Walt Disney World Resort. Disney invites you to four attraction-packed theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, as well as two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. The lively Downtown Disney area is full of restaurants, shops, and diversions like the House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. What else? Only a 220-acre sports complex, myriad hotels, full-service spas, golf courses, character meals, dinner shows, a wedding pavilion, and other experiences that are the stuff of dreams.
Universal Orlando. Universal Studios brings movies to life, and Islands of Adventure delivers gravity-defying rides and special-effects surprises. Four on-site resorts offer themed accommodations. CityWalk is the nightlife hub with restaurants, bars, movies, and clubs, and Hard Rock Live is the big-ticket concert venue.
Wet n Wild. This long-popular water park in the heart of the International Drive corridor is more about big thrills than theming. With attraction names like Bomb Bay, Brain Wash, and The Storm, Wet n Wild promises a good time for adrenaline junkies of all ages.
SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove. Marine life takes the stage at SeaWorld Orlando, where killer whales and other marine mammals perform in meticulously choreographed shows, and thrill seekers find their adrenaline rush on coaster and simulator attractions. Sister park Discovery Cove is a daylong, swim-with-the-dolphins beach escape. SeaWorld also invites you to a day of water play at Aquatica water park.
Orlando and Environs. Those who venture beyond the parks to Downtown Orlando, International Drive, Kissimmee, Winter Park, and Cape Canaveral discover new sights and experiences. Lunch with an astronaut or experience the g-forces of a space-shuttle liftoff at the Kennedy Space Center.
Tampa Bay Area. Tampas Busch Gardens adventure park and nearby Ybor City are two great places to visit on Floridas west coast. But theres much more: culture vultures flock to St. Petersburg for concerts, major-league ball, and the Salvador Dal Museum. Eco-adventurers veer north to the Nature Coast.
Magic Kingdom
Disneys most visited theme park welcomes you with a barbershop quartet serenade and the fragrance of fresh-baked cookies. Cinderella Castle beckons, and magical lands have classic attractionsfrom Adventurelands Pirates of the Caribbean to Tomorrowlands sleek Space Mountain. Wide-eyed children meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess, ride their first roller coaster, and fly high with Peter Pan and Dumbo. Its irresistible for adults, too.
Epcot
Top reasons to visit begin with the hands-on Innoventions exhibits and end with the not-to-be-missed Soarin hang-gliding adventure. History is entertaining at the American Adventure and Spaceship Earth. Count down to launch on Mission: SPACE. Dine at Via Napoli or another great restaurant. End a day with fireworks at IllumiNations.
Disneys Hollywood Studios
Film- and TV-inspired adventures lure audiences to the American Idol Experience, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, and Toy Story Midway Mania! Thrill seekers get their kicks at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Magic of Disney Animation highlights Walt and his cartoons.
Animal Kingdom
Animals from several continents share the spotlight in habitats that mimic native environments. Youll see some critters from the open-air safari vehicles of Kilimanjaro Safaris; youll spot others along landscaped trails. Shows like Festival of the Lion King draw crowds. Rides like DINOSAUR and Expedition Everest push the adrenaline envelope.
Universal Studios
Universal is known for action, adventure, and a touch of irreverence. From Terminator 2: 3-D to Revenge of the Mummy, attractions score points with fans of contemporary film. City-street reproductions set the movie back-lot scene. Younger kids love Woody Woodpeckers Kid Zone.
Islands of Adventure
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter packs in the crowds at this park, which is already known for such draws as the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk Coaster. Theres also whimsical Seuss Landing.
SeaWorld and Discovery Cove
Lagoons are populated by all manner of sea creatures, and shows are well done. Kraken and Manta are first-rate coasters, and Shamus Happy Harbor makes young kids gleeful. Discovery Cove lets you swim with dolphins.
I-Drive
International Drive, 7 miles northeast of Disney, is a busy commercial strip with attractions like Ripleys Believe it or Not! Odditoruim, WonderWorks, Wet n Wild water park, and Fun Spot.