Orlando is a vibrant city, best known for hosting Disney World. However, there are other Orlando theme parks beyond Disney that shouldn’t be ignored.
Without a doubt, theme park attendance was hindered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – in fact, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom attendance fell from 20.96 million in 2019 to 6.94 million in 2020. However, in 2021, this figure skyrocketed to 12.69 million – an 82% increase over the previous year.
Although this number isn’t the same as pre-pandemic figures, it’s slowly increasing as COVID-19 restrictions and infection rates are dwindling. So, if you’re planning a trip to Orlando, Florida with your family soon, you definitely need to make time for some of Orlando’s theme parks beyond Disney World.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of Orlando attractions that are family-friendly and can guarantee a fun and exciting experience for all. So, let’s get started!
Fun Spot America
If you and your family are thrill seekers, then Fun Spot America promises exactly this with their collection of rides and games for both adults and children.
No matter if you have older children or little ones, Fun Spot America has something for everyone – whether that’s a rollercoaster ride, an arcade game or even delicious American-style food, endless fun can be found at this Orlando theme park.
For the Little Ones
At Fun Spot America, your children can enjoy a day filled with adventure. From sliding down the Fun Slide to (safely) colliding with others in Bumper Kars, you’ll no doubt be dragged around all day by your little ones who will be begging to go on the different rides.
Of course, there’s also Fun Spot America’s Splash Pad which, as the name suggests, offers the opportunity for visitors of all ages to splash around. With interactive water toys and spraying features, you can simply spend an entire day at Splash Pad if you want to!
Gator Spot
One of the best things about Fun Spot America is that it has partnered with Gatorland to offer Gator Spot, an area where visitors can watch over 100 alligators crawl around! For anyone interested in these reptiles, Gator Spot shouldn’t be missed at Fun Spot America.
Universal Orlando
Alongside Disney World, Universal Orlando is another of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, with three different theme parks to explore – all complete with an array of rides, entertainment, and magnificent restaurants.
If you truly want to make the most of your holiday in Orlando, you might want to consider booking a room at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s hotels for easy access to their theme parks. Ocean Florida offer an unrivalled experience to Orlando, including providing holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Studios Florida
If you and your family are fans of film and TV franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, Despicable Me, and more, then Universal Studios is an excellent choice if you’re undecided between Universal Orlando’s three theme parks.
With child-friendly rides, a wide range of interesting food and drink places, and amazing shows to enjoy, a day at Universal Studios will be a day well spent.
Islands of Adventure
Looking for electrifying rides? Universal’s Islands of Adventure is where you need to go. Perfect for visitors of any age, Islands of Adventure offers the chance for you to view Hogwarts Castle being lit up in a spectacular show of lights and beams, as well as the opportunity for little ones to seek adventure at the prehistoric playground at Camp Jurassic.
Volcano Bay
Interested in water rides instead? Volcano Bay has got you covered! Make sure to bring towels and spare clothes when you visit this water park as you’ll only find slides, rafts, and water escapades when you visit Universal’s Volcano Bay.
This park might be more suitable for older children, but don’t worry – Tot Tiki Reef allows little ones to have their own fun with spraying fountains and slides.
Gatorland
While previously mentioned as collaborating with Fun Spot America, this doesn’t mean that you should simply ignore the Gatorland park as a whole. Known as ‘The Alligator Capital of the World®’, Gatorland promises more than just the chance to see alligators.
Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
As long as you and your children are over 36” tall, then you’d be eligible to participate in Gatorland’s zipline that takes you across the park, giving you a wonderful view of all of the animals that reside on Gatorland! Led by trained guides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss out on.
Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure
Gatorland owns three, 12-foot-high, off-road monster vehicles that have been custom-made! This means that visitors can participate in a hilarious and exciting adventure in one of these rugged vehicles, taking them to a swampy section of the park that can’t be seen on foot.
Barnyard Petting and Feeding
For the opportunity to pet and feed Gatorland’s resident critters, make sure to bring your children to Gatorland’s Barnyard Petting and Feeding area. Make sure to follow the feeding instructions to keep everyone, including Gatorland’s Barnyard animals, safe!
LEGOLAND Florida
A theme park designed for children, LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect child-friendly theme park to bring your little ones to. Plus, Peppa Pig Theme Park and LEGOLAND Water Park are right next to it!
Get Your Licence
LEGOLAND’s Ford Driving School gives your children the chance to obtain their own personalised LEGOLAND Driver’s Licence. For ages three to 13, even the youngest drivers can hit the road (also known as the LEGOLAND driving track).
Unleash Your Imagination
With thousands of LEGO bricks waiting to be assembled, LEGOLAND’s Imagination Zone is the ideal place for your innovative little ones to get their creative juices flowing. A hands-on LEGO experience awaits!
Unforgettable Experiences at Orlando Theme Parks
Bring your family on an adventure of a lifetime when you choose to visit Orlando’s theme parks other than Disney World. If you’re looking for something new and different, make sure to book tickets to one of the theme parks we’ve listed above!
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