Orlando, Florida is one of those cities that everyone in the world has likely heard of at one point in time. Only one word needs to be spoken to understand the popularity of this city: Disney. Yes, Walt Disney World, the world's largest and most visited theme park complex calls Orlando its home. But while the Disney parks are the go to spot for many individuals, couples, and families each year, other Orlando theme parks such as Universal Studios and Seaworld round out the list of world class establishments you may think of visiting. (Photo "Reflection of Cinderella's Castle" by ptogel)Choosing which parks to visit in limited time, however, is an incredibly difficult task. Having been to all the parks myself a number of times over, the following are my recommendations to get a great cross-section of what Orlando is all about in one week, all while getting a drastically different theme park experience in each case.
Magic Kingdom - 3 Days
The flagship park of the Disney empire is Magic Kingdom. Home of Cinderella's Castle, Magic Kingdom is everything you would think of when imagining a park that is purely Disney, and the masses have noted. In recent years it has been published that the park has accommodated well over 17 million visitors per year. As you can imagine the sheer number of people translates in to substantial lines in peak time, however the park is expanding at a vigorous pace that will retheme old rides and bring even newer ones to existence that are sure to please young and old alike. To ensure you see and ride everything, three days may be necessary. (Photo "Pirates of the Caribbean" by MDS31781)Favorite Experiences:
-Splash Mountain in Frontier Land
-Stitch's Great Escape
-Fireworks and Closing Ceremonies at Cinderella's Castle
EPCOT - 1 Day
The futuristic side of Disney comes to life in EPCOT, or its official name "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow." Every attraction in the park highlights the world around us; past, present, and future. Many countries are represented with intricate pavilions in the World Showcase and an award winning nightly show helps highlight how we are all connected together. The rides showcase technological advancement and have a scientific and futuristic feel to many (although some of the older ones now feel a little dated). As a pairing to Magic Kingdom, at least 1 day at EPCOT is recommended. (Photo "Epcot Globe" by incisionx)Favorite Experiences:
-IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
-Mission: SPACE
-Drinking Around the World (Drinking at the all of the country pavilions)
Animal Kingdom - 1 Day
Disney's newest park in Florida is Animal Kingdom. While the wildlife attractions and open spaces for animals to roam is one of the major selling points of Animal Kingdom, Disney has gone quite a long way to emphasize that the park is not techincally a zoo. Many additional attractions are laid out in a way to perfectly blend with the nature around them, culminating in the ornate Tree of Life at the center of the park, with 325 animals carved into the facade. To see some amazing animals and ride different attractions than the other Disney offerings, we recommend 1 day be spent at this park. (Photo "Gorilla" by nannajul)Favorite Experiences:
-Expedition: Everest
-Festival of the Lion King (show)
-It's Tough to Be a Bug! (4d show)
Islands of Adventure - 2 Days
The only non-Disney park to make our list on the one week whirlwind theme park tour is Universal's Island of Adventure. While the Disney parks are considered to be the world's best, they lack a certain thrill seeking edge that older visitors may be looking for. That is where Islands of Adventure comes in to play. With Universal's large character cast, budget, and desire for movie magic, the rides are transformed from basic roller coasters and seated rides to all out adventures! With the opening of the Harry Potter park inside the complex, this park is sure to attract many more visitors in the years to come.
Secret tip: If you stay at one of Universal's three on-site resorts get in a faster line to maximize their stay. Even so, the rides are so fun that we recommend two days for this park!
Favorite Experiences:
-Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster
-The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman (in 3d)
-Jurassic Park River Adventure
-The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In a week in Orlando it is entirely possible to visit all the Disney Parks on a hopper pass plus both parks in the Universal chain. If you are able to keep up at such a speed and the crowds allow you to get on every ride, this is great. But if you like to go a bit slower, experience some rides several times, or aren't interested in hopper passes, these four parks should definitely be on your radar on your next Orlando tour.
