Orlando – the Kingdom of Entertainment

Orlando is the heart of Florida, USA. And even though most visitors head to this sunny state for the warmth of the local seas and the beauty of the wide beaches, this inland city is certainly just a little behind in its popularity. Orlando is the kingdom of amusement parks. Some you’ve probably heard of, but some you might not. So, what can Orlando offer us?

During our last trip to Florida, we spent a week in Orlando and it was very difficult to choose among all the places to visit and how long to spend in them. We definitely didn’t visit them all because one week and our budget was definitely not enough to visit them all.

But at least we’ll list them all here, so if you’re ever in Orlando, you can easily choose from our list.

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Walt Disney World Resort

Everyone knows Disney’s fairy tales, and you’ve probably heard of Disney’s theme parks. However, we also have one in Europe, specifically in Paris. This Florida one is the biggest and most famous theme park in Orlando…..and the most expensive. And it’s not quite an amusement park, as the name suggests (resort = a place to spend free time); there will be more here. Walt Disney World Resort has four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as two water parks and subsequently other amenities such as hotels or a shopping area.

Each Disney park has unique attractions you won’t find in the others. And above all, you need to prepare your wallets. Admission per person to one of the parks starts at €330 for a two-day admission, which is the cheapest possible ticket. In those two days, however, you can visit all four parks at once. Technically, it can be done, but practically, you won’t enjoy it this way. At least one day is required for one park. And which ones are the Disney parks in Orlando?

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Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Orlando

The center of the Magic Kingdom theme park is a classic Disney fairytale castle. Exactly as we know from the opening songs of every fairy tale created by this company. It is the oldest park of this group, it was opened in 1971.

In the Magic Kingdom, you will experience the magic of children’s fairy tales. You will also find classic and modern attractions, various shows are taking place on the streets and there are also classic Disney characters who laugh at you, wave at you and willingly take pictures with you. It’s no wonder Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the US.

Epcot

Epcot stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”. From this it is clear that this amusement park is dedicated to the technonogies of the future. In the Epcot park, you can try your creativity and let your imagination run wild. Right at the main entrance, you will be greeted by the landmark of this park, a space rocket in the shape of a golf ball rising above the horizon.

In Epcot park you will find an abundance of attractions, starting with the fastest attraction in all of Disney World to a leisurely boat ride. You can watch various shows, during which you will be amazed at what is possible. In the evening, you’ll be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks display featuring musicians, magicians, dancers, drummers and even Crush the talking turtles.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando is where movie magic becomes reality. This park allows you to look behind the scenes of the Hollywood industry and experience the environment of famous films first hand. From the action-packed world of Star Wars to the cute atmosphere of Toy Story Land, every corner of this park offers unforgettable adventures. There are also adrenaline-pumping and interactive attractions suitable for movie fans of all ages.

Here you can meet the heroes of your favorite films or watch how special effects and film tricks are created. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is thus not only an amusement park, but also a tribute to cinema, where every film fan is drawn right into the center of the action.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom Orlando

Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando is a unique theme park that combines the magic of Disney’s fairy tales with wild nature. It is a combination of an amusement park and a zoo. And the fact that the creators of the park succeeded in this combination is also evidenced by the fact that Animal Kigdom is quite often included in the rankings of the world’s most beautiful zoos on the front lines.

The park itself is divided into several themed areas that offer encounters with exotic animals, fun rides and fascinating cultural experiences. One of the biggest attractions is Pandora – The World of Avatar, where visitors can explore a mystical landscape and experience a breathtaking flight simulator ride, Avatar Flight of Passage. Every corner of this park tells a story about the combination of nature, culture and fantasy.

Other popular attractions include Expedition Everest, where brave visitors take a rollercoaster ride through the land of the mythical Yeti. The park also offers the opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment. Kilimanjaro Safaris allows visitors to have close encounters with African fauna, accompanied by educational programs and educational shows.

Universal Orlando Resort

Who does not know famous films and fairy tales from the Universal Studios workshop. I will mention, for example, Jurassic Park, the Fast and the Furious saga, Mimoni, Men in Black, Bridgitte Jones, The Mummy, Transformers, Mamma Mia! or 50 Shades … And thanks to the popularity of these and thousands of other films, the idea of ​​opening an amusement park with this theme arose.

But Universal Orlando Resort is not just one theme park, but like the rival Walt Disney World Resort, it is one big complex in which you can find several facilities. Specifically, these are the two amusement parks Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventures, the entertainment and shopping center City Walk and the large theme water park Volcano Bay.

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Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is Universal’s first and most iconic theme park. In this place, you will literally be transported directly to the world of movies. The park offers interactive attractions inspired by famous films such as Harry Potter, Transformers, or Men in Black.

In addition to adrenaline and interactive rides, the park also offers live performances such as a magic show or action scenes full of stunts. Here you can see behind the scenes of films and learn how film tricks and effects are created.

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Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the younger sibling of Universal Studios Florida and is actually in exactly the same vein. It’s just that the scenery is changing here. Here we will come across the environment of other well-known films such as Jurassic World, King Kong or Hogwarts from the Harry Potter saga. The park emphasizes adventure and action, whether it’s fighting dragons, exploring lost worlds, or saving the city from supervillains.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando

We can imagine the amusement park SeaWorld Orlando as a world of marine aquariums against the background of adrenaline tracks and other attractions. It is among the most visited theme parks in the USA. Here you can watch amazing shows with dolphins, seals and killer whales, pet stingrays or feed sharks. In the exhibits, you will come across many other sea animals, including rare ones. The site is also involved in marine animal education and rescue.

But the SeaWorld Orlando facility is not only a display of the marine world and its animals. It’s also a crazy adrenaline ride. But such that some of the attractions have no equivalent anywhere else in the world and you can only find them in this park. For example, the Mako roller coaster is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando. So if we are thrill lovers, you will definitely enjoy it to the fullest here.

SeaWorld has two more “relatives” in Orlando belonging to the same brand – the Aquatica water park and the Discovery Cove facility, where you can get in direct contact with a lot of animals (from parrots to swimming with dolphins).

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LEGOLAND Florida Resort

We know the famous amusement park Legoland from Europe. However, we can find it closest to our neighbors in Germany. However, in Florida, the adjective Resort is hidden behind the name. And as we are used to from competing amusement parks, even under the name Legoland Florida Resort there is a whole group of facilities. There are two main ones: the classic brick Legoland, a water park, and the colorful Pepin Pig Amusement Park.

Legoland

Legoland is a place where children rule! The park offers more than 50 attractions, including interactive ones, various role-playing shows, and there are also construction zones where children can build their own LEGO creations. A favorite place in Legoland is Miniland USA, where famous American cities and monuments are depicted in miniatures constructed from millions of LEGO bricks. The park is designed to inspire creativity and entertain young children and adults who can nostalgically reminisce about their childhood.

If you’re lucky and arrive at the theme park around holidays or important American days like Halloween or Independence Day, you can expect additional themed entertainment and decorations.

Peppa Pig Theme Park

Peppa Pig Theme Park Orlando

Peppa Pig Theme Park Orlando is designed especially for young children aged 2-6 and fans of the popular animated character Peppa Pig. You won’t find anything cuter in Orlando. The park offers several interactive attractions where children can enjoy fun inspired by the series about the inquisitive pig and his family. In addition to rides on mini carousels and roller coasters, there are also themed playgrounds where they can play, build, and discover the world of Peppa Pig.

One of the main goals of the park is to bring families with young children a place of safe fun for toddlers and preschoolers. The attractions are designed to be suitable for this age group and for the peace and comfort of parents.

Gatorland

Gatorland Orlando

Being in Florida and not meeting alligators would probably not be good enough. But before admiring them in the wild with children, it will be safer to get close to them in some facility dedicated to them. And that’s exactly what Gatorland Orlando is. There is no better place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies to 4-meter monsters. Gatorland even boasts the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators.

But Gatorland is more than just an alligator park! You will also find other unique places here, such as an aviary with free-flying birds and a children’s zoo. You will discover various animal shows, zip lines, or off-road riding. The park is entirely different from other entertainment places in Orlando, but this is where you can feel incredibly close to Florida’s nature.

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Fun Spot America

Fun Spot America is a family theme park in Orlando that offers fun for all ages. It is known for its classic attractions, such as large roller coasters, go-karts, and merry-go-rounds that appeal to both young children and adults. The park has a friendly atmosphere, and queues for attractions are shorter here than in other placesre is no entrance fee here, in Orlando. The either. You only pay for specific attractions.

Fun Spot America’s most popular attractions include “White Lightning,” Florida’s tallest wooden roller coaster, and go-kart tracks that excite adrenaline. You can also find arcade games, merry-go-rounds, and water slides, perfect for hot Florida days. Fun Spot America is ideal for those looking for a traditional amusement park with a fairground atmosphere.

ICON Park

ICON Park Orlando

ICON Park is another modern entertainment complex in Orlando. Located in the city’s heart, it offers experiences for visitors of all ages. The park’s dominant feature is The Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you a view of Orlando from a height of 122 meters. In addition to this iconic wheel and a wide range of fairground attractions, the place offers other experiences such as Madame Tussauds, where you can see wax figures of famous personalities, the Museum of Illusions Orlando, or the underwater world SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

Admission to ICON Park Orlando is free; you only pay for specific attractions. The place also offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, and places to relax, making it ideal for evening walks.

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About the author
Vladi
Mom of 4 kids, enthusiastic traveler, blogger, founder of website funtripswithkids.com

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