Located in central Florida, Orlando is a bustling center that welcomes visitors with numerous activities for any age. Finding a vacation rental in Orlando is a snap, but you want to make sure that you’re close to the attractions you want to visit, so you don’t waste time in transit. Orlando offers your kids more than they could ever do in a week or even a month, so you really need a game plan in place before you arrive. From theme parks and animal shows to water parks, this town has it all. Here’s a look at the top 10 things to do in Orlando with kids.
1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom
As the happiest place on earth, Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a must when you bring kids to Orlando. With six distinct areas, the amusement park offers rides for all ages, including the “It’s a Small World” and the iconic “Space Mountain”. Throughout the park, you and the kids will meet various Disney characters. If you purchase an autograph book, the characters will happily sign it. Several times a day, a parade marches down Main Street USA, and at the end of the evening, fireworks light up the night sky. With so much walking, consider returning to your vacation rental in the afternoon for a rest before returning for the fireworks.
2. Universal Studios Orlando
Ride on amusement rides that feature a movie theme from Jurassic Park to Harry Potter. One of the most popular attractions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the chance to explore Diagon Alley. Another hot attraction features the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Throughout the park is exciting movies to watch, shows to make you gasp, and movies and television show characters to take photos with. Enjoy dinner at any number of restaurants inside the park.
3. SeaWorld Orlando
This aquatic theme park is filled with live shows featuring dolphins and other animals. You might consider packing a change of clothes before leaving your vacation rental because you and the kids are going to get wet. Broken into seven sections, this park makes it easy to navigate and see animals you’re interested in, like the penguins in the Sea of Ice that starts with a movie about a small penguin. Inside the park, there are five roller coasters to make your kids squeal with delight.
4. Disney’s Epcot
At Disney’s Epcot, you can take your kids on a trip around the world. This theme park is broken up into different countries, including Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, Italy, and six more. At each country, there are rides and shows that teach your children about the culture of that country. If a Disney movie relates to a specific area, such as “Frozen” and Norway, you’ll find attractions for the movie in that area. You can also sample popular foods from that country in a snack bar setting or sit-down restaurant.
5. Disney’s the Animal Kingdom
Have you ever wanted to go on a safari in Africa? Then you have to plan a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This theme park has an animal theme, and you and your family can see some of your favorite animals in a new light. Hop on one of the many amusement rides or catch a show with an animal theme. Inside this park, there is even a DinoLandUSA to learn more about these large animals that once walked the earth.
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6. Universal Studios Islands of Adventures
Run by Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures offers plenty of thrills with a movie theme. This park has several islands, each with its own theme to explore. They are Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, Skull Island, and Seuss Landing. Ride the roller coasters, watch 3D movies in IMAX theaters, and take selfies with your favorite characters.
7. Disney’s Blizzard Beach
After all that walking around theme parks, it’s time to cool off at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. This water park features a snow theme. The back story of this water park says that at one time Florida enjoyed a winter climate, and the park is in the space that was once a ski resort. The park keeps all the water warm with the exception of an ice cave, which you can float through on Cross Country Creek. Broken into sections, this water park features water slides, lazy rivers, and a dedicated to smaller children.
8. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
The second water park is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which boasts a more natural setting. The back story for this park involves a typhoon that knocked boats, ships, fishing gear, and other items around the park. Inside the park, you’ll find one of the largest wave pools in the world. Watch out for the 5-foot geyser of water that shoots out of Mount Mayday, where a shrimp boat landed; it happens every half hour. Don’t forget the water slides, lazy river, and dedicated kid’s area.
9. Universal Studios Volcano Bay
In 2017, Universal Studios opened its own water park, Volcano Bay. While there, you can toss a towel down on Waturi Beach while the kids splash in the water, or take the kids for a thrilling ride on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. The park offers a band that holds your place in line so that you don’t waste time standing around. You can ride along the lazy river while your kids play in the kid’s area.
10. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A theme park dedicated to Disney’s movies and television shows is a must for your family. Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers six themed areas, including Hollywood Boulevard and Muppets Courtyard. In these areas, you’ll find rides, shows, and characters geared towards the theme of that area. Enjoy a quick snack, fast food, or sit-down meals when hunger strikes.
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