Orlando may very well be considered the Theme Park capital of the world, and it’s not just because of the Disney World parks! There’s a ton of other places that can provide a fun-filled day for the whole family. So if you’re planning a trip to Orlando and are looking for something other than Disney, here are some recommendations for theme parks you can visit in the area:
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is probably the amusement park most like Disney World on this list. With experiences from popular entertainment properties like Harry Potter, Transformers, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me, there’s a change you’ll recognize many of the themed areas. Universal Studios is home to two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida features rides and attractions based on popular films and TV shows, while Islands of Adventure is devoted to comic book and superhero franchises. Both parks are highly immersive and offer a unique experience for visitors. Additionally, there’s a waterpark called Volcano Bay that has its share of thrilling waterslides if you want to cool off on a hot day!
To get the full experience, you’ll probably want to have tickets to both parks, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. The Wizarding World is split between both parks (Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure), and you can take the Hogwarts Express from one section to another.
Whether you’re a movie fan or a thrill seeker, there’s something for everyone at Universal Orlando. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this Florida theme park resort is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida. The park is home to more than 10,000 animals, including dolphins, penguins, and killer whales. Guests can interact with the animals through shows and exhibits, and there are also a number of rides and attractions. From the interactive play and young kids’ activities at the charming Sesame Street Land, to thrill rides like Ice Breaker and Mako, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep you entertained throughout the day. There’s also plenty of splash zones if you want to cool off from the warm weather! Ultimately, SeaWorld Orlando is a good mix of thrilling fun and educational content in an aquatic theme.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando is a part of the SeaWorld property and is a waterpark like no other. Located in the heart of Orlando, the park features an impressive collection of waterslides, pools, and attractions. For thrillseekers, the park offers some of the tallest waterslides in the world. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, for example, drops riders down a steep 90-foot drop at speeds of up to 50 mph. Families will enjoy the multitude of slides and attractions specifically designed for young children. And for those who simply want to relax, the park features a lazy river and a wave pool. With something for everyone, Aquatica Orlando is sure to make a splash with visitors of all ages.
Gatorland
You can’t have a proper Florida experience without a gator sight or two! Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park in Florida that highlights all things alligators! It features an alligator breeding marsh, nature walk trails, zip lines over the alligator habitat, and more. There’s even a “gator nursery” where you can see baby alligators. The park also has a variety of shows, like the popular Gator Jumparoo Show, where guests can watch as brave alligators jump for their food! Gatorland is a great place to learn about these amazing creatures and spend a day getting up close and personal with them.
LEGOLAND Florida
Calling all LEGO lovers! Our whole family became big LEGO fans in 2022 when we started building LEGO sets together. Legoland Florida totally delivers for those that want a fun LEGO-themed experience, and there’s plenty to do for the whole family to enjoy! Whether it’s admiring Miniland USA, where iconic cities are reimagined in brick form (with 32 million bricks), or riding The Dragon or Great LEGO Race coasters, the variety of experiences here is amazing. There’s also water rides, live shows, character picture moments, playgrounds, and of course, plenty of LEGO bricks to play with. If staying dry is not your jam, you can go to the water park, which has a lazy river, splash park, and plenty of waterslides to keep you entertained for hours. And at the end of the day, you can pick up a LEGO set to remember your experiences at LEGOLAND and display them at home!
Busch Gardens (Tampa)
Founded in 1959, Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the oldest parks in Florida. The park is home to an array of rides, shows, and attractions, making it a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. It’s one of our favorites because the park is not overwhelming in size, and the lines are typically not as long as some of the other amusement parks that we’ve visited. It’s also where our daughter Nora went on her first loop rollercoaster – Scorpion! And while many of the rides are for older children and adults, the Sesame Street themed area had a lot of gentle rides and play areas that the kids enjoyed. If you want to skip lines, the Quick Queue system allows you to buy express passes at pretty reasonable rates (compared to other parks), and we took advantage of that on our first visit for more popular rides like Cheetah Hunt. Another highlight is the Serengeti Express, which is a train ride that not only will take you to different areas of the park to cut down on walking time, but it’ll also take you through their Serengeti plains, which host over 200 species of animals. There’s also hands-on encounters, keeper talks, and up-close animal viewing. Don’t miss out on the Cheetah speed demonstrations right outside of the Cheetah Hunt ride, it’s amazing seeing the cheetahs reach top speed so quickly! Ultimately, Busch Gardens is one of our favorite amusement parks, and we’re excited to be able to go back when our kids are taller so they can experience some of the thrill rides like SheiKra, Montu, and Iron Gwazi.
We hope this article helped if you’re looking for a theme park in Orlando that’s not a Disney park. Each park has its own unique flavor, so be sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your interests. No matter which park you choose, we’re sure you and the family will have a great time!
What a great article Rod, thanks for sharing this great info.