Orlando, Florida Theme Parks

In terms of theme parks, Orlando is a top destination, as it is home to arguably three of the most popular parks in the world: SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Besides the big three, Orlando offers hundreds of golf courses, airboat tours on Boggy Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades at Shingle Creek and paved trails along the West Orange Trail.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld is probably best known for Shamu, the killer whale, but the Orlando park is a full-fledged attraction with thrill rides, animal attractions and live shows that star Shamu and other marine mammal friends. The list of animals featured at SeaWorld is long and includes killer whales, polar bears, beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins and penguins to name just a few. Journey to Atlantis, Kraken and the brand-new Manta are some of the best roller coasters in the country.

SeaWorld Orlando opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year, as of December 2009. Closing times vary depending on the time of year, with later hours in the summer and during the holidays. Sister parks Discovery Cove and Aquatica by SeaWorld can be included in some of the ticket choices.

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-3600
seaworld.com/orlando

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando features two separate theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, where guests can "ride the movies," and Universal's Islands of Adventure, home to Seuss Landing and Marvel Comics superheroes. Visitors can spend at least a day in each park, but it would take even more time to see everything.

The Universal theme parks are open 365 days, and hours change throughout the year.

Universal Orlando Resort
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819-7610
(407) 363-8000
universalorlando.com

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney has four theme parks and two water parks on the resort property, as well as hotels, a shopping complex and four golf courses. The four top destinations are the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Each park offers something exciting from animal exhibits to thrilling roller coasters to movie rides and shows to a world showcase.

It takes days to explore all of the attractions and shows, so Disney offers several ticket packages. Prices are based on factors like length of visit and Disney resort stays. Guests staying on Disney property park at their hotel and use Disney's complimentary transportation.

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-1289
disneyworld.disney.go.com

Article Written By Lisa Jay

Lisa Jay began writing professionally in 2002. She has written for "Focus" magazine and "The Orlando Sentinel" as well as travel websites in the Central Florida area. She served as executive editor of "The Valencia Source." Jay earned an Associate of Arts in journalism from Valencia Community College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in writing at Columbia University.

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