Fun in the Sun: A Visitors Guide to Florida Themeparks

A Florida vacation would not be complete without a visit to Disney World, Islands of Adventures, Sea World or any other theme parks. Whether it's a day trip or an extended vacation from across the county, visiting Florida's theme parks is a great way to enhance your Florida experience. There are many things to consider when making the decision to enjoy a day or two riding roller coasters and experiencing other attractions at a theme park in Florida.

Plan ahead: multi-park, multi-day passes

To get the best value for your buck, I suggest looking at the various websites to check ticket specials. Most of the time, there are offers on tickets encompassing multi-parks for more than one day. (FYI: Disney has four parks, Universal Studios has two parks, and I've seen offers for combos such as Busch Gardens/Sea World.)

Weather: you want to be prepared.

Most of the year, Florida has above average temperatures compared to many other states in the country. On a typical afternoon, temperatures can range from the mid 70s to the high 90s. Random rain showers are not uncommon and to hide from the rain, your best bet is a poncho! Umbrellas can get too bulky and don't keep the wind from blowing the rain anyway. Finding cover in a crowded park is close to impossible.

Beat the heat

Staying hydrated is a major concern when dealing with the heat. Dehydration can cause comas in severe cases. Heatstroke is an ill effect of too much heat/sun. In a majority of the parks, if you have a good sized water bottle (or if you purchase one from the park), they will give you ice and water for no charge, if you ask for it.

Protect your skin: no one wants skin cancer

The Florida sun blazes and before you know it, you're sun burnt. Exposing your skin to too much sun can cause melanoma/skin cancer. Apply sunscreen prior to and during your visit.

MUST HAVES FOR THEME PARK VISIT:

Water

Poncho/umbrella (your choice)

Sunscreen/tanning lotion (again, your choice)

Camera/film (to capture all of your memories)

***Tips for the money-minded visitor***

To save money for souvenirs or whatever your heart desires, use the tips I've mentioned before for purchasing tickets and staying hydrated. If you don't want to drink water the whole time, invest in individual packets of Kool Aid, Gatorade, iced tea, etc. Provide multiple drinking options without spending two to three dollars per drink. That can add up. It you forget something such as a camera or other must have, I don't recommend purchasing these items in the park. For a disposable camera that you would buy at WalMart for five dollars, you would pay closer to 20 in a park.

Disney World: The Magic Kingdom is more geared towards families with children. Disney also encompasses three other parks: Epcot Center, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

Recommendations:

Magic Kingdom: The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.

Epcot Center: Test Track.

MGM Studios: Rockin' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Studio Back lot Tour,

Animal Kingdom: I haven't visited yet so I am unable to make recommendations at this time.

Universal Studios/Islands of Adventures: These parks are good for families and thrill seekers alike. Each park has a large area for kids to enjoy as well as many thrill rides along the way.

Recommendations:

Universal Studios: Revenge of the Mummy, Jimmy Neutron, MIB: Alien Attack, ET, Jaws, Earthquake, Twister.

Islands of Adventures: The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, Doctor Doom's Fearfall, Spiderman, Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dueling Dragons, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad (show), The Cat in the Hat, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride (great for kids)

Any of the roller coasters at Busch Gardens are awesome. It's been several years since my first/last visit so I cannot provide a competent recommendation at this time.

This article was meant to be informative based on my personal knowledge as a Florida native. Recommendations are personal opinions.