Orlando in Florida is world-famous for its incredible attractions. While it makes it the ultimate holiday destination for many families, it can be difficult to decide what to do, unless you have the money and time to do it all, of course! Universal and Disney are the biggest names in the area for tourists, offering nine different parks as well as a vast number of restaurants and shopping opportunities. While it’s likely that everyone in the family will have their own preferences and ideas about what to include, here are 6 of the family-friendly attractions for families in Orlando,.
- Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The Disney theme park in Orlando attracts over 20 million visitors (of all ages) every year, all looking for magic, adventure and fun. The park features six different areas, including Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square and Main Street. Surrounding the stunning Cinderella Castle, you’ll explore rollercoasters, simulators and rides, parades and shows, as well as getting the change to meet those famous characters. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also a must-visit place for people looking to immerse themselves in the world of Disney movies from the exhibits on the myths and legends surrounding Walt Disney himself to live-action rides.
- Universal Orlando
The Universal Orlando complex includes the Universal Studios park and Universal’s Island of Adventure. Universal Studios is where the movies and TV come to life with cinema-themed rides, attractions and immersive simulator experiences, including Despicable Me, The Simpsons, Men in Black and Harry Potter. The other park, Universal Islands of Adventure, is perfect for everyone looking for thrill rides with world-famous rollercoasters and simulators over seven areas, including Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, Marvel Super Hero Island, The Lost Continent and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Buy Universal tickets for the whole family for both parks to make the most of your Orlando experience.
- Kennedy Space Center
When you’ve had your fill of theme park rides, about 45 minutes from Orlando is the Kennedy Space Center. It is a working NASA space station with launches taking place, as well as an incredibly popular tourist attraction which enables visitors to get close to the Apollo Saturn V rocket, the Atlantis Space Shuttle, and to experience outer space in a simulator, or even to meet a veteran astronaut.
- Aquatica Park
Aquatica is arguably the best water park in the Orlando area. You’ll experience incredible water slides that will take your breath away, such as the Dolphin Plunge where you slide through a transparent tube surrounded by live dolphins racing beside you. There’s also the intimidating but exhilarating Ihu’s Breakaway Falls and the standard favourites such as flumes, slides and rapids.
- SeaWorld
Next to Aquatica is SeaWorld, which also offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences with marine animals from dolphins and rays to sharks and orca whales. There are aquatic-themed rides and shows where the whales and dolphins perform incredible tricks for the crowd.
- Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is the perfect choice for people looking for a more relaxed aquatic experience. It offers different zones where you can relax and get up close to some amazing animals, including otters and marmosets, snorkelling with incredible fish, and even swimming with dolphins. The Wind-Away River is the ideal way to wash your stress away as you pass through stunning jungles, caves, and waterfalls.
