Orlando is a vacation paradise! Get your adrenaline pumping at Orlando’s best theme parks, Universal or Disney? What a tough decision! But we got you, check out our recommendations that will help you choose the theme parks you’ll visit during your trip to Orlando. Buckle up, this journey will be full of fun!
Best theme parks in Orlando: Our Top 10
Take your inner child to the capital of fun! In this post, we will share with you the top 10 best parks in Orlando, places filled with magic and entertainment for you and your whole family. One thing is certain, you won’t get bored! Get ready, we are taking you to fantastic destinations.
1. Magic Kingdom, one of the best parks in Orlando
Welcome to the most magical experience at Walt Disney World! Magic Kingdom is the most visited classic theme park in the world, where fairy tale characters come to life making you feel part of the fantasy. You can walk along stone paths lined with flowers and colorful trees while listening to joyful music accompanied by the complicit laughter of children having the time of their lives.
In the center of the park is the majestic and imposing Cinderella’s castle and tons of famous characters around it, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, among many others. You can also enjoy the parades and live shows that take place throughout the day such as the Spring Festival, and the breathtaking firework show at night.
Everything is possible in The Most Magical Place on Earth! Don’t miss out on these amazing attractions in Magic Kingdom:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Jungle Cruise
- It’s a small world
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- The Magic Carpets of Aladin
Magic Kingdom Tickets: 1-day ticket prices range from $109 to $189. Price is subject to change depending on the Park and the date selected to visit.
Magic Kingdom Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM – Early Admission, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Regular Admission.
2. EPCOT
Embark on a futuristic adventure! Technology and imagination come together to create amazing attractions featuring a variety of cultures from around the world. Welcome to the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT!
The park is divided into two main sections: Future World and World Showcase.
In Future World, visitors can experience cutting-edge technology in attractions that will take you on a ride out of the planet, testing the takeoff of a shuttle bound for a Mars expedition. And if you want to explore the bottom of the ocean, you can dive in on a submarine to see the home of Nemo and his friends. Let your imagination fly and it will come true!
World Showcase is a window to the world, where you can explore the diversity of cultures and traditions from around the globe. From Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, France, UK to Morocco, each area is designed to transport you to an authentic experience of each country, with its food, drinks, music, and live entertainment. You’ll get a 2X1 on fun!
Don’t miss EPCOT’s main attractions:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Soarin‘ Around the World
- Test Track
- Frozen Ever After
- Spaceship Earth
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Mission:Space
- The Seas With Nemo & Friends
- World Showcase theme areas
- HarmoniUS night show
EPCOT Tickets: Prices for 1-day tickets range from $109 to $189. Pricing may vary depending on the Park and date selected.
EPCOT Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
3. Animal Kingdom
Welcome to the world of Avatar! Together with the Navi, you will experience outstanding adventures in the wilderness of the park located at Disney World. As you enter Animal Kingdom, you’ll be greeted by the Tree of Life, an iconic 14-story tall tree hand-carved with silhouettes of more than 300 animals. This impressive structure is just a hint of the natural beauty you’ll find in this park.
You can explore different animal habitats in six areas of the park based on the continents, from wild Africa with elephants, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat, to mysterious Asia to immerse yourself in marine life and observe dolphins, otters, alligators, and more aquatic animals up close. Explore every corner of this park!
Animal Kingdom’s main attractions:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Kali River Rapids
- Na´vi River Journey
- Dinosaur
Animal Kingdom tickets: 1-day ticket prices range from $109 to $189. Price may vary according to the date selected.
Magic Kingdom Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
4. Hollywood Studios
It’s time to recreate your favorite movies! Hollywood Studios is a park dedicated to the cinematic world, its streets are filled with iconic movie characters, from Buzz Lightyear to Darth Vader. You’ll feel like you’re part of the biggest blockbuster movies on the big screen!
The live shows are a true wonder, you will enjoy amazing acrobatics, live music, and choreographies that will leave you speechless. The light shows and fireworks are also really impressive. We hope you are an adrenaline lover because in this park you will find the most extreme Disney attractions such as:
- Star Wars: Rise of The Resistance
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Rock’n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
- Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railway
- Milleniun Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Toy Storie Mania
- Toy Story
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continues
Hollywood Studios Tickets: 1-day ticket prices range from $109 to $189. Price is subject to change depending on the Park and the date selected to visit.
Hollywood Studios Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM – Early Entrance, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM – Regular Entrance.
5. Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios is one of the best parks in Orlando, no doubt! It is a world full of life, color, and surprises from the moment you enter the park complex. You will see iconic characters from the big and small screen, from the famous Minions from “Despicable Me” to the Autobots and Decepticons from “Transformers”.
Universal offers numerous shows and entertainment options such as parades and impressive live performances. On top of all that, their attention to detail is immaculate, its architecture, decoration, and special effects, are designed to immerse you in a fantasy world leaving reality behind.
Here are the park’s best attractions:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Transformers The Ride 3D
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- The Simpsons Ride
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Bourne Stuntacular
- Hogwarts Express
Universal Studios Florida Tickets: Prices for 1-day tickets start at USD$109. Remember that the price of the ticket varies according to the itinerary of your visit.
Universal Studios Florida Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
6. Islands of Adventure
Discover a world of fantasy and adventure with exciting attractions that will take you from the depths of the sea to the top of roller coasters full of adrenaline. Dive into Islands of Adventure!
Be part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Walk the streets of Hogsmeade, grab a butterbeer, or even explore the famous Hogwarts Castle on a thrill ride. Another popular spot is “Jurassic Park”, where you can become an explorer of the prehistoric island inhabited by dinosaurs like Blue, the famous Velociraptor. Important: Don’t forget about your favorite comics, visit the Marvel Super Hero Island and Spider-Man will take you through the skyscrapers!
This park is a must-visit due to its amazing attractions:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Hagrid´s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
Islands of Adventure tickets: Prices for 1-day tickets start at USD $109 Remember that the price of the ticket may vary according to the itinerary of your visit.
Islands of Adventure opening hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
7. Disney Typhoon Lagoon
It’s time for some fun in the water! Welcome to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, ranked as one of the best water parks in Orlando, it offers fun and adventure in a tropical oasis. You will face huge waves in the largest surfing pool in North America, thrill on the roller coasters filled with water, and enjoy a thrilling rafting ride.
The park has something for everyone, offering water slides, lazy rivers for floating, and water playgrounds for kids. Also, if you want a break from the sun, you can relax in their umbrellas and private cabanas while sipping a refreshing drink. It’s definitely the perfect place to visit with family or friends!
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Tickets: Prices for 1-day tickets range from $109 to $189. The price may vary depending on the Park and the date selected to visit it.
Disneyland Typhoon Lagoon Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
8. Disney’s Blizzard’s Beach
Experience a thrilling aquatic adventure on your visit to Orlando! At Disney’s Blizzard Beach, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush as you take on the park’s most thrilling attractions, like the 100-foot-high Summit Plummet slide, the wave pool, or the snowy mountain, which you can climb. Have a refreshing and fun experience at one of Florida’s best amusement parks. Book your visit in advance!
Disney’s Blizzard’s Beach tickets: 1-day ticket prices range from $109 to $189. The price may vary depending on the Park and the date selected to visit it.
Disney’s Blizzard’s Beach Opening Hours: 10:00 AM a 5:00 PM.
9. Universal’s Volcano Bay
Universal´s Volcano Bay its a place where sun, water and fun combine to give you a wonderful experience. The best water park in Orlando! Start by exploring Krakatau, the park’s signature volcano. Every so often it erupts dropping a huge wave of water down its slopes. It’s spectacular!
If you’re feeling brave, ride the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the highest water slide in the U.S., where you will be launched from 125 meters straight into a deep pool. Honu ika Moana is another water slide with curves and turns you ride on a giant surfboard. Relax with your favorite people in the best tropical environment in Florida!
Tickets to Volcano Bay Prices for 1-day tickets start at USD F$80. Remember that the price of the ticket may vary according to the itinerary of your visit.
Volcano Bay opening hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
10. Legoland, Florida
Welcome to Legoland, where creativity and fun come together in a world of building blocks and unforgettable characters. It’s the perfect theme park for kids and grown-ups!
Enjoy the thrills of its different attractions! Take a ride on The Dragon, a roller coaster that takes you through a medieval adventure, with tight curves and fast turns. If you prefer less daring attractions, visit Miniland USA, where you can see San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York City, Washington D.C., and every city in the U.S. all in one day, the whole country built out of Lego. It’s amazing!
At Legoland, there are endless possibilities to let your imagination run wild and create something great with just a few blocks. An experience you definitely can’t miss!
Main attractions:
- The Dragon
- The Great LEGO Race
- Coastersaurus
- Flying School
- The Ride
- Lost Kingdom Adventure
- Kid Power Towers
LEGOLAND Tickets Prices for 1-day tickets start at USD $84. Remember that the price of the ticket may vary according to the itinerary of your visit.
LEGOLAND Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tips for visiting the Orlando theme parks
Have an amazing experience visiting the best parks in Orlando with our tips!
- Book in advance: It is key that you book your tickets in advance to the different parks you want to visit, this will save you time and money.
- Stay near the parks: Opt for hotels close to the theme parks you are interested in, if possible, hotels that offer free transportation to the parks, this will save you extra money.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Make sure you wear fresh and light clothes to ride the attractions and suitable shoes to walk comfortably along the park.
- Rent a car: This is the best option if you are going to visit several parks, you will have more freedom and you will be able to move easily. Book with leading agencies such as Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Hertz, among many others. Find these prestigious rental companies at Viajemos.com!
Remember: the key to fully enjoying the best parks in Orlando is to plan ahead and follow our recommendations to make your experience unforgettable. Have a happy trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best 2 theme parks in Orlando?
Orlando is known for having tons of world-class theme parks. Here are two of the best parks in Orlando:
- Walt Disney World: It is recognized as the best park in Orlando for many, being one of the most famous and visited around the world, has a collection of four separate theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, as well as two water parks Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Each one offers a unique and exciting experience, ideal for the whole family.
- Universal Orlando Resort: It is a very popular destination and like Disney World, it has several theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Universal Studios Florida offers a unique cinematic and theater experience, while Islands of Adventure is known for its thrilling rides and roller coaster rides. Volcano Bay is Universal’s newest water park, with thrill rides and a tropical island theme.
How much does it cost to enter Magic Kingdom?
The cost of tickets for one-day admission to the theme park starts at USD $109, depending on the attractions and the dates chosen to visit. Currently, the cheapest prices for one-day tickets can be found in August and September. There are additional options that can be included in the tickets, such as access to multiple parks on the same day (Park Hopper), access to Orlando’s best water parks (Water Park and Sports), or access to multiple parks and entertainment options (Park Hopper Plus).
How many parks does Disney have in Orlando?
There are 6 Disney theme parks in Orlando
- EPCOT
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
