Top Orlando theme parks

Orlando is home to the world’s most famous theme parks and attractions. Rumor has it that it would take about 67 days to visit all of the entertainment sites. When planning your next vacation, consider adding a couple of these to the to-do list.

Pictured: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a must-see for children and families. Stop by Cinderella’s Castle (pictured) and meet all of the princesses. Run in to Mickey Mouse and other Disney icons on Main Street. Make sure to pack your sense of humor before paying a visit to the renowned “It’s a small world ride.’’ From flying with Dumbo to cruising through the jungle to spinning around in tea cups, there’s something for every age and preference.

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

407-939-5277

Prices: Adults, $90; Children ages 3-9, $84; One-day park hopper pass $137.39

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

This is the largest animal kingdom attraction in the world. The 500-acre park is home to over 1,700 creatures, housed in natural enclosures. Take a drive through a make-believe savannah at Kilimanjaro Safaris (picutred) and spot elephants, giraffes, and zebras or tour the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and visit hippos, gorillas, and exotic birds. The Animal Kingdom also includes Kali River Rapids, the 14-story Tree of Life, and the Expedition Everest roller coaster.

2901 Osceola Parkway., Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

407-939-5277

Prices: Adults, $90; Children ages 3-9, $84; One-day park hopper pass $137.39

Epcot

Epcot is known for its two distinct areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World explores technology and science, with the high speed Test Track, a 5.7 million gallon coral-reef aquarium, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Mission: SPACE, to name a few. The World Showcase exhibits eleven world cultures from Japan to Morocco with pavilions containing themed architecture, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Every night at the park’s closing, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth puts on their award-winning show in the World Showcase Lagoon, complete with fireworks, lasers, and water fountains timed to music.

200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

407-824-4321

Prices: Adults, $90; Children ages 3-9, $84

Universal Studios

Featuring over 25 of the most well-known rides, Universal Studios offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to 4-D attractions. The newly opened Transformers ride is a 3-D experience where participants are transported to the middle of an intergalactic battle. Families can also enjoy the popular Simpsons ride (pictured), a simulated roller coaster where guests explore the world of Springfield. Other favorites include the interactive Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the classic and beloved E.T. Adventure.

1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Fla.

888-762-0820

Prices: Adults, $128; Children ages 3-9, $122

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Visit the Islands of Adventureand come across the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sample Butterbeer in Hogsmeade (pictured), tour Hogwarts, and even ride a Hippogriff. The park currently has plans expand over the summer to include a new area, Diagon Alley, featuring the Hogwarts Express. Aside from wands and wizards, stop by the Marvel Super Hero Island, wade in the water at Toon Lagoon, come face to face with Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs, or explore The Lost Continent.

6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, Fla.

407-224-4233

Prices: Adults, $128; Children ages 3-9, $122

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For film-lovers and movie-makers, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives guests a show business-themed experience from Hollywood Boulevard to Pixar Place. Marked by the iconic Sorcerer’s Hat—inspired by “Fantasia’’— the park offers a variety of activities for all interests. Tour the active production studios at Animation Courtyard. Ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster at Sunset Boulevard, featuring Aerosmith. Or cast a vote at the American Idol Experience at Echo Lake. Sunset Boulevard is also the home of the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a spooky drop tower ride.

351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

407-939-5277

Prices: Adults, $90; Children ages 3-9, $84

SeaWorld

Kids, thrill seekers, and animal lovers alike will find something to do at SeaWorld. Exhibits showcase penguins, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. They offer a variety of rides like Shamu’s Happy Harbor and Journey to Atlantis. SeaWorld is most famous for their exclusive interaction experiences: guests can get up-close tours with their favorite sea creatures and even become a marine mammal keeper for a day, caring for dolphins, beluga whales, and sea lions.

7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Fla.

888-800-5447

Prices: Adults, $82; Children ages 3-9, $77; $99 for all-age two-park pass (including Busch Gardens and SeaWorld)

Typhoon Lagoon

Complete with pools, slides, rivers, and falls, Typhoon Lagoon is the perfect place to enjoy those super hot and sunny days. Guests can float down Castaway Creek on an inner tube, learn to surf in a wave pool, or snorkel with tropical fish, sharks, and stingrays in the coral reef.

1145 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

407-560-4120

Prices: Adults, $53; Children ages 3-9, $45

Discovery Cove

Some say the experiences at Discovery Cove are like no other. A must-see for ocean-lovers, their signature experiences allow guests to swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish, and play with otters and marmosets. They also offer an underwater walking tour, exotic bird interactions, and a tropical river expedition.

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Fla.

877-557-7404

Prices: packages range from $259-$319 and include access to SeaWorld. Call 1-877-557-7404 to speak to a reservation specialist.

Busch Gardens

This African-themed park spans over 335 acres and houses more than 2,700 animals. It is also the site of North America’s only dive coaster (pictured). SheiKra, a 200-foot roller coaster with a 90-degree, straight-down drop, is the tallest roller coaster in Florida. The park also features Cheetah Hunt, a triple launch roller coaster, along with attractions including Rhino Rally, Edge of Africa, Congo River Rapids, and a new Sesame Street.

10165 N McKinley Dr. Tampa, Fla.

(888) 800-5447

Prices (for single-day): Adults, $82; Children ages 3-9, $77.