From Water Parks to Theme Parks: Experience the Best of Florida with Our Insider Tips
Thursday 5th October 2023
Let’s face it most people visit Orlando in Florida to go to the biggest and the best theme parks in the United States from thrill seekers and rollercoaster lovers to movie magic and splash delights. There’s only so much research you can do before your trip so let us give you the lowdown on what you REALLY need to know before you go, from experienced travelers.
Magic Kingdom (Disney World)
With nearly 21 million visitors each year, Magic Kingdom reigns as the most popular park among all the Disney World destinations. If you haven’t experienced it yet, the sheer magnitude of the crowds and the multitude of attractions can be overwhelming. To make the most of your visit, we recommend arriving early in the morning. A sneaky way to get entry into the park before opening hours to the public is to reserve an early morning breakfast at a table service restaurant. Our top choices at Magic Kingdom are Cinderella’s Royal Table and Crystal Palace, both offering delightful dining experiences.
Universal Studios Orlando
It may seem obvious but buy your tickets online! Whether you’re itching to dash straight to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or snag the prime spot on Waturi Beach, the last thing you want to do when you arrive at a park is stand in line to buy tickets. Save yourself time (and money!) by getting them online ahead of time. Get the most out of your time at the park by grabbing a park-to-park ticket for ultimate freedom, or take it easy with a base ticket. And here’s a pro tip: supercharge your experience by adding Universal Express and Express Unlimited Passes. Say goodbye to long lines and hello to shorter wait times!
Discovery Cove Water Park
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort, where you and your family have the extraordinary chance to swim with dolphins, snorkel alongside vibrant tropical fish and rays, feed a multitude of exotic birds, and relax on pristine beaches. It’s an unforgettable experience like no other. One of the best insider tips we have for you is to visit the Explorer’s Aviary first for better photographs as the birds are hungrier earlier on in the day (less feedings) and are more likely to come sit on your arm.
Volcano Bay Water Park
The newest attraction in the Universal family is the incredible Volcano Bay featuring a huge volcano in the center, tons of different rides and slides unlike anything you’ve seen before, and immersive storytelling and attention to detail. Our best tip for making the most out of your time here is to set up Taptu Pay before you go – connecting your payment card to your waterproof wristband that everyone is given upon entry. By doing this you save having to visit your locker every time you want to buy something and makes a much more seamless experience. If you set up an account, your card will be linked to your TapuTapu when you enter the park. At the end of the day, all of your personal information will be unlinked from it. It’s also handy for keeping track of your photographs taken throughout the day.
Hollywood Studios
Since Hollywood Studios is known for having the best rides among all four Walt Disney World parks, you’ll want to plan your day(s) here carefully. This park follows the same Tier system as the others, breaking up the popular rides into Individual “Lightning Lane” selections and all others into the regular “Lightning Lane” category through the Genie+ system. Genie+ is a must-do if you want to guarantee getting on these rides without having to wait up to two hours.
Florida’s diverse array of attractions, from thrilling water parks to enchanting theme parks, offers something for everyone. Our insider tips have unveiled the magic of the Sunshine State, helping you make the most of your Florida adventure. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding roller coasters, lazy river relaxation, or a blend of both, Florida’s attractions promise unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready to soak up the Florida sun while creating cherished moments that will last a lifetime in this vibrant and captivating destination.
