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 jam-packed with fun activities that you really can’t go wrong with any of them, each destination does have something unique to offer. I’ve visited all the theme parks in Orlando. While I do have favorites, each one is a great spot for families to spend a day.
Unless you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to visit them all, you’re going to have to make some decisions about where to spend your time. You’ll also need to think about how old your kids are, what your family wants during the day, and what your budget is. All of these factors will help you pick the best theme park for you, even if you only have one day. We’ve also updated this story to share what’s new for 2025, so you can use that information to help you pick the prime park for your family.
STRATEGY GUIDE: Everything you need to know about Disney Genie and Genie+
1. Universal Epic Universe
Best Orlando theme park for new adventures
There’s something really special about walking into a theme park for the first time. At Universal Epic Universe, a brand new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, everyone is getting that chance. Inside the park, there are five themed worlds: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Each of these themed worlds has exceptional attractions, delightful dining opportunities, exciting character meet-and-greets, and more. While children and adults of all ages can find something they will enjoy at the park, we really think Epic Universe is best for families with older children who can meet the height requirements (every ride has one) and can enjoy the interactive elements of the park.
2. Magic Kingdom
Best Orlando theme park for kids and kids at heart
The most famous of Orlando’s amusement parks, Magic Kingdom, is still going strong after five decades of popularity and magic. Nowhere is the nostalgia factor higher than at this iconic theme park. Magic Kingdom is the Orlando park that most appeals to every age group, thanks to a wide variety of attractions.
WHERE TO STAY AT DISNEY WORLD: 12 best Disney World resort hotels for families
Between Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, and other opening-day attractions that remain popular today, there’s something magical about reliving childhood memories and watching little ones experience your favorite ride for the first time. Naturally, Magic Kingdom has added quite a few new attractions since its debut in 1971. But fairy tale elements and kid-friendly Disney rides that appeal to all ages remain unchanged. And even over 50 years later, Magic Kingdom still keeps a few secrets only the most dedicated Disney fans know.
New for 2025, Magic Kingdom will debut the highly anticipated nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. The parade kicks off for the first time on July 20, 2025. The parade will make its way from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., with dazzling floats and a host of characters. This is one thing I can’t wait to see this year. Later this year, a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern is coming to Adventureland called The Beak and Barrel.
3. EPCOT
Best for lifelong learners
From the rides and shows to the exhibits and even the dining options, every experience at EPCOT is both entertaining and enlightening. (And if you haven’t been in a while, it’s probably time to rethink your opinion of the park.)
GRAB AND GO: Disney’s dining plan explained: Guide to Walt Disney World’s pre-paid dining plans
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, visit EPCOT during one of its seasonal festivals for added fun.
New for 2025, EPCOT has opened a new adult-only lounge called GEO-82, a nod to the park’s opening year. The lounge is tucked away inside Spaceship Earth and offers panoramic views of World Celebration and World Showcase. To go with the exceptional views, you can order from a tantalizing menu of food and drinks. Alternatively, you can really spoil yourself with a fireworks viewing package that includes a drink and desserts, plus a table by the windows. A new version of the popular Test Track attraction will also debut later this year.
4. 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 at Disney’s Star Wars land, pal around with Buzz and Woody in Toy Story Land, or catch a glimpse of old favorites like Indiana Jones, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Walt Disney World theme park where you can do it all.
GOOD EATS: 25 best Disney World restaurants: Where to eat at Disney’s Orlando theme parks
If kicking back to watch the movies is more your thing, the shows at Hollywood Studios are a must. Here, you can see delightful stage shows that retell the stories of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Frozen.” Over at Walt Disney Presents, the walkthrough attraction commemorates the life and legacy of the man who started it all.
New for 2025, the park has welcomed two new stage shows. The first is a reimagining of the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” now called “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” This is a cute show for kids and adults who want to sing along with beloved songs from the film. The other new show is “Villains Unfairly Ever After,” a show that highlights the misunderstood villains from beloved Disney movies. I
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Best for globetrotting explorers and animal lovers
Nature lovers and world travelers of all ages will feel right at home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here, you can visit areas reminiscent of Africa and Asia, journey back to prehistoric times, or fly up and away to another world of biodiversity in Pandora: The World of Avatar. Likewise, Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and Avatar Flight of Passage top the list of must-do thrill rides here. But the heart of Animal Kingdom continues to be the park’s animals.
FAMILY FUN: 12 best Great Wolf Lodge resort locations
To experience the true essence of Animal Kingdom, start with an early morning ride through the African savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. From there, hit the Conservation Station, the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to 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 by Wilderness Explorer headquarters (on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island) if you’re traveling with young adventurers. There, kids can pick up a Wilderness Explorer handbook and fill it with nature-themed badges from locations around the park. (Adults can also participate in the Wilderness Explorer program if they want.)
At Animal Kingdom in 2025, the park will see the debut of a new show in the Tree of Life. Starting later this winter, Zootopia: Better Zoogether will bring guests into the world of Zootopia with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a tour through the fictional city’s biomes. Other major changes are on the horizon, with plans for an Indiana Jones and “Encanto”-themed expansion taking over DinoLand, U.S.A.
6. 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 at Universal Studios Florida.
MAGICAL READS: 33 books like Harry Potter to binge on your next vacation
Younger kids will enjoy Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast within the Minion Land area of the park. There’s Revenge of the Mummy and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts for the older set. You can also see mega stunts up close at The Bourne Stuntacular and get a peek behind the scenes of movie makeup at the Horror 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.
7. Islands of Adventure
Best of the Orlando theme parks for fanboys and fangirls everywhere
Each area at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is themed to a different fandom. Whether it’s Jurassic Park (and the thrilling Jurassic World VelociCoaster), Marvel superheroes, King Kong, Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, or ancient myths and legends, there’s bound to be something to dazzle all fans. It really feels like a half dozen mini amusement parks in one.
THEME PARK ETIQUETTE: What to wear to Disney World (and what to leave at home)
Aside from the rides and immersive theming, there are also plenty of interactive play in each land. You can greet your favorite heroes on Marvel Superhero Island, meet Blue the Velociraptor in Jurassic World, and let the wand choose the wizard at Ollivanders wand shop in the Wizarding World’s Hogsmeade. Don’t forget your robe or Quidditch jersey so everyone knows which Hogwarts house you represent.
8. SeaWorld Orlando
Best for ocean and conservation enthusiasts
There’s so much more to SeaWorld Orlando than 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 the Manatee Rehabilitation Area and Pelican Preserve, you can learn more about this Orlando theme park’s animal rescue programs. The Stingray Lagoon and the Dolphin Nursery offer an opportunity to observe natural animal behaviors up close.
WATER WORLDS: 7 best Orlando water parks for families
And for kids in the youngest age group, no trip to SeaWorld Orlando is complete without a visit to the preschool-friendly Sesame Street Land. Here, 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 2025, the Orlando theme park’s new immersive experience themed to the Arctic, called Expedition Odyssey, is open. The flying theater-style attraction features incredible video of the most remote areas of the Arctic and the animals that call this area of the world home.
9. LEGOLAND Florida
Best of the Orlando theme parks for little kids with big imaginations
LEGOLAND Florida is 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 amusement 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 are lots of chances to meet your favorite LEGO characters, too.
Since opening in 2011, LEGOLAND Florida has continued to introduce new attractions, including the Pirate River Quest boating adventure, water sports stunts, and new stage shows. Certain ticket packages also include access to the LEGOLAND Water Park. This is a great place to cool off from the hot Florida sun. For parents of very little ones, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park is located right next door to LEGOLAND.
New for 2025, LEGOLAND Florida has opened SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium. This is a beautiful spot to observe ocean critters in various zones like Stingray Bay, the Seahorse Nursery, and the Ocean Tunnel.
10. Discovery Cove
Best for getting up close with sea life
Orlando’s only all-inclusive theme park is Discovery Cove. This is the place to visit if your family’s dream vacation involves swimming with dolphins, feeding exotic birds, and kicking back 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.
EXTRA SPACE: These are the best Disney World hotels for families of 5 or more
For an additional fee, you can add premium experiences like 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 some ticket packages that include admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa.
11. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Best of the Florida theme parks for thrill-seeking animal lovers
Speaking of Busch Gardens, it’s true: This park is not technically in Orlando. But at less than two hours down the road from Orlando’s theme parks, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is definitely worth a visit for families who’ve rented a car and want to enjoy other things to do in Orlando and the surrounding areas.
BLIZZARD BEACH VS. TYPHOON LAGOON: A complete guide to the Disney water parks in Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the only Florida theme park where you can ride some truly extreme roller coasters and take in a Serengeti Safari all in one day. (The rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando are a lot of fun, but no theme park enthusiast would ever call them extreme.)
Aside from trekking through the Serengeti, amusement park guests at Busch Gardens Tampa can feed flamingos, pet a giant tortoise, and make friends with a sloth. The park also holds a variety of festivals throughout 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 2025, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Wild Oasis on June 6. This new family-friendly interactive adventure realm is in the Jungala area of the park. It features a new ride called Treetop Drop, a water play area called Enchanted Falls. There’s also the Canopy Climb play zone. There’s also a dedicated area for animal encounters and education on species like capybara, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds.
