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Explore Orlando’s top theme parks for an unforgettable adventure! Walt Disney World’s enchanting corners and Universal Studios’ cinematic magic are only matched by SeaWorld’s captivating marine life. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of what made these parks global family favorites.
Many travel fans know that Orlando is home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks and attractions. Of course, you’d want to check out what sets the various Orlando theme parks apart before you fly out and visit, especially if you have a particular type of fun in mind for the entire family.
For tourists like me who come from a quiet town in the UK, a visit to the best theme parks in the world is a welcome thought. This is even more true, especially after recovering from a better part of the last two years on lockdown. Since this won’t likely be a regular visit (maybe just once or twice in my lifetime), I made the most of what I could explore and experience. After all, when in Orlando, why not go out of this world while you can?
As the world slowly emerged from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself suffering from some serious case of cabin fever. I had been cooped up for so long that I was starting to think my cat was the most exciting thing in my life. Not that he ain’t, but I figured — something had to change. That’s when I decided to book a trip to Orlando, Florida, to visit the best theme parks the city offers and, hopefully, get a break from my feline companion.
A Dreamy Disney Day
I arrived in Orlando on a sunny afternoon, my spirits lifting as soon as I stepped off the plane. I checked into a vacation rental in Orlando, a cozy little place just a stone’s throw from the theme parks, and set out to explore.
My first stop was Walt Disney World. As I walked through the gates, I felt a sense of childlike wonder wash over me, and I couldn’t help but whistle, “It’s a small world” all day. I spent the day exploring the Magic Kingdom, riding classic attractions like “It’s a Small World” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and meeting my favorite Disney characters.
Magic Kingdom
This iconic theme park complex offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides to parades and fireworks shows. Yet, there are still many things to explore in this 43-square mile wonderland that’s twice as big as Manhattan and houses four theme parks, two water parks, and over 30 hotels,
The Magic Kingdom park was built on the second floor. The first floor is actually underground and used for storage and utility. You may also want to explore the famous “Utilidors,” a system of underground tunnels that connect the different areas of the Magic Kingdom park.
These fun tunnels allow cast members to move around the park quickly and discreetly, aside from the secret underground tunnels that connect the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts.
Cinderella’s Castle
I was particularly enchanted by Cinderella’s Castle — an unreal structure made of steel and concrete standing only 180 feet tall. A little-known fact is that there’s a secret suite inside Cinderella Castle that only a few lucky guests chosen through a lottery system can access. I didn’t fit the shoe, I guess, on the day of my visit, but it was an interesting fact to note anyway.
Before proceeding to the Disney World Monorail, the first daily operating monorail system in the Western Hemisphere, I made my way to the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. This installation is a 145-foot-tall artificial tree made of steel and covered in over 102,000 leaves.
Another fun fact I’ve learned as I roamed this gigantic theme park is that the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom was the last attraction that Walt Disney himself oversaw before he passed away.
Pro-Tip: Finding the Perfect Place To Stay
Unfortunately, while there are still many to explore, Day One of my Orlando theme parks adventure had to end. Nonetheless, I’ve discovered quite a lot of fascinating tidbits that are hidden throughout Walt Disney World. Such details make the park even more special and magical as they showcase the level of effort and thought that went into creating such an iconic place that’s worth many family visits.
Staying in a nearby vacation rental definitely added to the wonderful experience I had in the Orlando theme parks. The accommodation options near Walt Disney World range from budget-friendly to luxurious, so there’s something for every traveler. If only I had known that there were plenty of pet-friendly places to stay in Orlando as well, I would have brought my trusted sidekick with me. I realized two things during my stay. Not only is it convenient to be close to the theme parks, but vacation rentals offer a level of comfort and amenities that make for a more enjoyable vacation.
I can’t recommend this Luxury Disney Oasis enough. With the vacation rental only 10 minutes away from Disney, I sure found a hidden gem that provided me with everything I needed and more.
Going Out of This World
The next day, I visited Universal Studios. I was greeted by the iconic Universal globe and felt a thrill of excitement as I stepped through the gates. I was ready to “ride the movies,” as they would say.
As expected, this renowned theme park features rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and even The Simpsons. What was initially created as a way to showcase the film and television production process to the public eventually became a hit attraction for families and film fans from all over the world. And for a good reason.
Harry Potter and Revenge of the Mummy
There are plenty of exciting sets to visit in one of the Orlando theme parks I visited. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2010, is one of the park’s most popular areas and features the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, which uses advanced robotics that gave me the sensation of flying on a broomstick.
I felt like I had stepped into the magical world of Hogwarts, and I finally got to experience what it feels like to fly without the risk of breaking any bones. I also couldn’t help but make a few “Wingardium Leviosa” gestures while I was there.
Then I gathered all my courage to purchase a ticket to the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. Apparently, this ride is listed in the books as the first indoor roller coaster to use a linear induction motor (LIM) launch system, propelling the coaster cars through the ride with magnetic force. The experience was exhilarating and made me scream like a little girl, much like it did when I tried out the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster on the other side. But both were successful in satisfying my thrill-seeking cravings.
Simpsons Ride
The day was fast on Day Two, but I was going to take advantage of Universal Studios’ other attractions. I made my way down to the beloved Simpsons Ride. The ride’s motion simulator gave me the feeling that I was flying through the town of Springfield with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie tagging along. The hotdog right before the ride was not a good idea, as I, unfortunately, figured later.
Taking a break from all the tummy-turning rides, I decided to go for a brief stroll and marvel at the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame replica. This is another guest favorite where you can see dedications to some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, such as Lucille Ball, Woody Woodpecker, and Betty Boop.
However, the film fan I am got my hoot and a half on the Behind the Scenes Studio Tour. The tour gives visiting movie nerds like me a glimpse into the unique and exciting process of how Hollywood creates movies and television series. For that alone, the journey to Orlando was worth all the quid and effort.
Blue Man Group
Universal Studios is also home to the Blue Man Group, a live stage show featuring the famous Blue Men, known for their eccentric performances and drumming. Among all the particular Orlando theme parks, this was made famous by the Volcano Bay water park, which opened in 2017 and features water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river for those who want to get their feet wet in some unadulterated fun.
For those who prefer land activities, the Hollywood Drive-In Golf features two 18-hole mini-golf courses that offer a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
After another long day of exploring one of the best Orlando theme parks, it’s great to come back to a spacious vacation rental that provides all the comforts of home. From fully-equipped kitchens to comfortable living rooms and cozy bedrooms, vacation rentals make it easy to relax and unwind. Some even come with amenities such as private pools and hot tubs, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Instead of staying in a hotel suite, you might want to check out a few of the nearby vacation rentals in Universal Studios. This cozy yet modern 1-Bedroom vacation rental features a pool and a refreshing fountain view and it’s only a 5-minute drive to Aquatica.
Or, if you’re looking for something more luxurious and modern, try checking out this spacious vacation townhome. It is also only a short drive away from either Aquatica or The Wheel at ICON Park.
Good To Sea
With Pinback’s “Good To Sea” blaring on my AirPods, I woke up on Day three excited about my tour of SeaWorld. I was excited, first and foremost, to see the famous dolphins and whales, and I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed.
As I approached the water park, I could hear the excited chatter of families and the distant calls of sea animals. I couldn’t wait to explore one of the world-famous Orlando theme parks and see all the amazing sights it had to offer.
Dolphin Nursery
I started my day with a visit to the Dolphin Nursery, where I witnessed the adorable antics of baby dolphins as they swam and played. It was an incredible experience to see these intelligent creatures up close and learn about their behavior and conservation efforts.
I watched in awe as the dolphins performed acrobatic tricks, and I was amazed by the beauty and intelligence of the whales. I also took a ride on the Mako roller coaster. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my trip. I even had to remind myself to keep my stomach inside my body.
Shark Encounter and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
Next, I made my way to the Shark Encounter, where I walked through a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks, sawfish, and other marine life. It was indeed a thrilling experience to be so close to these powerful creatures. Tapping the glass when a shark swims by you seems too enticing. I’m glad I didn’t, though.
I then headed to Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, where I boarded a ride that took me through a simulated Antarctic environment, complete with real snow and ice. The ride allowed me to see various penguin species and learn about their habitat and conservation. It was like taking a vacation to the North Pole but with less chance of losing your sense of direction in a blizzard.
One Ocean Show and Infinity Falls
After a quick lunch break, I saw the One Ocean show featuring the park’s signature killer whales. It was a spectacular performance that showcased the beauty and power of these animals and highlighted the importance of ocean conservation. It also reminded me that I should never try to swim next to these majestic creatures that can easily swallow me whole.
Later that day, though I was feeling too exhausted from a three-day nonstop adventure trip, I forced myself to the Park’s newest attraction, Infinity Falls. It’s a thrilling river raft ride that took me through the jungle and through the park’s rainforest ecosystem. It was a worthy finale to an otherwise tiring day at Sea.
After another exhausting but exhilarating day of exploring another one of the best Orlando theme parks, I realized another benefit of staying in a vacation rental. With the ability to cook meals at home and have more space to spread out, vacation rentals can be a more affordable option than traditional hotels. Overall, staying in a nearby vacation rental was the perfect complement to my Orlando theme parks experience. It offered comfort, convenience, and cost savings, making for a truly unforgettable vacation.
Experiencing the Magic and Thrill of Orlando theme parks
As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at all the fantastic creatures and experiences I had encountered at SeaWorld. I realized that my Orlando theme parks vacation had been precisely what I needed. The theme parks provided the perfect escape from the monotony of quarantine. I felt rejuvenated and excited for the future.
I couldn’t recommend a trip to Orlando enough. It’s a magical place that offers something for everyone, and it’s a perfect way to escape life’s stress. The parks implemented all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. And I felt comfortable and secure throughout my entire trip. I know I’ll be back, and I can’t wait to make more memories in the world’s theme park capital. Of course, staying in another perfect vacation rental will definitely still be on my bucket list. I’m excited to explore these theme parks with my furry companion.
Until We Meet Again, Orlando
If you’re also planning a visit to these famous Orlando theme parks, I highly recommend staying in a nearby vacation rental in Orlando. Not only did it add an extra level of convenience to my experience, but it also made my trip even more enjoyable.
What’s even better was that many of the vacation rentals in the area are located in beautiful, quiet neighborhoods that offer a nice break from the busy atmosphere of the theme parks. It allowed me to experience a different side of Orlando and take a break from the crowds.
At long last, I returned to the UK with a newfound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and a full of memories that will last a lifetime. I was also happy to be reunited with my cat. Quite animatedly, I told him about the sharks and gigantic whales at SeaWorld because he might be interested. But as much as I wanted to convey my sense of excitement and thrill, I was welcomed by his usual “I don’t care” face. At that moment, I knew I was back to my old life in a quiet London town.
Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but miss all of the Orlando theme parks I visited.
