Orlando Vacations: Theme Parks in Orlando, FL

Walt Disney World Theme Parks | Universal Theme Parks | SeaWorld Theme Parks

Walt Disney World Resort For big fun, choose the biggest entertainment complex in the world. Walt Disney World Florida is a sprawling collection of four elaborate theme parks, two water parks, shopping, dining and variety amusements galore. Capture classic nostalgia at the Magic Kingdom, or imagine the future and beyond at Epcot. Read below to learn more about all the Orlando theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort.

Magic Kingdom Beloved by adults and children the world over, Disney's Magic Kingdom is simply a must. The Magic Kingdom is the original Walt Disney World theme park, opened in 1971. Even today, some of the best known Disney attractions can be found here. Visit classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World and Space Mountain.

Epcot Take your Walt Disney World Resort vacation on a journey into the future at Epcot. This unusual theme park is best known for its signature attraction, Spaceship Earth, the 18-story geodesic sphere. More than a landmark, Spaceship Earth is a fascinating ride chronicling the history of human technology. Many attractions at Epcot have an educational bent, yet children find them no less exciting.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Experience a little movie magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios, another of the most popular Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida. Guests young and old have their chance to meet classic characters and live out favorite movie moments in a collection of film and TV-themed rides. Arrive early at the energetic live shows to secure good seats.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Twenty-seven years after the Magic Kingdom debuted, Disney finally opened its first animal park. Disney's Animal Kingdom is a top-quality zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and then it's also so much more. The park blends scenic animal exhibits with traditional amusement park rides and Disney-style shows. Popular animal habitats feature silverback gorillas, African elephants, lions and giant anteaters.

Typhoon Lagoon One of two splash-worthy Disney water parks in Orlando, Florida, Typhoon Lagoon is consistently the most visited water park in the world. The humongous park takes the guise of a tropical bay recently ravaged by a storm, and guests benefit from the resulting slides, rides and elaborate décor. Splash the day away in the Surf Pool, one of the world's largest wave pools. You can even snorkel with sharks and stingrays at Shark Reef.

Blizzard Beach If tropical isn't your thing, head to Blizzard Beach, an Orlando water park unlike any other. Designed as a "melted down" ski resort, Blizzard Beach is actually a water park with a winter theme. But don't worry, all swimmable water attractions are heated to a cozy 80 degrees. Ride chair lifts to the top of Mount Gushmore where a smorgasbord of slick slides await.

Universal Orlando Resort Not all the best theme parks in Orlando, Florida belong to Disney. Universal Orlando Resort delivers state-of-the-art theme park thrills and other family-friendly amusements at two ride parks, a water park and the shopping and dining-geared CityWalk. At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, high-octane rides combine with popular film, TV and comic book characters for limitless fun. Learn more about the parks at Universal Orlando Resort below.

Universal Studios Florida This popular Orlando amusement park invites guests to "ride the movies". Like the original park in Hollywood, California, Universal Studios Florida offers dozens of themed rides, shows and attractions based on popular film and TV franchises. Favorite rides include Shrek 4-D, Universal's Horror Make-Up Stage Show, Revenge of the Mummy and The Simpsons Ride. Don't miss them.

Islands of Adventure For thrills and spills in Orlando, Florida, Islands of Adventure is the place to be. Visitors embark on whirlwind journey to five ride-packed "islands" based on the worlds of Marvel comics, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss and others. While there's plenty for younger guests, Island of Adventure has more high-intensity thrill rides than any other theme park in Orlando. Don't miss the all new sixth island, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", set to open in Spring 2010.

Wet 'n Wild Orlando Wet 'n Wild Orlando was the first major water park opened in the United States. We say it's still the best. Splash fans of any age will find loads to enjoy at this enormous 60-acre park. Wet 'n Wild houses a diverse collection of state-of-the-art thrill and family rides. Don't miss the outrageous Disco H2O, a 4-person indoor tube ride through the colorful sights and sounds of the 1970s. A must for any Universal Studios Florida vacation!

SeaWorld Adventure Park Just like at Disney and Universal, SeaWorld Adventure Park faces guests with a difficult choice. Will you choose the wonderment of a live animal show at SeaWorld Orlando, or all the beat-the-heat fun at Aquatica? Or, will you buy up for an experience unlike any other at Discovery Cove? Make time for any of these Orlando, Florida water parks and theme parks.

SeaWorld Orlando Always one of the most popular things to do in Orlando, SeaWorld has delighted animal lovers for over 35 years. SeaWorld today is better than ever. Expect a wild day of theme park thrills and animal amusements. Dazzling live shows are the highlight of any visit to SeaWorld Orlando. Show up to Shamu Stadium early for great seats to Believe, the awe-inspiring Orca show.

Aquatica Why watch the sea creatures when you can become one yourself? Aquatica is a cutting-edge Orlando water park that opened in 2008. Vibrant cabana-themed décor offers great views and shows off the highlight of Aquatica: loads of slides. Aquatica features an impressive 36 slide attractions, ranging from family-tube rides to high-thrill speed slides. The signature attraction, Dolphin Plunge, sends you racing through a pool filled with live Commerson's Dolphins.

Discovery Cove The most unique of all Orlando theme parks, Discovery Cove delivers an experience unlike any other. Become one of only a thousand guests per day to swim with bottlenose dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish, relax on the beach and even touch a shark. Discovery Cove is a premium all-inclusive experience. Admission includes unlimited concessions along with special swim and snorkel gear. Worth every penny, don't miss this unforgettable day of exploration and enchantment.

There's more than theme parks in Orlando, FL. View more fun things to do in Orlando.