Visitors looking for exciting animal attractions in Orlando need look no further than SeaWorld. This marine mammal theme park offers the chance to observe killer whales, manatees, beluga whales, penguins and polar bears, and lets guests feed Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. SeaWorld also features entertaining shows and a couple of the best roller coasters in town. Kraken and Manta satisfy even the most experienced coaster enthusiast.
SeaWorld opens at 9 a.m. daily, and closing times vary. The park stays open later during busier seasons in the summer and over the holidays. SeaWorld has two sister parks in Orlando, Aquatica, a new water park with unique animal interactions, and Discovery Cove, a tropical paradise where visitors can swim with dolphins. Parking at SeaWorld costs $12 as of March 2010.
SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
407-351-3600
888-800-5447
seaworld.com/orlando
The Universal Orlando Resort boasts two completely different theme parks, both with first-class shows and exclusive attractions. At Universal Studios Florida, guests "ride the movies" with such favorites as the Simpsons, Jaws and Twister. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster opened at Universal last summer, combining state of the art technology with a completely new coaster experience.
Islands of Adventure features themed lands like Marvel Super Hero Island and Suess Landing and soon to be home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, scheduled to open in spring 2010. This park boasts the Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragons roller coasters, plus The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a 3-D attraction considered to be one of the best in town.
Parking at Universal costs $14 as of March 2010. Both theme parks usually open at 9 a.m. daily, and closing times fluctuate. During busy periods like spring break, holidays and the summer months, the parks stay open later.
Universal Orlando Resort
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819-7610
407-363-8000
800-837-2273
universalorlando.com
The Walt Disney World Resort boasts four distinct theme parks, and they are four of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet. The Magic Kingdom is the original and probably most famous. Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain are just a few of the attractions found at the Magic Kingdom.
Epcot features two separate areas, Future World and World Showcase. Guests enjoy the unique attractions and international flair found at Epcot and flock to the park's annual events. Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the rides, parade and live shows reflect movie classics as well as adventure favorites. Disney's Animal Kingdom brings visitors up close and personal with a variety of wild animals and a few wild rides as well.
The hours at the four Disney theme parks vary throughout the year. Animal Kingdom usually closes around dusk, but the others stay open late during busier seasons. As of March 2010, parking at Disney costs $14.
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-1289
disneyworld.disney.go.com
