It really is the most magical place on earth. Dreams do come true. Be a princess for a day, live a pirate’s life. Heck, Muggles can even transform into wizards! If this is your first time visiting the Orlando theme parks, you’re in for an exhilarating adventure filled with iconic characters, thrilling rides and immersive experiences.

But a first visit to Orlando can be very overwhelming. The Orlando theme parks offer so many experiences and attractions, where do you even start to plan?

With a little knowledge, it’s not quite as daunting as you may think, once you know the basics.

Our comprehensive Orlando Theme Parks Beginners Guide will give you plenty of tips and tricks to help you navigate the wonderland of the theme parks in Orlando.

If you want to jump ahead to a certain section, here’s a breakdown:

• Walt Disney World Overview
• Universal Orlando Overview
• SeaWorld Parks Overview
• Size of Orlando Theme Parks
• Locations of Orlando Theme Parks
• Planning Tips
• Planning Resources

And don’t forget we’re always on hand to answer any questions too. Even if you’re not staying in one of our vacation homes, we’re happy to help.

So let’s dive right in…

Orlando Theme Park Golden Rule

Accept you can’t do all the Orlando theme parks in one visit.

Really, it’s just not humanly possible to cover all the Orlando theme parks in a short vacation.

Unless you happen to be Harry Potter or Superman. In which case you wouldn’t be reading this guide.

There’s just so many incredible things to do in Orlando, don’t even consider trying to cram it all in.

As well as 10 major theme parks, there are hundreds of smaller attractions throughout Central Florida. And you NEED downtime too.

It’s a great excuse to plan a return trip!

• Walt Disney World: 4 Theme Parks – Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios
• Universal Orlando: 2 Theme Parks – Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure
• SeaWorld
• Discovery Cove
• LEGOLand
• Busch Gardens (Tampa)

As well as 10 amazing theme parks, you also need to include some rest days for that essential downtime. The Orlando theme parks are exhilarating, but can be exhausting, especially in the heat.

Give yourself time to relax, catch your breath and just enjoy being with your friends and family.

If you are staying in one of our vacation homes, plan on having a break day just relaxing. Or perhaps take a trip to the beaches near Orlando. Explore one of the beautiful state parks. There are lots of relaxing things to do to give you some time away from the bustling theme parks.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is “How far are you from Disney?” But did you know that Disney World is almost the size of San Francisco? Twice the size of Manhattan?

At over 40 square miles, Disney is seriously HUGE. 

Universal Orlando may not be the size of Disney in terms of space, but the Universal parks still pack a mighty punch.

This will give you an idea of the size of the Orlando theme parks:

Despite popular belief, the Orlando theme parks are not in Orlando. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is over 20 miles from downtown Orlando!

If you are looking to stay off-site in a vacation home, most are located in the Four Corners area. If you look at Animal Kingdom on the map below, the area south and west of that is the main vacation home rental hub. It’s known as the Four Corners area – West Kissimmee (not City of Kissimmee), Davenport, Clermont and Haines City.

Take a look at this Orlando Theme Park Map to see where the parks are:

Walt Disney World is home to:

• 4 Individual Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot
• 2 Water Parks: Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon
• 1 Entertainment, Dining and Retail Complex: Disney Springs
• 3 Championship Golf Courses: Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista
• 1 Walking Golf Course: Oak Trail

Disney Parks Locations:

All 4 Disney theme parks are in different locations.

Epcot and Hollywood Studios are in the same area and there’s a walkway between the two parks. It’s a pleasant stroll along waterways, through Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, but it’s over a mile long.

A pleasant riverside stroll between Epcot and Hollywood Studios

You can get a ferryboat between Epcot and Hollywood Studios or use the Disney Skyliner. Plus, all Disney transport is free to all visitors.

Epcot and Magic Kingdom are both accessible from the Disney Ticket & Transportation Center – from here you can get a monorail or ferryboat to Magic Kingdom or a monorail to Epcot.

Epcot also has its own parking lot and entrance.

Animal Kingdom is in the south-west of Disney and is just 4-5 miles from our Orlando vacation homes.

Once you have paid for parking, you can come and go as you please. One parking fee covers you for all Disney parks, for the whole day and evening.

Epcot

Perfect for all ages, Epcot offers a whole lot more for adults too. It’s a huge park (twice the size of Magic Kingdom). You’ll need to be prepared for some serious walking.

The park is split into two halves and four neighborhoods. The front half focuses on technology, mankind and imagination, making education fun and fascinating for youngsters. The neighborhoods are called World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.

World Showcase is the back half of the park. Set around Showcase Lagoon and home to 11 different countries, each celebrating their culture, food and traditions.

There are hugely popular annual festivals at Epcot too that are heavily themed with food and music. Festival of the Arts in winter, Flower & Garden Festival in Spring, Food & Wine Festival in Summer/Fall and Festival of the Holidays at Christmas.

There’s plenty at Epcot for Kids too.

Hollywood Studios

This is where the movies come alive. Star Wars has exploded onto the Hollywood Studios scene too. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened August 2019.

Hollywood Studios is perfect for all ages – plenty for the youngsters to see and some awesome rides – Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith for adults and older kids.

Toy Story Land opened in June 2018. Bright, colorful and a ton of fun!

Animal Kingdom

The biggest Disney park in the world, Animal Kingdom is so much more than just animals. It’s theme is very much towards making education and conservation fun for all ages.

Thrill rides, safaris, animal encounters and live shows, there’s something for everyone here.

The hugely popular Pandora: World of Avatar opened in May 2017.

Universal Orlando Resort is spread over almost 700 acres:

• Universal Studios – also home to Harry Potters Diagon Alley
• Islands of Adventure – also home to Harry Potters Hogsmeade
• City Walk – dining, retail and entertainment complex between the 2 parks
• Volcano Bay – Themed waterpark
• Epic Universe is a brand new park opening in 2025

Check out our Universal Ride Guide

Universal Studios Florida

It’s all about the movies at Universal Studios with some pretty awesome rides and roller-coasters thrown in for good measure. This living and working studio takes you behind the scenes and into the action for fun, thrills and comedy.

Universal Studios Orlando

Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley is located inside Universal Studios. Part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that opened in 2014.

The jaw-dropping atmospheric village is home to unique stores, great dining options, an awesome ride and even a fire-breathing dragon.

The Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon towers over Diagon Alley

Do you Have to Buy a Separate Ticket for Harry Potter World?

The answer is No. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included in your park admission. Diagon Alley is located inside Universal Studios, Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure.

You DO need a 2 park ticket to visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

You also need a 2 park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two parks.

Islands of Adventure

The bright and colorful Seuss Landing

Islands of Adventure is all about non-stop-fun, coaster twists and turns and epic attractions. There are over 20 rides here and also several rides suitable for kids under 10.

Thrill seekers will be spoiled for choice and comic book fans will be enthralled. Edgy thrill rides, amazing 3D adventures, get-drenched attractions and incredible themed islands.

Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade is located inside Islands of Adventure. Cobbled streets, enchanting snow capped crooked buildings and of course Hogwarts Castle.

SeaWorld is home to 3 theme parks and 2 water parks in Central Florida.

• SeaWorld Orlando
• Discovery Cove
• Aquatica Waterpark
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• Adventure Island Water Park

SeaWorld Orlando

One of the most controversial Orlando theme parks, SeaWorld has come under attack in recent years and has consequently shifted focus more towards rides and festivals. SeaWorld is home to some pretty amazing roller-coasters.

Festivals have played a much bigger part in recent years. Seven Seas Festival, Craft Beer Festival, Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Celebrations to name just a few

SeaWorld is huge on conservation, animal research and saving wildlife. The care of the environment is evident throughout the park and they make it fun, fun, fun for kids to learn how they can help.

Discovery Cove

Swim with Dolphins at Discovery Cove

If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, then Discovery Cove is one of the Orlando theme parks that has to make your must do list.

It might be higher priced than all the other parks, but the experience is a one-off. Even without a dolphin swim, it’s a wonderful experience with plenty of wildlife and water interaction. Perfect for all ages.

All your food and drink is included in the ticket, plus entry for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, it’s a great day out.

Busch Gardens Tampa

Not quite one of the Orlando theme parks, but at just over an hour from our rental homes, Busch Gardens in Tampa is perfect for a full day away.

It’s animal encounters and thrills all day long.

The conservation theme carries over to Busch Gardens with plenty of wildlife exhibits and experiences. Rides are in abundance too and will keep all the thrill seekers in the family more than happy.

Adventure Island Tampa

Adventure Island is a seasonal water park located next to Busch Gardens in Tampa.

LEGOLAND Florida is a fun-packed park aimed at 2 to 12 year olds.

Set in over 150-acres, Legoland Florida has over 50 rides, attractions and shows, plus a water park and botanical garden.

It is also home to the world’s first Peppa Pig theme park. A Sea Life Aquarium is planned for 2024.

See full details at LEGOLAND Florida

Now you know the basics, it’s time to plan. It might still feel a little overwhelming, but try to think of planning for your Orlando trip as part of your vacation.

Enjoy the excitement of discovering all the great things to do in Orlando. You’ll soon be planning like a pro.

• Get the kids involved, they’ll think of things you won’t.
• Ask the opinions of everyone who will be going with you, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ plan.
• Get everyone involved and make it fun, fun, fun.
• Be fllexible – accept plans change and allow some wiggle room for the unexpected

It can be an art working out where to go, when to go, what day and in what direction.

Check out our follow up Planning Guide and also our Theme Park Tips

Make Use of Apps

Most parks have an app you can download to help you navigate the park, check on wait times, order food and lots more.

Disney Genie is an app designed to help plan your day. The app is completely free to everyone and also has 2 upgrade options:
Disney Genie+ is a pay per day per person to upgrade, giving you the option to select return windows for Lightning Lanes at multiple attractions in all 4 theme parks.
Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Purchase Lightning Lane access to two high demand attractions a day. Cost is attraction and date dependent.See full details: Disney Genie

Consider Universal Express Pass

Sometimes this is needed, sometimes it’s not, so it really depends on the time of year and the attractions you are most interested in. (Guide to Universal Rides)
Check out our quick guide to Universal Express.
More Details: Universal Express Pass

Celebrate with Buttons

If any of you have a birthday, anniversary, engagement or any kind of celebration, call at guest services at any of the parks for a Celebration Button.

Kids will LOVE getting wished a happy birthday by Cast Members all day long. They’ll go out of their way to high-five and Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary or whatever the occasion.

You may even get a complimentary snack or drink, it sometimes happens, but not always, so don’t expect it. It can really make for a special trip.

Get an Autograph Book for the Kids

The characters will sign their names and the kids will love collecting the autographs. Big pens or thick sharpies are easier for the characters to hold when in costume. Many wear gloves so make it super easy for the characters to hold the pen and sign.

You can buy autograph books in the parks or the Disney stores. You could also buy plain writing pads before you go and have the kids decorate them.

A photo album can also be used: Get index cards for the characters to sign and store an image with the character next to it. Buy a bigger sized autograph book – the extra space makes it easier for the characters to sign and they often leave an extra message if they have more space. The characters love stickers of themselves on the page too!

Book Dining in Advance

If there’s a certain dining option you want to take or a character meal your kids are desperate to do, make sure you book well in advance. Disney dining reservations open up 60 days in advance. If your little princess wants to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table or your little mouse wants to have breakfast with Chef Mickey, then get your finger on the dial at 6am ET on the 60 day mark. 
Full Details: Disney Character Dining

Touring Plans

A Touring Plan might be a great help for you. Check out these resources for Orlando Touring Plans:

• TouringPlans.com
• OrlandoInformer.com
• UndercoverTourist.com
• Kenny The Pirate
• DisneyTouristBlog – Although not a “Touring Plan” as such, Tom & Sarah Brickers “1 Day Itineraries” are super comprehensive and a must read. His photography tips are a huge help too.

Social Media

If you want to get a feel for the parks before you arrive, or just get some daily doses of magic, then check out Serena from Living by Disney. She offers unbiased reviews, strategies for maximizing your time in the parks and an array of tips and tricks.

• Follow Serena on Instagram

Transportation & Parking

Unless you have annual passes with parking includes, the Orlando theme parks charge a daily fee for parking. Disney and Universal parking fees start at $30 per day for a car or motorcycle. Work out if an annual pass that includes parking for one family member might be a better option, depending on how many times you plan to visit the parks.

Alternatively, you can take an Uber or Lyft to drop you off and pick you up.

There are also multiple transportation services available like Eveready Transportation. They can collect you from your vacation home or hotel or meet you at the airport and provide transport to and from wherever you need to be.

Orlando Theme Park Ticket Options

All the parks offer 1 day base tickets, but buying multiple days works out much more cost-effective.

Disney World Tickets
Disney tickets are available with 1 – 10 day options. If you are visiting from overseas, you will have other ticket options. UK visitors often have an offer of 7 day tickets with 7 days free.

As from January 9th 2024, advance reservations are no longer required.

Universal Tickets
There are 2 parks at Universal: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure plus a water park, Volcano Bay.  A new park, Epic Universe, is set to open in 2025.

You need to pay entry for each park. There are single park options, 2 park options and 3 park options. Each ticket gives you access to one park on one day.

You can upgrade to park-to-park tickets, which means you can visit 2 or 3 parks in a day, depending on which option you purchase.

You need a Park-to-Park ticket to be able to ride the Hogwarts Express. This train ride connects the two worlds of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village is in Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios.

There are multiple ticket options, so take your time to plan. If you are not sure how many days you will need, get a basic ticket and then upgrade in the park if you decide you need more time.

As long as you upgrade before the ticket expires, you will just pay the difference. Always book Universal tickets in advance, never buy them at the gate.

We hope this beginners guide to the Orlando theme parks helped a little, but we’re always here if you have any other questions at all.