Orlando & Theme Parks
Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. Over 75 million visitors a year come here to experience the largest concentration of amusement parks on the planet. The city itself is not particularly appealing — but what happens in and around International Drive and Lake Buena Vista is simply overwhelming.
Walt Disney World
The largest resort in the world — twice the size of Manhattan — consists of four theme parks, two water parks, over 25 hotels, and the entertainment complex Disney Springs:
- Magic Kingdom — The classic with Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and the legendary "It's a Small World" ride. Especially magical: the nightly "Happily Ever After" fireworks.
- EPCOT — Future and world culture. The World Showcase with 11 country pavilions is ideal for adults (drink your way around the world!). The new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster is sensational.
- Hollywood Studios — Home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the most detailed theme area ever built. The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance are among the best rides worldwide.
- Animal Kingdom — Half zoo, half theme park. Pandora — The World of Avatar with the Flight of Passage Ride is breathtaking. The Kilimanjaro Safaris offer a real safari experience with giraffes, elephants, and lions.
Prices: from $109 per day (1 park), multi-day tickets significantly cheaper per day. Park Hopper Option +$65. Genie+ (Skip-the-Line) from $15/day.
Universal Orlando
Disney's biggest competitor — and often superior in terms of roller coasters and thrill rides:
- Universal Studios — Film-based rides. The Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the best roller coasters in Florida.
- Islands of Adventure — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade with the legendary Hogwarts Castle and the Forbidden Journey Ride. A Butterbeer is a must!
- Volcano Bay — Universal's water park with the imposing Krakatau volcano as its centerpiece.
Prices: from $119 per day (1 park), Park-to-Park from $174 (necessary for the Hogwarts Express between parks!).
Other Parks
SeaWorld Orlando (marine animals and roller coasters, from $79), LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven (ideal for children 2–12 years, from $89), and Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral (90 minutes from Orlando, $75) — where you can experience real rocket launches.
💡 Tipp
Never buy tickets at the entrance — always online in advance. You save up to 20% and avoid the queue at the ticket counter. For Disney World: The more days, the cheaper per day (5 days often cost barely more than 3). Plan at least 2 days just for Disney — 1 day is not enough for any of the parks.
Achtung
Florida's summers (June–September) are brutally hot and humid: 35°C with 90% humidity plus daily afternoon thunderstorms. The combination of heat and standing in lines for hours can be dangerous. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day and seek shade regularly. The best time for theme parks: January–February or September–November.
