Top 19 Orlando Theme Parks and Attractions for a Fun-Filled Family Vacation
Orlando is known as the world’s theme park capital for a reason – there are plenty of attractions to choose from, ranging from family-friendly rides to thrilling thrill rides.
This Central Florida city has dozens of theme parks, making it a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers. These parks offer attractions ranging from high-octane rides to family-friendly amusement park options, waterparks, and safari zoos. No wonder this city has been dubbed “The Theme Park Capital of the World.”
Best Theme Parks and Attractions in Orlando
Regarding theme parks, Orlando is one of the best places in the world. Many iconic landmarks are worth visiting, including Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure Theme Park. Both offer exciting rides and attractions that will keep you entertained for hours!
Map of Orlando Theme Parks
Here is a map of the best theme parks in Orlando! You can view the entire map and start planning your vacation to Orlando!
Universal Studios Florida
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Heading to Universal Studios Florida is a must when visiting Orlando. It offers year-round fun, so you can enjoy the theme park offerings regardless of when you visit.
Taking a trip to Universal Studios means that you can be immersed in your favorite movie worlds through experiences and rides. You’ll find popular attractions, such as Men in Black™ Alien Attack™, E.T. Adventure, and Revenge of the Mummy. You’ll also encounter fun character parades, many dining choices, and plenty of shops to browse throughout the park.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
One of the most popular attractions at Universal Orlando is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This immersive experience allows you to jump into J.K. Rowling’s exciting universe, complete with a fire-breathing dragon.
You can explore locations featured in the books and movies such as Diagon Alley™, the Leaky Cauldron™, and the Gringotts™ bank. You can even purchase a wand from Ollivanders™, which unlocks interactive items throughout the Harry Potter attractions.
On the other side of the park, you’ll find a land dedicated to Dr. Seuss charters, Marvel Super Hero Island (where you can fly high with The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man), and a Jurassic Park-themed land. The newest roller coaster is the Jurassic World Velocicoaster!
Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Spend the day at Volcano Bay Theme Park, part of the Universal Orlando Resort. This water park includes a volcano fitted with fun water slides that are great for adults and kids.
For a more relaxing visit, you can spend time at Waturi Beach. Other laid-back activities include spending time in the winding river or wave pool. There are also lounge chairs alongside the beach area for sunbathing.
Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World
Situated at Walt Disney Resort, Magic Kingdom Park is an exciting theme park for people of all ages. This area features classic rides such as It’s a Small World, the Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise.
During a trip to this theme park, you can experience the magical fireworks that shoot off nightly behind Cinderella Castle. You can also experience exciting holiday events at the Magic Kingdom, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Besides the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is another theme park to visit with fun for the whole family. This area of Walt Disney Resort focuses on animals and all living things. You can jump on thrilling rides featuring animals, mingle with characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, or enjoy the array of Asian, American, and African food items.
You can also watch the Tree of Life light up, view the Disney character kites flying high, and learn about animal conservation while at Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Address: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Centering around the show business theme, Disney’s Hollywood Studios also offers an immersive experience for visitors. It’s another Walt Disney Resort’s leading theme park in Lake Buena Vista.
While at Hollywood Studios, you can visit Toy Story Land or jump into various Star Wars experiences. You can also see characters, like Mrs. And Mr. Incredible, as you’re exploring this theme park. Hollywood Studios is an excellent spot for movie lovers who want to explore an area dedicated to beloved films.
Epcot
- Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Travel the world without leaving the country by spending a day at Epcot. Also part of the Walt Disney Resorts, this fun theme park includes international cuisine, global culture, and thrilling rides. It also features the most beautiful landscape in the resort area.
Typically, Epcot is less crowded than the other main Disney theme parks, so you’ll also find ride and food lines shorter than in other areas of Disney Resort. Epcot also has two entrances, making it a convenient spot for you to explore.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Address: 4510 Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For an elevated camping experience, check out Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort which features an American Frontier theme. This campground includes wildlife you can view as you enjoy the outdoors, such as armadillos and deer.
The Fort Wilderness Resort offers an array of wooded trails, pools with slides, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. You can bring your dog to this resort, as it’s pet-friendly.
Universal CityWalk
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Plan a night of fun with dining and music at Universal CityWalk! This Universal Orlando attraction features exciting entertainment, top-notch restaurants, and many shops to browse. This area at the heart of Universal Studios includes a vibrant nightlife, complete with a dance club and karaoke lounge.
Other activities are available at CityWalk, including golfing and catching a movie at the 20-screen theater.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
- Address: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
View the only 360° tunnel in Orlando by visiting the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. This aquarium features interactive activities like touching a starfish and views of exciting underwater life.
You can immerse yourself and your family more fully by taking a Behind the Scenes Tour, which includes a 30-minute peek into what an aquarist does daily. During a trip to Sea Life, you’ll learn about various underwater creatures (including mermaids!).
SeaWorld Orlando
- Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Visiting SeaWorld Orlando is always an exciting event. Your entire family can view and learn about marine life, such as dolphins and killer whales. You can even take a hands-on dolphin tour that provides an intimate experience with bottlenose dolphins. During this tour, you’ll feed and play with a dolphin.
Other exciting activities at SeaWorld include rides and wildlife shows. Sesame Street Land is an excellent stop at SeaWorld if you’re traveling with younger kids.
Discovery Cove
- Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive family resort in Orlando that’s jam-packed with activities and amenities. This theme park includes fun activities like an underwater walking tour, snorkeling, swimming with fish at the Grand Reef, and more.
As this resort is all-inclusive, you’ll also have plenty of food and drink options. Food and beverages (including snacks) are unlimited on the property.
Crayola Experience
- Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
Spend a day with the kids at the Crayola Experience, packed with creative, hands-on activities. The Crayola Experience centers around providing people of all ages a way to dive into art and technology.
This theme park is open daily at 10 am, offering a colorful indoor activity so you can plan on this attraction regardless of the weather. During a visit to this theme park, you’ll learn about the history of Crayola and enjoy naming crayons and turning yourself into a coloring sheet.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks
- Address: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819
Fun Spot America Theme Parks is not your typical theme park. Instead, this location provides an atmosphere similar to a big fair. At this theme park, you can play in the splash pad area with younger kids, go on thrilling rides, or join in a friendly competition while driving go-karts.
This Orlando theme park is one of my son’s favorite spots! It’s perfect for kids of all ages and fun for parents too.
ICON Park Orlando
- Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Icon Park is more than a theme park; it’s a top entertainment destination. While at Icon Park, taking a ride on The Wheel is a must. This ride takes you 400 feet into the air, offering views of the surrounding attractions (including Walt Disney World and Universal).
Other activities at Icon Park include Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Sea Life, and the Pearl Express Train. There are also over 50 restaurants to eat at, quirky bars, and cute shops to explore.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
- Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Legoland is located about an hour away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But this lego-themed resort is so epic and would be a great place to stay with your family! It’s a great destination for young children as well as teenagers. Give yourself time to spend a day at LEGOLAND Florida Water Park and take the younger kiddos to the Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida!
Gatorland
- Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837
Gatorland is an experience like no other. This theme park was founded 73 years ago and sits on 110 acres. It also doubles as a wildlife preserve. While visiting Gatorland, you’ll see alligators and crocodiles of all shapes and sizes.
You can select between multiple zipline rides and off-roading excursions for more adventurous visitors. There’s also a petting zoo with friendly animals and the opportunity to go behind the scenes as a Trainer for a Day.
Nona Adventure Park
- Address: 14086 Centerline Dr, Orlando, FL 32827
Water and nature lovers will enjoy a day spent at Nona Adventure Park! This attraction includes an inflatable water park to explore, a climbing tour, a ropes course, an obstacle course, and a rock-climbing area.
It’s easy to spend a full day at this adventure park with the family, as there is quite a lot to do. It’s also a great spot to hold birthday parties or group events. Don’t forget to have every party member sign the waiver before heading here!
Old Town
- Address: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Old Town is an amusement park in Kissimmee, FL, which covers 10 acres. This amusement area is highly walkable, offering an array of things to do and see.
This amusement park features classic rides, like a carousel and Ferris wheel. You’ll also find rollercoasters, a ninja challenge area, and a magic house. Live music and events, such as car shows, occur at Old Town throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Orlando is a fantastic place to explore with family and friends, as many Orlando theme parks and attractions cater to people of all ages. Whether you prefer going on interactive rides, screaming on roller coasters or cooling off at a water park, you’ll find exciting theme parks and Orlando attractions that appeal to your interests. We hope you enjoy visiting these fun spots when you travel to the Orlando area!
