Do you like Spells or Pixie Dust?
Orlando, Florida is theme park central and home to both big brands: Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World. Each brand comes with multiple parks ready to enjoy. Harry Potter calls Universal home and Walt Disney World is the home of the two most famous mice on earth – Mickey and Minnie. Whether you love the brands themselves or are a thrill seeker and love rides, each park has its own quirks to love. When you ask a Floridian which is their favorite, typically they will prefer one over the other (I for one am all about Disney, although I’m also a Universal Passholder.)
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios is home to three theme parks and it has a fourth on the way. Universal Studios Orlando is the original theme park that still hosts some older rides such as E.T. Adventure (my absolute favorite) and also has some newer fun such as Diagon Alley. Islands of Adventure features a refurbished Incredible Hulk Coaster and a completely redone coaster which is now Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Florida summers are hot and humid and a perfect time to cool down in their newer park, Volcano Bay. (Pro Tip: Rent a cabana, they’re worth it!)
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks and two water parks. Each park boasts different themes and attractions. The four parks are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Their two water parks are Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
- Magic Kingdom is home to the famous castle and rides based on the childhood books and movies.
- Epcot is where the adults can play and “drink around the world.” It also has an aquarium where scuba certified divers can go participate in Dive Quest and swim with sharks, sea turtles and much more!
- Animal Kingdom offers a “zoo” without the traditional look. (If you have the extra time and money in your budget, definitely do the Wild Africa Trek).
- Hollywood Studios is home to (I might be biased) the best firework AND water show on property, Fantasmic!
- Typhoon Lagoon is a water park geared more towards adults (I personally prefer this one over the two.)
- Blizzard Beach is a family friendly water park that is perfect for a fun day with the kiddos!
