We created a Orlando Theme Parks Mini Guide, for you to take advantage of and be able to put together your itinerary in this incredible world of Disney. Let's go?!
Initial tip: download the park application on your cell phone, your life will be easier 100%.
Planning to go to Disney – Orlando
When we decided to go to Orlando, I had no idea there were so many parks!
At the time of planning I ended up discovering that there was much more than the Magic Kingdom.
We had little time in Orlando and wanted to get to know the main parks. We ended up staying 7 days in Orlando and doing 7 parks.
It was pretty tiring to do one park a day.
On one of the days we ended up doing Hollywood Studios and Epcot together and leaving a day for shopping (Orlando 7 day itinerary).
Well, in my research and also after visiting some parks, I gathered some tips that might help you understand a little more about the magical world of Orlando :).
Then save this article!
Rent a car in Orlando
To begin with, we did everything by car because the rent was affordable and the parks end up being very far from each other.
Read our article we talk about: Rent a car in Orlando
Collective transport ends up not being a good choice, you waste a lot of time.
Our hotel was on International Drive, which made things a little easier as it was close to the market, pharmacy and everything else.
And from there, there were many signs that signaled the way to the parks. Even with GPS, we managed to arrive very quickly and without error!
How many Disney parks can you do in 7 days?
In seven days we did the following parks:
- Universal Orlando (there are two parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure – we did both in two days);
- Walt Disney World (there are four parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom – we did the first three parks in two days, one day for Magic Kingdom and one day for Hollywood Studios and Epcot);
- SeaWorld (There are three parks – SeaWord itself, Discovery Cove and Aquatica – We only did SeaWorld).
In addition to these, there is also the Busch Gardens that we ended up not doing due to lack of time, the legoland it's the Kennedy Space Center.
Universal – Orlando
There are two parks that are part of the Universal Orlando Complex – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
The two are in the same complex and we one day for each park (each park requires a single ticket – or you can buy a combo that ends up being a little cheaper).
In the parks there are Express Pass, a kind of skip-the-line ticket, so you don't have to wait long at the attractions.
Gives skip-the-line access to almost all attractions (Harry Potter not included).
But you can only use it once in each attraction.
There is also a ticket for those who want to go to the attractions more than once and without having to queue – it is the vip ticket with skip-the-line and unlimited access to almost all attractions (Harry Potter not included).
Who stays in one of the complex hotels has fast and unlimited access to attractions (Harry Potter not included).
Another way to go faster on rides is go alone – is the call Single Riders.
They are unaccompanied people who have the space left over from the toys.. if you don't mind sitting next to your husband/friend/boyfriend/relative, look for the queue at the Single Riders!
During the stops you can take a picture with the characters you like the most!
Another tip that also works very well is to start visiting the parks counterclockwise.. since they all start clockwise 🙂
Don't worry: there are restaurants scattered throughout the park ranging from popcorn and hot dogs to more elaborate foods!
universal studios
One of the first parks, attractions are based on hollywood movies like Jaws, Twister, Men In Black, Terminator, The Mummy, and many others like the super fun city of The Simpsons with a super toy that mimics a roller coaster and Moe's Bar!
The Park closes at 7 pm with a show of images, water and fireworks at Lake Central.
There are many interesting parades... such as Despicable Me, Scoob Doo, Pica-Pau among others.
The park is very colorful and has attractions for all ages.
Universal Islands of Adventure
This is the park of the famous little witch Harry Potter!
You'll get to try butterbeer, ride a magic broom and even pay a visit to the castle!
I got to buy the magic beans and the chocolate frog!
In addition to Harry Potter, there is a place in the park dedicated to Marvel heroes!
The Hulk roller coaster that is a show!
And also some other very interesting toys for children 🙂 This is where superhero parades like Spiderman, Captain America and others take place.
The two parks are connected by an area of shops and restaurants – the City Walk (Open from 11 am to 2 am). For those who like it there is the Hard Rock Café here too.
Walt Disney World
the complex Walt Disney World is located in the city of Lake Buena Vista - close to Orlando.
It was Orlando's first theme park.
Walt Disney World has four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
And in addition to theme parks, Disney also offers two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and countless hotels and resorts.
The complex is really big – to get from the parking lot of each park to the park itself you have to take a train! And this train connects the parks and hotels/resorts. It's really big! We ended up doing the Magic Kingdom in one day and the other day we were between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
There is also a pass to skip the toy queue.
It is free and you need to pick it up with your entry ticket.
But remember, the fast pass, the name of the Disney fura fula ticket you can choose only a few rides and you must make an appointment to go.
You can do this at the booths scattered throughout the park.
And between a scheduled toy and another there must be a time – which will be informed in your fast pass!
Don't worry: there are restaurants scattered throughout the park ranging from popcorn and hot dogs to more elaborate foods and even Mickey cookies and popsicles!
Magic Kingdom
This is the park of the princesses and the mickey!
It's the Disney we see on TV!
It is the enchanted kingdom where you can meet and take a photo with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and other Disney princesses. Oh, and with Mickey too!
The Magic Kingdom is divided into different themed regions: main street (region that welcomes you to the world of Walt Disney – it’s the main avenue with Cinderella’s castle in the background), adventureland (sector where there are attractions of the Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, Aladdin...), frontierland (Disney's old west version), Liberty Square, Fantasyland (where most Disney characters and princesses are) and tomorrowland (futuristic sector where Buzz Lightyear is among others).
There are not many adventure attractions because the purpose is to experience the world of magic. I even bought a tiara with Minnie's ears!
I'm a kid again, people!
On this day we had breakfast at crystal palace with the Winnie the Pooh Gang and dinner with Cinderella at the Grand Floridian Resort!
We did everything we were entitled to! Both breakfast and dinner require reservations (you can book at any hotel or online on the Disney World website – always in advance as places are limited).
Remember if: arrive and pick up the map of the park to find out the location of the attractions and the hours of the parades! Or check through the app!
The most anticipated show takes place at 10pm?? It's the Cinderella Castle picture show with the final fireworks! Beautiful! We stayed one day and didn't get to see everything.
We prioritize some attractions before and on time with the help of the map. But if you have time, stay two days 🙂 Stay until the end and see the night parades which are beautiful. The whole park looks beautiful at night!
hollywood studios
It is a park totally based on the hollywood movies.
There are numerous attractions but the ones I liked and recommend are:
(1) Rock'n'roller coaster starring aerosmith – one of the most interesting roller coasters!
While you are on the toy, the band's songs are played and there are changes of environments with many surprises and emotions;
(2) The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - ok, I almost died on that one! it is an elevator with a free fall of 13 floors (and several times!) – These two attractions are located on Sunset Boulevard and accept fast passes.
There are loads of fun shows!
Upon arrival, look for Time Guide and schedule!
For those with children, it is interesting to visit the Pixar Place, Streets of America and Echo Lake sessions. Pixar's Parade of Characters (Pixar Pals Countdown To Fun!
Parade is very good and happens at scheduled times, don't miss it!
epcot
This was my least favorite park.
I found it very futuristic and without that magic. But it's also educational!
The symbol of the park is a futuristic ball - a Spaceship Earth (Spaceship Earth) which is actually an attraction about the impact of technology on the development of civilizations.
Another attraction that is worth the trip and maybe the queue is the Soarin – a kind of glider with special seats like a roller coaster combined with a 180º screen.
You have the feeling that you are soaring over California landscapes.
In addition to the technological attractions, there is a part that reproduces some countries in the world and their cultures.
I found it a little weak but worth the visit.
In all sectors of the parks there is fast food or restaurant and a souvenir shop.
animal kingdom
This is the newest park in the Disney complex and one of the most relax.
In summary, it is a park where you can have greater contact with nature and animals.
The park has its opening hours, but each attraction also has its fixed hours on behalf of the animals.
When planning, check the time and location of each attraction on the interactive map at Animal Kingdom or upon arrival at the park.
The attractions that seemed interesting to me:
(1) Kilimanjaro Safari – a safari in Africa;
(2) Expedition Everest – a roller coaster on and under Mount Everest;
(3) dinoland – perfect for those with children as it is a dino amusement park and everything is miniature;
(4) Discovery Island – is the center of the park and where the famous Tree of Life is located!
SeaWorld
We dedicate one day only to SeaWorld.
It's a very different park from the others we've seen so far.
It focuses on marine life with shows and attractions with dolphins, sea lions and others.
It has two extreme roller coasters that are worth the time in line:
(1) mantus – extreme roller coaster where you are suspended and attached to a manta ray;
(2) Kraken – as if it were a sea monster, it passes through underground channels and water tunnels.
Both are a must for anyone who enjoys adventure! Apart from the roller coasters, there are shows, aquariums and other activities.
What we went and was it worth it:
(1) sea lion show;
(2) dolphin show;
(3) orcas show (which I found less interesting)
(4) the attraction of penguins.
Each show and attraction has a specific schedule. The SeaWorld website also has a lot of important information! There are other parks in the SeaWorld Complex like Discovery Cove, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. If you want to enjoy more than one park, opt for combo tickets as they end up being cheaper.
discovery cove
One of the parks in the SeaWorld complex is dedicated to interacting with marine animals.
You can swim with dolphins, stingrays and everything in between.
As it is a small park, only a thousand people can enter it per day. It is necessary to schedule the visit at least three weeks in advance.
To swim with the dolphins, bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aquatica
It's a water park very similar to Beach Park.
Aquatica is interesting to go with children or also to make a day relax in Orlando between one park and another. We ended up not going because we went in winter and it was cold!
But for those who go in the summer, I think it's a great choice 🙂
busch gardens
The park is located in Tampa (80 km from Orlando) and is themed around the African world.
There are numerous roller coasters and full safaris (some paid separately).
Three roller coasters worth visiting:
(1) Gwazi – entirely made of wood;
(2) Montu – who turns seven times upside down
(3) Cheikra – with 90 degree dip descent.
Kennedy Space Center
It is nothing more than the headquarters of the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and is headquartered on an island located between the cities of Jacksonville and Miami.
The complex also has state-of-the-art cinemas – IMAX – with films related to space missions.
Movies in theaters tend to vary so visit the official Kennedy Space Center website to find out!
legoland
It is one of the newest parks. Opened at the end of 2011, it is located in Winter Heaven, a town 40 minutes from Orlando on the way to Tampa.
The park is aimed at younger children. As the name implies, it is entirely dedicated to Lego toys. Check more information on the official Legoland website.
Orlando Theme Parks Mini Guide
I hope I've helped a bit!
And remember, alternate your trip to the parks with a free day 🙂 It's less tiring! Or take a free day every 2 or 3 parks!
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