Younger Children
If your kids are under 10 years old and not quite ready for the thrill rides, the best choice by far is the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. While there is plenty here for adults to enjoy like Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion, the Magic Kingdom is paradise for very little ones. You may get tired of It's a Small World, the flying Dumbo ride, Peter Pan's Flight and Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin, but young kids won't.
Disney's Magic Kingdom
3111 World Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom
Older Kids
Older kids will certainly enjoy parts of the Disney theme parks, but Universal's Islands of Adventure really targets the older crowd. Islands of Adventures has many thrill rides that older kids and teens will go back to over and over again, including the Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragon roller coasters, an amazing 3-D Spider-Man ride that never gets boring, and Doctor Doom's Fear Fall, which defies gravity as it blasts you 150 feet into the air like a cannon. If you have the time, also include a two-park ticket to Universal Studios theme park so the kids can take advantage of the hilarious Simpsons Ride, Jaws and the high-octane Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster.
Universal Theme Park
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, Florida 32819
universalorlando.com
Universal's Islands of Adventures
universalorlando.com/amusement-parks/islands-of-adventure.html
Animal Lovers
If your kids love animals, there are two Orlando theme parks that they will enjoy. Animal Kingdom is at Disney World and features many wild and exotic animals in a natural habitat surrounding. In addition, the park features exciting rides and live shows. Don't miss the Lion King Show, but get there early as it packs quickly.
Sea World is also designed for kids who love animals. Here too are thrill rides alongside animal shows, including Believe, starring the park's iconic orca whale, Shamu.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Osceola Parkway,
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom
Sea World
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-3600
seaworld.com/orlando
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
