Our reporter, Anthony, is on the road again, exploring the most beautiful corners of the world.
I’ve always been a huge fan of theme parks and attractions – for me, it’s not only about the rides but the whole experience. When my friend said that Florida is home to some of the biggest theme parks, I knew I had no other choice but to visit the state, and today, I’m going to share everything I found.
So, let’s discover the best attractions in Florida together!
Theme Parks and Attractions in Florida I Visited
- Universal Studios Florida: A fun-filled park featuring blockbuster films and TV series – from the immersive magical universe of Harry Potter to the action-packed world of Men in Black.
- Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom: Home to classic, magical, and nostalgic Disney-themed rides, games, and attractions.
- Busch Gardens: An African-themed attraction featuring wildlife exhibits and rides.
- EPCOT: This is where science and tech meet whimsical Disney magic.
- LEGOLAND: A Lego-themed destination filled with fun rides and exhibits.
A Closer Look At Florida’s Magical Places
A visit to Florida is incomplete without exploring its theme parks. These magical destinations offer fun attractions for both children and adults, including rides, live shows, parades, and exhibits. If you let your imagination run wild and enjoy the adventure, these parks might just become your next favorite travel destination.
Universal Studios Orlando
Top Attractions: Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Men In Black Alien Attack, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Ticket Price: Starts at $129
As a huge Potter fan, my first stop was a no-brainer – Universal Studios Orlando. This is home to the famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can explore Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and even Hogsmeade.
The magic of Universal Studios was undeniable – it felt like stepping straight into the wizarding world. Seeing Hogwarts Castle up close was surreal; it was just like in the movies!
Walking across the bridge into Hogsmeade Village was another highlight. The snow-covered rooftops and charming little shops felt like a scene pulled straight from the books. Naturally, I made a beeline for Honeydukes and couldn’t resist picking up some Chocolate Frogs and other wizarding treats.
Exploring Diagon Alley was just as enchanting. The “Escape from Gringotts” ride was a fun adventure, but honestly, I enjoyed simply wandering through the detailed Gringotts Bank more. The goblins (much nicer than in the movies, thankfully) added an extra touch of magic. I even exchanged some of my dollars for Gringotts notes as a fun keepsake.
A stop at Ollivanders was a must – I picked up an interactive wand and spent time casting spells around the park, lighting lanterns with Incendio, and levitating objects with Wingardium Leviosa. It was like being part of the wizarding world myself.
Beyond the Harry Potter attractions, the park had plenty more to offer. I had a blast on “Men in Black Alien Attack,” zapping aliens while riding through a cityscape. “TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D” was another favorite – it felt like being dropped into the middle of an action-packed movie.
Magic Kingdom
Some Top Attractions: Cinderella Castle, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion
Ticket Price: Starts at $119/day (for ages 10+)
Our next stop was the place where fairy tales truly come to life – Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando. From the moment I set foot on Main Street U.S.A., I was completely enchanted. The entrance, designed like a charming early 20th-century town with colonial-style buildings, immediately transported me to another era. And then, there it was – the iconic Cinderella Castle, standing tall and majestic at the heart of the park.
The castle stood tall (about 57 meters) and elegant, with its medieval, royal-style architecture. It was surrounded by a moat, trees, and freshly mowed grass. But what really fascinated me were the intricate patterns of the tower roofs and the brick walls, which create the illusion that the castle is much taller from afar.
Our first ride was the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The line was quite long (it took us about 40 minutes to get on), but it was worth the wait. The ride was a fun, relaxed experience – I rode in cute mine carts that formed a roller coaster, traveling along a tilted mine track. The mine train isn’t extreme, so it’s perfect for children, but I loved elements like the dark cave with animatronic dwarfs mining gems.
For a bit more adrenaline, I braved Space Mountain, the park’s futuristic roller coaster. At first, I hesitated, thinking it might involve flips and loops, but thankfully, it didn’t. Instead, the ride was a thrilling, high-speed journey through a simulated galaxy, complete with big drops and sharp turns. It was exhilarating, and I couldn’t stop smiling once the ride ended.
Busch Gardens
Some Top Attractions: Cheetah Hunt, Montu, SheiKra, and Kumba
Ticket Price: Starts at $139.99
Our third stop took us beyond Orlando to Tampa, Florida, where I visited Busch Gardens – a theme park inspired by African and jungle themes. With two more friends joining us for this leg of the trip, the experience became even more exciting and full of laughs.
The roller coasters were the stars of the show here, and I started with Cheetah Hunt. Just looking at it was intimidating – the extreme speed and massive drops had my heart racing before I even got on. But I decided to push past my nerves, and wow, was it worth it – flying along the 4,000-foot track, I screamed at the top of my lungs the whole way.
Then came Kumba, and let me just say – it’s not for the faint-hearted. The ride started with a 100-foot drop that had me gripping the safety bar for dear life, and just when I thought I could catch my breath, I went into a 360-degree spiral that left me completely stunned. It was an unforgettable experience, but I’ll admit, once was enough for me!
EPCOT
Some Top Attractions: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
Ticket Price: Starts at $119
I’ll admit I hesitated to visit EPCOT at first because it didn’t sound all that exciting. Thankfully, I decided to give it a chance – and I’m so glad I did. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is part of Disney but with a focus on science, technology, and cultural innovation rather than whimsical magic.
When I arrived, the first thing that stood out was how spacious it was. Even with plenty of people around, it didn’t feel crowded, thanks to the park’s wide-open layout. The vibe was very different from other Disney parks – more laid-back and futuristic, catering to adults in a way that felt refreshing (and yes, there’s free-flowing alcohol, which doesn’t hurt!).
One of my favorite attractions was Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This ride was an absolute blast.
I also loved Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Shrinking down to the size of Remy (well, not literally) and scurrying through a Parisian kitchen was so much fun. The trackless 4D ride felt incredibly immersive, from dodging under a warm stove to zipping past oversized ingredients.
LEGOLAND
Some Top Attractions: Lego Ninjago VR ride, Safari Trek, Miniland, Royal Joust
Ticket Price: Starts at $119
Last but not least, I made my way to Legoland, a favorite destination for Lego fans of all ages. While I wouldn’t call myself a Lego fan, I was still blown away by the creativity of this park. One of the best parts? The rides had much shorter wait times compared to the other parks I visited, and the incredible Lego installations of real-life places like New York City, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC, were simply spectacular.
I absolutely loved most of its rides, which are apparently catered to kids. For example, the Royal Joust lets children ride horses that gently stroll around. Of course, I didn’t ride this, but my friend’s daughters were absolutely thrilled galloping around on the Lego horses.
The kids also loved the Lego Ninjago VR ride, where hand gestures create animated fireballs to defeat opponents. Afterward, they rode Lego animals in Safari Trek and Lego cars in the Ford Jr. Driving School.
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A Trip to the Theme Parks and Attractions in Florida
The Sunshine State never fails to amaze me. From its captivating beaches to its fun-filled theme parks, there is always a wonderful place for families and friends to spend time together.
For me, theme parks are special places that remind us of the beauty of childhood curiosity and imagination. They are not only windows into our favorite films and shows but also an escape from the stresses of adult life.
Theme Parks in Florida – FAQs
How Many Disney-Themed Parks Are There in Florida?
There are four, as far as I know: EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I’ve had the chance to visit two of these parks, and I hope to complete the set soon!
Are There Height Requirements in Florida Theme Parks?
Anyone of any height can enter Florida’s theme parks. However, most rides have strict height requirements to ensure safety (for example, some coasters require a minimum height of 5 ft).
Is Smoking Allowed In Theme Parks?
Most theme parks prohibit smoking, even in open spaces. There are only designated areas where people can smoke or consume nicotine products.