Best Theme Parks in Orlando

Orlando is the perfect city to delve into the magical worlds of its theme parks, which offer unique experiences full of adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

Lorena Morales

Lorena Morales

12 min read

Best Theme Parks in Orlando

Vista de Wonderworks |©Susan

On your trip to the United States, you can't miss the theme park capital of the world: Orlando. From the legendary Walt Disney World to the exciting Universal Orlando Resort, there is a wide variety of things to do in Orlando, with fun for all ages.

Without a doubt, Orlando's theme parks are true entertainment havens in incredible settings seen in few other places in the world. With parks based on iconic movies, encounters with beloved characters, water shows, nature experiences and thrilling roller coasters, the fun knows no bounds at Orlando theme parks.

1. Discover the magic of film and adventure at Universal Orlando.

Universal Studios|©Haimanti Weld
Universal Studios|©Haimanti Weld

At Universal Orlando Resort, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, you'll find a variety of thrilling attractions and themed worlds based on famous franchises like Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park and more. In addition, you can enjoy Volcano's Bay, a water park with a large volcano in the center.

At Universal Studios Florida, you can immerse yourself in the world of movies with attractions such as the magical world of Harry Potter, where you can tour the great subway caverns in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, or meet popular characters such as Transformers, Minions or SpongeBob SquarePants.

You can continue your adventure at Universal's Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy exciting attractions such as Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and immerse yourself in the adrenaline of Jurassic Park River Adventure. In addition, you can get to know the supernatural world of superheroes and live an unforgettable experience touring Skull Island, where you will have a daredevil encounter with King Kong.

Please note that the entrance fee to the park does not usually include meals, and food and drinks are not allowed. However, inside the parks you will find a wide variety of dining options to recharge your batteries. Without a doubt, at Universal Orlando Resort, you will enjoy a world full of fun and adventure.

For more information, please visit

  • Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA.
  • Hours: Every day at 9 am and closes between 7 pm and 9 pm approximately.
  • Admission fee: from 197 €.

Visit Universal Studios in Orlando

2. Embark on an unforgettable trip to the world of Disney in Orlando

Walt Disney World, Florida|©Lee
Walt Disney World, Florida|©Lee

Disney World in Orlando consists of 4 incredible theme parks, 2 water parks, 2 shopping malls, 1 golf course, and many stores, restaurants and hotels. In short, a magical city within a magical city, ideal for the whole family to enjoy. From the iconic Cinderella Castle to huge roller coasters like Space Mountain, the park offers a wide variety of attractions and live shows that combine classic experiences with the latest technological innovations.

With its 13,000 hectares of entertainment, Disney is the largest theme park in the world and one of the most fun things to do in Orlando. Its theme parks are Magic Kingdom (the most similar to the one in Paris), Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom; and the water parks are Blizzard Beach Water Park and Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. When visiting, do not forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, since the park is large and you will have to walk a lot.

To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to plan it in advance. You need between 3 and 5 days in Orlando to visit the park at your leisure, and even then it will be difficult to see everything. You can use Disney's official application to check the schedules of attractions and shows, and organize your itinerary based on the attractions you are most interested in.

Also, being Orlando's most popular theme park, you should be prepared for crowds. The best months to visit are January and February in Orlando, when it is winter and school season. As for gastronomy, in Disney you will also find theme restaurants about its most famous productions, where you will be able to meet and greet your favorite characters; and also fast food stands.

More information about Disney

  • Address: Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0250, USA.
  • Hours: between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., depending on the theme park you visit.
  • Admission fee: from €93 per person per day per park.

3. Join the Magic of Color at Crayola Experience in Orlando

Crayola Experience|©Discover Lehigh Valley, PA
Crayola Experience|©Discover Lehigh Valley, PA

If you're looking for an unforgettable family activity during your visit to Orlando, you can't miss exploring the Crayola Experience. This exciting and educational theme park offers a captivating experience and is one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando. Lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy more than 27 interactive attractions and activities.

You'll have the opportunity to create custom crayons and dive into a crayon pool, among other things. Little ones will be able to paint on digital canvases, discover the science behind crayons and enjoy exciting live shows. In addition, the gift store offers a wide selection of exclusive Crayola products to take home a special souvenir.

With its vibrant, high-energy atmosphere, the Crayola Experience is a must-see experience in Orlando. Not only is it a fun activity, but it's also a great opportunity for kids to learn about art and creative expression. Be sure to include Crayola Experience in your itinerary and get ready for a fun-filled day of artistic exploration in a colorful world.

Learn more about the Crayola Experience

  • Location: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, USA.
  • Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Admission fee: approximately €29.

Participate in the Crayola Experience in Orlando

4. Experience the adrenaline rush at Fun Spot America Orlando

Fun Spot America|©multimueller
Fun Spot America|©multimueller

Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando is a sensational destination for the whole family, with roller coasters like the Freedom Flyer and White Lightning, which offer unforgettable twists and thrills. In addition, you can enjoy attractions such as the SkyCoaster and the 3-story Funhouse with an American theme and wonderful lights.

Fun Spot America Orlando is a theme park full of fun and attractions for all ages. It is a perfect place for you to enjoy rides and activities in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

If you are planning to visit Fun Spot America in Orlando, an excellent option is to get the Orlando Tourist Cards. This pass gives you access to this park and many other attractions in Orlando with important discounts. Remember to make reservations early as the attractions are very popular and tickets sell out quickly.

More information

  • Location: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, Florida 32819, United States.
  • Hours: The park is open daily from 10am to 12pm or 2pm to midnight.
  • Ticket price: from 66 €.

Buy your Orlando Explorer Pass

5. Explore the aquatic wonders of Aquatica Theme Park

Aquatica|©Júlia Falcão
Aquatica|©Júlia Falcão

Aquatica is one of Orlando's most fascinating theme parks. With its ocean-inspired atmosphere and a wide variety of thrilling attractions, it is a truly fun-filled aquatic oasis that is often included in the best Orlando tours.

Among its attractions are water slides, crystal-clear whitewater rapids and refreshing wave pools. In addition, you can interact with amazing sea creatures, such as dolphins and stingrays.

To get the most out of your visit to Aquatica, I recommend you arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the attractions more comfortably. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, sunscreen and towels. I also recommend that you take a moment to choose the attractions that interest you the most and check the show schedules so you don't miss any of them.

Aquatica offers an exciting and refreshing experience, perfect for a day full of fun under the Florida sun. It's best to take at least half a day to enjoy all the main attractions. And, if you plan to visit Orlando in three days, don't forget to explore this park in depth, one of the best water parks in the city.

More information about the park

  • Location: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821, United States.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
  • Admission fee: from 54 €.

Get your tickets for Aquatica

6. Marvel at the interactive world of WonderWorks

Wonderworks|©Carlos Rios
Wonderworks|©Carlos Rios

With more than 100 interactive exhibits, WonderWorks is a dynamic world of fun and learning that captivates children and adults alike. From its 4D moving cinema in the basement, to the sensation of being in the middle of a hurricane, each attraction challenges your senses and invites you to explore the fascinating world of science and technology.

But that's not all. At WonderWorks, you can also enjoy incredible live shows and jaw-dropping science presentations. Plus, if you buy your tickets in advance, you can get a discount at the cafeteria, where you can enjoy a delicious pizza while you recharge your batteries to continue enjoying the wonders of the park.

WonderWorks in Orlando is much more than a theme park. It is ideal to visit in the rainy months like October in Orlando, since its facilities are closed. Whether you are a science enthusiast or just want to spend an exciting day with your family, this park has something to interest everyone, plus the best shows in Orlando. .

Learn more about the park

  • Location: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States.
  • Hours: Open 365 days a year from 9 am to midnight.
  • Admission fee: from 35 € approximately.

Enjoy the must-see shows of WonderWorks

7. Explore Space at Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA|©Leo Labrin
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA|©Leo Labrin

Although the Kennedy Space Center is not a theme park in the traditional sense, it has several attractions and exhibits that will allow you to learn about the history and future of space exploration. Among the attractions are the Visitor Center, with interactive displays and simulators, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where the Saturn V rocket that has traveled to the moon is on display.

It really is very interesting, as you will have the opportunity to explore NASA's world-class facilities. A not minor detail is that the visit includes a simulated shuttle launch experience, where you can feel the thrill of a space launch.

Many of the tickets include transportation, since it is located about 80 km from the city. The Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando lasts approximately 10 hours, so you should book a full day.

This experience is packed with interesting interactive resources that will give you a deeper understanding of NASA and space, making it an ideal choice for those who want to learn more about the universe and mankind's space adventures.

Learn more about NASA

  • Location: 9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, United States.
  • Hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
  • Ticket price: from 61€ approximately.

Visit the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando

8. Live the Escape Room Orlando adventure

Escape Room|©Friday Late
Escape Room|©Friday Late

If what you want is a theme park full of adrenaline, you can't miss some of the Escape Rooms in the city. It is one of the best activities to do in Orlando, and besides testing your strategic intelligence, it is perfect to enjoy with the whole family or with friends, since you can participate with a team of up to 12 people, and even pets.

Each room offers an adventure with a different theme and different difficulties, such as Prison Break, where you have to escape from an evil captivity; The Depths, where you must solve the mysteries of an underwater laboratory; or Mission: Mars, where you have to repair your ship and leave that planet. And if you prefer to start with something simpler, you can begin with Pass Your Class, where you must complete school assignments that will surprise you.

Each Escape Room Orlando experience lasts approximately 1 hour and a half, and is a challenge that you can do with your group or share it with other groups of people, depending on how many people have booked at the same time. Without a doubt it is an opportunity to live unique adventures, in fully recreated rooms to immerse yourself in the scene, and test your intelligence.

More information

  • Location: 8145 International Drive. Suite 511. Orlando, FL 32819
  • Hours: 12 noon to 11:30 p.m., depending on the game. Some games may take place after midnight.
  • Ticket prices: per game, about 41 ¤ per adult (groups between 7 and 12). Children under 4 years old do not pay admission. The games are recommended for children over 13 years old.
  • Recommendations: if you want a private experience with your group, you must make a reservation including all available places.

Experience Escape Room in Orlando

9. Immerse yourself in water and technology at Island H2O

people on a water slide|© Vince Fleming
people on a water slide|© Vince Fleming

Island H2O in Orlando, unlike conventional water parks that focus primarily on water play areas, is distinguished by its interactive and modern theme. It features a variety of slides and pools, but also incorporates digital elements such as interactive screens, music, lights and a mobile app that allows visitors to customize their experience.

If you're looking for adrenaline-filled activities, Reply Racers, Follow me Falls or Hashtag Heights are the attractions for you. And if your thing is uploading photos and videos to social networks, Chat Creek will be your favorite attraction, since it allows you to post in real time your adventures in Island H2O, through a bracelet that you can synchronize. The park also has restaurants and bars with many gastronomic options to delight you.

The ambience is not lacking in Island H2O, so you can enjoy the water attractions in environments inspired by street art or music. It is an ideal park to visit on a hot summer day like July in Orlando, and enjoy a unique water park that has incorporated technology for a more interactive experience.

Learn more about the park

  • Location: 3230 Inspiration Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States.
  • Hours: Open daily from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
  • Ticket prices: from 58 €.

Visit Island H2O in Orlando

10. Connect with nature at Tree Trek Adventure Park

giant tree|©Shawn Wainwright
giant tree|©Shawn Wainwright

Tree Treek Adventure Park offers a vibrant experience in an incredible natural setting. With aerial trails, suspension bridges and thrilling challenges among the trees, you'll be able to test your courage and balance. There are options for all skill levels, allowing you to enjoy the fun whether you're a beginner or an expert.

In addition to tree challenges, the park offers activities such as zip-lining and wall climbing. All activities are for ages 7 and older, and the entrance fee includes a brief safety and orientation course, so you can enjoy the activities without worrying about anything. The circuit is completed in approximately 2 to 3 hours.

To attend Tree Treek Adventure Park, they recommend avoiding loose clothing, jewelry and open-toed shoes, so remember to wear appropriate sportswear to move comfortably. Undoubtedly, this aerial park located about 40 km from the city is one of the best tours to do from Orlando.

More information about this tour

  • Location: 7625 Sinclair Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States.
  • Hours: Every day from 8 am and groups depart every 30 minutes. Last departure time and opening days vary according to season.
  • Admission fee: from about 57 €.

Book your ticket for Tree Trek Park in Orlando

11. Enter the world of alligators and crocodiles in Orlando

Gatorland|©Richard Harris
Gatorland|©Richard Harris

Gatorland is a theme park where you can learn a lot about alligators and crocodiles, as it is a place where you can admire these reptiles in a special habitat built for them and witness how they live and feed. In addition to reptiles, you can also see birds, capybaras and big cats.

The visit to Gatorland usually lasts about 3 hours. There you will be able to observe the alligators and crocodiles up close, and see educational exhibits that will give you valuable information about these animals. Another option, for the more daring, is to fly over the park on a zipline about 7 stories above the large reptiles.

But if you are really interested in learning more about reptiles, you can take the one-day training program offered by the park, and learn what you need to know to have a close encounter with dangerous animals or the work that is done with them. Without a doubt Gatorland is included among the best safaris in Orlando, as it is a unique theme park, where you can learn a lot about wildlife.

More information about Gatorland

  • Location: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States.
  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission fee: from 35 € approximately.

Buy your tickets for Gatorland