Orlando Vacation Guide: Disney Theme Parks

If you're planning a vacation to Orlando, you are most likely interested in the theme parks in Orlando like Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. There are tons of theme parks in Orlando to choose from but each theme park offers a different, well, "theme."

To choose the best theme parks to buy tickets for in Orlando, you should probably narrow down the field to make sure that you get the most out of your experience and avoid wasting time AND money!

I live in Orlando, and have been to almost every park, dinner theatre and attraction made available. Believe me; they are all different and geared to specific age groups and interests. Here's my complete guide to some of the most popular Orlando theme parks!

Top Three Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom

Magic kingdom is definitely magical; themes and fantastic scenery surround almost every edge of this park.

Theme/Type: The theme for Magic Kingdom is the Disney characters: Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck. If you've never been to Disney World before, no matter what age you are, you probably should check out magic kingdom if simply to say you did it

Age Group: It is most appropriate for adults and younger children, or the vacationer looking to just have a relaxing, fun time.

Rollercoaster, Excite Factor: The most exciting roller coaster at Magic kingdom is Space Mountain, and it doesn't come close to the scare factor that Busch Gardens and Six Flags give you with their roller coasters.

Most Popular Attractions: The Tea cups are one of the popular references in movies and books. But, the tea cup ride is really nothing more than a county fair's type spinning ride. Of course, I never thought less of the Tea Cups when I was younger, so the kids are sure to love it.

Typical Time spent: You can probably spend all day at Magic Kingdom, taking fun character pictures, enjoying the shows and well...waiting in line.

Epcot

Epcot is my favorite Disney theme park and always has been. But, I'm a technology geek and always loved all the cool gadgets and technology toys throughout the park. It's also exciting to visit every country in only 3 hours.

Theme/Type: The theme for Epcot is split more than the other parks into: World Countries, Technology and History. I guess you could say simply: Culture. The catch phrase being: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Age Group: All age groups, you can enjoy this park as long as you have an enthusiastic mind and love being sucked into alternate universes!

Rollercoaster, Excite Factor: True roller coasters are scarce here, it is more for a relaxing, interesting day enjoying your friends and/or family and sharing new experiences.

Most Popular Attractions: Spaceship Earth is the icon and most popular ride at Epcot. A huge silver sphere, taking its visitors to all regions of planets earth.

Typical Time spent: You can definitely spend all day and all night at Epcot, from the countries and ethnic foods, to the gadget play areas, to fire work displays at night.

Disney/MGM Studios

Theme/Type: The theme for MGM is action, shows and Hollywood. It's a behind the scenes look at movies and production.

Age Group: Every age group can enjoy MGM, as is the Disney way. But, I do have to say (this is only opinion) as a younger visitor MGM was my least favorite because they don't have any true roller Coasters.

Rollercoaster, Excite Factor: Mostly shows, virtual rides and 3-D movie rides.

Most Popular Attractions: The more popular attractions are the tower of terror and the Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 4-D film.

Typical Time spent: If you love shows and think you would like being sucked into the movies you love to watch, you can spend days upon days seeing all of Disney MGM Studio's shows and attractions

Hope this guide helps you when choosing tickets and attractions for your Orlando Vacation! Remember, all of the Disney theme parks are enjoyed by almost every age group, which is their claim to fame. Rests assure which ever or all of the Disney theme parks you choose will leave behind a little bit of magic in you!