Which Orlando Theme Parks Are Right for Your Family?

The Magic Kingdom at Disney World is an excellent choice for a family of any kind. Younger children who might be afraid of scarier rides will find plenty to enjoy, such as the flying Dumbo elephants, It's a Small World, the Peter Pan Flight and shows like Country Bear Jamboree. For older kids and teens, the Magic Kingdom offers Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain.

Magic Kingdom
3111 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/

Although there are some rides and attractions at Universal Orlando, both parks here are mainly geared toward older kids, teens and adults. Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure are both highlighted by rides that would probably be too scary for kids under 10. Jaws, Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, the 3-D Spider-man ride and Dr. Doom Fearfall are highlights at Universal, and each of these rides is intense.

Universal Theme Park
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, Florida 32819
http://www.universalorlando.com/index.html

Many younger kids, older kids and teens may easily get bored at Epcot. Even some adults find much of Epcot boring. That said, it must be noted that Epcot today features many more exciting rides and attractions than it used to. The flight simulation ride Soarin' is one of the popular attractions in Disney World, and Test Track is always packed when it's not shut down for repairs. Epcot is probably best enjoyed by adults and teens.

Epcot
1675 N. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) WDW-MAGIC
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/

Both of these parks are excellent choices for families with kids who have expressed an interest in animals. Both parks also offer thrill rides, although Sea World has more to please older kids. If you have younger kids, Animal Kingdom is probably a better bet because the park features a variety of animals in their natural habitat while also featuring rides and shows geared to younger kids.

Animal Kingdom
Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom

Sea World
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
(407) 351-3600
seaworld.com/orlando/

Formerly Disney-MGM Studios, this park is definitely good for families who have an interest in movies and television. Almost all rides and shows here are based upon or refer to movies or the process of film making. If your kids are unfamiliar with movies, some of the themes of the rides might go over their heads. However, Disney Hollywood is home to two of the all-time favorite rides at Disney World: the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster.

Disney Hollywood
1510 N. Cove Road
Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/parks/parkLanding?id=MGMLandingPage