As Orlando is known by many as the theme park capital of the world, taking a road trip through the city offers plenty of thrills and spills for all the family. With so many theme parks to visit, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to adrenalin-pumping rides to go on and exciting attractions to see.
So, which parks should you visit once your car hire in Orlando has been sorted out? Here’s a guide to the ones we think you ought to go to.
Walt Disney World
Possibly the most famous theme park on the planet, Walt Disney World (not to be confused with Disneyland, that’s in California) consists of four individual adventure areas, each of which have their own array of exciting sections.
There’s certainly a lot to be explored here, but make sure you go to Magic Kingdom. It’s here you’ll find the iconic Cinderella Castle and the thrilling Splash Mountain log boat ride.
Other parks to visit in the complex include Animal Kingdom – where you can see lions and other exotic creatures before going on wildlife-themed rides – and Hollywood Studios, where you’ll watch live stage shows and learn more about how films are made. The Blizzard Beach Water Park, meanwhile, has an array of exciting waterslides and pools to splash about in.
Wherever you go at Walt Disney World, you can hang out with iconic cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and get your picture taken with them.
Universal Studios
Like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios has more than one theme park within its grounds, but whether you to go to Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure first, you’ll still have an amazing time.
Head to the former to go on rides based on blockbuster films and TV programmes like Men in Black, ET and The Simpsons, as well as see captivating theatrical shows.
If you and the kids love comic books, stop by Islands of Adventure. This theme park contains several rides based on Marvel characters like Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This part of the complex is dedicated to JK Rowling’s famous boy wizard and includes rides and other attractions based on the series of books and film adaptations.
SeaWorld
The perfect place for animal lovers, this theme park allows you to see a vast array of marine wildlife. Visit the Manta Aquarium to catch glimpse of giant Pacific octopuses, seahorses and stingrays, before heading to Dolphin Cove. If you time your visit right, you can have a go at feeding the animals yourself!
In addition, there’s the chance to watch acrobatic stage shows – many of which feature performances by animals – and go on white-knuckle rollercoasters like Kraken and Manta.
Busch Gardens
Situated an hour’s drive from Orlando, just outside the dynamic city of Tampa, is the astounding Busch Gardens. Dedicated to exotic wildlife, this theme park enables you to go on an African-style safari and come up close to the likes of ostriches, giraffes and zebras.
Don’t worry though as there are still plenty of rollercoasters and rides, including the Congo River Rapids – where you navigate your way through geysers, waterfalls and other obstacles in a 12-person raft – and the thrilling Scorpion, which has a blood-pumping 360-degree loop.
If you’re taking a road trip to Florida, let us know where you plan to go first and share your comments below!