Orlando’s theme parks: the back story

About Orlando’s theme parks: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Florida Editorial Team

Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world. Walt Disney World has four theme parks; Universal Orlando has three, including Epic Universe; and LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven, about an hour away. Kennedy Space Center, on the Space Coast, makes a full day out.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are spread across a large resort south-west of Orlando, linked by buses, monorail, boats and the Skyliner gondola. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival runs through the autumn.

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe are Universal’s three theme parks, with Volcano Bay as its water park.

Buy park tickets and any ride reservations on the parks’ own websites, and check them before you go: rules change often.

Beyond the big two

LEGOLAND Florida suits younger children. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, about an hour east on Merritt Island, has real rockets and launch history.

Planning the days

Give each park a full day and add a rest day in between. Summer afternoons bring heat and thunderstorms, so start early and take a break at midday.

Our advice: stay close to the parks you’ll visit most. It saves hours in traffic.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Orlando’s theme parks: the back story before you go.