All to know about Orlando theme parks from a travel expert

So you’re planning a trip to Orlando? Besides year-round great weather, easy access to Florida’s stunning coastlines and a bustling restaurant scene, we’d almost guarantee a theme park is a major reason drawing you to The Sunshine State’s central hot spot. From industry giants like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, to unique properties like SeaWorld that offer encounters with wildlife, there’s a reason Orlando is known to many as the theme park capital of the world.
 
But which Orlando theme park should you visit? Maybe you’ve done Walt Disney World more times than you can count and want to switch it up, or you have a family of thrill seekers eager to experience SeaWorld’s incredible lineup of seven industry-defining roller coasters. We’ve got you.
 
I’ve been visiting Orlando regularly for over 30 years, clocking in over 500 visits to its theme parks—and I can guarantee you that no matter what strikes your theme park fancy, Orlando has it. From classic dark rides, like those found at Disney World’s original Magic Kingdom, to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, this Orlando theme park guide covers it all. 

The behemoth of Orlando is, of course, Walt Disney World. At over 40 square miles, Mickey’s home includes four theme parks, two water parks, a dining and entertainment district and dozens of hotels. While we could go on and on about everything it has to offer, the main draw for many is its theme parks that house everything from classic attractions to industry precedent-setting rides.
 
The Magic Kingdom needs no introduction. It’s the park that started it all and is known for its collection of classic, kid-friendly rides, from Peter Pan’s Flight to the iconic Haunted Mansion. It may be a small world after all, but it is the most visited theme park on the planet. Backboned by Cinderella Castle, there are parades, characters and nightly fireworks, making this the bucket list park.
 
Epcot was Walt Disney’s brainchild and is a celebration of the past and present. Innovation is at the forefront and its hallmark is World Showcase—a sort of World’s Fair-esque land complete with 11 pavilions representing countries and their respective diverse cultures through dining, shopping and entertainment. The “edutainment” element is paired with sought after, movie-inspired attractions, including Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world. It’s also a mecca for food lovers thanks to its four annual award-winning food festivals, which elevate the park’s already stellar dining to another level, and for guests who love to celebrate the holidays with events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios oozes Tinsel Town glam and is a must for lovers of mega movie franchises including “Toy Story” and “Star Wars,” each with a dedicated land within the park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a marvel in immersive entertainment, offering industry leading attractions (don’t miss the near 20-minute-long Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance), dining and merchandise that quite literally transport visitors to the very world inspired by the films. Other standout attractions include Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and its newest, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
 
Disney’s Animal Kingdom was inspired by the Walt Disney Company’s quest for animal conservation, and the legendary Jane Goodall was even a consultant during its construction. Arguably the most scenic of the parks, Disney Imagineers traveled the globe to ensure it would authentically represent the many lands depicted here. From Asia to Africa, the park honors global cultures through its attractions and notably, its cuisine—seriously Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to some of Disney World’s best bites.

Even those who aren’t super fans of the Avatar films will relish the incredibly well-themed setting of Pandora—The World of Avatar, home to one of the property’s best rides, Avatar Flight of Passage, a 3D flying simulator attraction amid lush scenery.
 
Find it: Walt Disney World, 1375 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-939-5277

Orlando’s other major destination, Universal Orlando Resort, encompasses two theme parks, the best water park in Orlando and eight on-site resorts. From its Harry Potter-themed lands to classic ’90s attractions, there’s a reason fans return again and again.
 
If you’re a sucker for ’90s nostalgia, then its original park, Universal Studios Florida, is an Orlando must. Although it has evolved to include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, you can still find that old-school movie charm here. From beloved attraction E.T. Adventure to Marilyn Monroe greeting guests along its colorful streets, this is where your favorite movies come to life. The live entertainment here is the most impressive of all of Orlando’s theme parks, from the kitschy Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show to a Blues Brothers live musical extravaganza. It’s an absolute must during the fall months thanks to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, the country’s premier Halloween event.
 
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is made up of eight distinct lands, including Super Hero Island and the whimsically colored Seuss Landing. Here, you’ll find one of Orlando’s best roller coasters, VelociCoaster and other Jurassic Park fun, like a scream-inducing boat attraction with terrifying dinosaurs. It’s also where you can step directly into the pages of “Harry Potter,” including the snow-capped village of Hogsmeade, and venture inside Hogwarts Castle. The can’t-miss attraction at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the innovative Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a multi-launch steel coaster through the Forbidden Forest.
 
Find it: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819; 407-363-8000

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the area’s most visited places, uniquely combining a zoological marine park with a theme park. It’s not only home to thrilling roller coasters, it also offers incredible food, live shows and of course, many opportunities to get to know lovable marine life. From adorable turtles and brightly-hued flamingos to sharks and everyone’s favorite, dolphins, you can easily fill your day with animal adventures.
 
But its dry fun is where things get interesting. The park lives up to its nickname of the “Coaster Capital of Orlando.” There are seven coasters to enjoy, from Manta, a flying coaster that mimics the movement of a manta ray, to its fastest coaster, Mako. The newest in SeaWorld’s lineup, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, is a first-of-its-kind “surfing” coaster where riders cruise along its winding, wave-like track at speeds of up to 60 mph, all while maintaining a standing position.
 
Little ones aren’t left out of the fun either, with their own land dedicated to the beloved friends of “Sesame Street,” while foodies enjoy the park’s award-winning lineup of festivals, including the fan favorite craft beer festival. Spooky seekers are in for a real treat (or trick) during its Halloween haunt event, Howl-O-Scream. The hard-ticketed event, held select evenings in the fall leading up to the big day, adds scare zones, haunted houses and of course, dozens of monsters to the park.
 
Find it: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-545-5550

While not technically in Orlando (it’s actually located in nearby Winter Haven), Legoland Florida Resort has become a must-stop on many central Florida vacations. Here, it’s all about the younger parkgoers, as the property’s theme parks, water park and several on-site resorts are dedicated to kids 12 and under.

Its theme park is perfect for the budding thrill enthusiast, home to kid-friendly attractions and roller coasters that are just the right size for little ones. It’s all themed around the beloved Lego brick, and here everything is awesome—from the stunning Miniland portraying iconic cities made entirely out of Lego, to its newest attraction, Pirate River Quest. It’s also home to Peppa Pig Theme Park, a fanciful park specifically geared for visitors age five and under, that’s centered around the beloved British cartoon pig.
 
You can truly make an entire trip out of a visit to Legoland Florida, thanks to its three on-site resorts that keep the high levels of theming going, with the added bonus of being steps from all the action. 
 
Find it: Legoland Florida Resort, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884; 888-690-5346

One of the area’s oldest and most beloved theme parks embraces the animal that is undeniably tangibly linked to the state. At Gatorland, you don’t just encounter the species, you also learn about one of the most intimidating and misunderstood creatures on Earth. If you’ve always wanted to get up close to the predator, you can experience encounters with baby alligators and fully mature alligators that reach lengths of over 10-feet-long. There’s even an alligator meet and greet. 

The 110-acre park also embraces that “fun” element that you find in classic theme parks. There’s plenty of adventure, including a 1,200-foot-long zip line where guests soar over the park’s alligator breeding marsh—home to over 100 giant alligators—at near 30 mph speeds. It’s totally unique, out of the norm and a can’t-miss experience on your next Orlando vacation.
 
Find it: Gatorland, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837; 407-855-5496

Fun Spot America combines family fun and thrills with something every vacationer desires: affordability. One of the most inexpensive parks to visit in the entire state, it has all the cornerstones of what makes a great amusement destination. Here you’ll find roller coasters, family-friendly attractions and even go-kart tracks. It’s also home to Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster, White Lightning, which has a sort of classic Coney Island feel and even some unexpected airtime. There are also staple attractions, like bumper boats, a tilt-a-whirl and a towering Ferris wheel that affords some of the best views of the area.
 
A visit to Fun Spot America comes with a bit of a throwback feel to the classic amusement parks of yesteryear. Its compact size makes it much more approachable than the nearby monster-sized parks that can quickly overwhelm even familiar theme park veterans.
 
Find it: Fun Spot America Orlando, 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819; 407-363-3867

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.