Florida Family Vacation

Theme Parks

Florida Theme Parks

Theme Parks have transformed the nature of tourism
in Florida. Over 20 major and dozens of minor theme parks now dot the state.

To get the most enjoyment out of a Florida theme park vacation with the least amount of hassle it helps to start planning as far in advance as possible. With some strategic planning, theme parks can be the great family vacation you want them to be.

Strategy-planning begins before you arrive at the gate. Read guidebooks and visit websites to plot your priorities. Research best ticket options and pre-purchase tickets in advance if possible. Keep in mind that anytime kids are out of school and any holidays will be the busiest times for visiting theme parks. To avoid crowds try to plan your trip in off-times such as mid-week and non-summer months. Certain days of the week are slower at the theme parks also -- usually Tuesday through Thursday.

Get a map of the theme park ahead of time and study it. Arrive early and go to the back of the park and work your way forward to avoid crowds. To avoid waiting in long lines for the popular rides take advantage of "timed tickets", such as Disney's FastPass and Universal Express. You'll have a wait of just 15 or 20 minutes instead of hours.

FASTPASS tickets set an appointed time for you to return to an attraction and is available at no extra charge. Universal Express allows you to take the "express" line to some of the most popular rides and does not require that you come at an appointed time. If you are not staying at a Universal Resort property there is an additional charge.

Theme parks in Florida

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Busch Gardens is a 335-acre African-themed family entertainment park with a combination of animal encounters and an assortment of white knuckle thrill rides. By combining world-class thrill rides, Broadway-style live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos, Busch Gardens offers an unforgettable African adventure for the whole family. The park has a wide range of interests for children, teens and adults. Attractions include: Rhino Rally, Congo River Rapids, KaTonga, Montu, Kumba, Scorpion, Gwazi, Edge of Africa, and the new vertical dive coaster SheiKra.

Discovery Cove (Orlando) - At Discovery Cove you can swim with the dolphins, snorkel through colorful reefs teeming with thousands of tropical fish, explore underwater shipwrecks, and grottos, hand-feed exotic birds and snorkel with fish and rays. Relax on pristine white sand beaches, enjoy crystal-clear turquoise lagoons for swimming and snorkeling, a lazy river and lush tropical gardens. Reservations are required with attendance limited to 1,000 guests.

SeaWorld (Orlando) - Experience a premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. See polar bears, penguins, sting rays in recreations of their natural habitats. For excitement and the ride of your life there is Kraken, named after a legendary sea monster, a monster roller coaster with open-air, pedestal-like seats, with nothing around you except shoulder restraints, it will take you to the height of a 15-story building and turn you upside down seven times, at speeds reaching 65 mph.

Universal Studios (Orlando) - The Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks is where every member of the family can choose their own perfect fun. Virtual reality rides featuring the latest 3D special effects, roller coasters, water rides and interactive shows create an experience beyond your imagination. Rides include Back to the Future, Earthquake, Kongfrontation, Dueling Dragons, Incredible Hulk coaster and Adventures of Spiderman. For the younger visitors there is the Woody Woodpecker KidZone and Suess Landing.

Walt Disney World (Orlando) - Walt Disney World is a 30,500-acre complex with four major theme parks, two water parks, Disney resort hotels as well as shopping, dining and entertainment at Downtown Disney. Experience the wonder of the Magic Kingdom, take a walk on the wild side at Disney's Animal Kingdom, go behind the scenes at Disney-MGM Studios or explore the world at Epcot.

 

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