best days to visit orlando theme parks

Best & Worst Days to Visit Every Park at Disney World in 2024

Looking for the best and worst days of the week to visit each park at Walt Disney World? This strategy guide covers Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, offering info about when the wait times are lowest and highest, plus commentary about weekdays vs. weekends, special events, and more. ( Updated February 13, 2024 .)

When it comes to choosing the best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re singularly focused on avoiding long lines, we recommend consulting our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar to choose travel dates. That gets updated fairly regularly, with each individual month receiving a refresh right before it begins for optimal accuracy.

If you’re more concerned with the quality of the overall experience, we also have something more holistic and, frankly, practical: our list of the 10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 . Once you narrow down the week you want to visit Walt Disney World, it’s time to start thinking about which days of the week to do each park. That’s where this post and its updates come into play…

For much of the last three years, conventional day of the week advice for Walt Disney World was irrelevant or flat out wrong. Capacity constraints and park reservations were big factors. Even though the Park Pass system is no longer needed to limit attendance, it’s still being used to redistribute crowds and normalize numbers among the parks. All of this has upended our normal recommendations.

Thankfully, attendance and crowd dynamics have started to normalize. With park reservations going away for many guests in January 2024 and good-to-go dates for Annual Passholders and Cast Members, we do expect more changes–but not major ones–in the first half of 2024. Consequently, typical weekly attendance and crowds patterns among the parks have also started to normalize.

Accordingly, here’s our new advice for best days of the week at Walt Disney World in 2024…

Wonky Weekends at Walt Disney World?!

Before we get to the park-by-park recommendations, we want to start with an interesting trend that emerged around one year ago, which we dubbed Wonky Weekends at Walt Disney World, for lack of a better term. In a nutshell, weekends were the slowest days of the week at Walt Disney World! 

Last year, the average wait time across all of Walt Disney World was 44 minutes on Monday, which has been the busiest day of the week. By contrast, Saturday had an average wait time of 39 minutes and Sunday was 38 minutes. That might not seem like a huge difference, but over the entire day at every attraction, it adds up.

This is all past tense for a reason. Thus far in 2024, this trend has largely vanished. Sunday is still one of the better days of the week to visit, but Saturday has become far worse. Admittedly, there isn’t a ton of consistency to this. Some weeks, Saturday is right on par with Monday; other weeks, it’s worse; others still, it’s far better.

The reasons for this are multifaceted, from weather to long weekends to locals upgrading APs to conventions and youth events. Other factors have not changed, though. (For a thorough explanation, see Why Are Weekends So Slow at Walt Disney World? ).

The biggest change is the 2024 Florida Resident Walt Disney World Ticket Deal . For the last several years, this has been weekday-only and had blockout dates. This year, it’s valid on weekends and has no blockout dates. That’s a  huge  difference and, unsurprisingly, a lot of Floridians who have normal Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 jobs previously didn’t buy the resident tickets. Now they are, and are using them disproportionately on weekends.

Consequently, that one variable is alone moving the needle on Saturday and (to a lesser extent) Sunday crowd levels at Walt Disney World. The reason we aren’t removing this section entirely is because the current Florida resident ticket deal ends on March 11, 2024. After that, we’re anticipating weekends to slow down a bit; most of the other variables that pushed people away from weekends last year will still exist.

With that said, we do expect weekends to be busier throughout 2024 some degree. And when the summer ticket deal inevitably includes weekends, you can expect Saturday to return to being one of the worst days to visit and Sunday climbing up the ranks. For reference, last year’s summer deal was valid for May 16 through September 29–we’d expect similar dates for 2024.

Basically, if you’re visiting between now and March 11, you can expect worse weekends (especially Saturday). If you’re visiting during Spring Break season, weekends shouldn’t be as bad. During shoulder and summer season, weekends will most likely go back to being busier–but that’s dependent upon the dates and details of the next ticket deal. We’ll continue monitoring this trend and will provide a more thorough update before the start of summer. For now, we wanted to provide this update so you can adjust your plans accordingly.

Now, here’s our regular day of week advice, starting with DHS…

Hollywood Studios

When we recommend doing Disney’s Hollywood Studios depends on whether weekends return to being wonky. For the past several years, the best days to do DHS has been, by far, Saturdays or Sundays. That has started to change as of Winter 2024, and honestly, there’s not yet a ton of consistency.

Currently, Sunday is still usually a good day to do DHS. Breaking it down even further, Sunday nights  are the absolute best time to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re arriving late (after 4 pm), you can accomplish a surprising amount in that half-day at DHS. Frankly, it’s difficult to explain the ‘why’ of that at this point. One possibility is that locals still do Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Sunday, but do so during the middle of the day and depart early.

This causes a big spike in midday wait times, resulting in both those guests and others bouncing early…and shorter wait times in the afternoon and evening. It’s also possible that locals are less inclined to do rides, especially ones with higher wait times.

DHS is a bad option on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is because it’s usually the #2 priority park (after Magic Kingdom) for most guests, so guests end up doing Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier in their trip…which usually means Mondays or Tuesdays.

If you don’t do DHS over a weekend, Wednesday or Thursday are the best options. If neither of those days work, Friday is usually an okay option. Basically, crowd levels start out strong to begin the week and drop progressively starting on Wednesday.

Epcot is the worst pick on weekends because it’s the biggest “local’s park” at Walt Disney World, and Epcot is more popular with Floridians than tourists. Although the gap has closed a little with the debuts of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, it’s still true.

This is an example of where analyzing wait time data would get you into trouble, as you would (incorrectly) conclude that it doesn’t really matter which day you do Epcot. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and there’s arguably no park where choosing the right day of the week is more important from a  qualitative  perspective, but not a  quantitative  one.

Wait times don’t tell the full story–or even the main one–when it comes to Epcot on weekends. Since locals are less likely to do rides, they add to ‘feels like’ crowds and congestion without making attraction wait times noticeably worse. This is still a negative, as lines for food booths are longer and World Showcase is generally less pleasant on the weekends.

You’re also more likely to encounter groups Drinking Around the World on Saturday and Sunday. For those of you who want to relive your glory days by attending an open air frat party, this might sound appealing. However, those days are long behind us, and we suspect many families don’t want their kids in that environment.

We’re not kidding. Weekends are prime time for college students with disposable incomes to descend upon Epcot’s festivals to get sloshed. (It’s noticeably worse when UCF doesn’t have a home football game.) Likewise, locals turn out to drink, sometimes to excess. Now, we are far from teetotalers, but this sometimes can be a tad too much for a family-friendly theme park. Even if it doesn’t cross the line (and it very well may not for you), World Showcase is significantly more crowded and congested on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Again, this is is largely a qualitative assessment, and not a quantitative one. Wait times are not significantly worse at Epcot on weekends. Since most of the aforementioned audience is visiting to drink, they have minimal impact on the wait times for rides. (Lines for food booths are a totally different story!)

As such, you might be able to “beat” the weekend crowds at Epcot simply by arriving early, doing World Showcase first, and then doubling-back into Future World (or whatever they’re calling those “neighborhoods” now) in the early afternoon. That’s a savvy strategy, and one we recommend in our Epcot 1-Day Itinerary .

With that said, our actual advice is visiting Epcot on a weekday. Mondays through Wednesdays are all equally good. We’ve noticed a slight uptick in crowds on Thursdays, and a more significant one on Fridays. Still, not nearly as bad as Saturday or Sunday.

Even though the impact on wait times isn’t terrible, Epcot is the one park we try to avoid on Saturday and Sunday if at all possible. I’d much rather deal with the crowds and longer waits on Saturday in Magic Kingdom than those in Epcot. To each their own, but it’s just not our scene.

Animal Kingdom

As a general matter, Animal Kingdom is the park that requires the least strategy and is the easiest place to beat the crowds in all of Walt Disney World. It doesn’t require Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, and is pretty easy to knock out everything–and then some–if you stay for a full day.

Objectively, the best days to visit Animal Kingdom are weekdays. Across the board, average daily wait times are lower Monday through Friday than they are Saturday or Sunday. However, that comes with a pretty huge asterisk or caveat.

Weekend wait times are only “worse” at Animal Kingdom due to the middle of the day. If you’re staying on-site and taking advantage of Early Entry (or even going in the first couple hours the park is open), it’s pretty easy to beat the crowds.

Moreover, there’s a pretty steep fall off in wait times during the last couple hours Animal Kingdom is open. This one does vary by season (during the holidays, it’s less likely to be true) but is accurate to some degree throughout the entire year.

That makes Animal Kingdom trickier than other parks at Walt Disney World in terms of our recommendation. Statistically, it’s a “bad” park to do on Saturday or Sunday. Personally, we don’t hesitate to visit it on either of those days because it is so easy to outsmart the crowds–just arrive early and/or stay late, and do shows or animal exhibits midday when crowds peak.

If you’re able to follow that advice, Animal Kingdom is a solid Saturday or Sunday choice. That early opening time coupled with a late closing time—and a limited slate of attractions—makes Animal Kingdom easy to knock out.

Even on crowded days, the strategy for Animal Kingdom is relatively simple, as covered in our 1-Day Animal Kingdom Itinerary . Just be sure not to fight the midday crowds or try to swim upstream and you should be fine! (Honestly, the best practice is to choose your days for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Epcot first. Whatever is left over can be “assigned” to Animal Kingdom. Don’t worry too much about this park.)

Magic Kingdom

Historically, the worst days of the week at Magic Kingdom are Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

Outside of Party Season, Magic Kingdom is a great pick Wednesday through Thursday. The best day of the week in Magic Kingdom from an objective perspective is Wednesday. This is true even following the debut of Extended Evening Hours in Magic Kingdom, which have not noticeably moved the needle on daytime crowds.

Locals tend to visit on weekends, with Saturday being more likely than Fridays or Sundays. All three days see elevated attendance among Floridians. Then there are Southerners who take long weekend trips, impacting all three days (but again, Saturday disproportionately). Still, these demos are all smaller than tourists, so none of them are truly terrible.

Finally, tourists most frequently start their trips on the weekend, and Monday is the most common first day in the parks for them. In disproportionate numbers, out-of-state vacation-goers do the most popular or their favorite park first, and that’s usually Magic Kingdom.

Due to its rising popularity with Star Wars and Toy Story fans, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is increasingly becoming a #1 or #2 choice for many guests, which means Magic Kingdom has fallen to #2 for some visitors. As a result, it can still see elevated crowds on Tuesdays, when those tourists are doing their #2 park. (For the exact same reason, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also seeing higher crowds on Tuesdays as it’s become a #2 park for many people.)

This leaves Wednesday and Thursday as the least busy days of the week at Magic Kingdom. Sunday has also emerged as a surprisingly uncrowded day at Magic Kingdom. We’re hesitant to recommend visiting on Sunday because historical wait time data suggests this will change, but it has certainly been a good option lately.

Magic Kingdom can be more challenging when it’s busy, but it’s still possible to have a satisfying and productive day in the park. We’d recommend buying Genie+ in Magic Kingdom, or at least using Early Entry. Follow our 1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary if you want to beat the crowds without either.

Party Season

Party season in Magic Kingdom encompasses early August through late December–a pretty big chunk of the calendar–when the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) special events are held.

On days when the party is held, Magic Kingdom opens at 8 am or 9 am and closes to regular ticket holders at 6 pm. On non-party days, Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am and closes at 10 pm or 11 pm. In other words, the park stays open 5 hours later to regular guests when MNSSHP and MVMCP are not held.

Most visitors behave accordingly, making the intuitive choice and visiting Magic Kingdom when they can spend 4-5 extra hours in the park. That seems like the “obvious” decision, as more time in the park–not to mention actually being able to see the fireworks and Magic Kingdom at night–is the smarter strategy.

Unfortunately, that is not true. Everyone making the intuitive decision throws a monkey wrench into attendance and crowd dynamics during the party season. The consequence of that guest behavior should likewise be obvious: Magic Kingdom is significantly less busy during the day time hours on dates when parties are held in the evening, and much more busy on non-party days.

To put this into context, Magic Kingdom regularly has 9/10 or 10/10 crowd levels on non-party days, with Saturdays being the worst. By contrast, Magic Kingdom typically has 1/10 to 4/10 crowd levels on party days. That amounts to an average wait time differential of about 20 to 30 minutes per ride , which adds up over the course of the day to the point that you can accomplish more in the party-shortened days when Magic Kingdom closes at 6 pm.

As a result, we strongly recommend  doing Magic Kingdom during the days shortened by the Halloween or Christmas, and then Park Hopping to another park before 4 pm. Guests of the events can start entering Magic Kingdom at 4 pm, and this ‘mix-in’ time with regular day guests is when the park goes from blissfully uncrowded to busier. (We usually aim to leave by 3 pm.)

Even though non-party days offer significantly longer hours, you’ll still come out ahead by avoiding Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and other non-party days. Despite far few hours on a party day, you will almost always come out ahead thanks to the time saved waiting in lines.

There’s another upside to visiting Magic Kingdom during the day when a party is held at night: earlier opening times on many/most dates. This is a huge  advantage, as covered in  Photo Report & Strategy: Magic Kingdom Early Entry at 7:30 am . Suffice to say, there’s a big difference in crowds for Early Entry on a day when Magic Kingdom opens to the public at 8 am v. 9 am.

The big downside to attending Magic Kingdom on a party day is having to leave by 6 pm. This means missing the fireworks and usually evening in the park. The upside is that you can see fireworks from outside the park–or you can Park Hop back to Magic Kingdom on a non-party night. Just brace yourself for significantly higher crowds than what you experienced on the party day, as many people will have the same idea!

There’s also a flip side to all of this, which is that the other 3 parks are less crowded on non-party days and more crowded on party days. If you think about it, this makes sense–Magic Kingdom crowds don’t exist in a vacuum. If less or more people are in one park, the opposite is true in the others.

As a result, Saturday is a great day to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom during party season. That’s not the case for EPCOT, since it’s the ‘party park’ (different kind of party in this context), and many Floridians and local college students visit on the weekends to drink around World Showcase.

All three other parks become good options on Mondays and Wednesdays. The converse is also true: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are worse options on days when the parties are held in Magic Kingdom. None of this is as pronounced as it is with the roller coaster crowds in Magic Kingdom, though. With 3 other parks to absorb the displaced guests, the impact is lower on each of them than on Magic Kingdom itself.

With that said, our experience with crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the most recent Party Season is that it’s the park absorbing most of guests who are not doing Magic Kingdom on MNSSHP days. This makes sense, as DHS has emerged alongside Magic Kingdom as the top priority park for most guests due to its many recent additions (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway), so it’s typically the park guests do earlier in the week and usually not the park people cut from their plans if they only have 3-day tickets.

Wait times data doesn’t fully corroborate this yet, but anecdotally, we’ve done DHS on Saturdays (the best day to visit) and then the following Tuesdays (MNSSHP dates at Magic Kingdom) and it is a night and day difference. This is  especially true first thing in the morning–we’ve been able to accomplish a ton during Early Entry and rope drop at DHS on days when Magic Kingdom is open until 10 pm.

Currently, wait time averages are “only” 5-6 minutes better at DHS on Saturdays than Tuesdays during Party Season, but that’s over the course of an entire day. In our experience doing this a few times, the gap is much more pronounced in the mornings and there is a distinct advantage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before the afternoon on days when Magic Kingdom is hosting a Halloween party.

If Saturday isn’t an option, the best days to do DHS during Party Season are going to be other days when Magic Kingdom is not hosting MNSSHP or MVMCP. During the earlier half of Party Season, that means Thursdays are best. Once that becomes a party day at MK, Wednesday is the second-best option after Saturdays. Presumably, the same will be true when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party rolls around, but we’ll keep you posted. Beyond that, normal day of week advice applies to DHS, as discussed below.

Apologies for this lengthy explanation, but this is the most important consideration in choosing your day to visit each park. More than anything else, the ‘party season’ crowd dynamic is the most consistent and predictable–this same dynamic has played out with MNSSHP and MVMCP for years.

It’s also where most guests ‘goof up’ and choose the intuitive-but-incorrect approach. While it doesn’t encompass the entire calendar, it does apply to 5 months of the year–if you’re visiting during this stretch, we’d highly recommend buying Park Hopper tickets and following this advice!

Best & Worst Days at WDW Recap

We’ve covered a lot of ground and it can be overwhelming, so let’s try to break down the best and worst days to visit each park at Walt Disney World in a more concise manner:

Visit on These Days: 

• Wednesday and Thursday do Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Wednesday and Thursday do Magic Kingdom
• Monday through Thursday do EPCOT
• Any weekday do Animal Kingdom
• Party Days do Magic Kingdom  if  able to Park Hop elsewhere
• Non-Party Days do Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Okay to Good Days:

• Sunday is okay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially if staying late
• Sunday is also decent at Magic Kingdom, with nights again being best
• Friday is fine at EPCOT  if  arriving early
• Saturday and Sunday do Animal Kingdom  if  arriving early or staying late

Avoid These Days: 

• Saturday, Monday and Tuesday don’t do Magic Kingdom
• Monday and Tuesday don’t do Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Saturdays and Sundays don’t do EPCOT
• Saturdays and Sundays don’t do Animal Kingdom  if  arriving late and leaving early

With it laid out like this, you should see that some days are consistently the best and worst for multiple parks. This means that during the course of an average vacation, you might have no choice but to do certain parks on days that are not objectively as good. Don’t worry about that, as explained in the final section…

How Much Does Day of the Week Matter?

Average wait times can vary by 3 to 10 minutes on the best versus worst days of the week at each park. That may not seem like much, but a 10 minute difference is actually huge. Over the course of the day, that can means spending an hour (or more) less time waiting in line if you choose correctly.

However, it’s not usually a 10 minute difference–that’s an extreme example. You also probably wouldn’t choose the worst days if picking at random, nor would you accidentally go at only the time of day when crowds are heaviest and the gap is highest. So in practice, you can probably expect to save only a few minutes per ride by making good choices with the day of the week you visit each park. That’s not a ton of time, but it does add up over the course of a trip.

With that said, there’s typically much more of a difference in crowds between weeks rather than within them. Accordingly, choosing a good time to visit Walt Disney World is significantly more important than how you allocate your days within the week.

Even more important is arriving early and/or staying late, which is the simplest way to beat crowds at Walt Disney World. Late morning to mid-afternoon is the busiest time of day at every single park, and when wait times are the worst.

Just as crucial is having savvy strategy. Picking a great day or week to visit can make touring the parks significantly easier, but so too can having a good itinerary that zigs when others zag.

Then there’s the option of buying your way out of crowds with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, which is another good fail safe option. (See our Walt Disney World Itineraries page for options with Genie+ and without it.)

Choosing the best days of the week–and avoiding the worst ones–at each Walt Disney World theme park comes after all of those things. To be sure, it’s a good practice and worth keeping in mind that Magic Kingdom is best on Sundays, or that Epcot should be avoided on weekends.

It’s also useful for those boxed into less than ideal travel dates due to school or work schedules. Same goes for anyone who realistically won’t have the option to arrive early or stay late (there’s a reason those times are most advantageous–because it’s simply not feasible for many families with small children). Ditto anyone who doesn’t want to pay extra for Genie+ on principle, or because it’s not in their vacation budget. For anyone this describes, carefully choosing days of the week for each park can relieve some pressure and result in shorter wait times.

With that said, we wouldn’t upend our previously-planned schedules to account for this. In the past, we’ve offered day of week recommendations and have received frantic questions from readers who already have their Advance Dining Reservations set, and have made meticulous plans for each park, wondering if they should throw it all away and start from scratch.

The answer, without exception, is a resounding “no.” Day of the week matters, but not that much. Moreover, day of the weeke recommendations are pretty easy to disrupt. All it really takes is inclimate weather (relatively commonplace in Florida) or inordinate attraction downtime. Either of those things can be enough to turn a “bad” day into a “good” one in terms of wait times, or vice-versa.

Ultimately, simply by virtue of researching and reading a post about the best and worst days of the week to visit every park at Walt Disney World, you’re better equipped to avoid crowds than 95% of guests–but because you’re almost certainly not reading just this strategy. While the advice here is theoretically useful, it’s pretty far from make or break.

You’re much better off using the other resources on this blog to choose good months or weeks to visit. If that’s not an option (or even if it is), remember to arrive early or stay late. Failing that, use our itineraries to prioritize attractions in the best order. Don’t want to do that for some odd reason, spend the money on Genie+ and buy your way out of lines. If you’d rather not spend money and go with the flow during a midday-only visit…I guess this is the best advice for you!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Which days are your favorites for each of the parks? Think it’s good advice to avoid Epcot on weekends, even if it’s not supported by wait times? What about weekends at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Any other best or worst days at each of the Walt Disney World theme parks? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Hi Tom, thanks, a brilliant article and much appreciated! I’ll be visiting Orlando this year for the first time from the UK as a theme park enthusiast and the knowledge and tips you’ve provided here are very helpful. You’re also a great writer, so kudos also for that! Paul

Curious on your thoughts for visiting Epcot on Mothers Day.

Hi Tom, I will be visiting WDW the week of June 30-July 4. I know you said do not do MK on a Tuesday and instead try Wed/Thurs for HS or MK. However, with July 4th being on Thursday, what would you do? We are thinking: HS and Epcot earlier in the week (Sun and Mon), MK on Tuesday, then Animal on Wed, then Epcot and Animal (again) on the 4th, avoiding MK and HS. Your thoughts? Your ideas made our trip AMAZING last November! TY for your hard work!

Thanks for your updated post on the best days to go to each park. I had your recommendations from last June. For some reason, I had scheduled Hollywood Studios on Tuesday, ignoring your advice. (With my Military Salute tickets, I still have to make park reservations.) Cross-checking your recommendations with historical and forecast crowd levels from Touring Plans, it was clear that Thursday was the better day for Hollywood Studios. I was able to go to the MDE site and revise my reservations for my trip in mid-September (also based on your best months and best weeks recommendations).

Curious….would you still do Epcot on Monday 5/27, Memorial Day? Would that end up being more like a weekend?

Does this still hold true in early 2024 or has data shifted these past months?

Im a planner but this seems over the top. We typically go 5-6 days for a trip so kind of have to hit certain parks on the “don’t go” days.

Checking out “Touring Plans” website and despite your “Wonky Weekends” postit looks like the second weekend in December (12/16 and 12/17) will be busier than the weekdays before it. I’m particularly interested in Hollywood Studios which looks significantly busier on the weekend than Wednesday Dec 13 – would you still recommend doing HS on a weekend?

Tom I have a question. We are doing disney in 2 weeks and, after reading your advice, want to know which day would be better for Epcot and HS. We are arriving mid day Sun and thought AK cause short day. And Tues we have tickets for MNSSH (pool day before). So Mon and Wed are for other 2 parks. Mon 23rd Epcot has Extended Hours and Wed same at HS. I know extended hours is just for deluxe resorts (which we are not) but do you find those parks are MORE crowded (with those guests figuring we’ll go to that park because we can stay late) on those days or LESS (cause other guests Think they will be busier and avoid, like MK on party days)? If anyone else has answers please advise. Thanks

Need some advice! We are going to WDW for a long weekend in mid-October. Doing Halloween party Sunday the 15th. Should we do Epcot on Friday or Saturday? Friday is a party night at MK but I’m concerned with Food and Wine Saturday would be crowded. Any thoughts?! Thank you!

I’m curious to know how you think Jollywood nights will affect the crowds in Hollywood studios during their party day. Do you think it be the same as Magic Kingdom in that fewer people will choose that park because of the party??

Hi Tom – planning a visit for September 13 – 15. We missed out on tickets for MNSSHP on that Friday and Sunday, so naturally we penciled in MK for Saturday to maximize the longer open hours (AK= Friday; HS = Sunday). However, after reading your comments about party season, would we be better served doing MK on Friday since it’s less busy? We miss the fireworks, but perhaps we grab a park hopper pass to come back Saturday night. Any tips on a three day stay + park hopper would be appreciated here. We love all the parks.

How does Labor Day Monday affect all of this with MNSSHP being on that Monday instead of Sunday that week?

We are going to MNSSHP on 25 August – how does booking Tron work at the party events? Do we still need to book the VQ at 7am that day but for a late time, as we won’t be arriving at the park until 4-5pm? Thanks so much!

I have a question I hope someone can answer. We have a 5 pm dinner reservation in Magic Kingdom on a party night when the park closes early at 6 pm. We do not have tickets for the party night, will the dinner be a problem if it causes us to stay past 6 pm?

No, we did this once a few years back. Cast members will make sure that you leave the park after dinner though.

Looks like magic kingdom will not be opening early on the days of MNSSHP this year. On the app for all of August and September it’s showing 9am opening time for every day. Will this change? Would you still recommended doing magic kingdom these days opposed to non party days even though it appears it will not be opening earlier like last year. 9am-6pm seems like a very limited window.

Going sept 15th (Friday to Tuesday night/flights at 9pm) Friday night we have MNSSHP. Then we have 4 single day passes. Should we do HS saturday, MK Sunday, Epcot Monday and AK Tuesday?

That is exactly how I’d do it, at least for DHS and MK. (EPCOT and DAK are a toss-up.)

Just keep in mind that you’re doing MK on a party-shortened MNSSHP day. That’s what I’d do and would recommend for lower crowds, but some people dislike the shorter hours or missing fireworks from inside Magic Kingdom.

Hi Tom. This question is for you or anyone willing to pitch in… we’re going Labor Day weekend. MNSSHP Friday, and then the other 3 parks Saturday-Monday. We have a late Monday flight (8:45pm). My thought process was initially Sat=AK, Sun=Epcot, Mon=DHS; but now I’m thinking based on this post to switch Sat and Mon parks. I’m also trying to take into account heat/humidity and kids. Do you suggest the flip? Thanks!

I do suggest the flip. Not just from a crowds perspective, but also because you can finish AK faster than DHS, so the partial day will be fine.

MNSSHP is scheduled for Mon, Sept 4, which is also Labor Day. I wonder if it being a holiday will throw a wrench in the typical party trend of low crowds at MK during the day. Is there a place to see historical data on this? I’d like to increase my chances at a Tron ride by going on a less busy day. 🙂

Found my answer. Looks like your advice holds true – but I’m sure you knew that. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

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2024 BEST Days to Visit Disney World Parks: Ultimate Crowd Calendar Guide!

If you want to experience everything there is to do at the most magical place on earth, you’re going to need to know the absolute best days to visit Disney World parks!

It is important to note that while every season has its own special perk at Disney World, specific days are not created equal.

In fact, there are some that are downright hidden gems!

I’m talking light crowds, low wait times, and even cheaper flights to get there!

So, hang on tight – I’m about to take a deep dive into the best days to visit Disney World Parks, the best times to visit Disney World, and demystify the coveted Disney World Crowd Calendar!

2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Time to Go to Walt Disney World at a Glance:

• The best months to visit Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds are: Late-January and Early-February
• Your best days to visit Walt Disney World are:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as:  Memorial Day,  4th of July,  Labor Day Weekend,  Halloween ,  Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve

What Are the Least Crowded Months at Disney World Parks?

In general, there are four months out of the year that stick out as the l east crowded time to visit Disney World:

• End of August
• Mid-Late January
• Early February

Now, notice that I did not say that these were the best times to visit. Simply, the least crowded.

You have to be sure to factor in weather, as well as Crowd Calendars, into the equation!

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World Parks?

Now, let’s narrow our scope just a bit! I now know the least crowded months, but what about the least crowded days?

Don’t worry… I wasn’t going to make you figure that out for yourself!

Best Dates to Go to Disney World

Our team has assembled a helpful little list of dates that the Disney World parks are least crowded.

• January 11 – January 18
• January 25 – January 31
• February 2 – February 12
• March 1 – March 5
• April 25 – May 1
• May 11 – May 17
• August 10 – August 31
• September 1 – September 30
• Oct 1 – October 21
• November 16 – November 21
• December 1 – December 12

Recommended: 7 Best Pools at Disney World Resorts You Have to See!

Best Time to Visit Disney World Parks for the Weather

By now, we have established not only the least crowded months to visit Disney World , but the specific dates, as well. But what about weather?!

When to visit Disney World weather wise is subjective! If you love the heat, the choice is pretty obvious!

However, most people find the Sunshine State a bit intense throughout the following months:

That being said, the evenings can get rather chilly in January and February.

While this may not affect your travels throughout the park midday, those late-night dips in the resort pool may feel more like an ice bucket challenge!

I have found that the following months are the most agreeable weather wise to the masses:

If this sounds good to you, just be sure to check back to our What Are the Least Crowded Days at Disney World? In this case, your ideal dates would fall within the following:

2024 best days to go to the magic kingdom (crowd calendar guide), what are the best days of week to visit disney world parks.

Alright, now we’re really getting somewhere, ThemeParkHipster! I’ve got months, date ranges, and weather on lock.

Uh-oh… I’ve totally skipped over the part where I pick which day of the week to visit each park!

Don’t worry… I’ve got you!

Here is a breakdown of each park and their weekly schedule, ranked from the least busy to the busiest day of the week!

Best Days to Go to Magic Kingdom

The Best Days to Go to EPCOT

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2024 Hollywood Studios Crowd Calendar: Your Best Days to Go This Year!

Best Days to Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Put It Together and What Have You Got?

Wow… that was a lot of information! So, what is the optimum daily schedule? I tend to prefer the following format:

• Monday: EPCOT
• Tuesday: Magic Kingdom
• Wednesday: Animal Kingdom
• Thursday: Hollywood Studios

Depending upon your arrival and/or departure, I strongly suggest you make Friday a repeat day. Take this time to go back and do your favorites or hit attractions you’ve missed.

If possible, use Saturday as a Relax Day at the Resort. Frankly, you’ll avoid major crowds, frustrating wait times, and give your feet a break!

Ultimate 3-Day Disney World Itinerary Template (2023)

What is the Disney Crowd Calendar and How Does it Work?  

Simply stated, the Disney Crowd Calendar is a user-friendly method to check how busy the crowds may be at Disney World on a particular day of the year.

They are separated by month so that you can easily find the specific date for which you are searching.

In addition, they are broken down by Low (under 10-minute wait times), Moderate (estimated 15 – 30-minute wait times), and Heavy (estimated 1 hour+ wait times).

These Crowd Calendars are created by a series of experts who factor in a multitude of data, past performance, and future predictions.

In short, they saved you hours and hours of homework!

Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? 

Are Disney Crowd Calendars 100% Accurate?

No… but they’re pretty darn close ! The past years (post pandemic) have really thrown a wrench into things.

Not to mention, Disney World was in the midst of a 50 th Anniversary Celebration , further exacerbating crowd levels.

Despite these curve balls, the Disney Crowd Calendars are still incredibly useful. Treat them as a helpful study guide and you won’t go wrong!

Check out this fun video to find out about Universal Crowd Calendars here on YouTube!

Disney Genie Plus vs Lightning Lane: Everything You MUST KNOW!

Top 3 Tips for Picking the BEST Days to Visit Walt Disney World

Now that you know when to visit Disney World, let’s go over a few tips to help you make the most of your vacation!

1. Add an Extra Day

However long you think you may need for your upcoming trip to Disney World, add an extra day.

You never knew when your favorite attraction may go down or that new nighttime spectacular will get rained out.

Leave yourself a little flex room. I promise, you’ll never be mad at having an extra few hours at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

What to Wear to Disney World in March (Packing List Guide for 2024)

2. Use Extra Magic Hours

If you are staying of Disney property, don’t overlook those Extra Magic Hours / Early Entry times.

Thirty minutes may not seem like much, but trust me… it can be the difference between 1 to 3 attractions!

Save up to 50% on over 25 Things to Do in Orlando: Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND Florida, kids activities, airboat ride, WonderWorks & more TODAY!

3. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Look, we love to nerd out about Disney planning. It’s kind of our thing. And based on the fact that you’re reading this blog, it’s your thing too!

You’re in good company, ThemeParkHipster!

Just make sure you take a second to push that spreadsheet aside, jump off the MyDisneyExperience App, and be present in the moment.

Enjoy the journey and the destination will be that much sweeter!

Ready to make your trip out to Walt Disney World Resort, then get your no obligation, FREE Quote by filling out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks

And there you have it, ThemeParkHipster! I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of the Best Days to Visit Disney World Parks!

Hopefully you’ll walk away with a better idea of when to visit the parks!

If you’re still unsure of where to go from here or are in need of some resources, we are here to help! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Walt Disney World planning tips.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”

In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones. You can contact him at  [email protected] .

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: January 19, 2022/Updated by Editor on January 8, 2024)

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2024 Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar: Avoid the Busy Days!

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Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar helps you find the best times to visit Disney’s theme parks in 2024 and 2025. Lower crowd levels mean less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your vacation. Walt Disney World crowds fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s really important to choose your dates carefully.

We’ve designed our crowd calendar to show you just how crowded Disney’s theme parks will be each day of the calendar year.  We predict Disney’s theme park attendance for the next 12 months so that you’ll be able to narrow down the months, weeks, and days of your next vacation. Our Disney crowd calendar updates on a monthly basis and currently features all of 2024 and portions of 2025. Check back frequently!

How do we forecast the crowds at Disney World? Our methodology tracks past attendance data in order to predict future crowds at Disney’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Hopefully, these estimates will help you focus on the dates that best suit your Disney vacation goals in the coming year. So let’s begin!

Want Free Help Deciding When To Travel? Get Personalized advice from Our Favorite Disney Travel Agency!

• Magic Kingdom » [3]
• Epcot » [3]
• Hollywood Studios » [3]
• Animal Kingdom » [3]
• Magic Kingdom » [2]

Calendar updated through March 2025

* Guests ages three and up with certain ticket types may be required to have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park.

** Advance Dining Reservations become available to book starting at 6 AM on the date indicated.

***  COVID-19: Disney has taken enhanced health and safety measures during the pandemic. Reservations may be required to enter a theme park (depending on ticket type), and hotel resorts, restaurants, and other features may be subject to modification and capacity limitations. Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations and on Disney transportation. Face coverings are not allowed while Guests are in the water or on water slides.

The Disney World Crowd Calendar provides information on crowd sizes, updated information regarding the average daily temperature ranges for Orlando, and when you are eligible to make your Advance Dining Reservations. Let’s review some background information so that you understand how our crowd calendar is organized.

We trust the Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer  for all of our Disney travel planning needs. 

We hope you’ll consider working with them too, what is a crowd calendar.

The best time to go to Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, which time period fits into your busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be. After all, who likes waiting in long lines when you could be enjoying the rides?

Crowd calendars predict how busy a theme park will be on any given day of the year. By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.  While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool. Knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.

Rating System for the Disney World Crowd Calendar

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar uses a rating system from 1 to 5 for each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. We compile this information using historical data from the past several years. Our rating system also takes variable factors (like seasonal events and new in-park openings ) into account.

Please note that past attendance figures are not always reflective of future attendance, and there may be slight differences between our prediction and the actual crowd sizes. We do our best to give you the most up-to-date and accurate predictions so that you may know what to expect when you arrive at Disney World.

Ratings based on Park Attendance:

1 = Light Crowds ( minimal lines ) 2 = Below Average Crowds 3 = Average Crowds 4 = Above Average Crowds 5 = Heavy Crowds (long lines)

How the Disney Crowd Calendar is Organized

Let’s look at how we’ve set up this valuable trip planning tool.

Crowds at each Disney Theme Park

Our Disney World Crowd Calendar predicts the crowds at Walt Disney World for every day in the next 12 months. Our estimates are broken down by Disney World theme park: Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

Weather at Disney World

Orlando, Florida is known for its nice weather . That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney vacation.  For example, August is historically the warmest month while January is the coldest. July is typically the wettest month and June has the most sunshine hours.

We list the average temperature range for each day of the calendar year. This will give you an idea of what to expect (and what clothes to pack) when you vacation at Walt Disney World.

Dining Reservations

Our Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you will be eligible to make your Advance Disney Reservations.

Guests can book their dining reservations up to 60 days in advance (starting at 6 AM on the date indicated in the calendar).  The Disney Crowd Calendar lists the specific date you should start booking your Walt Disney World dining reservations.

Newbies are often surprised by the lack of dining availability once they get to Disney World. You shouldn’t expect to just walk into a full-service restaurant at Walt Disney World and get seated right away. It usually won’t happen.

It’s why it’s imperative to book your reservations well in advance to ensure your spot at some of Disney’s outstanding dining establishments. Certain restaurants are more difficult to book, and traveling at peak times means there will be more demand for full-dining options. We recommend that you book your Advance Dining Reservations as soon as you are able (60 days out).

The Disney Reservation Calculator is another tool you can use to find the dates you will be eligible to make your dining reservations.

Do you need help booking your Advance Dining Reservations? How about some advice on where to eat? Contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer today.  There’s no charge to use their planning services!

Get Free One-On-One Help Planning Your Trip

When is Disney World Least Crowded ?

Walt Disney World’s parks are typically least crowded:

• January 2 nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February)
• The week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
• The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas .

The reasons for this are that parents typically plan Disney World vacations around two major factors, school schedules, and Summer heat.

Labor day is typically around the time U.S. schools get their year started, so the month or so after that is the least crowded time of year.

July and August can also be good times to go if you don’t mind the typically higher heat and humidity.

When is Disney World Most Crowded ?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around:

• Presidents’ Day week (third week in February)
• the Spring Break period from mid-March through late April
• Memorial Day weekend, Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)
• Thanksgiving week
• Christmas week through January 1 st
• Weekends are typically more crowded than weekdays
• When it comes to weekdays, Mondays and Fridays tend to be slightly more crowded than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

How bad are the crowds at Disney on a “most crowded” day versus a “least crowded” day?

The difference between a “least crowded” day and a “most crowded” day can be significant.

What are crowds like on Least Crowded days?

On the least crowded days at the parks, you might find that you’re able to walk straight through the line for at least a few of the rapidly-loading rides in the parks.  Many middle-tier rides will have waits around 10-15 minutes, with the most popular attractions like roller coasters having waits of around 30 minutes.  Dining is usually easy to obtain, with short waits for quick service dining and even the ability to get same-day reservations at some table service locations.

What are crowds like on Most Crowded days?

During the parks’ most crowded days, even quickly loading rides routinely show wait times of 15-45 minutes.  60+ minute waits for the most popular rides are not unheard of.  Fortunately, the implementation of theme park reservations and other entry restrictions has eliminated many of the nightmare scenarios we used to see, such as 3-5 hour waits on Christmas Day or New Years Eve.   Dining can also be a bit more challenging on crowded days, with longer waits (and occasionally having to “hover” to snag an empty table) at some quick service restaurants during peak lunch and dinner hours.  Same-day reservations at table service restaurants may not be available.

Should I avoid the parks on Most Crowded days?

All of the scenarios listed above are just representative samples.  Individual days have their own individual quirks; you might have shorter than expected waits on a “most crowded” day or longer than expected waits on a “least crowded” day.

It’s obviously best to plan your trips during less crowded times whenever possible, but we all know that it’s not necessarily possible due to work and school schedules.  If you do find yourself traveling during a more crowded time, you’ll still have a good time on vacation.   You’ll just want to plan ahead and take advantage of all the tools at your disposal – extended park hours, advance Park Pass reservations (when required), advance dining reservations, Genie/Genie+, our Disney World Crowd Calendar, and the like – to make the most out of your time in the parks.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact the Disney Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge. Call 833-4MY-TRIP  (833-469-8747) or click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote today!

When are the best days to visit Walt Disney World?

Our Disney travel planning experts regularly analyze past park attendance data, special events, attraction openings/closures, travel trends, weather, and many other elements in order to forecast and predict future crowds at Disney World’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

Below, we’ve taken some of this data and compared the average temperature predicted on each day to the predicted crowd level. The best days to visit each park between August 2023 – June 2024 were determined based on the combined score.

The best time to visit Disney World depends on many factors, including the weather, each traveler’s busy schedule, and, of course, how crowded the theme parks will be.

According to the crowds-to-weather score, there are a few particular days to visit each park at Walt Disney World over the a 12-month period of August 2023 – June 2024. The data revealed that Magic Kingdom, for example, has three days to visit for the best crowds-to-weather ratio: October 26th, 31st, and November 1st. In comparison, Epcot has six perfect days, Hollywood Studios has 6, and Animal Kingdom has the most, with 12. Interestingly, the dates are similar for each park, highlighting that the last week of October 2023 is the best week to visit Disney World.

The study ranked the following days as the best to visit each park:

Note: Temperature range (F) and average crowd levels were converted to scores between 1-5. Temperature and crowd scores were then weighted and converted to a total score out of 100 to reveal the best days to visit each park.

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood studios, animal kingdom.

Why pay attention to these scores? MagicGuides Editor Jaimie Michaels explains:

“By using data compiled from recent years, Disney crowd calendars help us determine which theme parks will have the shortest and longest lines, to discover the best times to visit the parks for fewer crowds and beautiful weather. While not every traveler has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, this can still be a valuable tool for all, as knowing what to expect will allow you to plan accordingly and help you to maximize your Disney experience.”

Wondering How Much a Disney Vacation Costs? Find Out For Free!

The MagicGuides Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar keeps you updated on all the special events happening at Disney. Check back often so you won’t miss out!

If you enjoyed our Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar page, be sure to check out our other articles like our Disney World Cost Calculator , Disney Dining Plan Calculator ,  Disney Dining Plans , Disney World Free Dining , Disney World Planning Timeline , Disney World Map ,  Tips and Tricks , Disney Travel Planners , How To Become a Disney Travel Agent , and our Secrets and Reviews pages. Also check out our in-depth article on the Best Days to Visit Magic Kingdom .

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

Related Posts:

Best Days to Visit Each Park at Disney World

Want to wait in as few lines as possible?

You’ll need to be strategic about which park you visit each day of your trip.

And while it isn’t an exact science, there are some things you can do to ensure you’re visiting each park on the best days of the week (and avoiding the busiest).

Here’s what you need to know…

In this article

Best Days to Visit Disney World for the Lowest Crowds

First things first, let’s talk about overall Disney World crowd levels .

We go into all the details in that link above but just like with any travel destination, selecting less-busy times of the year to visit can help you avoid the heaviest crowds.

Alas, it isn’t always easy to avoid those busy times, especially if you need to stick to school schedules. But that doesn’t mean your trip is doomed.

Even during the busiest times of the year, if you are strategic in planning out your days you’ll still be able to maximize your time in the parks (and minimize your waits).

That’s why when we talk about how to plan a Disney World trip we recommend you start with the Crowd Calendar first to pick your travel dates and then use the information below to plug in which park you’ll visit on each day of your Disney World vacation.

Best days to visit each Disney park

In the past it was a lot easier to provide park recommendations for each day of the week because there was so much data available that made that process clear.

But, since the reopening, we’ve had to basically toss that historical information out the window and start from scratch because many of the data points that we previously used no longer apply.

How have park recommendations changed?

Extra Magic Hours are no more (and are being replaced by Early Theme Park Entry ), nighttime entertainment is on hiatus, and the most significant change of all – the new Park Pass Reservation System – means that parks can (and frequently do) reach capacity limits.

That means selecting which park to visit on each day of your trip is a lot more nuanced than before and the further out from your trip you book your Park Pass Reservations, the more options you’ll have to pick park days that will work the best for your trip.

Disney has already announced that Park Pass Reservations will be used until at least January 2023 and we can tell just by looking at the Park Pass Availability Calendar that days are filling up faster than they used to.

We do expect to eventually see capacity limits adjusted, but there is no way to tell when that might happen.

That’s why we recommend securing those Park Pass Reservations as soon as possible.

Here’s how we recommend you select which park to visit each day:

Best Days to visit Magic Kingdom

Even with all the changes we’ve seen in recent times, Magic Kingdom remains the most popular theme park in the world.

Many people like to start or end their vacations with a day here. And, if your trip is long enough, you may be able to do both.

According to Thrill-Data.com , for the shortest waits, visit Magic Kingdom on:

• Wednesdays and Thursdays

Worst days to visit Magic Kingdom

If you want to avoid the highest crowds, skip Magic Kingdom on these days:

• October 1, 2021 (which is the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration )
• All Saturdays
• Major holidays (Christmas, Easter, New Years, 4th of July)
• 1st day anything new opens up in the park (like the upcoming Tron: Lightcycle / Run )

Best Days to visit Epcot

Epcot may not reach capacity as often as Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, but some days are still better than others.

For the shortest waits at Epcot, aim to visit:

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays (top pick)
• Mondays and Thursdays (second best, however Thursday evenings can sometimes be a little rowdy)

Worst days to visit Epcot

With Epcot operating with nearly year-round festivals, the weekends here can be quite busy as local Annual Passholders enjoy the treats the food booths offer.

To minimize your chances of running into too many guests that have over-indulged on the adult beverages, avoid Epcot on:

• Friday nights
• Saturdays (and to a lesser extent, Sundays)
• Anytime something new is scheduled to open (for example, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on October 1, 2021)
• Opening day of a festival (Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Holidays)

Best Days to Visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios frequently operates at capacity which means, depending on how far in advance you are booking, you may have to take whatever days you can get.

Maximize your chance for Rise of the Resistance

If you are booking far in advance and you are interested in riding Rise of the Resistance, you may want to consider putting your Hollywood Studio days at the beginning of your trip .

That way if you miss out on a boarding group and there is still Park Pass availability for later in your trip you may be able to move your Park Pass reservations around to try again.

If you have plenty of options for Park Pass Reservations, the best days for Hollywood Studios are:

Worst days to visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios remains popular with local Passholders, too. That means that weekends have a higher liklihood for there to be zero Park Pass Availabilty at Hollywood Studios.

If the parks are at capacity, the day you pick won’t matter but if Disney does increase capacity in the future, the day you pick might make a difference.

With that in mind, we recommend you try to avoid Hollywood Studios on:

• Saturdays and Sundays
• Anytime something new opens (or something old closes)

Best Days to visit Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom remains one of the easiest parks to fit into a Disney World vacation.

It remains fairly easy to secure a Park Pass Reservation for this park and while it is home to popular attractions like Avatar: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safari, you likely won’t need an entire day here.

Try to visit Animal Kingdom:

Worst Days to visit Animal Kingdom

There really aren’t any “bad” days to visit Animal Kingdom.

But, for the lowest wait times, skip Animal Kingdom on:

Monthly Crowd Calendars

Now that you know which days are the best for each park at Disney World, head over to the Monthly Crowd Calendars for detailed information for your travel dates.

There you will find the park hours for each park, scheduled refurbishments, and any special events that are planned.

Piece that information together with the tips we shared above to map out your dream Disney World itinerary.

Wednesday 19th of May 2021

Would you happen to know when the Food & Wine Festival food booths will be released? & The Eat To The Beat lineup will be released?

Gary Woodward

Friday 14th of May 2021

Any new updated opening info on Nemo, Boneyard area in Animal Kingdom? Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I change or modify my reservation?

The Best Days to Go to Disney World 2024

One of the questions we get asked the most at The Park Prodigy is, “ What are the best days to go to Disney World in 2024? ” There is so much to see and do in Walt Disney World the truth is you probably need more than one week to see it all. In our opinion, you shouldn’t try to either. The whole point of a Disney vacation is to have fun, relax, and spend quality time as a family!

With that being said, certain factors can help you pick the best day of the week to visit each Disney World theme park . And that’s where The Park Prodigy crew comes in. The good news is that with some great planning, you can still see everything on your must-do list with plenty of time left over for Mickey ice cream bars by the pool. We can say without a doubt though, our favorite time to visit Disney is in September, right during back-to-school season.

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote. Guests can also opt into our concierge service with any discount Disney World ticket order purchased through our small business which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you get the best deal. Start your magical journey with us today! 

So if you’re ready to learn about the best days to go to Disney World in 2024  read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Disney World for your next vacation be sure to check out our Disney crowd calendar below!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

The Very Best Days to Visit Disney World 2024

So, what are the best days to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 ? As a general rule of thumb, the best days to visit Walt Disney World are during the weekdays of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The primary rationale is that many families embark on week-long vacations at Disney, often starting their adventures on Sunday or Monday. From my experience as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World , it’s apparent that Sunday and Monday tend to be the busiest days. This surge in attendance is because families are eager to jump-start their Disney experience upon arrival. We have also seen recent Disney Genie+ data which backs this observation up with the most expensive day of the week for the Disney World Genie+ being on a Monday.

Another trend that amplifies the crowd size is the Florida locals’ preference. Many Floridians visit Disney World during the weekends. This local influx, combined with vacationing families, ensures that the middle of the week becomes some of Disney World’s slowest days.

What days of the week are best for Disney parks?

Looking closely, days adjacent to weekends aren’t optimal for a peaceful visit. These times are popular because long weekends are the most convenient for many working adults to take off. Speaking from the perspective of a Florida Resident, there’s a special charm in seizing long weekends at the resorts and diving into the parks to experience some magic . Thus, if you’re hunting for the least busy time at Disney World , aiming for the midweek is your best bet. Ultimately, knowing the best time to go to Disney can greatly enhance your experience.

What months is Disney World least crowded?

When considering the entire year, there are specific months where the Disney World slow season becomes evident. Typically, after the holiday rush of December and the New Year festivities, January emerges as one of the slowest times at Disney World. Similarly, the early part of February, before the spring break surge, tends to be less populated. Late August and the majority of September, post-summer vacation and before the fall holiday season, often witness fewer crowds. Determining the least busy day at Disney World might be challenging as it can vary based on special events, but these months generally offer a reprieve from long wait times and packed parks.

What is the cheapest time to go to Disney World?

Aligning your visit during the Disney World slow season not only ensures fewer crowds but often translates into financial savings. As demand ebbs, hotel rates, and sometimes ticket prices, can see slight reductions. January, after the holiday decorations come down, and before the themed events of February commence, often presents a cost-effective window. Similarly, the slowest days at Disney World in late August and most of September can also be relatively lighter on the pocket. The Park Prodigy also offers discounted tickets and packages for those looking to save cash when booking.

Related Page: Disney World Ticket Deals and Discounts

What are the Busiest Days at Disney World in 2024?

Sometimes, I find it easier to back into an answer, so I have decided to cover the 2024 busiest times at Disney first. Many factors determine which Disney World theme park is busier than the others on any given day.

Below is a quick overview of peak periods and the busiest days at Disney World in 2024: 

• Winter Break: Typically the first two weeks in February (although still enjoyable)
• Spring Break: The first week of March through the third week of April
• Memorial Day Weekend: The entire week leading up to Memorial Day
• Summer Vacation: Specifically the third week of June through July
• Thanksgiving Break: The entire week before and after
• Christmas Break: The third full week of December until after January 1st

So if these are the worst days then what are the best to visit Disney? As you can see it’s when school is back in session for most of the country. That includes the months of January, February, September, late April, and early May when you will find the cheapest Disney World tickets. 

Related post:  Complete Guide to Early Entry Disney World

The 2024 Best Days to Visit Disney World Based on Ticket Prices

So, what are the cheapest days to visit Walt Disney World ? For guests who like the idea of the best days to visit Disney World based on the lowest ticket prices, we have put together a list of the five cheapest days to visit Disney in the early month of 2024.

The cheapest days to visit Walt Disney World are as follows:

What Are the Best Days to Visit Disney Each Park in 2024?

• January 2024:  1/08, 1/09, 1/10, 1/11, 1/12
• February 2024: 2/4, 2/5, 2/6, 2/7, 2/8
• March 2024: 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5
• April 2024: 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6

What are the best days to visit Disney World in the Fall of 2024?

• September 2024:  9/12, 9/13, 9/6, 9/19, 9/20
• October 2024: 10/3, 10/4, 10/12, 10/17, 10/18
• November 2024: 11/14, 11/15, 11/28, 11/29, 11/8
• December 2024: 12/5, 12/6, 12/4, 12/7, 12/1

Related post:  Best Time to Visit Galaxy’s Edge

What are the 2024 Disney World Best Days to Visit Each Park?

So, now that we’ve covered which days to avoid, let’s review the best days of the week to visit Disney World parks in 2024. In general, the best days of the week to visit the Disney World parks are Tuesday and Wednesday. The reason is many families find that you need an entire week for a Disney vacation and typically arrive on Saturday or Sunday. We find weekends and Mondays the busiest days at Walt Disney World.

What are the best days to visit each park at Walt Disney World?

• Magic Kingdom – Tuesday
• EPCOT – Wednesday
• Hollywood Studios –  Tuesday
• Animal Kingdom –  Friday

Related post:  What are the Best Disney World Hotels for Families?

What is the Best Day to go to Magic Kingdom 2024?

So when is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom in 2024? Very simply, the best day to visit Magic Kingdom is on Tuesday. The Magic Kingdom park is typically the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Walt Disney World. It tends to be on almost every family’s do list and is also the most important part when planning the best days to visit Disney World. The Magic Kingdom park also holds a special place in my heart as one of my very first jobs was selling tickets at the front gate. I was able to see firsthand the patterns of crowds visiting all four Disney theme parks , and I have been tracking wait time data ever since.

Busiest Days at Magic Kingdom 2024

Another common question we receive is, what day of the week is Magic Kingdom most crowded? And as a general rule of thumb, the busiest day at The Magic Kingdom tends to always be Monday. This is because many families plan a week-long vacation to Disney World , and typically receive the best deals by traveling Sunday or Monday. As you can guess almost everyone loves to start their vacation at the Magic Kingdom resulting in large Monday crowds.

We also find Wednesday and Friday to be some of the busiest days in the Magic Kingdom. It’s also important to note that The Magic Kingdom is the most popular Disney theme park during the holidays, specifically Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July.

Best Day of the Week to Visit Magic Kingdom 2024

As you can guess if Monday is the busiest, Tuesday tends to be the best day of the week to go to Magic Kingdom. We also find Thursday to be one of the least busy days of the week at Magic Kingdom, with Sunday being a great weekend option.

Magic Kingdom Least Busy Days in Order:

• Tuesday (best day to go to Magic Kingdom)
• Monday (busiest day at Magic Kingdom)

Is Magic Kingdom better on a Sunday or Monday?

Now that we have established some of the busiest days at Magic Kingdom you might be wondering, is Magic Kingdom better on a Sunday or Monday?   And as a general rule of thumb if we had to pick between visiting Magic Kingdom on a Sunday or Monday we would always pick Sunday. The man reason is we typically find that Sunday is more likely to be a travel day compared to Monday which will result in more guests traveling on this day and either not visiting the Magic Kingdom park or arriving later in the day. On the flip side, we do find that Monday tends to be the first full day in the parks and many families do pick the Magic Kingdom for their first day.

Related Page: Guide to Disney World Package Payment Plans 

What is the Best Day of the Week to go to EPCOT 2024?

Another one of the most popular questions we receive on this topic is, what is the best day of the week to go to EPCOT?  As a general rule of thumb the best day of the week to visit EPCOT typically tends to be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. We would recommend visiting on a Wednesday during the festivals mentioned above. We will say that one of the biggest advantages that EPCOT has going for it compared to some of the other Walt Disney World theme parks is that it is the largest of the four Disney theme parks and tends to hold crowds better than the others. We also find that many guests with small children tend to avoid EPCOT as they don’t feel like there is much for young kids to do there which make this one of the best Disney parks for adults visiting Walt Disney World. 

There are still certain ways to avoid large crowds especially during the festival seasons.

Busiest Days at EPCOT

EPCOT’s busiest days tend to be Tuesday and Thursday as that is when Disney hosts extra magic hour. We would also suggest avoiding EPCOT on Saturday and Sundays during Festival of the Arts , Flower and Garden , and Food and Wine Festival season.

What day of the week is EPCOT least crowded?

Related Page: Complete Guide of What to Pack for Disney World 

What is the Best Day to go to Hollywood Studios 2024?

Hollywood Studios has become one of most unpredictable parks in terms of crowds with the recent opening of Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge . That’s why explaining what the best day of the week to go to Hollywood Studios is going to be difficult. On the bright side the park does have extended hours and tends to be a great park to rope drop if you’re looking to catch some of the most exciting attractions. .

Busiest Days at Hollywood Studios 2024

Hollywood Studios is a beacon for Disney enthusiasts , especially with its attractions that pull crowds from all over. Fridays and Sundays are particularly congested, largely due to Disney’s implementation of their extra magic hours on these days. Moreover, the unveiling of Star Wars has led to a noticeable surge in weekend foot traffic. If you’re seeking the slowest times at Disney World , you’d be wise to be cautious about these peak days at Hollywood Studios.

Best Day to go to Hollywood Studios 2024

When is the best day to visit Hollywood Studios? From our observations, Tuesdays and Thursdays emerge as the least crowded days at Disney World , especially for this park. These days offer a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for a more enriching experience. If, however, your schedule confines you to the weekend, then Saturday proves to be a more favorable choice compared to the hustle and bustle of Friday or Sunday.

Related post:  Complete Guide to Hollywood Studios Rope Drop

What are the Best Days to go to Animal Kingdom 2024?

In recent years, Animal Kingdom has experienced a noticeable surge in attendance, particularly with the introduction of Pandora – The World of Avatar and the extension of its nighttime hours. This influx mirrors trends at Hollywood Studios. However, as newer attractions gain popularity, some of the park’s long-standing rides, such as Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, have seen reduced wait times. If you’re targeting the least busy time to go to Disney World , considering these shifting dynamics can be advantageous. Notably, during the slow months at Disney World, even these revitalized parks can offer a more relaxed experience. Keeping an eye on the Disney slow season can help you optimize your visit and experience shorter lines even at popular attractions like those in Animal Kingdom.

Busiest Days at Animal Kingdom

Consider steering clear of Animal Kingdom on Saturdays and Mondays. These are the days when Disney offers Extra Magic Hours at the park, leading to increased attendance and longer wait times.

Best Days to go to Animal Kingdom

Which is the best day to visit Animal Kingdom? Animal Kingdom is one of the only Disney theme parks which we recommend to visit certain weekend days. We typically see lower crowds on Friday and Sundays. Wednesday is another one of the best days to go to Animal Kingdom. 

Even if you didn’t book your trip through the Park Prodigy let us know how we can help you plan the perfect Disney itinerary . It’s important to note the suggestions above are meant only to provide guidance and are based off of my experience as a vacation planner.

Also, the truth is there is never really a bad day to visit a Disney World theme park. As they say, “a rainy day in Disney is better than a day in the office”. So don’t stress out if you can’t visit exactly as outlined above. The most important thing is to enjoy spending time with the people you love in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Related post:   What are the Best Desserts at Disney World?

Best Days to Go to Disney World 2024 Tips & Tricks

If you prefer to use a free tool to plan your Disney vacation be sure to check out our Disney Crowd Calendar. We break down estimated crowds based on month, week and day. We even easily outline exactly which parks we recommend to visit on each day, and also important information such as the average temperatures And as you’ll see planning the best days to visit Disney can not only save you a ton of time in the theme park but it can also save you money! How you might ask? Well just like Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit.

So as you’ll see below one of the easiest ways to pick the best days to visit Disney is to compare the cheapest Walt Disney World tickets. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Related post:  Complete Guide to Disney World Payment Plans

Tips And Tricks For Picking The Best Days to Visit Disney World 2024

When trying to figure out the best days to visit Disney World in 2024  we typically recommend using these tips below for avoiding large crowds:

Ticket Prices Indicate the Best Days to Visit Disney Parks in 2024 

One of the easiest ways to figure out the best day of the week to go to Disney World in 2024  is to look at ticket prices during your visit. One of the ways Disney tries to entice people to visit during slower periods is with cheaper prices. We typically see the cheapest Walt Disney World tickets during weekdays in September.

Be sure to check out our Walt Disney World Ticket page if you need help purchasing discounted tickets.

Arrive Early For The New Extra Magic Half Hour

One of the easiest ways to make sure you get the most out of your day no matter which Disney park you plan to visit is to arrive early and stay late when possible! This will also allow you to take an afternoon break at your hotel if need be. Disney recently made changes to the extra magic hour program, switching it to an extra magic half hour at every Disney World park for on-site Disney resort guests . We’re huge fans of this as we felt morning extra magic hours always created some of the busiest days at Disney World. We feel like crowds will be a little bit more spread out as you won’t have everyone heading to the same park on the same morning.

So one of the easiest ways to take advantage of your time in Disney is to arrive early in the morning and get in a half hour before other park guests. This will also take some of the pressure off of making sure you picked the best Disney park for that day!  It’s important to note that this new early entry can also be a huge help for guests who plan to park hop as you will want to get the most out of your day.

Be sure to check back with us as we continue to update the best days to visit each Disney World theme park!

Avoid the Weekends When Possible

Weekend foot traffic at Walt Disney World can be unpredictable. Walt Disney World is home to so many festivals throughout the year such as EPCOT Flower and and Garden , Festival of the Arts , and the Food and Wine Festival that more locals are visiting now than ever before. The best way to plan around these crowds is to plan your full days at the parks on weekdays. The middle of the week generally tends to have the best days to visit Disney parks .

Avoid Major Holidays

This might seem like it’s obvious but Holidays tend to attract the largest crowds at Walt Disney World. In many cases such as Fourth of July and Christmas the parks will reach capacity. You can still plan a great family trip around holidays such as Labor day, memorial day, and Halloween however we still recommend following the tips outlined above.

Related Page: How to Buy Cheap Disney World Tickets

Best Days to Go to Disney 2024 FAQ

Q: When is Magic Kingdom least crowded 2024?

A: Tuesday tends to be the best day of the week to go to the Magic Kingdom.

Q: What is the busiest day at Magic Kingdom in 2024?

A: The busiest day at The Magic Kingdom tends to always be Monday. This is because many families plan a week long vacation to Disney World, and typically receive the best deals by traveling Sunday or Monday. As you can guess almost everyone loves to start their vacation at the Magic Kingdom resulting in large Monday crowds.

Q: W hat are the least busiest days at Disney World?

A: Typically the weekdays Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the least busiest days at Disney World.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote, or call us at 321-966-4300 . Every family who books their Disney World vacation package through The Park Prodigy will receive a dedicated planner who manages every Disney vacation aspect. This includes help with Disney dining reservations, navigating the Disneg Genie+ system, personalized park plans based on your children’s ages and height restrictions, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best deal! Let our team of travel experts take all of the pressure off of planning your next Disney World vacation!  

Disney World Deals and Discounts 

Don’t forget to join our Disney community to learn about any additional deals and promotions on discounted Disney World tickets. All community members are always guaranteed to save vs. buying their tickets directly. Plus, you can opt into our concierge service, which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best Disney World deal!

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at  Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

Ticket Subtotal: $325.45

Ticket Price Including Tax:

* Your magic rewards program points are automatically calculated into all theme park ticket prices!

Michael Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner and chief editor at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!

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When to go to Orlando

Apr 7, 2021 • 5 min read

From the best weather to avoiding the crowds, here's what's happening through the year in Orlando © Marc Perrella / Getty Images

You're probably planning to come to Orlando  to join the crowds at the theme parks, but when is the best time to do that? And what else is happening in Orlando itself, a city of lovely tree-lined neighborhoods with a rich performing arts scene? From high season to low, here's a monthly guide to what you can expect through the year in Orlando, including the best events at the theme parks and in the city.

Editor's note: during  COVID-19  there may be additional travel restrictions.  Check the latest guidance in Florida  before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice. All events are subject to change.

High season: March to April and June to August

Best time for festival-goers

March to April is peak tourism season thanks to spring breakers. The summer is also one of Orlando's busiest times, full of holiday crowds, and lots of festivals. It's hot and humid, with temperatures often above 90°F (32°C). 

Shoulder season: May, September to November

Best time for fewer crowds

Crowds thin and prices drop in May after the spring break. The masses also diminish after Labor Day (first Monday in September), except for Halloween festivities. Lodging prices plummet, but the summer sizzle fades.

Low season: December to February

Best time for budget travelers

Christmas through early January draws massive theme-park crowds. Otherwise, this is low-season, with plenty of accommodation bargains. Temperatures can dip below freezing, although this is rare.

Crowds still flock to the theme parks in early January, but beyond that, it's fairly quiet. Temperatures are cooler, with a high of around 72ºF (22ºC). Accommodations are usually cheaper mid-January onwards, although it's always worth booking ahead, no matter what time of year you visit. Key events: Martin Luther King, Jr Day,  Walt Disney World Marathon , Zora Festival .

Theme parks are less crowded, and temperatures are pleasant, reaching 75ºF (24ºC). Head north to  Blue Spring State Park where manatees may be spotted in the winter months and into the early spring. Whether it falls in late February or early March, Fat Tuesday inspires parties statewide. Key events: Presidents Day, Mardi Gras,  Seaworld Seven Seas Food Festival , Super Block Party .

Throughout March to mid-April, American colleges release students for one-week spring breaks. While they are mainly drawn to the beaches, Orlando and the theme parks will also start to fill up with visitors. Modest temps and dry weather make for an ideal time to hike and camp. Key events: St Patrick's Day Street Party, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival , Orlando Whiskey Festival .

Expect the sky to be blue and the sun to be shining. Spring break crowds are still hitting the theme parks until around mid-April, but the rest of Orlando and around may not be all that busy. The Florida Film Festival held in Winter Park celebrates independent films and is fast becoming one of the largest festivals in the southeast.  Key events: Florida Film Festival , Fiesta in the Park .

There are fewer crowds, but it's starting to get hot in May, and you can expect highs of 88ºF (31ºC) with the occasional brief rain shower. Look out for Cinco de Mayo street parties in downtown. Key events: Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day,  International Fringe Festival , Caribbean Food and Music Festival .

Summer holiday crowds are here! Get in early at the theme parks, and try to stay cool in the heat. Starting on the first Saturday of June and going for a week, around 170,000 people – especially members of the LGBTIQ+ community – descend on the Magic Kingdom and other Orlando theme parks, hotels and clubs. Bite30, Orlando's "restaurant week" starts in June and runs for two months.  Key events: Gay Days , Bite30 .

Schools are out, the theme parks are packed with people, and the weather is hot and humid. There will be fireworks and laser shows at the parks to mark July 4. Key events:  Independence Day.

Floridians do nothing but crank the A/C inside while foolish tourists swelter and burn at the theme parks – and run from afternoon thundershowers. Key events:  Megacon Orlando , Electric Ocean at SeaWorld .

Weather becomes just a little milder and it's quieter at the theme parks; look for shoulder season deals in many resorts. Theme parks are starting to run Halloween events this month. This is also the peak of hurricane season, which runs June through November. Travelers should take all hurricane alerts, warnings and evacuation orders seriously Key events: Labor Day,  Epcot International Food & Wine Festival , Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party .

October marks the end of the hurricane season. Halloween events are in full swing at the theme parks, often continuing into early November. Look out for goblins, monsters and mummies all around. Key events: Columbus Day, Orlando Come out with Pride ,  Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival , Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios .

Tourism hits a spike for a week around Thanksgiving, and temperatures are better for hiking and camping. This is also the start of the region's manatee season (November to March) when they migrate into the warmer waters of Florida's freshwater estuaries, rivers and springs. Some Christmas events start running at the theme parks. Key events:  Veterans Day, Thanksgiving,  Orlando Chili Cook-off .

The few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas mark a quiet period at the theme parks, but there are still plenty of special Christmas-themed events on the go. The temperatures are more manageable, around 75ºF (24ºC). Key events: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , Christmas Day.

You might also like: The best things you can do for free in Orlando    The 8 best beaches in the Florida Keys    Top 16 beaches in Florida   

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The Best Days to Visit Walt Disney World Theme Parks Revealed

Seventy-four million people go to Orlando annually, making it America’s most visited destination. And more than half of those people who travel to Florida’s theme park capital visit Walt Disney World. So, if you’re planning a trip to Disney, it’s essential to think about when you can avoid the crowds and the summer heat. Well, new research reveals the three best days to visit based on a crowds-to-weather score. 

These Dates Were Chosen Based on Attendance Data

Disney travel planning experts MagicGuides analyzed past park attendance data to predict future crowds at Disney World’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. The data compared the average temperature expected on each day to the predicted crowd level, and the best days to visit each park between August 2023 – June 2024 were determined based on the combined score.  

58 Million People Visit Disney World a Year, So Always Expect Some Level of Crowds

However, crowds can fluctuate throughout the year, so choosing your vacation dates is crucial.  The study revealed that October 26th, 31st, and November 1st are the three best days to visit Walt Disney World in the next 12 months. 

Additionally, they did pinpoint the specific days to visit each of Disney’s four theme parks in Orlando so you can plan the ultimate trip to these parks. 

What Are the Best Days to Go to Magic Kingdom?

With some overlap, the data revealed that an ideal Magic Kingdom day would be October 26 th , 31 st , and November 1 st . 

EPCOT Has Six Perfect Days to Schedule a Visit

For those who have always wanted to eat and drink their way around the world at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, now you’ve got an even better reason. The yearly festival falls within the best days of the year to visit EPCOT: October 24, 25, 26, 31, and November 1 and 2. 

When’s the Best Time to Enjoy Hollywood Studios?

Grab those Star Wars costumes and plan a Halloween visit to Hollywood Studios . The best days to visit this Disney park are October 24, 25, 26, 31, and November 1 according to Magic Guides . 

You’ll Be Soaring Through Park Lines at Animal Kingdom on These 12 Dates

Enjoy a less crowded day at Animal Kingdom and shorter ride lines on October 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, and November 1, 2, 3 ,7, and 8. 

So, Halloween at Disney Sounds Delightful

Interestingly, the dates are similar for each park, highlighting that the last week of October is the best week to visit Disney World for crowds and weather.  So why not have a bucket-list Halloween experience by attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

This frightfully fun experience returns on select nights—from August 11 to November 1, 2023, in Magic Kingdom only and does require a separate ticket. 

What Are Other Times of Year When the Park is Less Crowded?

Walt Disney World’s parks are typically the least crowded around: 

• January 2nd until just before Presidents’ Day week (the third Monday in February) 
• The week after Labor Day until just before Thanksgiving week
• The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week before Christmas. 

Labor Day marks the end of summer vacation for most American kids, so the month after is the least crowded time of year. Also, July and August can be good times to go if you can manage the sweltering weather. 

Be Careful of Hurricane Season

The downside to visiting Disney World in September is that this month is during hurricane season in Florida. There is the possibility of an increase in rain and storms during your visit. Guests worried about hurricane cancellations should utilize travel insurance and book refundable flights. 

When is Disney World The Most Crowded? 

Weekends are typically more crowded than weekdays, with Mondays and Fridays tend to be slightly more crowded than Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The parks generally experience their highest attendance when children are off of school:

• Presidents’ Day week (the third week in February) 
• Spring Break period, from mid-March through to late April 
• Memorial Day weekend, summer (mid-June through Labor Day) 
• Thanksgiving week 
• Christmas week, till January 1 st  

5 Experts Explain The Dreaded Disney Rash and How To Avoid This Disney Disaster

What happens when Americans visit a Disney theme park and take 20,000 steps or more daily in hot, humid weather? Many get the Disney rash.

If you’re planning on visiting Disney or any other theme park in a warm climate, here’s what you can do to prevent it and what items you should bring to treat it.

A Disney Travel Agent’s Guide to Animal Kingdom Rides and Attractions (Plus Insider Tips)

Animal Kingdom is undeniably Disney World’s most beautiful park. It was not built as a zoo but as a completely immersive experience with nature featured as the shining star.  Lands are inspired by African Villages, Asian Rivers and Mountains, and animals of the past, present and fictional worlds.  

Want to experience your best day ever in Animal Kingdom? The key is creating a balance.  Enjoy all the best Animal Kingdom rides and shows. But also make time to take a break from the hustle and bustle and soak in the beauty of nature on the trails and at the animal viewing locations.

30 Reasons Families Prefer Legoland Florida to Disney World Theme Parks

Our family spent the last two Spring Breaks in Orlando, the most visited destination in America, but we had two very different experiences.  In 2022, we had a typical Orlando family vacation visiting Disney theme parks. Then, in 2023,  we went to non-Disney theme parks, including Legoland Florida, and it was a night-and-day experience.

After these two trips, our family prefers Legoland Florida to Disney World. And it turns out we’re not the only ones. After interviewing 25 other families who feel the same, here’s why people are opting for days with Emmet, Lloyd, and Master Wu instead of Elsa, Luke, and Mickey Mouse. 

Disney’s No Longer Orlando’s Best Theme Park – Travelers Voted Discovery Cove Into the Top Spot and It is Now Half Off

What if I told you about a place in Orlando near it all, but feels like you’ve been whisked to a tropical island? A day destination that’s nestled in between resorts and iconic theme parks but feels worlds away from the crowds and long lines of America’s vacation capital. 

It’s not a Florida heat-induced mirage; it’s Discovery Cove Orlando. This unique, all-inclusive, all-day outing offers guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and encounter playful otters—all in a surprisingly stunning tropical atmosphere just 12 miles from Orlando International Airport.

Disney’s No Longer Orlando’s Best Theme Park – Travelers Voted Discovery Cove Into the Top Spot

Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com.

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Best Time To Visit Orlando: A Comprehensive Guide

Orlando, Florida is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and for good reason. Home to world-renowned theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as a wide variety of other entertainment options, Orlando has something to offer for everyone. However, with so much to see and do, it can be difficult to decide on the best time to visit.

The best time to visit Orlando largely depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds and high prices, it’s generally best to visit during the off-season. This typically includes the months of January, February, and September through November. However, if you’re looking for warmer weather and the opportunity to take part in seasonal events and festivals, it may be worth braving the crowds and visiting during peak season.

No matter when you decide to visit Orlando, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cooler than expected. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. With a little planning, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable trip to this exciting destination.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Understanding Orlando’s Climate

Orlando has a subtropical climate, which means that it has hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June to September. The average temperature in Orlando is around 80°F (27°C), but it can get as high as 90°F (32°C) in the summer months.

Hurricane Season and Weather Patterns

Orlando is situated in a region that is prone to hurricanes, and the hurricane season typically lasts from June to November. It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast during this time and take necessary precautions. Thunderstorms are also common in Orlando, especially during the summer months.

Month-by-Month Weather Guide

The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. The daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the humidity is lower than in the summer months.

January and February are also good months to visit Orlando, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, the temperatures can get a bit chilly, especially at night, so visitors should pack accordingly.

The summer months of June to August are the busiest and hottest months in Orlando. The temperatures can soar above 90°F (32°C), and the humidity can be high, making it uncomfortable for some visitors. However, this is also the time when most of the theme parks and attractions are open, and there are lots of events and festivals happening.

In conclusion, visitors to Orlando should consider the weather and seasonal patterns when planning their trip. It is important to pack accordingly and take necessary precautions during hurricane season. However, with its mild winters and pleasant spring and fall seasons, Orlando is a great destination to visit all year round.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a trip to Orlando, there are a few things to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This section will cover the best times to visit Orlando, event and holiday considerations, and cost considerations for hotels and airfare.

Best Times for Fewer Crowds

For those who prefer fewer crowds, the best time to visit Orlando is during the months of January, February, May, September, and November. During these months, the crowds are generally smaller, and hotel rates and airfare are typically lower. However, keep in mind that some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed for maintenance during these months.

Event and Holiday Considerations

If you’re interested in attending events or holidays, keep in mind that Orlando is a popular destination for many of them. Some of the most popular events include Easter, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Spring break is also a busy time, with many families and kids visiting the area. If you’re interested in attending any of these events, be sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations and tickets early.

Cost Considerations: Hotels and Airfare

Hotel rates and airfare can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit Orlando. The peak season is typically from June to August, and hotel rates and airfare are generally higher during this time. The low season is from September to November, and hotel rates and airfare are generally lower during this time. However, keep in mind that some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed for maintenance during these months.

Overall, the best time to visit Orlando depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the low season. If you’re interested in attending events or holidays, be sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations and tickets early. Regardless of when you visit, you’re sure to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine in the Sunshine State.

Frequently Asked Questions

What months offer the most comfortable weather for visiting Orlando theme parks?

The months of February to May are generally considered the best time to visit Orlando theme parks. During these months, the weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy the parks without the sweltering heat and humidity of summer, and without the crowds that come with peak tourist season.

During which period should travelers avoid Orlando due to hurricane season?

Hurricane season in Orlando runs from June to November, with the peak season typically occurring between August and October. Travelers should be aware that these months may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential disruptions to travel plans. It is recommended to check weather forecasts and travel advisories before planning a trip during this time.

What times of year are the theme parks in Orlando most crowded?

Orlando theme parks are typically most crowded during peak tourist seasons, which include spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visitors should expect long lines and wait times during these times of year.

Which months are considered the most cost-effective for traveling to Orlando?

The months of January and September to November are generally considered the most cost-effective for traveling to Orlando. During these months, hotel rates and attraction ticket prices tend to be lower, and crowds are thinner. However, travelers should be aware of potential weather disruptions during hurricane season in September and November.

What are the peak tourist seasons in Orlando, Florida?

The peak tourist seasons in Orlando, Florida, are typically spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. During these times, the theme parks are crowded, and hotel rates and attraction ticket prices tend to be higher.

How does the weather in Orlando vary across different seasons?

Orlando experiences a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The summer months of June to August are the hottest and wettest, with temperatures averaging in the high 80s Fahrenheit and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter months from December to February are milder, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit.

Hey there, I'm Robyn and I'm a travel enthusiast and the writer behind this website. With a passion for adventure, I've been traveling and sharing my experiences for as long as I can remember.

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The best theme parks in Orlando

We've rounded up the best theme parks in the city, with all the new rides opening this year

You might be in Florida for its boiling, sunny climates and great food scene, but really, you’re here for its theme parks. The theme parks here are like no other, full of all the insane rides, sprawling resorts and sugary sweet treats you can imagine. But there is more, far more to Orlando’s iconic theme parks than Mickey Mouse mascots and very long lines. 

Here you’ll find storybook castles, childhood fantasies and real-life sea creatures. You’ll find your favorite adventure films and mesmerizing dinosaur parks. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve broken down the best theme parks in Orlando and ranked them too, noting what you should do, eat and see at each one, and what’s new and coming up soon. This year 2023 will see a new Minions experience, an expansion of Toy Story Land and a new meet and greet with Moana (and much, much more). There’s something for everyone. Here are the best theme parks in Orlando right now. 

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Best theme parks in Orlando

1.  Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

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• Camino Real

There really is nothing like walking down Main Street USA at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is filled with nostalgia for young and old with rides like Space Mountain and The Jungle Cruise, and characters like Mickey Mouse and Snow White parading down the street waving to guests. 

What’s new : In late 2023, the 100 Years of Wonder  Celebration for Disney’s 100th anniversary will commence, and it's going to be big.

Pro-tip : Did you know you can get your hair cut on Main Street, USA? Make an appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop first thing in the morning and see what the professionals at Magic Kingdom can do to make you feel like royalty for the day. 

2.  Universal's Islands Of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort

• Turkey Lake

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the place for Harry Potter  fans. The park plays host to wizards, witches, and goblins as they take flight on attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. On the other side of the park, you’ll find a land dedicated to Dr. Suess charters, Marvel Super Hero Island (where you can fly high with The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man), and a Jurassic Park-themed land. 

What’s new : The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster is now in full swing in the Islands of Adventure, and the resort is working on a new Epic Universe, featuring How to Train Your Dragon and yes, more Harry Potter . 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure pro-tip : While everyone knows about frozen butterbeer, you can also get the iconic flavor in ice cream and fudge. 

3.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

• The Fountains

The worlds of  Toy Story ,  Star Wars , and classic Disney characters all come together at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park may be the smallest of the Walt Disney World properties, but it became a prime destination when  Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019. The themed land has its own original storyline that fits into the ongoing  Star Wars  saga. Inside you’ll find two attractions, a bar, a few restaurants and plenty of shopping. Kids will love the larger-than-life  Toy Story  friends who have come out to greet them, and they'll even get to ride on the back of Slinky Dog on Slinky Dog Dash. 

What’s new : Toy Story Land has received a major expansion of late, including the Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant, which just opened. 

Pro-tip : If you see 13 as the wait time for Tower of Terror get in line because that means that there is actually no wait!

4.  EPCOT, Walt Disney World

• Convention Center

EPCOT is usually known as Walt Disney Word's adult-centric park with festivals that encourage eating and drinking all day and popping in and out of shows about each country represented in the World Showcase. But the park is currently undergoing a refurbishment and new attractions are set to open over the next few years, which are expected to make  the park lean more towards being kid and family-friendly. 

What’s new : EPCOT is getting a new nighttime fireworks show in late 2023, and the Moana -inspired Journey of Water should follow too. 

Pro-tip : Remy's Ratatouille Adventure inside the France pavilion is one of the newest experiences at the park. You can wait less time by going here first thing in the morning or getting in line late at night just before the park closes. 

5.  LEGOLAND Theme Park, LEGOLAND Florida Resort

• Zoo and aquariums

At LEGOLAND Theme Park everything is bigger and better than any kid could have imagined with attractions like Lost Kingdom Adventure and LEGO NINJAGO World. When it’s time to take a break, head over to Pirate’s Cove to watch Brickbeard’s Water Sports Stunt Show on the lake that backs up to the LEGOLAND property. 

What’s new : The newly-opened Pirate River Quest (from late 2022) has been going down a storm, with eight-person boats sailing across the waters. 

Pro-tip : Be sure to get the apple fries at the park! These are easily the best treat at LEGOLAND Theme Park. 

6.  Peppa Pig Theme Park, LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The newest theme park to open in Orlando is the Peppa Pig Theme Park, part of the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The theme park is mainly for preschoolers with rides based on the popular cartoon series it is named after (no great surprise there). Many of the attractions do not have a height requirement, meaning even younger kids can enjoy a day at the theme park.

What's new:  It's a pretty new park on the whole, so give it all a go, especially the family shows at Mr Potato's Showtime Arena. 

Pro-tip:  This is a great half-day park, especially for parents with kids who have never been to a theme park. 

7.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World

This massive theme park has lands dedicated to Africa and Asia that will make you feel like you're traveling through real-world locations, and the park also has fictional lands dedicated to the worlds of Avatar and dinosaurs. While many people will race off to ride Avatar Flight of Passage first thing in the morning, real Disney pros know that the first stop should always be Kilamanjaro Safaris, because this is when the animals are the most active. If you’ve never heard a lion roar after your morning coffee, you’re really missing out. 

What’s new : As of April 2023, you can now meet Moana at Character Landing. This was introduced for the park's 25th anniversary. 

Pro-tip : Tackle Expedition Everest faster by doing the single rider line. If you enter the line as a group you will be split up, but it's worth it to get on the coaster faster.  

8.  Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort

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• Florida Center

Universal Studios Florida is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, E.T. Adventure, and The Mummy, among other attractions. Inside Diagon Alley, you can zip through Gringotts Bank on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and drink a glass of Butterbeer with your pals at The Leaky Cauldron. After channeling your inner wizard, hop on a bike with E.T. to get him back to his home planet on E.T. Adventure. Universal fans also know this is the best ride to walk through the queue because of the iconic smell that hits you the moment you walk into the forest. 

What’s new : Interactive gaming experience Villain-Con Minion Blast is opening summer 2023, where you can join Illumination's Minions on their quest. 

Pro-tip : When you're riding Men in Black Alien Attack, be sure to press the red button when prompted. This will boost your score and will likely make you the high-point scorer in your car. 

9.  SeaWorld Theme Park, SeaWorld Orlando

Just because SeaWorld is last on our list doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. The expansive park shows off all sorts of creatures from the depths of the sea, including dolphins, whales, and adorable penguins. Adults will love the high-speed coasters like Kraken and Manta, while kids will enjoy seeing their favorite Sesame Street friends at Sesame Street Land. Be sure to take a ride on Sky Tower, so you can see the entire park from a bird's eye view along with panoramic views of Orlando. 

What’s new : Ice Breaker, a new coaster at the park, opened in February 2022. 

Pro-tip : You can schedule tours to learn more about some of the animals at SeaWorld, including dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and sharks. Tours should be made ahead of time, but there are sometimes slots available at the park.

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Immerse yourself in unforgettable adventures at the world’s top theme parks when you visit Orlando. Whether it’s the magic of  Walt Disney World ® Resort , endless excitement at  Universal Orlando Resort , an aquatic wonderland at  SeaWorld ® Orlando , or building family fun at  LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort , Orlando has theme parks that are perfect for you.

Our theme parks continually have  new projects  on the horizon, too, so even the most frequent visitors will always find fresh ways to create lasting memories, year after year, in Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.

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No destination on Earth has more — or more iconic — theme parks than Orlando. At Walt Disney World Resort alone, you’ll find Magic Kingdom ® Park , EPCOT ® , Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park , plus Disney’s Blizzard Beach ® and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon ® water parks. With so many imaginative options to choose from, as well as dining, shopping and fun at Disney Springs ® , and more than two dozen official hotel properties and other accommodations , you’ll never run out of unforgettable, memory-making adventures at Walt Disney World .

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Head to Universal Orlando Resort to explore both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure , each of which has plenty of other unique experiences in store. Then, dive into carefree island life with wild thrills and complete relaxation at Universal Volcano Bay water theme park. You can also opt for dinner, entertainment, shopping and more at Universal CityWalk , located at the nexus of Universal Orlando’s parks, or an amazing stay at one of Universal Orlando’s official hotel properties and other nearby accommodations . And get ready for Universal’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, which is coming in 2025 with even more thrilling experiences.

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For up-close animal encounters and pulse-pounding rides, SeaWorld Orlando’s main theme park has you covered. You can also take advantage of sandy beaches and thrilling rides at Aquatica ® Orlando , or enjoy serene relaxation, awe-inspiring animal encounters and all-inclusive food and drinks at Discovery Cove ® ( reservations required ). SeaWorld is also an official partner of several nearby hotels , which provide guests with special park benefits.

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Last but not least, children and their families can have a blast with kids-focused rides and plenty of building opportunities at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which includes LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and an onsite water park that’s available as an upgrade to regular park admission. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is also home to the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park , designed especially for little ones. It all makes LEGOLAND Florida the perfect place to build a day of fantastic family fun.

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THE 10 BEST Orlando Theme Parks

Theme parks in orlando.

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• Lake Buena Vista
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

2. Discovery Cove

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

4. Magic Kingdom Park

5. Universal Studios Florida

6. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

7. Fun Spot America

9. Walt Disney World Resort

10. SeaWorld

11. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

12. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

13. ICON Park

14. Star Wars Launch Bay

15. Orlando StarFlyer

16. Dezerland Park Orlando

17. Jurassic World Velocicoaster

18. Frozen Ever After

19. Star Wars Rise of The Resistance

20. Mission: SPACE

21. Men In Black Alien Attack

22. Na'vi River Journey

23. Feathered Friends In Flight

24. Camp Jurassic

25. Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

26. Universal Orlando Resort

27. TRON Lightcycle

28. world showcase.

29. The Land

30. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

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13 Best Theme Parks in Orlando: Your Gateway to Magic & Fun!

• Updated on March 12, 2024
• Best Locations
• Florida , Orlando

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Introduction: orlando's world of wonders, a preview of the ultimate amusement adventure.

Welcome to Orlando’s World of Wonders, a place teeming with enchantment, excitement, and experiences that command global attention. This Floridian city is renowned not just for its sunshine but also for a magical collection of Theme Parks in Orlando that turn fantasy into reality.

Here, they can immerse themselves in different worlds, from the cinematic streets of Hollywood to the mythical realms of wizards and warriors.

The Crown Jewels of Orlando

1. walt disney world resort: four worlds in one.

Dive into the heart of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort , a massive wonderland that’s truly four worlds packed into one. Here, you get the unique experience of strolling through the iconic Cinderella Castle, blasting off into space, or even going on a safari with real animals.

With its mix of classic attractions, beloved characters, and continuous innovation, there’s always something new to discover.

• Magic Kingdom Park: Where fairytale dreams come to life for kids of all ages.
• EPCOT: A celebration of technology, innovation, and international cultures.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Action takes the stage with glitz and glamour.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: A wild adventure among exotic wildlife and prehistoric giants.

Top 5 Features:

• Iconic Cinderella Castle and parades
• Cultural experiences at World Showcase in EPCOT
• Movie magic with rides like Slinky Dog Dash
• Thrilling wildlife encounters
• Galactic experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Five Benefits:

• Wide variety of attractions suited for all ages
• Immersive storytelling and theming
• State-of-the-art technology in rides and shows
• Efficient transportation system within the resort
• Abundant dining options catering to every taste and dietary need
• The size of the resort can be overwhelming to navigate
• Peak season means large crowds and long wait times
• Families, film enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the quintessential Disney magic.

2. Universal Orlando Resort: Cinematic Splendor & Thrills

Step into the realm of big-screen legends at Universal Orlando Resort , where they can mingle with Minions, swing through New York with Spider-Man, and sip butterbeer in Diagon Alley. It’s a place where thrills meet spills and cinematic moments are brought to life through cutting-edge attractions and live shows.

Ride the movies, face villains, and witness stunt spectaculars in a park designed for fans of all things film and adventure.

• Universal Studios Florida: Experience movie magic on rides like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and action-packed attractions.
• Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park: A tropical paradise with exhilarating water rides.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
• Exhilarating rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Themed dining experiences, such as The Leaky Cauldron
• Family-friendly attractions like E.T. Adventure and The Simpsons Ride
• Seasonal events, including Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi Gras celebrations
• An immersive theme park experience with attractions for all ages
• Less time traveling between parks due to proximity
• Thrilling rides and interactive shows for movie buffs
• Various dining options, from quick-service to sit-down restaurants
• Express Pass options are available to skip regular lines
• Some attractions may have height restrictions
• Higher crowd levels during special events and peak seasons
• Movie enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and families looking for diverse entertainment.

Want to add some extra fun to your Orlando trip? Take a swing at the exciting miniature golf courses!

Navigating the Kingdoms of Fantasy and Discovery

3. the enchantment of magic kingdom park.

Magic Kingdom Park stands as a symbol of pure joy and childhood wonder. It’s where enchanting stories come alive around each corner, and dreams take flight.

With timeless classics like It’s a Small World and the hauntingly fun Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom transcends generations, connecting kids with parents and grandparents through shared memories brimming with pixie dust.

• Nostalgia Factor: Experience the joy of long-time favorite attractions and the excitement of watching new generations revel in the magic.
• New Attractions: As Magic Kingdom continues to evolve, keep an eye out for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and updates to beloved shows like the Country Bear Jamboree.
• Iconic attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean
• The classic Cinderella Castle, with its nightly fireworks show
• Character meet and greets across storybook settings
• Interactive queues and attractions designed for all ages
• Seasonal events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• A palpable sense of magic and wonder
• A perfect blend of nostalgic rides and new experiences
• Diverse entertainment options, including parades and live shows
• Photopass services to capture and cherish magical moments
• Accessibility and convenience for guests of all abilities
• It can get exceptionally crowded, especially during holidays and special events.
• Some may find it challenging to experience all rides in one day without proper planning.
• Guests looking for timeless Disney magic, those interested in reliving cherished childhood memories, and families eager to create new ones.

Also, be sure to check out the historical sites in Orlando .

4. Exploring the Innovations at Epcot

Epcot is a unique destination within Walt Disney World Resort, blending a bright future with the diverse cultures of our world. It’s a place of discovery where they can marvel at technological advances and celebrate international camaraderie.

Epcot invites guests to witness human achievement and natural wonders, offering a learning experience like no other within its two distinct realms: Future World and World Showcase.

• Educational Excursions: Epcot’s attractions seamlessly combine fun with learning across fields such as oceanography, space travel, and cultural arts.
• New Developments for 2024: Gear up for ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us,’ a spectacular fireworks display, and the eagerly awaited opening of World Celebration.
• Spaceship Earth, the park’s geodesic sphere and ride chronicling human progress
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends offers an underwater exploration
• World Showcase, providing cultural experiences from 11 different countries
• Cutting-edge attractions like Test Track and Mission: SPACE
• Seasonal festivals like the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
• Engaging and educational attractions for every age group
• Vibrant and varied dining options flavored with international cuisine
• Calmer atmosphere compared to other theme parks, ideal for a relaxed visit
• Innovative rides that showcase technology and science
• Frequent cultural festivals add unique experiences throughout the year
• Some attractions may be too educational for those seeking pure thrills
• A large scale, the park requires significant walking to explore it fully
• Travelers passionate about science, technology, and world cultures , as well as those who enjoy a more laid-back theme park atmosphere.

Casting Spells with Harry Potter and Friends

5. the wizarding world awaits at universal's islands of adventure.

Magic is in the air at Universal’s Islands of Adventure , where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade takes fans on an immersive journey into the beloved universe of J.K. Rowling’s creation.

From the Hogwarts Express to the forbidden forests and beyond, visitors become part of the story as they engage with the spells, creatures, and epic adventures of the Harry Potter franchise.

• Immersive Experiences: Revel in the highly detailed Hogsmeade village, where every shop and alley feels like it jumped straight from the pages of the books.
• Iconic Rides: Feel the thrills of The Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster and the groundbreaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a magical adventure through Hogwarts Castle
• Hogsmeade village, replete with themed shops like Honeydukes and Ollivanders
• The thrilling Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• The Hogwarts Express ride, connecting Universal’s Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida
• Interactive wand experiences that let guests cast their own spells throughout the park
• A paradise for Harry Potter fans with intricate attention to detail
• Multiple attractions catering to varied thrill levels and ages
• Authentic Potter-themed food and drink , including Butterbeer
• Mythical creatures and beloved characters brought to life
• Easy park-to-park access to expand the magical experience
• It can be quite crowded , especially in the Harry Potter areas
• May have longer wait times due to the popularity of the attractions
• Harry Potter enthusiasts, families looking for a mix of engaging storytelling and adventure, and anyone with a penchant for fantasy and wonder.

Make sure to include a visit to Disney World Parks in your Orlando itinerary.

6. Behind the Scenes at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida offers an all-access pass to the behind-the-scenes world of movie-making and heart-pounding action. This park celebrates the magic of cinema with attractions and live shows based on legendary films and TV shows .

For those who’ve ever dreamed of stepping onto a film set or starring in their adventure, Universal Studios Florida rolls out the red carpet to turn spectators into participants in the action.

• Thrilling Adventures: Engage in high-speed chases on attractions like Fast & Furious – Supercharged or battle alongside Optimus Prime on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D.
• Halloween Extravaganza: Each fall, Halloween Horror Nights brings the ultimate scare with haunted houses, chilling street performances, and eerie live entertainment.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, with the groundbreaking Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a roller coaster that lets guests choose their own soundtrack
• The immersive Simpsons Ride through Krustyland
• The authentic MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack experience
• A real working film studio atmosphere that captures the essence of Hollywood
• Attractions that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests
• Incredible attention to detail in theming and design
• Engaging live shows like The Blues Brothers Show
• Seasonal events add a fresh twist to the experience
• Dining options that take inspiration from classic films and hit television shows
• Some attractions may have wait times that can test one’s patience
• Intense Florida heat can be a challenge while waiting for outdoor attractions
• Film aficionados, theme park veterans looking for a mix of classic and innovative rides, and families with a flare for cinematic adventure.

Meeting Beloved Characters & Experiencing Future Favorites

7. character encounters and fantasy at disney's hollywood studios.

Rediscover the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , where they can embrace the essence of entertainment. It’s a park that celebrates the silver screen, animation, and the sheer joy of storytelling.

Here, they are not mere observers but leading characters in a narrative filled with plot twists, heroics, and the magic of Tinseltown.

• Star-Studded Adventures: Board the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or shrink down to the size of a toy in Toy Story Land.
• Entertainment Extravaganza: Live shows such as “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” bring the action up close and personal.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a fully immersive land with attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Toy Story Land, where they can take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers or zip along on Slinky Dog Dash
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a classic thrill ride with a Hollywood twist
• The new for 2024 Star Tours attraction, featuring fresh adventures
• A host of live entertainment options, including the beloved For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
• High-quality, immersive attractions that cater to die-hard fans and casual visitors alike
• Abundance of character meet-and-greet opportunities for memorable photos
• Diverse dining experiences, from quick snacks to themed sit-down meals
• Entertainment options that span from Broadway-style shows to interactive exhibits
• Kid-friendly areas that keep the whole family engaged and entertained
• Popular attractions often command long wait times , especially in Star Wars and Toy Story-themed areas.
• The concentrated popularity of certain areas may lead to congestion
• Star Wars and Pixar enthusiasts, families with children, and anyone with a love for the golden era of movies and the thrills of modern blockbusters.

Clip-On Baseball Cap Holder

8. animal adventures at disney's animal kingdom park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is a celebration of nature and conservation, where one can embark on globetrotting adventures and get up close with wildlife from around the world.

This park deftly blends the thrills of an amusement park with the intrigue of a zoo, offering a day filled with exploration , learning, and discovery.

• Wilderness Explorer!: Young adventurers can join the Wilderness Explorers program, exploring the park while earning nature-themed badges.
• The Heartbeats of Nature: With natural habitats and a focus on animal well-being, Animal Kingdom brings majestic creatures from various continents into the limelight.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris, an expedition through the African savanna filled with exotic animals
• Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora — The World of Avatar, a breathtaking 3D flying simulator
• Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure through the Himalayan mountains
• The Tree of Life, an icon showcasing the diversity of animals with intricate carvings
• Conservation Station, where they can learn about animal care and conservation efforts
• A chance to observe animals in naturalistic environments
• Educational experiences that emphasize wildlife conservation
• Unique rides and attractions blending adventure with animal encounters
• Authentic cultural experiences through live performances and cuisine
• Photogenic backdrops ranging from lush landscapes to the extraterrestrial vistas of Pandora
• Animal sightings on safaris can be unpredictable and affected by the weather
• A larger park layout may require more walking to see all the features
• Animal lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and families looking for an enriching adventure that unites the world of animals with the magic of Disney.

Don’t forget to explore the upscale spa options in Orlando as well.

Diving Into Aquatic Escapades

9. splashing around at universal's volcano bay water theme park.

Universal’s Volcano Bay isn’t just a waterpark; it’s a water theme park that offers a splash of thrills and relaxation under the Florida sun. Centered around a massive, awe-inspiring volcano, here, visitors can experience everything from serenely floating down a lazy river to heart-pounding rides down winding water slides.

The park’s innovative TapuTapu wearable technology takes the hassle away from waiting in line so they can plunge, drift, and relax at their own pace.

• Technological Waves: The park’s unique TapuTapu wearable allows guests to hold their spot in line for slides virtually, giving them more freedom to explore.
• Tropical Paradise: Soak in the sun at Waturi Beach or lounge by the wave pool for a more laid-back experience.
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a thrilling water ride within the heart of the volcano
• TeAwa the Fearless River, a racing torrent river providing active floating excitement
• The towering Ko’okiri Body Plunge offers a near-vertical, adrenaline-fueled free fall
• Serene winding rivers and lushly landscaped play areas
• Abundant lounge areas and premium seating for those looking to relax
• The TapuTapu wearable reduces physical waiting times for attractions
• A variety of attractions catering to thrill-seekers and those seeking relaxation
• Beautifully themed, immersing guests in a lush, tropical environment
• Accessible attractions and amenities accommodate families and groups
• Scenic vistas and waterways create an idyllic island getaway atmosphere
• Occasionally, popular attractions may reach capacity and close their virtual lines
• During cooler periods, certain attractions might be less appealing
• Waterpark connoisseurs looking for next-level innovation, families who appreciate both action-packed slides and relaxing water features, and anyone desiring to escape into a tropical water paradise

10. SeaWorld Orlando: A Marine Life Odyssey

For all the marine life enthusiasts, SeaWorld Orlando is a deep dive into the ocean’s wonders without getting wet. At this aquatic-themed park, they can experience up-close encounters with marine animals , witness the power of killer whales at the Orca Encounter, and learn about conservation efforts.

It’s a blend of education, entertainment, and thrill rides that promise an ocean of fun.

• Touching Experiences: Hand-feed dolphins or watch penguins waddle in their chilly habitat.
• Adrenaline Rush: Take on the heart-pounding thrills of roller coasters like Mako, Manta, and Kraken.
• Encounters with dolphins , killer whales , sea lions , and more in their habitats
• Educational shows and exhibits like TurtleTrek and Shark Encounter
• Mako, the hypercoaster known for high speeds and deep dives
• The Antarctic-themed penguin habitat , Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
• Family-friendly areas like Sesame Street Land, with attractions tailored for younger ones
• Opportunity to learn about marine life and conservation directly from experts
• A variety of rides, from intense roller coasters to gentle options for the little ones
• Live animal shows that combine entertainment with an educational message
• Dining options that feature sustainable, ocean-friendly seafood choices
• Attractions that cater to all weather conditions, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences
• Some guests may wish for more extensive animal encounters without additional fees
• Height restrictions on major thrill rides may limit options for younger children
• Animal lovers, thrill-seekers who enjoy high-speed coasters , and families looking for an educational yet entertaining theme park visit.

For the Love of LEGO and More

11. building memories at legoland florida resort.

Legoland Florida Resort is a colorful mosaic of playful adventures tailored specifically to kids between the ages of 2-12 and the young at heart who adore the timeless appeal of LEGO bricks.

This interactive park stimulates both the imagination and the sense of discovery , with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions inspired by various LEGO series.

• Brick by Brick Fun: Delve into The Lego Movie World and enjoy attractions like Masters of Flight , a flying theater ride showcasing breathtaking sights.
• Adventurous Exploration: Young explorers can go on a quest in the Land of Adventure or take a prehistoric wooden coaster ride on Coastersaurus.
• Lego Ninjago The Ride, where they can become ninjas with interactive elements
• MINILAND USA, featuring intricate LEGO reproductions of famous U.S. cities
• Duplo Valley for the smallest builders, with farm-themed attractions
• The immersive medieval LEGO Kingdoms area
• Accommodations like the Legoland Hotel with interactive LEGO themes throughout
• A theme park experience specifically designed for kids
• A variety of attractions that encourage hands-on creativity and play
• Themed areas that bring different LEGO worlds to life
• On-site accommodations with special features like in-room treasure hunts at the Pirate Island Hotel
• The chance to cool off at Legoland Water Park next door
• Through a plethora of attractions, older teens and adults may find the rides less thrilling
• During peak times, the park can become crowded with families, leading to longer wait times
• Families with young children, LEGO enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys interactive and imaginative play.

Dreaming of a Disney getaway? Explore our handpicked selection of hotels in Orlando near Disney. Book now for a magical vacation filled with unforgettable memories!

12. Cooling Off at Legoland Water Park

After a day full of discovery and LEGO-themed fun at Legoland Florida Resort, families can splash into an additional layer of excitement at Legoland Water Park . This extension of the resort offers a refreshing break with a variety of water-based attractions designed for all ages, making it the perfect place to beat Florida’s tropical heat.

• Constructive Play: At Creative Cove, they can build their very own boats and test their floating creations against the tides.
• Lazy River Relaxation: Customize a unique LEGO raft and peacefully drift along the 1000-foot-long Build-A-Raft River, a staple of the playful water park experience.
• LEGO Wave Pool, where families can enjoy gentle, rolling waves in a large pool
• Joker Soaker, a multi-level playground with slides, water cannons, and a torrential splash bucket
• Twin Chasers, where they can race down intertwining waterslides on a double tube
• Splash Out offers high-speed waterslide thrills for the more daring
• The DUPLO Splash Safari, a toddler-friendly area with shorter slides and larger-than-life DUPLO creatures
• Perfect cool-down spot with water attractions for all comfort levels
• Features encourage creativity and play, consistent with the LEGO brand
• Tons of safe and enjoyable activities for younger children
• Less waiting time with a relaxed atmosphere compared to bigger water parks
• Easy access for guests already visiting Legoland Florida Resort
• Limited thrill options for older kids and adults in search of extreme waterslide experiences
• Availability is subject to weather conditions and seasonal operation hours
• Young families seeking to combine the imaginative fun of LEGOs with the cool escape of a splash park and fans of the LEGO brand.

Also, be sure to check out our list of museums in Orlando for a dose of culture and history.

Beyond the Big Names: Additional Must-Visit Parks

13. soak up the sun at disney's blizzard beach and typhoon lagoon water parks.

Walt Disney World Resort is home to not just four major theme parks but also two water parks that promise equally enchanting experiences.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks offer sun-soaked fun with a Disney touch, where water adventures await all family members.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park With its frosty theme of a ski resort turned water park, Blizzard Beach offers a melting pot of thrill slides and relaxing beaches. The park’s icon, Mount Gushmore, sets the stage for a unique snowy oasis in sunny Florida.

• Chill Thrills: Slide down the Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest freefall body slides in the world.
• Family Fun: Gather everyone for a ride on the family-friendly Teamboat Springs, one of the world’s longest group whitewater raft rides .

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park At Typhoon Lagoon, they can plunge into tropical escapades within a setting shaped by the tale of a storm-tossed paradise. It features the largest outdoor wave pool in North America and offers a tranquil escape with sandy beaches.

• Surf’s Up: Catch waves in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool or take a surfing lesson to learn from the pros.
• Coaster-like Rush: Experience the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, a raft ride that uses powerful water jets to deliver thrilling ups and downs.

Top 5 Features for Both Parks:

• Diverse attractions with varying thrill levels
• Visually stunning themes unique to Disney
• Family-friendly atmospheres with areas designated for young kids
• Delicious dining options with a variety of quick-service restaurants
• Accessible features and free life jackets for guest safety
• Themed water attractions for a different kind of Disney adventure
• Opportunities to relax and enjoy the Florida climate
• Engaging in activities such as sandcastle building or floating down a lazy river
• Reduced waiting times compared to major theme parks
• Fun for all ages, whether looking for thrills or relaxation

Two Cons for Both Parks:

• Closure due to seasonal maintenance or inclement weather can sometimes affect planning
• Some guests might find the in-park food options to be limited or pricey
• Anyone looking to cool off in an imaginatively themed water environment, families with varied age groups, and Disney fans desiring a more laid-back experience but still within the magic of the Disney universe.

Make sure to include a relaxing dip in Orlando’s hot springs on your vacation agenda!

Insider Advice: Fast Passes, Dining, and Hidden Gems

Maximize your theme park visit in Orlando with these golden nuggets of insider info—they can make all the difference between a good trip and a magical one!

Fast Passes and Express Options: Reduce wait times with fast pass systems like Disney’s Genie+ service or Universal’s Express Pass. These allow guests to skip standard queues for many attractions and can be a game-changer during peak times.

Dining Delights: Reservations are highly recommended for sit-down dining experiences, especially in popular places like Epcot’s World Showcase or Disney Springs. For on-the-go options, mobile ordering saves time and lets them skip the line.

Hidden Gems:

• Find quieter spots for rest at Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom or the picturesque walking paths in Disney’s Boardwalk area.
• At Universal, enjoy the lesser-known cinematic displays like the Horror Makeup Show or the pathways around the park’s lagoon for a tranquil escape.

Don’t forget, these tips can turn a visit from delightful to downright dreamy!

FAQ: Unveiling the Magic

What are the must-see attractions in orlando's theme parks.

The must-see attractions in Orlando’s theme parks include Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain, EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth and Test Track, Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure, and the amazing animal encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari.

Don’t miss thrilling water rides at theme parks like Volcano Bay or Blizzard Beach either!

How do I make the most out of my visit to these amusement parks?

To make the most out of your visit, plan ahead: book tickets in advance , use park apps for wait times and FastPass+ reservations, arrive early, and prioritize must-see attractions.

Remember to stay hydrated, take breaks, and enjoy at your own pace.

Are there any lesser-known theme parks in Orlando worth visiting?

Yes, beyond the big names, Orlando offers lesser-known gems like Fun Spot America for classic fairground rides and Gatorland, where they can get up close with Florida’s famous reptiles.

Discovery Cove offers intimate dolphin encounters, and the Holy Land Experience provides a biblical-themed day out.

What is the best time of year to visit Orlando's theme parks?

The best time to visit Orlando’s theme parks is during the off-peak seasons , typically from January to early March and September to early November.

These periods offer cooler weather, less crowded parks, and often shorter wait times for attractions.

What are the 12 theme parks in Orlando?

The 12 theme parks in Orlando include:

• Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
• EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
• Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Aquatica Orlando by SeaWorld
• Legoland Florida Resort
• Fun Spot America Theme Park Orlando
• Discovery Cove

Each park offers a unique set of experiences, from classic Disney rides to immersive movie-themed attractions, aquatic adventures, and interactive animal exhibits.

What is a must-visit Orlando theme park for marine life enthusiasts?

For marine life enthusiasts, SeaWorld Orlando is a must-visit. They can discover a wide range of sea creatures, watch awe-inspiring shows , and learn about ocean conservation. Thrilling rides and interactive exhibits add to the aquatic adventure.

What are the benefits of becoming a Seaworld Orlando annual pass member?

Becoming a SeaWorld Orlando annual pass member offers benefits like free guest tickets, exclusive discounts on dining and merchandise , complimentary parking, and unlimited admission. There’s also early entry on select dates and special events for pass members.

Which theme park offers the best aquatic attractions?

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park i s often lauded for its best aquatic attractions. It boasts innovative water rides, a massive wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and the striking Krakatau volcano centerpiece. The TapuTapu wearable technology adds convenience to the experience.

Where can I find a family-friendly theme park in Orlando that appeals to all ages?

For a family-friendly theme park in Orlando that appeals to all ages, Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resor t is an excellent choice. It combines classic enchantment with attractions suited for young children, teens, and adults, ensuring a magical experience for every family member.

What are the 4 parks at Universal Orlando?

The 4 parks at Universal Orlando Resort include:

• Universal Studios Florida offers a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making with rides and shows.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure features themed islands with roller coasters and other attractions.
• Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water theme park with state-of-the-art rides and a tropical paradise vibe.
• Universal CityWalk is an entertainment complex with dining, shopping, and nightlife (not a theme park, but an integral part of the Universal experience).

Which theme park is Harry Potter World in Orlando?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is split between two parks at Universal Orlando Resort : Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade (including Hogwarts Castle) is in Universal’s Islands of Adventure .

Guests can travel between both areas aboard the Hogwarts Express with a park-to-park ticket.

What are the top amusement parks in Florida near Orlando?

The top amusement parks in Florida near Orlando include Walt Disney World Resort , Universal Orlando Resort , SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida Resort.

Others within driving distance are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for animal encounters and thrilling rides and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for space exploration fans.

Which theme park is Hagrid's ride in?

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, specifically within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade area.

This immersive coaster is a must-ride for Harry Potter fans and thrill-seekers visiting Orlando.

Which park is Diagon Alley Universal?

Diagon Alley is part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Universal Studios Florida.

It’s a meticulously crafted area within the park where guests can experience the magic of the Harry Potter series with attractions , shops , and dining that mirror the books and films.

What's the difference between Universal and Islands of Adventure?

Universal Studios Florida provides an experience rooted in film and television , offering attractions and live shows based on iconic franchises.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure , on the other hand, offers more in terms of thrill rides and immersive theming across various “islands” dedicated to different stories and characters, including those from Harry Potter, Marvel, and Jurassic Park.

Which theme parks are near Orlando?

Parks near Orlando include the famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort . Others within a short drive are SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven, and Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Gatorland and Fun Spot America provide more local flavor close to the city.

What are adult-friendly parks in Orlando?

Adult-friendly parks in Orlando feature a blend of thrill rides, sophisticated dining, and entertainment. EPCOT is known for its food and wine experiences, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer high-adrenaline rides, and Harry Potter attractions and Disney’s Hollywood Studios caters to Star Wars and classic movie fans.

SeaWorld and Discovery Cove provide serene encounters with marine life for a more relaxed outing.

Which are the best Orlando theme parks?

The best Orlando theme parks are subjective to visitors’ preferences:

• Magic Kingdom : Best for classic Disney magic and family-friendly attractions.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure : Best for high-thrill rides and Harry Potter fans.
• EPCOT : Best for cultural exploration and food aficionados.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom : Best for wildlife adventures and immersive themed experiences.
• Universal Studios Florida : Best for movie enthusiasts and interactive show experiences.

Each park offers distinct attractions that are best depending on what one is looking for in their theme park experience.

Where can I buy tickets for Orlando theme parks?

Tickets for Orlando theme parks can be purchased online directly from the respective park’s official websites , through authorized resellers and ticketing websites, at the parks’ onsite ticket booths, or as part of vacation packages via travel agents or tour operators.

Buying online in advance often provides the convenience of securing FastPasses or discounts.

What are the top theme parks in Orlando for adults?

The top theme parks in Orlando for adults include:

• EPCOT : Ideal for adults with its international pavilions and festivals like Food & Wine.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure : Offers high thrills, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios : Appeals to film buffs with Star Wars and classic Hollywood themes.
• Universal Studios Florida : Adults enjoy the film-centric rides and productions, plus themed nightlife at CityWalk.
• SeaWorld Orlando : Great for those interested in marine life, conservation, and roller coasters.

These parks not only cater to adult tastes in entertainment, but they also offer a variety of dining and shopping experiences.

How many theme parks does Orlando have?

Orlando is home to a total of more than a dozen theme parks , with the major ones being the four Walt Disney World Resort parks, the three Universal Orlando Resort parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Legoland Florida, and several other smaller parks, and water parks like Fun Spot America and Gatorland.

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Conclusion: Theme Parks in Orlando

Orlando stands unparalleled as the theme park capital of the world, with a vibrant array of parks to suit every interest, age group, and thrill level.

Whether basking in the classic enchantment of Disney, stepping into the cinematic universes at Universal , embarking on a marine voyage at SeaWorld , or diving into the colorful world of LEGO , Orlando delivers unforgettable experiences. Each park invites visitors to craft stories of adventure , fantasy, and discovery.

From memorable character encounters and innovative rides to educational exhibits and splashing good times , there’s a park in Orlando that’s perfect for any traveler seeking joy and entertainment. As they plan their visit, remember that the most magical aspect of Orlando’s parks is not just the rides and attractions themselves but the lasting memories they create .

Have you visited any of these amazing Theme Parks in Orlando ? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below !

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14 Top Orlando Theme Parks

Pack your bags and head to the Sunshine State for endless family fun.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Nothing says fun like an Orlando theme park.

Is your family begging for a theme park getaway? If so, look no further than a trip to Orlando, Florida. Choose from a variety of parks to suit all tastes, from the classic rides and characters at Walt Disney World Resort to the heart-pounding thrills of Universal Orlando Resort . And if the kids are animal lovers, they'll be especially happy at SeaWorld Orlando or Gatorland. Read on to start planning your next trip to the Sunshine State; fantastic weather and fun-filled family adventures at these top Orlando theme parks await.

[Read: The Top Things to Do in Orlando With Kids .]

Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

Perhaps the best-known theme park in Orlando, Magic Kingdom Park opened its doors in 1971 as the first park at Walt Disney World Resort. Awakening the imaginations of kids and adults alike, the world-famous Magic Kingdom is home to many classic, nostalgic rides, like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight and Jungle Cruise. Rides are separated into six themed areas – including Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland – with Cinderella's Castle standing as the focal point in the center of the park. There are several family-friendly Disney lodging properties located close to Magic Kingdom, including Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa .

[Read: The Top Disney Luggage .]

Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

Known best for Spaceship Earth, its iconic white sphere, Epcot offers four different worlds for visitors to explore. In the World Discovery section of the park, get your blood pumping on two thrilling rides: Test Track and Mission: Space. At World Showcase, learn about countries all around the world, including Morocco, Italy, Norway and China, through films, exhibits, rides and restaurants. Popular rides in this area include Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in France and Frozen Ever After in Norway. When hunger strikes, stop for a bite at the romantic La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico. For easy access to Epcot, book a stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort , which is within walking distance to one of the park's back entrances. At this property, you can also hop on the Disney Skyliner gondola to reach Disney's Hollywood Studios, more Disney Parks or other area resorts.

Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

"Star Wars" and "Toy Story" fans won't want to miss Disney's Hollywood Studios, where they'll find entire lands dedicated to their favorite characters. At Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, take a ride on the Millennium Falcon, make your own lightsaber or step into the story on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In Toy Story Land, visitors can ride the Slinky Dog Dash coaster, try their hand at carnival games on Toy Story Mania! and meet characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. You'll also find a variety of live shows, including "A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration." Affordable Disney resorts close to Hollywood Studios include Disney's Pop Century Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort . At Art of Animation, larger families can opt for a three-bed family suite, which includes a dining table that doubles as a bed.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

Spanning more than 500 acres, Animal Kingdom Park is one of Walt Disney World Resort's largest theme parks. It houses around 2,000 animals and features a range of rides across six sections, including Africa, Asia, Pandora – The World of Avatar and DinoLand U.S.A. Favorite attractions include the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain coaster, Avatar Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safaris. Visitors to this Disney Park can continue their Animal Kingdom experience with a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Guests can look just outside the lodge to see more than 30 species of African wildlife, as well as enjoy a large pool with a waterslide and meals at on-site restaurants like Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

For some refreshing fun during Orlando's hotter days, head to Blizzard Beach, one of two Disney water parks. The theme park brings to life an imaginary Florida snowstorm centered around Mount Gushmore, which features a chairlift and the Summit Plummet waterslide. Other attractions include the Toboggan Racers, where you can race a friend or family member on a mat, and the Teamboat Springs group water raft ride. Blizzard Beach sits between Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's All Star Sports Resort – both convenient accommodations offering easy park-to-park access.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Walt Disney World Resort: Lake Buena Vista

Disney's second water park option – Typhoon Lagoon – is easy to spot thanks to its iconic shrimp boat perched atop a mountain. Hang out in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, the park's main attraction with a white sand beach, or take a spin on the Crush 'n' Gusher, a coaster-style raft ride that propels you forward with water jets. For an extra special experience, you can even take a surfing lesson. Typhoon Lagoon is located near Disney Springs, a shopping and dining district, and nearby resorts include Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa .

Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando

Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Step into the spotlight at Universal Studios Florida, where you can experience attractions based on movies, TV shows and Hollywood icons. Perhaps the most popular section of the park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which lets fans of the popular book and film series experience the magical setting of Harry Potter. Parkgoers can ride the Hogwarts Express or hop on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts thrill ride, and they can even select their own wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop. Beyond Harry Potter-themed attractions, travelers can enjoy the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem simulator and The Simpsons Ride. Universal Studios Florida is also known for its Halloween Horror Nights event each fall, which features elaborate haunted houses and spooky characters. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando , an Italian-themed resort, makes for a luxe stay with easy access to the parks via boat.

Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando

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Universal's Islands of Adventure park is the place to go for fantastical adventures across themed areas like Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park and Seuss Landing. At Seuss Landing, you can enter the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss and his many stories and characters. At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, sip Butterbeer while waiting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts Castle. Thrill rides inside the park range from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, to Dr. Doom's Fearfall and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride. When night falls, lay your head at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a throwback to the 1950s and '60s featuring family suites with kitchenettes and separate sitting and sleeping areas.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 ]

Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando

You can't miss the giant volcano at the center of Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Attractions include aqua coasters, body slides, raft rides and a lazy river with rapids and waves. An especially unique feature is the park's virtual lines; parkgoers don TapuTapu devices on their wrists that virtually hold their place in line for rides and notify them when it's their turn. For a quick walk to the park, stay at Universal's Aventura Hotel, which has a path that goes straight to Volcano Bay. The property also features a rooftop bar, a food hall, an on-site Starbucks and a pool.

[Read: The Best Water Parks in the U.S. ]

Legoland Theme Park, Legoland Florida Resort: Winter Haven

Got Lego lovers in your family? Experience all things brick at Legoland Florida Resort, from The Lego Movie World to Land of Adventure. Check out Lego Ninjago The Ride and Coastersaurus for more of a thrill. Little ones will enjoy the kid-friendly Duplo Valley area, which features a colorful playhouse, train rides and a toddler splash zone. For added convenience, stay overnight at one of three Legoland Florida hotels. Choose from the Pirate Island Hotel with pirate-themed rooms and in-room treasure hunts; the Legoland Hotel or bungalows at the Legoland Beach Retreat.

Legoland Water Park, Legoland Florida Resort: Winter Haven

Courtesy of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

When you want a break from the bricks, head for a refreshing dip at Legoland Water Park. Families will find waterslides, a wave pool and a lazy river. At Creative Cove, visitors can build their own boats and race them against others, and travelers can also test out their engineering skills by creating their own rafts to float down the lazy river. Nearby accommodations outside of the park include the Courtyard Winter Haven and the Holiday Inn Winter Haven.

SeaWorld Orlando: Orlando

An animal-themed park in Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando focuses on ocean animal rescue and rehabilitation. Get up close and personal with sea creatures at a variety of shows, including the Orca Encounter and the Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight. There are also multiple aquariums and opportunities to go behind the scenes in the park's rehab centers. You'll also find plenty of attractions to please visitors of all ages; rides for thrill-seekers include the Mako, Manta and Kraken coasters, as well as the Journey to Atlantis water ride. Younger kids can romp around Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld, which offers rides like Elmo's Choo Choo Train and Big Bird's Twirl 'n' Whirl. The nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Theme Parks offers a free hot breakfast daily, as well as a pool and suites fitted with kitchens and dining areas.

Gatorland: Orlando

For an off-the-beaten-path theme park trip, consider Gatorland . Located south of Orlando near Kissimmee, Gatorland offers kids the chance to see more than 2,000 American alligators, plus crocodiles, birds and other animals of all shapes and sizes. Spend the day riding a zip line over the reptiles, going on an off-road adventure complete with singing tour guides or attending a wildlife show. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes are both situated less than 5 miles north of the park and make for a luxurious overnight stay.

Fun Spot America: Orlando

Located just off of the north end of Orlando's International Drive, Fun Spot America features classic theme park rides like the only wooden coaster in Orlando. At the park, you'll also find bumper cars and thrill rides like the SkyCoaster, the Hot Seat giant arm swing and Headrush 360 (which turns riders upside down to swing and spin). Take your pick of nearby hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North or the SureStay Plus by Best Western Orlando International Drive.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Family Spring Break Destinations
• Ways to Save on Your Orlando Vacation
• The Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida
• The Top Amusement Parks in the U.S.
• The Top Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.
• The Top Indoor Water Parks Across the U.S.
• Traveling with Toddlers: Tips to Make Your Vacation Go Smoothly
• The Top Travel Strollers

Tags: Travel , Theme Park Vacations , Disney Vacations , Vacation Ideas , Family Vacations , Florida Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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30 Top tips for visiting ORLANDO THEME PARKS

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 7, 2024

Heading to Orlando theme parks? We share these top tips for visiting Orlando theme parks so you can enjoy the parks without stress.

Top tips for visiting Orlando Theme Parks

Take a bottle of water and refill it at the various water fountains or ask the servers in restaurants. Most parks will refill water bottles free of charge and we love bringing a foldable water bottle like this ; you can collapse them whenever you are finished using them, so they take up much less space in your bag and you don’t have to worry about it getting crushed under all your souvenirs. 

Use the website and park apps to get used to the layout of the park, so you can head straight to the ride you are most excited about. With the introduction of Genie +, there are many new things to learn about the Disney parks especially, so make sure you watch vlogs of those based in Orlando and get planning your days in the park. We always recommend you choose your ‘must-do’ attractions and rides before you visit so that you know which queues to prioritise. 

• BEAT THE HEAT

If you are not too fussed about riding every single ride, head to the parks at around 3.30 pm, meaning you beat the hottest time and the park is starting to clear. Enjoying the parks in the evenings are great ways to beat the crowds and heat, especially if you are stuck to visiting during school holidays. 

Both Universal and Disney offer apps with ride waiting times, check these before you leave and whilst you are at the park so that you know which rides are quieter when deciding what to ride next. Make sure to keep refreshing the app too so that you have the most up-to-date times. 

• CHILD SWAP/RIDER SWITCH PASS

Travelling to the theme parks with small children? Many rides offer a ‘child swap’ option for young children to swap with their siblings; particularly helpful when you have only one adult or older sibling wanting to ride.

• FORGET THE PARADE

If you do love rides, then forget watching the parades and head straight to the best rides you want to try. Queues tend to be a lot quieter during parade times, particularly the evening parades.

• BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

Avoid queues and save money by purchasing your tickets online and printing them before heading to the park. We save money and time by purchasing ticket packages at Undercover Tourist .

• LEAVE POTTER TO LAST

Whilst visiting Universal, both Harry Potter areas and rides get incredibly busy, incredibly early. Leave visiting these sections until later in the evening (when younger children are heading home) to avoid long queues. Also, there are lots of great Harry Potter souvenirs available at Universal Studios but skip the wand purchases whilst here, these are massively overpriced. Read this guide to visiting Harry Potter World on a budget if you plan on spending a lot of time at the Universal parks but don’t want to spend too much money. 

Although it is tempting, don’t overpack your bag! This will weigh you down and slow you down during your trip. Bring your phone, wallet, camera, raincoat and water bottle and that is all! If you are travelling as a couple or a group of friends, perhaps take turns in bringing a bag. 

• THE CORRECT FOOTWEAR

We have all done it; wore pretty new shoes on a day out and ended up with blistered, achy feet. Trainers are the best choice for trekking around these theme parks but I do love wearing a comfy pair of flip-flops in the hot months. You could also wear pumps or ballerina shoes, whatever you feel comfortable in, but just make sure to avoid brand-new shoes. This foot glide is a must too! Slip it into your bag and use it on achy, blistered feet when needed. The same company have this amazing body glide to prevent chafing too, so you can wear those dresses and skirts without anything aching after!

Food in parks can be so expensive but don’t forget you can bring your own food in with you. We like to bring in a few snacks and get the refillable cups.

Eating at an indoor restaurant can be a godsend during the hot summer months, so bring some extra money for this.

Alternatively, enjoy half days at the park and eat at restaurants outside of the parks before or after your time inside a theme park. This is especially useful at Universal when you can pop outside of the park and eat at City Walk.

If you are visiting Orlando on a budget, you could also choose to take time away from the park to enjoy one of the restaurants on International Drive then return to the parks in the evening.

In Orlando, it is so essential to bring sunscreen and keep applying it. It is easy to forget when you’re whizzing through the air at super speeds but don’t spoil the next few days of your holiday by forgetting to apply a bit whilst you’re queuing for the next ride.

• WEAR LAYERS

Orlando’s weather can change throughout the day, so bring layers to avoid the ‘waiting for the parade’ chill or to keep you covered in a thunderstorm. We love little raincoats that fold up into a tiny bag – we can throw them into our backpacks and wear them for wet rides or when it downpours.

• SINGLE RIDER

If you aren’t too fussed about sitting next to your friends or family, take the single rider queue, which can cut your wait time by half, if not more.

• BRING A CAMERA

Avoid paying for overcharged ride shots and bring your camera to capture your fun memories. You don’t need an expensive one either, just a decent phone camera or an affordable point-and-shoot camera would work. We love these travel cameras under $300.

• ARRIVE EARLY AND STAY LATE

I know I have said to arrive late if you are not too fussed about riding all the rides but if you are fussed and want a full day at the park then get there early. Parking lots fill up faster in the popular months and currently, you need to book ahead of time to secure your place in a park. 

Now, if you are staying on Disney property, we recommend taking a mid-afternoon break from the parks to cool off and avoid burnout. But make sure to head back into the parks as the sun sets, especially Magic Kingdom. I am not sure how much Walt Disney spends on fireworks but the shows should not be missed, even if you only catch them once on your trip!

Bring a Poncho to avoid the inevitable rainy afternoons. 

• BRING SPARE CLOTHES FOR WATER RIDES

The Island of Adventures includes lots of water rides that help you cool off in the summer. Unfortunately, because of the high humidity of the Orlando, clothes don’t always dry as well, so bring along some spare underwear to avoid walking around in wet clothes all day. This is also true for most theme parks if you want to enjoy their wetter rides. 

• START AT THE BACK

No matter which park you are heading to, walk to the back of the park when you first enter the theme park and work your way forward to avoid long queues and hectic walkways. This is especially true if you are visiting first thing in the morning. 

• ALTERNATE YOUR RIDES

This one we find much easier to do in Universal parks, but alternate your rides between outdoor and indoor air-conditioned rides to avoid getting too hot during the day. Also, try to time indoor meals or indoor rides during the middle of the day, when the sun and temperature are at their highest. 

• SIT NEAR AN EXIT

When watching a show, try and get seats near an exit to allow for a fast escape at the end.

• CHARGE YOUR PHONE

Not just for pictures but for those moments you suddenly lose your party, make sure your phone is fully charged. We always like to carry a lightweight battery pack on busy and long days out but you can also find recharging stations around most theme parks these days. 

• SOUVENIR SHOPPING

Buy your souvenirs at the end of your day, there is nothing worse than carrying around a half-deflated balloon and a collection of Simpson merchandise around the theme park all day. At Disney, if you choose to buy souvenirs during the day, you can collect the items at the exit as you leave the park or even get them sent to your hotel if you are staying at a Disney Resort.

• BOOK FOOD RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE

If you are a large family or want to eat in a popular sit-down restaurant for dinner, you need to book a table prior to your visit. This is especially true at the moment, with many places running at a reduced capacity. Remember, you can always opt for a meal at one of the Disney resorts if you want the Disney experience but restaurants in the park are fully booked. 

Choose a hotel near the theme parks that offer a shuttle bus to avoid high taxi charges. You can rent and drive yourself, which we found the most convenient method of transport but be warned that parking in any of the theme parks is expensive, costing upwards of $25 per day. Disney resorts offer free transport to Disney parks, Universal resorts are within walking distance to the Universal parks and there are many hotel chains that offer free shuttle buses (especially on international drive ). 

• HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

If you are travelling with younger children, check the height restriction before visiting so you can purposefully avoid certain rides and therefore avoid child disappointment. 

Take advantage of the theme park apps. Not only do they have wait times as we mentioned before, but you can use apps to reserve restaurants too. Disney’s Genie app can be used to help you cut down on wait times at certain rides whilst the Disney Genie Plus app is a paid-for service which allows faster access to most rides. 

• USE THE CROWD CALENDAR

Undercover Tourist has a brilliant Crowd Calendar that gives you a rough idea of the park’s busiest days and weeks. Check it out before you plan any trip and avoid the Christmas period if possible.

• SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the year, the parks hold special events; whether it is a Christmas event, Halloween event or Disney’s popular Food and Wine Festival. For after-hour events, make sure to book tickets in advance, arrive early and stay late to make the most out of your time and money. Don’t overspend on food at these events (be picky about what you try) and avoid the first or last night of an event; these are always the busiest. 

• PHOTOGRAPH THE PARKING LOT

So, theme park parking lots are massive! Take a photo of the area and lot you have parked in so you can find your car at the end of the day. 

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18 Ideas For What to Do in Orlando, Florida

W hen you think of Orlando in Florida, your mind has probably conjured up images of the Disney Castle. And while the city is known for its theme parks, they are not the only things to do in Orlando, Florida!

Orlando has year-round beach weather, beautiful natural landscapes such as the Everglades, and endless opportunities for adventures and whole family fun.

If you’re not sure what to do in Orlando, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we share our top attractions in Orlando for those looking for the best things to see and do, where to eat, stay, and make the most out of their visit.

Is Orlando Worth Visiting?

1. wild florida everglades airboat & wildlife park, 2. go to the beaches, 3. go skydiving.

• 4. Visit Orlando's Roadside Attractions

How to avoid long lines at theme parks

6. check out the lake eola park fountain display, 7. hit the nightclubs.

• 8. Shop 'till you drop!

9. Attend a festival in Orlando

10. visit kennedy space center, 11. go tubing down the rainbow river, 12. relax in harry p leu gardens.

• 13. Be amazed at Ripley's Believe It or Not!

14. Ride a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

15. break out of an escape room at escape game orlando, 16. check out the crayola experience, 17. get educated at orlando science center, 18. play a round of golf at topgolf orlando, where to eat in orlando, best time of year to visit orlando, getting to & around orlando, places to stay at disney, places to stay at universal studios, pin to save on pinterest.

Most people visit Orlando for the theme parks. The Walt Disney World Resort offers attractions, shows, dining and shopping on a property that is twice the size of the island of Manhattan in New York. First-time visitors underestimate how massive it really is.

Despite the artificiality that Disney Parks are known for, it’s the quintessential American vacation and it really is an experience like none other.

And with other theme parks like Universal Orlando , Volcano Bay ,  Sea World , and Busch Gardens Tampa , there are plenty of places to keep you busy.

But theme parks is not all that Orlando has to offer. It’s also surrounded by beautiful nature spots, unique wildlife experiences, excellent shopping, thriving nightlife, and many quirky roadside attractions that add to its charm. For these reasons, Orlando is definitely worth a visit.

Of course, there’s more to Orlando than theme parks, especially if you want to experience what the locals do. But if you want theme parks, below are some handy tips.

• Get the best deals on theme park tickets with Undercover Tourist
• Tips for flying to DisneyWorld

Ideas For What to Do in Orlando

Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers plenty to keep you busy – which is surprising to many. Here’s what’s new in Orlando for 2024 .

Orlando’s top wildlife attractions  allow you to get up close with real Florida wildlife in their natural habitat.

While, many visiting Orlando may consider a trip to the Everglades National Park, know that it’s a four hour drive away. (We recommend adding to your Florida Bucket List though!)

You can however, get a small taste of this experience at Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park, one of the best thing to do in Orlando for many tourists.

It’s located about an hour from Orlando on Lake Cypress, which is considered the Headwaters of the Central Florida Everglades.

Wild Florida gives a glimpse of what it’s like to explore the wild side of Florida. In their  Gator Park , there are over 200 animals on display, including exotic animals like zebras, sloths, lemurs, and Watusi.

Most people love visiting for the Orlando airboat tours, where you’ll glide through the iconic swamplands on an airboat, you get to see the diversity of this unique ecosystem.

Check out this Wild Florida Everglades tour from Orlando, Florida!

Although not directly next to the ocean, Orlando is not too far away from some of Florida’s best beaches.

From the serene shores of Vero Beach to the vibrant atmosphere of Clearwater Beach, there are many coastal havens you can run to if you want to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

My favorite is the sun-kissed Cocoa Beach, known for its surfing culture and lively atmosphere. Cocoa Beach is just a quick 45-minute drive from the city on the Atlantic Coast, and you can find free parking at Ron Jon Surf Shop.

New Smyrna Beach is also a nice beach to visit for a tranquil beach day amidst picturesque surroundings.

While you’re there, you might as well go skydiving at Skydive Space Center , one of the highest drops in the world at 18,000 feet (5.48km).

If you’ve never been sky diving before, it’s the ultimate adrenaline rush!

What makes Orlando a great place to skydive from is the amazing, picturesque Florida coastal views you get while feeling the unparalleled sensation of free fall.

Whether you’re a first-time tandem diver or a seasoned enthusiast, the opportunity to conquer personal fears, embrace boundless freedom, and savor the unmatched exhilaration of skydiving is one of the top things to do in Orlando.

4. Visit Orlando’s Roadside Attractions

“Old Florida” is a term that is used to describe Florida in the 1950’s, before the theme parks would arrive.

Roadside Americana reigned supreme, and while many of Orlando’s roadside attractions from this era closed down to make way for more modern developments, there are still a few ticking around today..

The ones that stood the test of time, are truly the ones that are the best. Be sure to check out:

• Gatorland touts itself as the Alligator Capitol of the World, a well-deserved title. The adventurous types can take zip lines over a pool of hungry gators. If you’re up for a drive, Weeki Wachee Springs gives you the chance to see real mermaids.
• Check out Fun Spot America. While Orlando is famous for its big theme parks, riding the wooden roller coaster at Fun Spot America is like stepping back in time.
• At night, check out the Silver Moon Drive-In , one of the few remaining Drive-In Movie Theaters around. For $4 per person, you get a double-feature of first-run films from the comfort of your car.
• For a slower change of pace, visit Mount Dora, a charming town north of Orlando. They are known for their annual craft festivals each year and locally-owned shops. You’ll be sure to find a friend here.

5. Visit the Theme Parks in Orlando

If you are going to visit Orlando, then you simply must spend some time at one of the many theme parks.

Orlando alone has over 18 theme parks, not including water parks. You’ll need at least three weeks to experience it all, since many of these theme parks require multiple days to see.

For shorter lengths of stay, a visit to the Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (where you can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and walk down a real-life Diagon Alley) are the must-dos.

You may also want to visit Volcano Bay, Discovery Cove in Orlando, as well as ICON Park, Legoland Florida and Seaworld Orlando. You can read this helpful guide here. 

One of the newer theme parks is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you can find thrill rides and VR experiences, such as stepping into a VR Star Wars world.

Watch our videos of our time at Universal Orlando Resort and read all our tips for Universal Orlando Resort.

There’s no doubt about it, theme parks draw big crowds and long lines, but savvy visitors to Orlando know how to avoid them.

• September and January are generally quiet in the parks. Lines for popular attractions will generally average 20 minutes or so (much short than the 60-90 minutes in the summer).
• Disney offers FastPass , a ride reservation system that virtually eliminates your wait for several top attractions. It’s included with your park admission.
• Universal Orlando offers a similar experience, for an additional fee.

And if you want to experience Christmas decorations without the crowds, the 1st week in December is the perfect time of the season to visit any of the parks.

If you want to experience Halloween at Disney, check out this useful guide. 

Save Money on Orlando Theme Parks ! Discounted theme park tickets are hard to come by for out-of-state visitors. And when you add up an entire week’s worth of food, hotels, and souvenirs, the number can be quite staggering.

Undercover Tourist is our trusted partner that offers authentic theme park tickets at discounted prices!

At the center of the city is Lake Eola, a nearly one-mile (1.9km) lake that is the focal point of the city.

At night, the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain is lit up in a rainbow of colors and on select night, a fountain show synchronized to music will play.

The fountain display takes place at 8.00pm and 9.30pm most nights.

Lake Eola is also a great place to visit in the day if you want something more chilled to do. You can also rent a swan boat, take the kids to the playground, or simply relax on the lawns.

If you’re looking to stay up late, Downtown Orlando has several clubs that keep busy until 2 A.M.

Your best bet for dancing is on Church Street , which offers a range of clubs and bars.

Wall St., located just off Orange Ave, is another popular spot with lots of bars and restaurants. There’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon live music too.

Of course, for that late-night meal after dancing the night away, Bananas Modern Diner is a short drive away. And Steak and Shake , a popular chain in the south will give you the greasy food your tummy deserves!

If you’re staying near the theme parks, Universal Citywalk offers a variety of clubs with individual tickets available for purchase per club, or an all-in-one access pass. A movie theater and mini golf course are also available.

Downtown Disney offers nighttime entertainment with a softer touch, but drinks can be had at Raglan Road , an authentic Irish Pub.

8. Shop ’till you drop!

Orlando is a shopper’s paradise! Both the Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia are popular with both tourists and locals.

The Florida Mall has a great mix of stores for all budgets while the Mall at Millenia caters to the higher-end shopper.

For great deals, be sure to visit the Premium Outlets . You could easily spend a whole day browsing here.

Disney Springs is also a great area for shopping and dining.

Each of the theme parks offers special events throughout the year, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, you can always find a festival to attend.

If you had to only hit one, visit the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall. You can find sample-size plates available featuring cuisine from around the world. It’s a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

During the winter months, the Orlando Improv Festival , has grown in popularity, and every February, the Plant City Strawberry Festival draws huge crowds who celebrate the best fruit around, the strawberry!

The springtime brings the Florida Film Festival – a week of independent films with emerging and well-established industry talent, but as summer approaches, GayDays Orlando is the festival to see! It is celebrated on the first weekend in June with over 150,000 people in attendance at the theme parks.

It’s one of the biggest events in Orlando.

For the astronaut in you, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex gives you a glimpse into America’s Space Program.

Founded in the 1960s, this iconic facility has witnessed pivotal moments in space exploration, including the launch of the first American astronaut to the Moon.

As you wander the museum, you can learn about its history and heritage, from the Vertical Processing Facility to the Visitor Complex, where enthralling exhibits and interactive experiences make learning about space exploration fun.

See towering rockets, shop for astronaut memorabilia in the gift shop, and even learn about veteran space explorers.

Be sure to sign up for the guided tour which takes you all around the facility and in the near future, one of the retired space shuttles will be on display. Get your entry tickets here.

Related post –  How to visit Kennedy Space Center on launch day

Check out this Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando, Florida!

One of my favorite local spots is the Rainbow River , which is a great place to go tubing.

As you drift along the crystalline, turquoise waters, you’re surrounded by lush nature which makes for an idyllic backdrop as you relax in a tube.

While tubing isn’t allowed within the day-use or headsprings areas of the park, the nearby KP Hole Park provides a perfect launch point.

If you don’t have a tube, don’t worry, there are tube rentals and shuttle services available from Rainbow Springs State Park.

Load up your car with a picnic lunch, rent an inner tube and drift aimlessly away down the crystal clear, sparkling river – it’s pure relaxation!

Tubing is open from April 1st until 30th September, from 8.00am until 12.45pm.

For more relaxing things to do in Orlando, head to the alluring botanical gardens of Harry P. Leu Gardens, a botanical paradise spanning nearly 50 acres.

This idyllic haven boasts a mesmerizing tapestry of aroids, azaleas, bamboo, citrus, and an array of vibrant flora. The gardens belong to the estate of Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu, who purchased the house (now a museum) in 1936.

He was a successful industrial supply company owner with a fondness for travel, and bought back many plants and seeds to grow in his garden. The result is a beautiful garden with global plants that you won’t find anywhere else in the states.

What makes this garden unique is the dinosaur exhibit with life-size dinosaur sculptures!

13. Be amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

You may have heard about the bizarre wonders at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which has museums located all over the world.

In Orlando, you can delve into the mesmerizing world of oddities and curiosities that have made this museum franchise famous!

Within the “Odditorium,” you’ll discover 16 galleries that showcase an incredible array of unbelievable exhibits, from peculiar artifacts such as a shrunken heads and egyptian mummies, there is no shortage of weird and wonderful things to see here.

As well as the exhibits, there are also fun activities and workshops for kids, such as creating a wax mold of your hands!

Winter Park is a picturesque chain of lakes that are best seen from a scenic boat tour .

As you glide along the tranquil waterways on a charming pontoon boat, you’ll see the towering cypress trees, swamps, man-made canals, vibrant flora, and even some opulent homes.

The boat tour only carries 18 passengers, so the beauty of the area is not lost to overcrowded boats.

If you’re visiting Orlando with teenagers, a fun family activity to do is escape the room!

Escape Rooms are so much fun! You and your team have a dedicated amount of time to solve puzzles and riddles, in order to beat the game and escape the room before the time limit runs out.

If you’ve never done an Escape Room before, Escape Game Orlando is a great place for beginners, since they have a variety of rooms that cater to beginners (and seasoned escapers too!)

Whether you’re tasked with escaping from prison, pulling off an impossible heist, finding gold from the Gold Rush or launching a space ship, there is an escape room for every taste and experience level.

Unleash your inner creativity at the Crayola Experience , where creativity and fun unite!

This huge facilities, spanning over 70,000 square feet, is full of whimsical adventures, from coloring classes to demonstrations on how the crayons are made to a giant soft play.

You and your kids can sculpt, draw, and explore a kaleidoscope of ways to create unique artwork.

Get your entrance ticket for the Crayola Experience here!

Another great place to take the kids for an educational and fun day out is the Orlando Science Center , where curiosity knows no bounds.

This hands-on museum has regular events and classes for children under 4, as well as hosts a variety of interactive exhibits that delve into natural sciences and futuristic technologies.

From mind-bending displays on ecosystems to engaging experiences in teleportation and brain games, the center ignites a passion for learning in a fun way.

For golfing enthusiasts, a visit to Topgolf Orlando is a must. With climate-controlled driving bays akin to bowling lanes, this venue offers fun and competitive golf games for all skill levels.

It also has a wonderful restaurant and sports bar with a roof terrace and fire pits.

At first glance, Orlando seems to have nothing but chain restaurants. But if you have your own car, and know a local, they’ll steer you to some fantastic gems.

• Around the theme parks, Press 101 offers gourmet sandwiches and wines at reasonable prices. Live music is played on the weekend.
• For a special occasion, neighboring Seasons 52 , offers a fine dining experience with an ever-changing menu, freshly prepared food and great wines.
• In downtown Orlando, Pine Twenty2 offers locally-sourced, all-natural hamburgers that are just bursting with flavor. You can build your own or order one of the house specialities.
• For a sweet ending, stop by The Dessert Lady for freshly made gourmet cakes that are gigantic.
• Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria is located in the Milk District, a short ride from downtown (near the milk factory). They offer an eclectic array of teas and delicious sandwiches in an urban vibe.

But for a true taste of Orlando, you need to schedule your culinary visit around one of The Daily City Food Truck Events.

Scheduled on a weekly basis, rotating venues every week, 20-30 food trucks line up with every imaginable cuisine. My recommendation, go direct to the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck.

The best time to visit Orlando is in October and March.

Each month is warm enough for you to take full advantage of beaches, water parks and all the other outdoor activities, but without the humidity that the summer is notorious for.

October tends to be less crowded at the theme parks than March (popular with school spring break), but there is always the looming threat of a hurricane interrupting your trip – though the likelihood for that is minimal.

With Orlando being such a popular destination, direct routes from most major airports in the United States are almost always available and competition keeps prices reasonably affordable.

Direct flights from destinations in Europe and South America are also plentiful.

Orlando is served by both busses and rail, but the logistics of getting to the main tourist corridor are cumbersome at best. You’re better off renting a car from the airport.

Downtown Orlando is a very walkable city, and walking is the preferred way of getting around. But Orlando is a city that sprawls out, so if you’d like to visit anything not in downtown, you’ll need to travel by car.

Public transport by bus is available ( GoLynx ), but not convenient if time is important to you. You’ll need to make several transfers to get anywhere and the frequency of busses is not timely.

If you’re staying along international drive, there is a trolley that runs up and down the length of the street, making frequent stops.

Don’t forget Uber as a way to get around. This is widely used in Orlando.

Look for your rental car on DiscoverCars.com to browse all the top companies in one place.

Where to Stay in Orlando

If there’s one thing Orlando has, it’s plenty of hotels that cater to all travel budgets.

If you’re looking to stay on Disney Property the All-Star Sports Resort , the All Star Music Resort , or the All Star Movies Resort  is your best bet for the cheapest price (but still pricey).

If you have the budget, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite, while Disney’s Boardwalk is located near one of the theme parks, Epcot.

For Universal Studios, check out:

• Cabana Bay Beach Resort ( See prices and availability on Booking.com )
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort ( See prices and availability Booking.com)
• Loews Royal Pacific Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com)
• Hard Rock Hotel ( See prices and availability on Booking.com)

HOT TIP: If you are traveling with a large group of friends or family, check out this 10 bedroom vacation home near Disney World.  Try and find a group of people and split the cost, as accommodation in Orlando can be expensive.

Final Thoughts

You can almost guarantee that when the rest of the country (and the world for that matter) are bundling up to keep warm, Orlando is experiencing sunshine and perfect weather all year round.

Related Posts:

• 3 things to do in Central Florida (beyond Orlando)
• 16 Spectacular Florida Vacation Spots
• 18 Best Places for Families to Visit in Florida

Do you have any tips on what to do in Orlando? Share in the comments.

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I've Visited All the Theme Parks in Florida — and These Are the Best Ones

These are the best theme parks in Florida, from Disney to Universal and beyond.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Florida is known for its white-sand beaches, year-round sunny weather, and a collection of some of the world's best theme parks. Here, you can enter the enchanting world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando or shrink down to the size of a toy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s also the place where coasters take you to new heights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and everything is awesome for mini thrill-seekers at Legoland Florida.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit all the parks in the state; here are 10 of the best theme parks in Florida so you can start planning your next trip.

Magic Kingdom

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

This park set the standard for the Florida theme park industry we know today when it opened in 1971. Today, Magic Kingdom Park bridges the old with the new, inviting guests to relive the tales of childhood and enjoy beloved attractions, like Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s also the home of Disney World's newest ride, TRON Lightcycle/ Run , a thrilling roller coaster.

Magic Kingdom is the park I often find myself returning to again and again, with its picture-perfect Cinderella Castle and the old-timey feel of Main Street, U.S.A. There’s a distinct charm here that hasn’t been replicated, and that feeling of nostalgia is especially palpable in classic attractions like It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

EPCOT is a unique park that started as a passionate vision from Walt Disney; its name stands for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While it didn’t exactly pan out as he expected it to, it stands alone as one of the very best theme parks in the world , marrying entertainment with education in a world's fair-inspired experience. World Showcase features 11 different countries presenting their cultures through shopping, dining, and attractions. The other half of Epcot sparks imagination and inspiration, with a focus on advances in technology that explore space, time, and the future depicted in one-of-a-kind attractions, like Spaceship Earth and Living With the Land.

It’s my favorite park to dine at, thanks to its year-round restaurants — the very best at Disney World — and acclaimed food festivals. It also shines from season to season, with enchanting holiday décor in the winter and stunning topiaries come spring, offering something new to see visit after visit. Disney movie fans will also find some of the best film-inspired attractions, including high-spirited Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes the yesteryear glam of Tinseltown and combines it with the biggest films of the modern age, inviting park goers to step into the worlds of these beloved franchises. Without a doubt, its showstopper is the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , a pioneering feat of Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, all five senses take an intergalactic journey with otherworldly bites and trailblazing experiences, like the astonishing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance . And park newcomer, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is pure family fun.

My very favorite rides at Disney World are here, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, known for its unique ride system, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. I also enjoy the vibrant Toy Story Land, adorably themed with stellar character interactions and great rides, including all-ages roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash. Its unique dining options have become a family mainstay, like the delightfully quirky Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, which invites diners into a dimly lit indoor movie theater as they munch on American eats from within retro cars.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney World’s most beautiful park is inspired by the company’s devotion to animal conservation; they even tapped legend Jane Goodall to consult on the project’s conception. The park explores vast cultures of the globe, from Africa to Asia, within scenic lands. Its pinnacle, Pandora — The World of Avatar, will impress Avatar film superfans and casual viewers alike. Here, you can find one of Disney World’s best rides , the exhilarating 3D flying simulator attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage.

A visit here isn’t complete without experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris, which guides riders on a tour of a wildlife reserve with hundreds of majestic creatures. Tapping into its global inspiration, food here is some of the most eclectic and ambitious I’ve found at Disney World.

Universal Studios Florida

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Inspired by the greatest moments from entertainment history, Universal Studios Florida is a movie and television-themed park that began as an actual working studio. Several lands pay homage to iconic backlot sets, including San Francisco and New York, and it’s since evolved to include a colorful Minion Land, Simpsons -themed Springfield U.S.A., and an upcoming DreamWorks Land. This is also where muggles can find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley, one of the most impressive theme park feats of all time.

The Wizarding World here is a real treat, from its Butterbeer ice cream to Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, a 3D indoor roller coaster that captivates with thrills and fun. Potter aside, the park carries a very retro feel maintaining much of the charismatic nature it debuted with in the 1990s. And I hope it never gets rid of the classics, like the E.T. Adventure dark ride and Men in Black Alien Attack. This park is all about the little nuances to me, like roaming characters impersonating Hollywood greats and kitschy entertainment as depicted in Universal’s Horror Make-up Show.

Related: The Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort — Including Everything to Know About the Theme Parks, Hotels, and More

Universal Islands of Adventure

A short ride on the Hogwarts Express (or walk to the gate) will take you to Universal Orlando's second theme park, Universal Islands of Adventure. Here, Universal takes its nod to movie magic and adds a serious dose of thrills, most notably in the form of its two best roller coasters, the impeccably themed Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the heart-pounding Jurassic World VelociCoaster. You’ll also find a Harry Potter- themed land that transports guests to the snow-capped streets of Hogsmeade and even inside the iconic Hogwarts Castle.

There’s a transportive nature to this park that I just love as I wander from one highly themed land to the next, including the whimsical Seuss Landing. It’s a true day-to-night park that’s easy to navigate, home to incredible rides, and packed with lots of gems, including some of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando . 

Legoland Florida

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Themed to the brightly hued bricks, Legoland Florida is the place for the next generation of thrill seekers, home to entry-level roller coasters and kid-friendly attractions. The park's newest attractions include Pirate River Quest, a scenic boat ride through the former Cypress Garden, and Lego Ferrari Build & Race, a hands-on experience like no other. And park goers ages five and under can visit the first-ever Peppa Pig Theme Park, centered around the beloved British cartoon character.

While the attractions may focus on younger guests, this is really a park for everyone. I could spend hours exploring Miniland and its large-scale Lego structures portraying iconic cities around the globe. The park’s signature apple fries are worth a visit alone. And with several on-site resorts, a water park, and two theme parks, it’s become a bona fide destination.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Nik Wheeler/Corbis via Getty Images

Home to over 50 attractions, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an animal-focused theme park with an emphasis on pushing boundaries. Here, you’ll find the tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster in the world, Montu, as well as the area’s largest zoo, with over 200 animal species. One of its newest coasters is the adrenaline-pumping Iron Gwazi which ascends 206 feet in the air and reaches speeds of up to 76 miles per hour.  

While Disney festivals get all the attention, this park's award-winning Food & Wine Festival is reason alone to visit and wows me with globally inspired bites and live entertainment.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Courtesy of Disney World

Find quintessential Disney storytelling at Typhoon Lagoon, one of Disney World’s two water parks. There’s a rich backstory as you visit a former tropical paradise that’s been wrecked by a typhoon. It’s a delightful mix of approachable thrills and family fun, as evident with Miss Adventure Falls, an immersive whitewater family attraction. And you’ll feel a world away from Magic Kingdom as you float Castaway Creek, an over 2,000-foot-long lazy river.

There’s an effortless, relaxed vibe at Typhoon Lagoon, and although the slides are great, the highlight for me is North America’s largest wave pool set against a towering mountain. Snacks abound, including delicious Caribbean-inspired bites and even the famous Dole Whip.

Related: Disney Water Park Guide: What to Know About Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal Creative took its excellence in theme park design and applied it to the world of water parks for the first-of-its-kind Volcano Bay. The park is 25 acres of pure South Pacific-inspired paradise centered around a 200-foot human-made volcano. Plus, Universal flexes its culinary skills with inventive foods so good you’ll forget you’re at a water park.

Admittedly, I’ve never been a water park person, but this one truly blows the others out of the water. If I’m feeling daring, I’ll ascend the daunting steps to the top of the volcano for the thrilling Ko’Okiri Body Plunge. I also love the fast-moving Fearless River which requires guests of all ages and sizes to wear a lifejacket because it’s that intense. But there’s also plenty to do for the non-sliders, like lounge on white-sand beaches or hit up one of the many beach bars reminiscent of a tropical resort.

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, allears tv: every theme park in orlando in one day — disney, universal, peppa pig, and more.

Quincy and Emma are doing the unthinkable!

10 theme parks in ONE DAY. That’s right, Emma and Quincy are headed to (deep breath) Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Legoland, Peppa Pig Theme Park, and Fun Spot — all in one day.

Click Below to see Every Theme Park in Orlando in ONE DAY — Disney, Universal, Peppa Pig, and MORE!

Need to catch up on past AllEars videos? Check out our links below!

• AllEars TV: The SECRET to the Best Morning EVER in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• AllEars TV: Disney World’s “Fifth Park” Has CHANGED — Here’s ALL THAT’S LEFT
• Clear Your Schedules! Something EXCITING Happened on Saturday for Theme Park Fans
• AllEars TV: We Turned Disney World Into a GIANT Board Game — Trivial Pursuit EPCOT
• AllEars TV: The SECRET to the Best Morning EVER in Magic Kingdom

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