by DK
Allow At least a day for each park
Wheelchair access Yes
Cafés Many across the park
Restrooms Across the park
Good family value? Although expensive, Disney is every child’s dream come true and an unforgettable experience.
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Magic Kingdom®
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Practical Information
Address 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 939 6244; disneyworld.disney.go.com
monorail from the TTC and resorts (see Walt Disney World® Resort)
Open From between 8am and 9am to between 8pm and 1am. Check the park’s “Calendar” page for seasonal variations and Extra Magic Hours.
Price see Walt Disney World® Resort
Cutting the line Avoid Mon and Thu, when the park is busiest.
Guided tours The 5-hour Keys to the Kingdom walking tour ($79 per person) highlights the behind-the-scenes workings of Magic Kingdom®, including a walk through the legendary underground tunnels. The tour is for ages 16 and above.
Age range All ages
Shows Kids will love Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 12-min 3-D movie, and Country Bear Jamboree, a musical revue featuring singing bears. One-eyed monster Mike Wazowski will have kids laughing at the interactive Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor comedy show; contact the Guest Relations office (407 939 6244) for times.
Allow Half a day to 2 days
Wheelchair access Yes
Shops Visit the shops at Main Street, USA® for Disney souvenirs.
Restrooms Many throughout the park – the least crowded ones are next to the Pirates of the Caribbean® gift shop, near the Town Hall on Main Street, USA®, and in Tomorrowland®.
Good family value? Colorful parades, thrilling rides, and spectacular fireworks make this park a treat for all ages.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Epcot®
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Practical Information
Address 1510 North Ave of the Stars, Orlando, 32830; 407 824 4321; disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot
Bus From all Disney locations.
Monorail From TTC to Future World.
Taxi Water taxis from several resorts; check website. Epcot® has two entrances; park at a resort and take the water taxi to avoid the “front door” lines.
Open Future World: 9am–9pm; World Showcase: 11am–9pm. Check the park’s “Calendar” page for seasonal variations and Extra Magic Hours.
Price see Walt Disney World® Resort
Cutting the line The park is most crowded on Tue and Fri; it is busiest during the Flower & Garden Festival (early Mar–mid-May) and Food & Wine Festival (late Sep–mid-Nov).
Guided tours Behind the Seeds is a 1-hour walking tour of Living with the Land greenhouses. There are several tours inside the The Seas Pavilion. Check website for prices. Call 407 939 8687 for reservations.
Age range 3 plus
Shows Watch the World Showcase Players in the United Kingdom Pavilion, Circle of Life in the Land Pavilion, and Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure.
Allow At least 6 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shops Regional choices in World Showcase, notably Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion, and kimonos, chopsticks, and candy in the Japan Pavilion.
Restrooms At every pavilion and restaurant. Baby care center between the Mexico Pavilion and Test Track.
Good family value? Though pricey, the variety of rides and informative tours will engage kids of all ages, and grown-ups.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom®
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Practical Information
Address 1375 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830;407 824 4321; www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom
Bus Lynx 301 from downtown Orlando. Disney buses connect from TTC and resort hotels.
Open From between 8 and 9am to between 5 and 8pm. Check the park’s “Calendar” page for seasonal variations and Extra Magic Hours.
Price see Walt Disney World® Resort
Cutting the line Avoid Mon–Wed, when park is busiest.
Guided tours Backstage Tales ($360), a 3-hour inside look at the care and feeding of the animal inhabitants, ages 16 and above. Wild Africa Trek ($876–996), small group excursions into Pangani Forest for close encounters with animals. Call 407 939 8687 to reserve.
Age range All ages
Allow 6 hours–2 days
Wheelchair access Yes
Shops Zawadi Marketplace gift shop (in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) has African clothing, masks, and toys. Mombasa Marketplace (in Africa) sells African art, wines, jewelry, and musical instruments.
Restrooms Throughout the park. Baby Care Center near Discovery Island
Good family value? With several outdoor adventures alongside shows for the young ones, there’s something for everyone at Animal Kingdom®.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
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Practical Information
Address 351 South Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 824 4321; disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios
Bus Lynx bus 303 from downtown Orlando to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Disney buses run from the TTC.
Taxi Water taxis from BoardWalk and Yacht Club Resorts, as well as Swan and Dolphin resorts.
Open 9am–10pm daily. Check the park’s “Calendar” page for seasonal variations and Extra Magic Hours.
Price see Walt Disney World® Resort
Cutting the line Busiest days are Sun and Wed. Star Wars™ Weekends (May–Jun) and Christmas are the busiest periods.
Age range 4 plus
Shows Beauty and the Beast, at the Theater of the Stars, tells of the beast who was saved by love. Fantasmic! combines lasers, water, and fireworks with dozens of Disney characters. Both shows take place in Sunset Boulevard.
Allow 3–8 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shops Each attraction has its own gift shop. Tatooine Traders, the Star Wars™ store, is one of the most popular.
Restrooms Throughout the park
Good family value? It’s a little expensive, like all Disney parks, but with rides and shows geared to kids of all ages, this is an excellent place to spend a day.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Blizzard Beach
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Practical Information
Address 1524 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 824 4321; disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/blizzard-beach
Bus Disney bus from the TTC and resort hotels
Open Hours vary by season; check website for details.
Price $228–40; under 3s free. Winter Summerland: $52–6; under 3s free
Cutting the line The park is least crowded from mid-Feb to mid-Mar, and mid-Sep to early Nov.
Age range 2 plus. Swim diapers required for toddlers.
Allow 2–6 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Throughout the park
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
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Practical Information
Address 1195 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 824 4321; disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon
Bus Disney bus from the TTC and resort hotels
Open Hours vary by season; check website for details
Price $228–40; under 3s free
Cutting the line The park is least crowded from mid-Feb to mid-Mar, and mid-Sep to early Nov.
Age range 2 plus. Swim diapers required for toddlers.
Allow 2–6 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Throughout the park
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Disney’s Fort Wil
derness Resort & Campground
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Practical Information
Address 901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 824 3200; disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/wilderness-lodge-resort
Bus Disney bus from the TTC and resort hotels
Price Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: $204–88
Guided tours A 45-min guided trail rides around Fort Wilderness ($46 horseback; $45 carriage ride). Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is a 2-hour Segway tour of the grounds ($90 per person).
Age range 3 plus
Activities Rent a bike or pontoon boat or take a pony ride at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Cub’s Den has supervised activities for kids aged 3 to 12 from 4:30pm to midnight.
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms In all comfort stations
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Disney Springs®
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Practical Information
Address 1590 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 828 3800; www.disneysprings.com
Bus Disney bus from the TTC and resort hotels
Open Hours vary; check website
Price Cirque du Soleil®-La Nouba™: $228–540; under 3s free. DisneyQuest®: $170–200; under 3s free.
Activities Play interactive virtual reality games such as virtual jungle cruise, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, and design-your-own roller coaster at DisneyQuest®. Splitsville (in West Side) combines family bowling and billiards with dining. The Characters in Flight ($80–100; under 3s free), a hot-air balloon ride, takes 29 guests a breathtaking 400 ft (122 m) above Disney Springs®.
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms At all restaurants, some shops, and Cirque du Soleil®
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Universal Studios Florida®
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Practical Information
Address 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819; 407 363 8000, or 407 224 7840 (for tickets); www.universalorlando.com
Bus Lynx bus 40 ($2 one way) from downtown Orlando.
Car From Orlando International Airport to Interstate 4 East. Parking $15 per day. Park at Loews Royal Pacific Resort to take the free water taxi to CityWalk®.
Open Park usually open 9am–7pm; closing times vary; check website for seasonal hours. Universal CityWalk®: 11am–2am
Price $352–62. $492–502 park-to-park pass for both parks. Multiday packages available; check website for details.
Cutting the line The park is busiest Tue–Fri. Avoid visiting in the months of Mar–Aug, Oct, and late Nov–Dec. Most hotel guests get a free Express Pass that helps in avoiding queues, and provides unlimited access to certain rides.
Guided tours VIP guided walking tours with Express Pass to rides: $600 one park; $740 both parks.
Shows Little ones adore the big purple dinosaur at A Day in the Park with Barney™. Families love Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show, and older kids will get a kick out of Fear Factor Live.
Age range 3 plus. Age and height restrictions apply for most rides.
Allow 1–2 days
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Throughout the park
Good family value? Every moviegoer’s dream, this park brings blockbuster movies to life and offers a variety of rides and attractions for both kids and adults.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
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Practical Information
Address 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819; 407 224 4233 or 407 224 7840 (for tickets); www.universalorlando.com
Bus Lynx bus 40 ($2 one way) from downtown Orlando to Universal Studios® parking garage. Park at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and take the free water taxi to Universal CityWalk®.
Car Rent a car from Orlando.
Open 9am–6pm daily; check website for variations. Universal CityWalk®: 11am–2am daily
Price $350–500; call for current prices. Multiday packages are available; check website for details and discounts.
Cutting the line The least crowded months are mid-Jan–Feb, Sep & early Nov. The busiest days are Mon–Fri. A Universal Express℠ pass to skip lines for rides is available; check website for details and discounts. An Unlimited Express℠ Ticket allows unlimited skipping of lines; check website for details.
Age range 7 plus
Allow 1–2 days
Restrooms Throughout the park
Good family value? Although expensive, the park has something to offer everyone, and Harry Potter™ fans will be thrilled to see the books brought to life.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
SeaWorld®, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove®
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Practical Information
Address SeaWorld®: 7007 SeaWorld Dr, Orlando, 32821; 407 351 3600; www.seaworldorlando.com. Aquatica: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, 32821; 1 888 800 5447; www.aquaticabyseaworld.com. Discovery Cove®: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, 32821; 1 877 557 7404; www.discoverycove.com
Car Rent a car from Orlando International Airport. Parking: SeaWorld® $14; Aquatica $12; Discovery Cove® free
Open SeaWorld®: 9am to between 6 and 10pm. Aquatica: 9am–6pm. Discovery Cove®: 9am–5:30pm. Check websites.
Prices SeaWorld®: $316; under 3s free. Aquatica: $196. Discovery Cove®: $920–1,840 (inclusive of meals; cheapest in Sep). SeaWorld®/Aquatica 14-day unlimited entry: $556. Add $100 to Discovery Cove® for unlimited 14-day access to SeaWorld® and Aquatica. SeaWorld® All Day Dining Deal: $110–40.
Cutting the line The Quick Queue pass gives front-of-the line access to Manta®, Kraken®, Journey To Atlantis®, and Wild Arctic® ($60–100). The parks are busiest late May–Sep and Nov. Thu–Sun are crowded.
Guided tours There is a 90-minute SeaWorld® Behind the Scenes tour and a Wild Arctic® Up-Close Tour.
Age range 2 plus. Age and height restrictions apply for most rides.
Allow 1–3 days
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Across the parks. Diaper-changing tables in restrooms near SeaWorld®’s front entrance.
Good family value? Though pricey, the three parks have many entry options that ensure a great family experience.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
The Orlando Eye
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Practical Information
Address The Orlando Eye: 8401 International Dr, 32819; 866 228 6438; www.officialorlandoeye.com. SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando: 8449 International Dr, 32819; 866 602 0607; www.visitsealife.com/orlando
Bus Lynx bus 8, 38, 42, 50, 58 & 111 to International Dr. I-Ride Trolley (407 354 5656; 8am–10:30pm daily) on the Green Line to south-bound stop G9, and on the Red Line to north-bound stop 17.
Car Rent a car from Orlando. Take exit 74A onto Sand Lake Rd off I-4 to International Dr.
Opening times The Orlando Eye: noon–10pm Mon–Thu, noon–midnight Fri & Sat, 10am–10pm Sun. SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando: 10am–9pm daily
Price The Orlando Eye & SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando: $90–100; under 3s free. Combination tickets include Madame Tussauds: $186– 96. Book online to get discounts.
Guided tours The Orlando Eye offers private rides ($300 per capsule; book ahead).
Age range 5 plus.
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms At both venues
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Crayola Experience
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Practical Information
Address 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Florida Mall, 32809; 407 757 1700; www.crayolaexperience.com/orlando
Car Rent a car from Orlando. Take the Sand Lake Rd exit off I-4, or Exit 8 from eastbound, or Exit 4 from westbound
Opening times 10am–8pm daily
Price $78; under 2s free
Cutting the line The best time to visit
is before noon.
Age range 2 plus.
Allow 3–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The Crayola Store (on site) sells Crayola products, plush toys, and customized apparel.
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
International Drive
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Practical Information
Address Wonderworks: 9067 International Dr, 32819; 407 351 8800; www.wonderworksonline.com. Monkey Joe’s: 9101 International Dr, 32819; 4073528484; www.monkeyjoes.com. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium: 8201 International Dr, 32819; 407 345 0501; www.ripleys.com/orlando. Madame Tussauds: 8401 International Dr, 32819; www.madametussauds.com/orlando
Car Rent a car from the airport.
Open All sights open daily; times vary
Price Wonderworks: $96–108; under 4s free. Monkey Joe’s: $14–26. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium: $56–68; under 4s free. Madame Tussauds: $70–80; under 3s free
Cutting the line I-Drive is quieter on weekdays.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 2–8 hours
< Practical Information: Orlando and the Parks
Gatorland
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Practical Information
Address 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, 32837; 800 393 5297; www.gatorland.com
Bus Lynx bus 4 from main terminal in downtown Orlando.
