Tour Orlando Theme Parks - Local Favorites

Orlando, Florida is bursting with tourist attractions and theme parks. Which attractions are worth the cost of admission and what are the best ways to enjoy them? Find out how the locals make the most of the theme parks in their backyard. Learn where we eat, stay and play when we want to play tourist without spending a fortune or hours in line. You might not be able to take advantage of our Florida resident discounts on ticket prices, but you can use our favorite tricks for getting the most out of your theme park visits.

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Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
While the idea of camping is nice, the reality in Florida often means intense heat, crushing humidity, and bugs big enough to take off a limb (or at least cause a lot of annoyance). But Disney's Fort Wilderness lets you enjoy camping in Florida with the magic of Disney. That includes campfire marshmallow roasting and stories with you... More >
While the idea of camping is nice, the reality in Florida often means intense heat, crushing humidity, and bugs big enough to take off a limb (or at least cause a lot of annoyance). But Disney's Fort Wilderness lets you enjoy camping in Florida with the magic of Disney. That includes campfire marshmallow roasting and stories with your favorite Disney characters and log cabins with your favorite heating and cooling system. The cabins are a great for small groups to help share the cost and the experience of "roughing it" Disney style. You also get easy access to all the Walt Disney World parks with the Disney shuttle system.
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Earl of Sandwich
The best deal on a great meal at Disney is actually not inside one of the parks but at Downtown Disney's Earl of Sandwich. The food is reasonably priced and famously delicious - and parking is free! While you're at Downtown Disney, check out the Lego store. Downtown Disney is also the best place to find less expensive Disney souveni... More >
The best deal on a great meal at Disney is actually not inside one of the parks but at Downtown Disney's Earl of Sandwich. The food is reasonably priced and famously delicious - and parking is free! While you're at Downtown Disney, check out the Lego store. Downtown Disney is also the best place to find less expensive Disney souvenirs. Watch out, though. While you can find good deals at Downtown Disney you'll also find overpriced theme restaurants and bars. Keep your eye on the Earl of Sandwich prize and your wallet in your pocket.
Expedition Everest is one of the park's killer coasters and definitely worth picking up a fast pass for when you first arrive.
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SeaWorld
Hate crowds? Have kids in a wide range of ages? Head to SeaWorld. You'll find world class roller coasters for the big kids and great animal shows for the little ones. Manta is an adrenaline junky's dream and a truly one-of-a-kind coaster experience that makes you feel like you are actually flying - face down, Superman (or sting ray... More >
Hate crowds? Have kids in a wide range of ages? Head to SeaWorld. You'll find world class roller coasters for the big kids and great animal shows for the little ones. Manta is an adrenaline junky's dream and a truly one-of-a-kind coaster experience that makes you feel like you are actually flying - face down, Superman (or sting ray) style. Of course everyone will want to see Shamu while you're there, but the whale and dolphin shows also shouldn't be missed and still allow trainers to get into the water with the animals.
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Aquatica - SeaWorld's Water Park
If you're in the mood (and the weather is right) for a waterpark, you can't beat Aquatica. The park markets itself as a chance to "play side-by-side with the sea", but the feeling of actually being near the wildlife was minimal. What's great about the park is that they limit the number of people who can get in daily so you're never w... More >
If you're in the mood (and the weather is right) for a waterpark, you can't beat Aquatica. The park markets itself as a chance to "play side-by-side with the sea", but the feeling of actually being near the wildlife was minimal. What's great about the park is that they limit the number of people who can get in daily so you're never waiting too long in lines for all of the slides. Everything is super clean and easy to get around and it makes for a relaxing day of water fun.
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Epcot
EPCOT is another great theme park that lets you avoid lines - unless you actually want to ride the rides here. If you want to experience Soarin' or one of the other rides, grab a fast pass as soon as you walk into the park if you don't want to spend well over an hour in line. Otherwise, do what the locals do and head over to the Worl... More >
EPCOT is another great theme park that lets you avoid lines - unless you actually want to ride the rides here. If you want to experience Soarin' or one of the other rides, grab a fast pass as soon as you walk into the park if you don't want to spend well over an hour in line. Otherwise, do what the locals do and head over to the World Showcase immediately. Locals love to come and "eat and drink around the world", sampling from the food and drink menus in each country. Enjoy everything from sushi and sake to crepes and mimosas. EPCOT is also fun for kids with their Kim Possible missions and their Kid Cot coloring stations at each pavilion.
EPCOT is another great theme park that lets you avoid lines - unless you actually want to ride the rides here.
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Disney's Animal Kingdom
Another more relaxing theme park, Animal Kingdom is perfect for a fall or spring day when it's not too hot and not too cold to spend the day outside. You can go at your own pace and enjoy many of the animal exhibits and shows. Be sure to take a ride on the safari and check out the "behind the scenes" path afterward which includes an underwater look at a massive hippo. Expedition Everest is one of the park's killer coaste... More
Another more relaxing theme park, Animal Kingdom is perfect for a fall or spring day when it's not too hot and not too cold to spend the day outside. You can go at your own pace and enjoy many of the animal exhibits and shows. Be sure to take a ride on the safari and check out the "behind the scenes" path afterward which includes an underwater look at a massive hippo. Expedition Everest is one of the park's killer coasters and definitely worth picking up a fast pass for when you first arrive.
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About the Author

Britt Reints
Britt Reints
Professional Writer, Full-time Wanderer.
Websitefacebook.com/Missbritt
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