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Orlando, Florida: Disney And Universal Theme Parks Attractions
A vacation in the world's theme park capital might be a dream come true, but the dreams of different aged children and their parents might not be exactly the same! Make sure everybody's dreams are covered by researching ahead on the best bets for younger kids, older kids, and the entire family. In the process, you'll discover the best of what these theme parks have to offer.
Fun For the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Magic Kingdom
We all know that everyone from grandparents to college spring breakers love Disney World, but let's face it--the Magic Kingdom is the stuff of dreams for the park's youngest visitors especially. A chance to meet beloved characters alone could make the trip, which is why a stop at Mickey's Toontown Fair is imperative. Here, just in case you didn't bump into them around the park, your kids can meet famous Disney characters in the Toontown Hall of Fame before exploring Mickey and Minnie's country houses, Donald's boat, or Goofy's Barnstormer kiddie coaster. Fantasyland is another area for little ones, with classic rides like It's a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland involves a steamboat ride to an interactive playground. And of course, just walking around the Magic Kingdom with your kids will reveal more surprises and little gasps of joy.
Epcot
Traditionally, Epcot isn't the strongest park on activities especially for very young children, but there are some fun attractions that will entertain little ones while older family members get their cultural fix. The most exciting new addition is Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive attraction on the Living Seas Pavilion that features the sea turtle from "Finding Nemo" chatting with his visitors. The Imagination Institute, starring Figment the purple dragon, is another sensory experience appropriate for young children. Braver kids will have fun on the Maelstrom, a popular and somewhat random boat ride through Norway's history and culture, complete with pirates, trolls, and polar bears. The model train display on the Germany Pavilion has also been known to captivate kids.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Formerly known as Disney--MGM Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios still offers great cinematic based entertainment. Even if they haven't seen Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, children will enjoy the large playground based on this imaginative live-action movie from the 1980s. It's all a matter of perspective as kids slide down blades of grass and ride on giant ants like the speck-sized characters in the film. Disney's Hollywood Studios also features shows based on some of television's most beloved puppet characters. Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D creates a tour through Muppet Labs with 3-D film and animatronic appearances. At Playhouse Disney Live, kids can watch their favorite morning TV friends from shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Disney's Little Einsteins as they sing and tell stories.
Animal Kingdom
Few things capture children's imaginations more than dinosaurs. Children too young to go on the DINOSAUR ride can head instead for Animal Kingdom's The Boneyard, an area where budding paleontologists can play at digging up dinosaur and ancient mammal skeleton fossils. Kids Discovery Clubs are interactive learning stations located throughout Animal Kingdom that complement the areas in which they appear. The TriceraTop Spin creates a prehistoric version of the Dumbo ride, while the Wildlife Express Train offers a fun ride behind-the-scenes in the animal care areas.
Universal Studios
Favorite cartoon stars from different generations, but with "universal" appeal, contribute to some of the best attractions for younger children at Universal Studios. Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast rockets families through a journey featuring not only Jimmy, but also Spongebob, the Rugrats, and characters from The Fairly OddParents and Hey Arnold! Those who meet the height requirement of 40" will enjoy the ride. The best bet for the littlest of tykes at Universal is Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, where Woody's Nuthouse Coaster offers a pint-sized thrill. Barney, Curious George, and An American Tail's Fievel also make an appearance in this area--each has a colorful and interactive playground, while Barney also performs a sing-a-long with Baby Bop and BJ.
Islands of Adventure
Although Islands of Adventure are marketed for "serious" thrills (as if those at the original Universal park weren't enough!), they also contain plenty of rides and attractions for little ones. The entire island of Suess Landing is a great place to start and to meet some of the world's most beloved literary characters. This island includes the non-height-restricted Cat in the Hat ride, the Caro-Seuss-el with Suess creatures instead of horses, the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish water play ride, and an interactive playground area. Over on Jurassic Park Island, the Jurassic Park Discovery Center offers games and educational displays, while Camp Jurassic is yet another themed playground to take the kids to while your teens brave facing T-Rex.
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