Florida Theme Parks

There’s lots to do in most Florida retirement communities but what about when the family comes to visit? What better way to spend quality time with your kids and grandkids when they come to visit than to visit one of the many theme parks Florida has to offer. Most of Florida’s theme parks are located in Central Florida, making them easy to get to from most places in the state. There are somethings you need to know though, before you go.

Price of Admission

Admission prices change frequently, though you are easily looking at over $100 for two people at most of the parks listed below. Discounts are usually available for Florida residents, senior citizens, members of the military, AAA members, and young children. Year round or “annual” passes are also available and can provide good savings if you plan to visit a park several times a year. Visit the parks respective websites for current admission prices and information on any discounts currently available.

When Not To Go

The best time to avoid the theme parks are during the summer, spring break, or winter break when millions of kids are out of school and family vacations are underway. Nothing’s worse than waiting in line for hours on end in 95 degree heat, packed in with thousands of people, and you are the only person there who remembered to apply deodorant that morning. Also, try to steer clear of most major holidays. If you plan to live in Florida at least part time or visit frequently, this still leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the theme parks at times when they are less crowded.

Theme Park Guides

If you would like more information on Florida’s theme parks, two of the best guides are Lonely Planet: Orlando & Central Florida by Wendy Taylor (Lonely Planet Productions, 2003) and Frommer’s Walt Disney World and Orlando 2007 by Laura Lea Miller (Frommer’s 2006). Both are available at amazon.com or ask for them at your local bookseller.

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

The granddaddy of them all, the house of the mouse, is what many would say got this whole Florida tourism based economy started. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, opened for the first time in 1971, is one of the most visited and famous theme parks in the world. Enjoyed by millions of youngsters, adults, and championship winning sports teams alike (“I’m going to Disney World!” – Various), Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom should be at the top of your list of things to see and do, at least once, while in Florida.

Open 365 days a year the park features, in addition to the rides of course, several parades, shows, and exhibits geared towards the enjoyment of the whole family.

Epcot

Mickey’s neighbor, Epcot Center is equally enticing with its cultural charm. Epcot features rides like Mission: Space, and exhibits as well as festivals throughout the year such as the International Flower and Garden Festival, and the International Wine and Food Festival. There’s something for everyone at Epcot, as the park is divided into different foreign country themed “pavilions”, such as China, Mexico, Germany, France, and more. Many people make a special trip to Epcot just to eat, wanting to sample the cuisines from all over the world in one location.

MGM Studios

Also part of the Disney family of theme parks, MGM Studios offers its visitors the chance to immerse themselves in their favorite movies. Rides based on the movies are there such as Star Wars, and Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror. Shows based on hit films such as Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid are also there.

Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s newest addition to its theme park lineup is perhaps its most exciting. Celebrating the wonders of nature and wildlife, Animal Kingdom has rides, shows, and attractions that rival those at its older brothers and sisters parks. In addition to several animal encounters, rides such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rapids, and the new Expedition Everest will make a trip to Animal Kingdom worth your while.

For more information on all of Walt Disney World’s parks, hotels and other attractions visit: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index

Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure

Just down the road from Walt Disney World is a formidable competitor in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Two distinct movie themed parks, with a “City Walk” in between them as well as three exciting themed hotels, The Portofino Bay, The Hard Rock, and The Royal Pacific, all connected by a unique and ultra cool ferry system, combine to create one of the most fun environs in all of Florida. World famous rides such as the Incredible Hulk and Revenge of the Mummy provide the thrills, while staples such as Spider-Man and Shrek 4-D provide all ages entertainment. At Universal City Walk there is an Emeril’s and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurants and other eating and drinking establishment such as Pat O’Brien’s and City Jazz. A two-story, 20 screen Loews movie theatre provides yet another opportunity to be entertained. My advice is to reserve a room at one of the hotels mentioned above and take a couple days to experience all Universal Studios, Island’s of Adventure, and City Walk have to offer. Plus, with your room key you can gain special front of the line access to the rides in both parks as well as discounts at some of the restaurants and shops.

For more information on Universal Orlando’s theme parks, hotels, and entertainment visit http://www.universalorlando.com

Sea World

Located in Orlando, Sea World is one of the most famous marine life oriented theme parks in the world. There are shows and attractions featuring various forms of sea life such as dolphins, penguins, stingrays, sharks, killer whales, and more. If those aren’t exciting enough, the park has added rides and roller coasters in recent years for guests of all ages to enjoy.

For more information regarding Sea World, its hours of operation and other information visit http://www.seaworld.com/seaworld/fla/default.aspx

Marineland: The Original Sea Park

Marineland first opened in the late 1930’s as the world’s first oceanarium, providing visitors the first glimpse available at ocean life, here on dry land. It was originally called “Marine Studios” and served as the site for filming of several Hollywood productions. Today, Marineland is a research and education facility, but the park itself is still open to the public. The main attraction at Marineland is the dolphin show. Marineland is located on the east coast of Florida, just south of St. Augustine. It might not warrant a special trip from far away, but if you are in the area, it’s worth your time to see it.

For more information visit http://www.marineland.net

Busch Gardens Florida

If you are looking for the adventure of an African Safari but don’t want the hassle of updating your passport, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may be a great alternative. Like most other Theme Parks, Busch Gardens also has rides, roller coasters, shows, and attractions but with a Safari twist. Most visitors though, go for the animals, and there are plenty there for you to see.

For more information on Busch Gardens visit http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/default.aspx

Kennedy Space Center

Located on Florida’s East Coast in Cocoa Kennedy Space Center is the site of all United
States space shuttle launches as well as the launch of many military and civilian rockets
carrying satellites. If you’ve never seen a shuttle launch in person, put it on your list of
things to do, and do it. There’s nothing quite like it. There is also a visitors complex
featuring exhibits, shows, and other attractions that would be time well spent
enjoying.

For details about Kennedy Space Center, as well as launch schedules visit

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/