Co., Orlando does have some excellent other theme parks, with all the usual rollercoasters and rides for a fun day out with the kids – and normally at half the price! Below, we give you a rundown of the best theme parks in Orlando and across the surrounding Central Florida area.
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Read moreMagic Kingdom retains its place as the premier amusement park for young children who want to be dazzled by their favourite 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.
Location: 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 11 pm)
Phone: +1 407-939-5277
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Read moreOne-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.
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
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Read moreEpcot’s huge spherical design is one of the most instantly recognisable images of Disney World. This science-themed attraction has 2 areas: Future World, demonstrating human endeavour 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.
Location: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9.30 pm
Phone: +1 407-824-4321
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Read moreDisney’s Hollywood Studio is where movie magic comes alive, with 6 main areas dedicated to different Disney-related themes. Each zone features thrilling rides, attractions, entertaining shows, shops and restaurants. Rides like Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster provide some more heartbeat-raising excitement alongside live-action rides and immersive simulators.
Location: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 8.30 pm
Phone: +1 407-939-5277
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Read moreUniversal’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.
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
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Read moreLegoland 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.
Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 888-690-5346
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Aquatica
A tropical water wonderland
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Read moreA mere 10 minutes south of Downtown Orlando lies Aquatica, one of North America's most visited water parks. Alongside all the essentials like slides, rapids and high-speed flumes, Aquatica also delivers a few unique attractions. The Reef Plunge slide zips you through a water shoot past actual dolphins, and they’ll even try to race you if you’re lucky. Alternatively, brave a heart-stopping drop with Ihu’s Breakaway Falls.
Once you've had your fill of Aquatica's many slides and rides, lounge on one of the pristine, sandy beaches or drift along a lazy river soaking up the sun. To save time and money, consider the All Day Dining package that ensures you and your family are fed all day long.
Location: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-545-5550
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Fun Spot America Theme Park
Home to one of the world's tallest SkyCoasters
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Fun Spot America is one of the few independent theme parks in Orlando, located just off International Drive. You'll find plenty of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, go-karting tracks and a whole bunch of attractions for younger kids to enjoy like a carousel and a mini-drop tower.
Fun Spot's claim to fame is the 250 ft SkyCoaster that'll have you soaring through the sky as if you've just hopped out of a plane. After all those thrills, which are usually open until midnight, cool off at the interactive splash pad or in a comfortable private cabana. If you don't want to experience any rides yourself and simply want to drive your kids on the go-karts, purchase a Chauffer Pass at a discounted rate.
Location: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-363-3867
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Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Orlando
Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Theme Parks
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Vacation Club Cypress Pointe Orlando
Rosen Inn International
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Theme Parks/Lake Buena Vista
