All aboard the Hogwarts Express to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
A Look at Orlando
Welcome to Orlando! If you’ve journeyed to this sunny section of Central Florida, there’s a good chance you have two things in mind: visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Walt Disney World, and exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. But there’s so much more to experience in both the theme parks and Orlando beyond just the big-ticket attractions. From sparkling natural springs that beg you to unplug and jump in, to sophisticated dining and wine, to hidden spots inside the parks, not to mention other stellar attractions such as Kennedy Space Center, Orlando is filled with surprises if you know where to look.
Walt Disney World for many people is synonymous with the Magic Kingdom and the fairy-tale appeal of Cinderella Castle.
MagicBands (p. 25) are your entry to the “Kingdom” and anywhere else in Walt Disney World, almost magically acting as your admission ticket, room key, and charge card.
The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, the setting for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (p. 101), has been frozen in time since 1939. The furniture was acquired from Los Angeles–area antique stores.
Epcot, more than any other Disney park, changes its personality and decorations to fit the season, especially during the Flower & Garden Festival in spring.
In Future World, you’ll find explorations of land, sea, farming, and space; in the latter, you’ll find Mission: SPACE (p. 69), a ride that simulates a launch—you can choose whether you prefer a mild or wild journey.
Kids, and kids at heart, will love Hollywood Studios’ new Toy Story Land (p. 103).
Hollywood Studios (p. 97) is where you’ll find everything relating to the Star Wars movies—including, in late 2019, the new Galaxy’s Edge section.
The stomach-lurching drops at Tower of Terror (p. 101), a unique thrill ride set in an old Hollywood hotel, may be just what you need for real screams.
Set sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean as they comically pillage an island town. (p. 45).
Seeing African animals walking freely from your own open safari vehicle is a highlight of Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris (p. 90).
The floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’ara at Pandora—World of Avatar (p. 89).
Live shows are don’t-miss highlights of an Animal Kingdom visit. The longest-running one is the elaborately costumed Festival of the Lion King (p. 90).
The best way to beat the heat in Orlando is at a water park, such as Disney’s winter-themed Blizzard Beach (p. 109).
At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (p. 110), Tilly, a boat supposedly tossed on top of a mountain during a storm, is the starting point for multiple waterslides.
Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster is one of Typhoon Lagoon’s signature flumes.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (p. 124) is a highlight of Universal Studios’ fabulous recreation of Diagon Alley. Harry Potter fans literally run across the park to get to this immersive ride, which is part roller coaster and part motion simulator.
Are you in house Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin? Show your Hogwarts colors while you wander through Hogsmeade Village (p. 138) in Islands of Adventure.
Yum—Butterbeer! It’s the beverage of choice throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Get yours with foam!
Waturi Beach at Universal’s waterpark, Volcano Bay (p. 145).
You can choose your own soundtrack on Universal’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (p. 120).
Little kids love both the colorful Seuss Landing and the watery fun at Curious George Splash Zone. Dress them to get wet!
Kids of all ages (especially teens) love the tongue-in-cheek fun of the Simpsons’ Springfield (p. 127), including a “thrilltacular” motion-simulator ride, Kwik-E-Mart store, and Duff Brewery.
Live shows are hallmarks of SeaWorld Orlando (p. 146).
Thrill rides are increasingly becoming a draw at SeaWorld, including the Journey to Atlantis flume (p. 153).
Throughout SeaWorld, there are opportunities to interact with animals ranging from penguins to dolphins.
At exclusive Discovery Cove (p. 157), guests can swim with dolphins as well as snorkel in fish-filled reefs.
The many creative options for kids age 2 to 12 at Legoland Florida (p. 158), including getting a license to drive their own car, make the park a favorite Orlando stop for families.
The greenery of Legoland is a nod to its previous life as Cypress Gardens, one of the first amusement parks in the Orlando area.
If you can dream it, Legoland can make it out of its signature plastic blocks—be prepared for lots of inspired building from your kids after a visit here.
Get creative with Crayola brand crayons in the Crayola Experience (p. 162).
ICON Orlando, once called the Orlando Eye, is a 400-foot-tall observation wheel, the tallest on America’s East Coast (p. 165).
Head east to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center (p. 178) to view massive, real-life rockets such as the Saturn 1-B launcher in the “rocket garden,” see the space shuttle Atlantis in an indoor hangar, tour NASA’s compound, and even meet an astronaut.
Nature is all around Orlando if you know where to look. Get a glimpse of endangered manatees at Blue Spring Park (p. 183) where these gentle giants swim in the crystal waters.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs (p. 184) feels like a world away from the twirling, beeping, nonstop action of the area’s theme parks. Pick up a paddle to unwind on the river.
Orlando is a major golfing destination. Try one of the area’s lush golf courses, such as the one at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes (p. 187).
But wait, there’s more! I-Drive and downtown Orlando are filled with fun family diversions such as WonderWorks (p. 167) that let you get a hit of playtime without the hassle and money commitments of the big parks.
Florida’s history goes back hundreds of years, and you can learn about it at the Orange County Regional History Center (p. 169).
When you’re ready for a change of scene, Port Canaveral offers easy-to-reach cruise ships to keep your vacation going at sea (p. 194).
