Orlando Theme Parks: Feel the Magic

Orlando theme parks have always been one of the highlights of our family's many trips to Florida.

Mickey Mouse, Universal Studio, Disney World Orlando! What's not to love?

Actually, there can be a lot not to love.

A day at one of the Orlando park attractions can turn disastrous if you haven't prepared and planned carefully.

Thankfully, our 10 trips to Orlando have made us theme park preparation experts, so read on if you've been asking yourself any of the following questions:

• Which of the Orlando theme parks do we visit first? (Planning is crucial!)

• How many parks are there?

• What are the best days to visit?

• What does each of the theme parks have to offer (parades, shows, rides, dining etc)

• How much does it cost to enter the parks?

• What are the opening and closing times?

• How do we get to Universal Studio or Disney World Orlando?

There's lots of fun stuff to find in this section of our site. Furthermore, you can flush out any hiccups before you arrive in Orlando, especially if it's your first time...like us ten years ago with our eleven, ten and three year olds in tow.

What did we do? Hit Magic Kingdom on the Monday! (Bad decision), especially if you are not staying in a Disney theme parks resort.

Everybody else who arrived in Orlando over the weekend 'did the same thing' and that was the days before Fastpass was introduced...lines (queues) for up to two hours for each ride, restaurants jam packed, the whole place was overflowing with people.

So lesson learnt, that was the last time we tried that on a Monday.
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With that in mind, we set out to give you down-to-earth information you can use to avoid our mistakes. On the following pages, you'll find loads of useful info based on our experiences throughout the Orlando theme parks and water parks in and around Orlando. We hope it will benefit you and your family on your own adventures.

Click on the blue hyperlink of your choice which will open up your selected Orlando theme park page.

Requirements when you visit Orlando theme parks:

• Sunscreen - Bring your favourite with you (check sunscreen factor!).

• Water Bottles - Always carry one with you that can be refilled at any water fountain, drinks are expensive in all the parks.

• Batteries - Carry spare if you can for the video camera or make sure you fully charge them the night before. These items are very expensive in the parks. Also spare films if you own this type of camera.

• Snacks - Energy bars etc. to your choice, You'll keep those energy levels up through out the day.

• Strollers/Pushchairs - Bring your own. These hire charges can add up as you visit all the parks.

• Footwear - Make sure you have comfortable shoes: trainers, sneakers etc.

• Two Way Radios - Great to keep in contact if you are a large group who has split up for the day.

• Hats - The Florida sunshine can be unforgiving to fair skin (or any type of skin) so stay covered up.

• Ponchos - If a wet day is scheduled bring your own from home. If you need to buy Wal-Mart, Publix, Target etc. sell them a lot cheaper than do the Orlando theme parks.

• Sunglasses - Don't forget the shades.

• ID's - For the kids, name, cell - mobile phone number, accommodation where you are staying etc.

• A Good Breakfast - Before you leave your hotel, villa, motel etc. This will give you a good start to the day.

• Autograph Book - Bring your own, or you can purchase these outside or inside the parks. All Orlando theme parks have their heros so be prepared. Photographs will also be taken for you to purchase if you request them.

When you're planning your trip to Orlando theme parks, you don't want to use old news and information. We will keep updating our site via our RSS feed. Simply click onto the RSS feed above and follow the instructions. It's an easy way to stay on top of what's happening in Orlando, free of charge.