The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Orlando’s theme parks: the back story
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and its newest park, Epic Universe, plus LEGOLAND and Kennedy Space Center: how to plan the days.
5 of the best · Florida, USA
Orlando’s Theme Parks and the Space Coast
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Epic Universe, LEGOLAND Florida and Kennedy Space Center, with tips for planning your days.
Our 5 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Florida
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Florida.
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Four theme parks
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, plus two water parks and Disney Springs.
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Home of Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, with the Volcano Bay water park.
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A day on the Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
NASA’s visitor complex on the Space Coast, with the Rocket Garden and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953Explore View on map
The full list: Theme Parks, A–Z
Show 4 of 5 places on a map
Neighbourhood
Theme parks and the Space Center 4
Orlando and the Space Coast.
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A day on the Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
NASA’s visitor complex on the Space Coast, with the Rocket Garden and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953Explore View on map
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For younger children
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
A LEGO theme park in Winter Haven, about an hour south-west of Orlando.
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884Explore View on map
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Home of Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, with the Volcano Bay water park.
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Four theme parks
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, plus two water parks and Disney Springs.
Buy tickets and check park rules on each park’s own website: hours and reservation rules change often.
