Which Florida Theme Park Is Right for You?
It’s easy to see why adrenaline junkies flock to Florida, which is often described as the world’s theme-park capital. But once you’ve chosen to go to the Sunshine State, it can be a bit more difficult to choose exactly where to start your getaway. Charming, old-fashioned Disney World? Exciting Universal Studios, home to Jurassic Park and Marvel-themed attractions? Here’s a guide to help you choose which theme park or theme-park complex is right for you.
Disney World
Disney World appeals to travelers of all ages, thanks to its mix of wholesome, family-friendly attractions — like Splash Mountain, EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth, and the “It’s a Small World” ride — and adventurous thrill rides, such as Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, and the Rock ’n Roller Coaster. It also caters to many different types of travelers. Culture vultures will enjoy the World Showcase, which features pavilions evoking different countries, plus internationally inspired parades. Foodies are also taken care of — there are more than 200 dining outlets here. And, of course, cinephiles can schmooze with characters from Minnie Mouse to Cinderella and brush up on their film history on the Great Movie Ride.
Universal Orlando
Universal appeals to slightly older families than Disney World. While Disney has a far greater number of kid-friendly attractions and rides, Universal features rides inspired by recent film and TV releases that make it a hit among teenagers. If you’ve got a fan of Marvel, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, or Men in Black in the family, for instance, you can’t go wrong with Universal. There’s also a great shopping and dining scene at the trendy Universal CityWalk.
Busch Gardens
While it’s technically a theme park, Busch Gardens is known less for its actual theme (the African savanna) than its rides, so this is a good pick for hardcore roller-coaster enthusiasts. In fact, some of the state’s most thrilling rides can be found on its grounds, like SheiKra, Montu, Kumba, and Falcon’s Fury. That said, this park does hold various Sesame Street rides that make it another kid-friendly option, though we recommend younger travelers start with Disney and Universal.
LEGOLAND
While Busch Gardens is mainly for teenagers and older travelers, LEGOLAND is oriented almost exclusively towards the twelve-and-under crowd. Many rides have no height requirement, from a sand pit holding fossil-inspired “skeletons” to an interactive playground and a dragon-themed “tot spot,” and youngsters are particularly enthused by the LEGO-themed films and interactive events.
Pick Your Park
Ready to pick your park? Or maybe you’re thinking of visiting them all — check out the exclusive offers at Balmoral Resort Florida and secure the best rates.
