related items
Disney cruise expands nightlife, restaurants so adults can...
Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter and Shamu: In a nutshell, those sum up some of the biggest Orlando attractions. Here’s a roundup of theme parks, including hours, admission and special events. Prices and times may vary, so call or check websites before going.
Four parks make up Walt Disney World in Orlando, each with its own theme. They open at 9 a.m. daily. Admission to each is $85 for those 10 and older, $79 for children ages 3 to 9 and free for children 2 and younger. Florida residents can save by paying $76.50 for those 10 and older, $71.10 for kids 3 to 9, in advance online. Parking costs $14. Annual passes and park-hopper tickets are available. Call 407-824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com.
•Animal Kingdom, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista: Think “wild kingdom meets Mickey Mouse.” The park features more than 200 species, entertainment, Dinoland U.S.A., Camp Minnie-Mickey, Asia and Africa sites, the Oasis and Safari Village and Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at 4 p.m. daily. There’s a live-action “Finding Nemo” show and Expedition Everest thrill ride.
•Epcot, 1675 N. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista: This theme park has two personalities — Future World and World Showcase. To sum up Future World, the entertainment, rides and shows focus on technology and innovation. World Showcase is just like it sounds, 11 areas spotlight countries such as Norway, Morocco, France and Germany, to name a few. Epcot’s annual flower show and Food and Wine Festival take place in the World Showcase, too.
•Hollywood Studios, 1675 N. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista: Formerly known as MGM Studios, this park is all about the movies. It’s well-known for its Indiana Jones stunt spectacular, a stunt show with cars, the Tower of Terror and Aerosmith’s Rockin’ roller coaster. Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade is at 3 p.m. daily.
•Magic Kingdom, 10000 Buena Vista Blvd., Lake Buena Vista: Affectionately known as the Mouse House, the Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. There are two parades and a daily fireworks show. Magic Kingdom features Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and more.
Universal Orlando
Universal, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, is home to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The parks open at 9 a.m. daily. Admission is $82 for adults and $74 for kids ages 3 to 9. Parking is $15. Park-hopper tickets and annual passes are available. Call 407-363-8000 or visit www.universalorlando.com.
•Universal Studios: This Hollywood-themed park features rides, shows and a working film and TV production studio. The rides and shows include the Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, E.T. Adventure, the Simpsons Ride, Fear Factor Live and “Men in Black” Alien Attack. In May, the park announced its newest attraction, the “Despicable Me” experience, based on the Steve Carell-minions-and-aliens animated film. It replaces the Jimmy Neutron attraction and is set to open in 2012.
•Islands of Adventure: The park is big on Marvel Super Hero characters like Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Doctor Doom, as well as J.K. Rowling’s magical hero, Harry Potter. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to all things Hogwarts and magic, with the Dragon Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, butterbeer, pumpkin juice and Ollivanders. The park also features Dr. Seuss characters and Jurassic Park-themed activities.
SeaWorld Orlando
Where: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando
Hours: The park opens at 9 a.m. daily. Check the web for specific closing times.
Cost: Tickets are $71.99 for adults and children with the second visit free, as long as it’s within a year. Combo tickets to SeaWorld and its water park Aquatica are available online, along with combo tickets to the theme park and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. Check the website for specifics.
Info: Call 888-800-5447 or visit www.seaworldorlando.com.
Description: You’ll have a whale of a time here. The theme park features One Ocean, Shamu Rocks, a comedic sketch starring Seamore the sea lion, a fireworks and fountains show and more. The shows at SeaWorld feature trained whales, dolphins and other sea animals. The rides include Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, Manta and Skytower.
Busch Gardens
Where: 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa
Hours: The park opens at 9 a.m. daily.
Cost: Admission is $79.99 for adults and $71.99 for kids ages 3 to 9. Florida residents can pay $84.99 for adults and $76.99 for kids ages 3 to 9 and enjoy unlimited visits through Dec. 31. Combo tickets to Busch Gardens and its water park, Adventure Island, or to the theme park and SeaWorld Orlando are available, too. Check the website for special offers. Parking is $13 for cars and motorcycles, $15 for buses, trucks and recreational vehicles.
Info: Call 888-800-5447 or visit www.buschgardens.com.
Description: It’s a zoo out there. Get a taste of Africa with this theme park, which features thrill rides like the floorless roller coaster Sheikra, or the Congo River Rapids or Kumba. Busch Gardens is home to about 3,000 animals. Here you can experience “the jungle life” with up-close visits with animals, safaris and stage shows. A kids area contains mazes, crawl spaces and a zip line.
Contact Sangalang at 321-242-3630 or jsangalang@floridatoday.com.
