10 best theme parks in Orlando for every age group and interest (2024)

If you’re headed to Florida for a family vacation, there’s a good chance you’ve got at least one of the Orlando theme parks on your itinerary. While all of the best theme parks in Orlando are so jam-packed with fun activities that you really can’t go wrong with any of them, each amusem*nt park does have something unique to offer. Unless you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to visit them all, though, you’re going to have to make some decisions about where (and when) to spend your time.

The best Orlando theme parks for families

Whether you’re in the market for epic roller coasters, a trip with Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express, or the Walt Disney World Resort vacation of a lifetime, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the Orlando theme parks that are the best fit for both your interests and your kids’ age group.

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1. Magic Kingdom

Best Orlando theme park for kids and kids at heart

The most famous of Orlando’s amusem*nt parks, Walt Disney World Resortis still going strong after five decades of popularity and magic. Nowhere is the nostalgia factor higher than at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park. When Disney World opened in 1971, Magic Kingdom was the only theme park at the resort. And now with many vacationers who visited as kids in the early days becoming parents and grandparents themselves, Magic Kingdom is the Orlando park that most appeals to every age group.

New for 2024, Magic Kingdom will see the opening of the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which replaces the now-shuttered Splash Mountain. This Princess and the Frog-themed ride will retain Splash Mountain’s log flume format but with all new theming and songs. Magic Kingdom’s Country Bear Jamboree show will also be getting a refresh for 2024, with bluegrass and rockabilly songs from Disney movies spanning the decades.

2. EPCOT

Best for lifelong learners

EPCOThas changed quite a bit over the years, but one thing that remains the same is that every new attraction delivers an educational component alongside its thrills and chills. From the rides and shows to the exhibits and even the dining options, every experience at EPCOT is both entertainingandenlightening.(And if you haven’t been in a while, it’s probably time to rethink your opinion of the park.)

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This is the Orlando theme park to visit if you or your kids enjoy learning about the history of civilization (Spaceship Earth), diving into the wonders of the deep (The Seas with Nemo and Friends), exploring the customs and culinary delights of 11 countries around the globe (World Showcase), or venturing to outer space (Mission: SPACE and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind). If your travel plans allow for it, visit EPCOT during one of its seasonal festivalsfor a deeper dive into arts, food and wine, flowers and gardening, and other culturally enriching pursuits.

New for 2024, a new fireworks spectacular called Luminous The Symphony of Us will light the nights above EPCOT with fireworks, fountains, and new music. But the main draw for EPCOT in 2024 is undoubtably the opening of World Celebration, an area of the park that has been shuttered for years as designers and Imagineers put together an all-new center plaza and walk-through area.

3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Best theme park in Florida for Star Wars and Pixar fans

If you want to visit a galaxy far, far away atDisney’s Star Wars land, pal around with Buzz and Woody inToy Story Land, or catch a glimpse of old favorites like Indiana Jones, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Walt Disney World Resort theme park where you can do it all (including snapping selfies with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear or Star Wars’ Kylo Ren).

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If kicking back to watch the movies is more your thing, the shows at Hollywood Studios are a must. Lightning McQueen’s Racing AcademyandMuppet*Vision 3Dlet you experience your favorite films in a whole new way. And theWalt Disney Presentswalkthrough attraction commemorates the life and legacy of the man who started it all. For a taste of movie magic in the heat of Central Florida, none of the Orlando theme parks are better for Star Wars and Pixar fans than Disney’s Hollywood Studios.New for 2024, the Star Tours attraction will feature new adventures.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Best for globetrotting explorers and animal lovers

Nature lovers and world travelers of all ages will feel right at home atDisney’s Animal Kingdom, where you can visit areas reminiscent of Africa and Asia, journey back to prehistoric times, or fly up and away to another world of biodiversity inPandora: The World of Avatar. Likewise, Expedition Everest,DINOSAUR, andAvatar Flight of Passagetop the list of must-do thrill rides here, but the heart of Animal Kingdom are the amusem*nt park’s animals who call it home.

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To experience the true essence of Animal Kingdom, start with an early morning ride through the African savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. From there, hit theConservation Station, theMaharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trailto get up close and personal with creatures and critters of all sizes.

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom is hands-down one of the best theme parks in Orlando for all ages, it really shines for elementary-aged kids. Be sure to stop byWilderness Explorerheadquarters (on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island) if you’re traveling with young adventurers. There, kids in the younger age groups can pick up a Wilderness Explorer handbook and fill it with nature-themed badges from locations around the park.

There aren’t a lot of new features planned for Animal Kingdom in 2024, but major changes are on the horizon for the future, with proposed plans including Indiana Jones and Encanto-themed expansions in a potentially re-themed DinoLand, U.S.A. area of the park.

5. Universal Studios Florida

Best theme park in Orlando for Harry Potter Fans

Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort is all about the mega movie franchises. Protecting the planet with the Transformers? Check. Fighting off aliens with the Men in Black? Check.Boarding the Hogwarts Express to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Check. It’s all just another day atUniversal Studios Florida, one of the two (along with Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Orlando amusem*nt parks that makesyouthe star of your favorite films and TV shows.

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Younger kids will enjoyDespicable Me Minion MayhemandVillain-Con Minion Blast within the Minion Land area of the park. There’sRevenge of the MummyandHarry Potter and the Escape from Gringottsfor the older set.You can also see mega stunts up close atThe Bourne Stuntacularand get a peek behind the scenes of movie makeup at theHorror Make-Up Show.

Harry Potter fans take note: The only way to get the full Wizarding World experience at Universal Orlando Resort is to visit both Universal Studios Florida and the neighboring Islands of Adventure. Guests who purchase multi-park passes can hop on the Hogwarts Express, which connects the two parks.

6. Islands of Adventure

Best of the Orlando theme parks for fanboys and fangirls everywhere

Each area atUniversal’s Islands of Adventureis themed to a different fandom. Whether it’s Jurassic Park (and the thrilling Jurassic World VelociCoaster), Marvel super heroes, King Kong, Harry Potter, Dr. Suess, or ancient myths and legends, there’s bound to be something to dazzle all fans. It really feels like a half dozen mini amusem*nt parks in one.

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Aside from the rides and immersive theming, there are also plenty of opportunities to get interactive in each land. You cangreet your favorite heroeson Marvel Superhero Island, meetBlue the Velociraptorin Jurassic World, and let the wand choose the wizard atOllivanders wand shopin the Wizarding World’s Hogsmeade. Don’t forget your robe or Quidditch jersey so everyone knows which Hogwarts house you represent.

7. SeaWorld Orlando

Best for ocean and conservation enthusiasts

There’s so much more toSeaWorld Orlandothan speeding roller coasters and wild water rides, though of course there’s plenty of those as well. SeaWorld Orlando’s animal habitats, live shows, and educational encounters are just as exciting as its thrill rides. At theManatee Rehabilitation AreaandPelican Preserve, you can learn more about this Orlando theme park’s animal rescue programs, whileStingray Lagoonand theDolphin Nurseryoffer an opportunity to observe natural animal behaviors up close.

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And for kids in the youngest age group, no trip to SeaWorld Orlando is complete without a visit to the preschool-friendlySesame Street Land, where the rides, entertainment, and play areas are all designed with little kids in mind. And when it comes to thrills, big kids and adults have plenty of options, including Ice Breaker and Pipeline: The Surfcoaster. New for 2024, a launch coaster called Penguin Trek will add even more kid-friendly excitement.

8. LEGOLAND Florida

Best of the Orlando theme parks for little kids with big imaginations

LEGOLAND Floridais the ultimate vacation destination for fans of the popular building bricks, and it’s good fun for every age. The rides, play areas, and even the amusem*nt park’s onsite hotels and nearby water park look as if they’re made from giant LEGO bricks. And, of note for those with kids in the younger age group, many of the rides have no height requirement. There’s lots of chances tomeet your favorite LEGO characters, too.

Since opening in 2011,LEGOLAND Florida hascontinued tointroducenew attractions, includingthe Pirate River Quest boating adventure,water sports stunts, and new stage shows. Certain ticket packages also include access to theLEGOLAND Water Park, a great place to cool off from the hot Florida sun. For parents of very little ones, the world’s firstPeppa Pig Theme Parkis located right next door to LEGOLAND as well.

New for 2024, LEGOLAND Florida will be adding two new attractions and experiences: SEA LIFE Florida (fall 2024) and the LEGO Ferrari Build and Race experience (spring 2024).

9. Discovery Cove

Best for getting up close with sea life

Orlando’s only all-inclusive theme park,Discovery Coveis the place to visit if your family’s dream vacation involvesswimming with dolphins, feeding exotic birds, and kicking back and relaxing on the beach all in the same day. Do it all or go deep on a few activities here—you could easily spend an entire day snorkeling with tropical fish and other aquatic creatures like stingrays. Virtually all amenities are included with your ticket, including unlimited food and drinks, towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and life vests.

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For an additional fee, you can addpremium experienceslike an underwater walking tour, flamingo mingle, or swimming with sharks. You can also spend a little extra for a premium drink package or private cabana. Thanks to its affiliation with other nearby Orlando theme parks, Discovery Cove offers someticket packagesthat include admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa.

10. Busch Gardens Tampa

Best of the Florida theme parks for thrill-seeking animal lovers

Speaking ofBusch Gardens, it’s true: This park is not technicallyinOrlando. But at less than two hours down the road from Orlando’s theme parks, Busch Gardens Tampa is definitely worth a visit forfamilies who’ve rented a carand want to enjoy otherthings to do in Orlandoand the surrounding areas.

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Busch Gardens Tampa is the only Florida theme park where you can ride some truly extreme roller coasters and take in aSerengeti Safariall in one day.(The rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando are a lot of fun, but no Orlando theme park enthusiast would ever call them extreme.)

Aside from trekking through the Serengeti, amusem*nt park guests at Busch Gardens Tampa canfeed flamingos, pet a giant tortoise, and make friends with a sloth. The park also holds avariety of festivalsthroughout the year, including the foodie-friendly Food & Wine Festival in the spring and Bier Fest in the fall, and Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends twice a year.

New for 2024, Phoenix Rising is a younger-kid-friendly roller coaster themed around the legend of the phoenix.

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