The Best Theme Parks

Our Local Expert Says:

Best close encounters with dolphins and marine life

Description:

In July of 2000, Discovery Cove opened its gates and began providing a unique theme park experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. With a maximum of 1,000 guests per day, the park has managed to create an intimate feel - more like you're visiting a swanky resort in the Caribbean than visiting a theme park in the middle of Orlando. The admission price, though hefty, includes all of your needs…
towels, wet suits, lockers, snorkels, masks, sun tan lotion, souvenir photos and parking.

Meals and snacks are included as well (and not just hot dogs and hamburgers either). You'll start the day with a continental breakfast (pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, juices and coffee). You can have a hamburger for lunch if you'd like, but Discovery Cove also offers such items as grilled salmon and pasta primavera. Unlimited snacks such as chips, pretzels, nachos, ice cream and smoothies are available all day. You can also enjoy as much bottled water, soda, beer, and cappuccinos as you like.

If you've booked yourselves into the Dolphin Encounter, the friendly concierge will schedule your time in the Dolphin Lagoon when you arrive. During the 30-minute encounter, you and 5-7 other guests will... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Awesome animal shows and roller coasters

Description:

One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, SeaWorld has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous seasonal events like Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the Holiday Concert Series

Description:

The world's favorite films and film stars come to life here, and 40 amazing and amusing rides, shows and attractions await. A virtual interactive Terminator 2:3-D adventure has its own set of thrills, as does an encounter with Jaws, a trip Back to the Future, and a voyage beyond the stars in an E.T. Adventure. Special VIP tours are available by pre-arrangement.

Description:

This trill-a-minute innovative theme park is every adventure lover's fantasy come alive. Fasten your seat belts and be ready to plunge from heights, experience a shark attack or set your adrenaline pumping with action-packed earthquakes and tornadoes. To savor the once-in-a-lifetime experience, try their pulse pounding roller coasters, psychological thrill rides or nerve-wrecking challenges where you get to attempt stunts. Greet your favorite comic characters, legends and super heroes in the motion based 3-D action rides or try your luck in the fun-filled video arcade. Watch dinosaurs in their natural habitat and Spider man in action, when he takes on his enemies in the ultimate battle. This far from average theme park is certainly not for the weak-hearted!

Description:

Who knew people came in so many shapes and sizes? Stacked or stubby, terribly tan or not, all kinds come here, so there's no reason to be bashful about squeezing into a bathing suit and going out in public. The 25-acre Wet 'n Wild is America's third most popular water park (behind Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, respectively). In 2007, Brain Wash, a multiperson tube ride with a 53-foot drop, areas of complete darkness, and high-tech special effects that includes video projection and special lighting was added to the lineup of thrills. Disco H20, an enclosed flume ride where a four-passenger raft sends you flying through the sights and sounds of the '70s, complete with mirrored lights and disco tunes blasting in the background, debuted in 2005. Other options include the Flyer, a six-story four-passenger toboggan run through 450 feet of banked curves; the Surge, which is one of the longest (580 ft. of curves) and fastest multipassenger tube rides in the Southeast; and Black Hole, a two-person spaceship-style raft that makes a 500-foot twisting, turning voyage through darkness (all three rides require that children 36-48 in. tall be accompanied by an adult). You can also ride the Knee...

Description:

This attraction has operated for several years, and it remains one of the state's most popular parks. It offers extensive gardens, paddle-wheel boat rides and water-skiing shows. The Birdwalk Aviary lets visitors meet lorikeets up close. Inside the Butterfly Conservatory, you'll find more than 1,000 butterflies. At Cypress Gardens, you'll also encounter zoo animals and have fun on fair-style rides. You can also dine in the park cafes and poke through gift shops.