The Best Florida Theme Parks to Visit in 2024

Written by Jerry Joyce in SeaWorld Orlando,Universal Orlando Resort,Walt Disney World Resort

Home to Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort, the State of Florida is widely considered the theme park capital of the world.  Every year millions of vacationers both throughout the United States as well as internationally head to the sunshine state not only for it’s warm weather and beautiful beaches, but to to a visit it’s world renowned theme parks.

Most of these amazing vacation destinations are located in the greater Orlando area (hosting almost 60 million visitors in 2021) which is in the center of the state, making it an easy drive from just about anywhere in Florida.  With the future extension of the Brightline high speed train, visitors from South Florida and the Miami area will have a very easy time traveling to Orlando.

What are the best theme parks to visit in Florida?  We are going to list our Top 10 for 2024.

The Best Florida Theme Parks to Visit in 2024

  1. Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World
  2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  3. EPCOT – Walt Disney World
  4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World
  5. Universal Studios Florida
  6. SeaWorld Orlando
  7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Walt Disney World
  8. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  9. LEGOLAND Theme Park
  10. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral

1. Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom park is one of the most well known theme parks throughout the world.  Hosting more than 10 million visitors each year, this 107-acre destination was the first theme park in Florida first opening in 1971.

Located in Orlando, Florida, the Magic Kingdom is considered to be the crown jewel of  the Walt Disney World Resort and features some its most popular rides and attractions.  These include:

  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • TRON Lightcycle Run (opening April 4, 2023)
  • it’s a small world
  • Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (show)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade

Each day ends with an amazing fireworks / nighttime spectacular with Cinderella’s Castle as the backdrop.  At this time it’s Disney Enchantment.

There are four spectacular resort hotels just outside the Magic Kingdom, three of which can be directly accessed via Disney’s Monorail system.  These four resorts are:

In addition to the resort hotels, visitors will find The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort as well as a number of Disney Vacation Club properties.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to the Magic Kingdom

2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is one of the most popular theme parks not only in Orlando, but throughout the United States.  First opened in 1999 as part of a major expansion to the Universal Orlando Resort, Island’s was named the top amusement park by TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2019.

Located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, Islands of Adventure combines “thrill” rides along with a number of family-friendly attractions.  The park was home to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Major rides and attractions include:

There is a nighttime projection & fireworks shows on select nights that is held in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogwarts Castle is the backdrop of this amazing show which is not to be missed.

The Universal Orlando Resort features a a number of great on-site hotels with price points for all budgets.  These including the Hard Rock Hotel, the Loews Portofino Bay Resort, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts. Check out our Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando Hotels and Resorts.

Click here to see our Definitive Guide to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

3. EPCOT – Walt Disney World

One of the largest theme parks in Florida is EPCOT.  This 305-acre park was originally opened in 1982 and is currently undergoing a massive expansion and renovation with new rides, attractions, eateries and shops. 

Located in Orlando within the Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT consists of two separate themed areas known as Future World and the World Showcase.  Popular rides and attractions include:

Some of the best dining experiences in Walt Disney World are within EPCOT and range from character dining to fine dining at the countries in the World Showcase.  At this time Epcot’s nighttime spectacular is Harmonious.

In addition to the rides and attractions, there are seasonal festivals that include:

Guests visiting EPCOT are within walking distance to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Hotels & Villas.  There is even a rear entrance to the park which provides easy access for guests staying at these resorts.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to EPCOT at Walt Disney World

4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Another of the more popular theme parks in the Orlando area is Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Hollywood Studios was the third theme park to open at the Walt Disney World Resort and is themed after a number of Disney movies.

Disney's hollywood studios

Located in Orlando at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios underwent a major expansion in 2019 with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.  Popular rides and attractions include:

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

There are a number of nighttime shows including the Wonderful World of Animation and Fantasmic!

Guests visiting this park are within walking distance to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Hotels & Villas.  There is water taxi and Disney Skyliner transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

5. Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida was the original theme park at Universal Orlando Resort where guests were able to “ride the movies”.  Originally opened in 1990, this park typically hosts more than 10 million visitors a year.

Located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, Universal Studios Florida has a fairly diverse offering of rides and attractions. It is also home home to the Diagon Alley expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Major rides and attractions include:

  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • The Bourne Stuntacular
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • Men In Black Alien Attack

Held nightly in the central lagoon is Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration which is a great fireworks, fountains and projection show.  Make sure you get to Central Park early so you have a clear view.

Universal Studios Florida also hosts a number of popular annual events including:

Universal Orlando features a a number of great on-site hotels with price points for all budgets.  These including the Hard Rock Hotel, the Loews Portofino Bay Resort, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts.  Check out our Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando Hotels and Resorts.

Click here to see our Definitive Guide to Universal Studios Florida

6. SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is central Florida’s second oldest theme park and is come known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of Orlando”.  Originally developed in 1974 as a marine zoological theme park, SeaWorld Orlando has been undergoing massive transformation in a “thrill park” with the additional of several new roller coasters.

Located near the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, major rides and attractions at SeaWorld Orlando include:

Held several times a day is the latest version of the “Shamu Show” call The Orca Encounter.

SeaWorld also hosts a number of popular annual events including:

While there are no “on-site” hotels, there are a number of Official & Partner hotels like the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld and the Residence Inn at SeaWorld.

Click here to see our Complete Guide to SeaWorld Orlando

7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Walt Disney World

The newest theme park at Walt Disney World is it’s largest at 580 acres in size.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened in 1998 and features more than 1,700 animals in over 250 individual species.

Located in Orlando at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom underwent a major expansion in 2017 with the addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar.  Popular rides and attractions include:

  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • The Festival of the Lion King
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Kali River Rapids

One of the most highly themed hotels at Walt Disney World is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This amazing resort features a number of rooms that face three separate “savannas” which are home to more than 200 live animals.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

8. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Owned by SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the most fun parks for thrill riders.  Originally opened as an animal theme park, Busch Gardens features a number roller coasters including the second-tallest free-standing drop tower in North America.

Located in the city of Tampa in Florida’s west coast, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the oldest theme parks in Florida having originally opened in 1959.  Popular rides and attractions include:

  • SheiKra
  • Cheetah Hunt
  • Congo River Rapids
  • Falcon’s Fury
  • Iron Gwazi
  • Serengeti Flyer (Coming Soon)

In addition to the rides and attractions, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features a number of annual events.

  • Mardi Gras
  • Real Music Series
  • Food & Wine Festival
  • Summer Nights
  • Bier Fest
  • Howl-O-Scream
  • Christmas Town

Click here to see our Top 10 Rides & Attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa

9. LEGOLAND Theme Park

The Legoland Florida Resort originally opened in 2011s on the site of the former Cypress Gardens which closed in 2009.  Cypress Gardens originally opened in 1936 as a botanical gardens and water ski show attraction but transitioned to an amusement park in 2004 called Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. 

Today the original botanical gardens remains as part of the Legoland Florida Resort.

Located in Winter Haven, Florida, Legoland is situated midway between Orlando and Tampa. Major attractions include:

  • AQUAZONE Wave Racers
  • The Great LEGO Race
  • The Lost Kingdom Adventure
  • LEGO NINJAGO The Ride
  • Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show

In addition to the Legoland Water Park, the resort features the Legoland Hotel, the Pirate Island Hotel and the Legoland Beach Retreat.

Click here to see our Complete Guide to The Legoland Florida Resort

10. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral

Located on the central east coast of Florida is the John F. Kennedy Space Center which is known for the operations and launch center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a one-of-a-kind experience which includes real life spaceflight exhibits, two IMAX theaters, numerous attractions & experiences, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, astronaut training experiences and a separate Apollo / Saturn V Center. 

Major attractions include:

  • US Astronaut Hall of Fame
  • Race to the Moon
  • Planet Play
  • Space Shuttle Atlantis / Launch Experience
  • Apollo / Saturn 5 Center

Hotels in the area of the Kennedy Space Center include the Residence Inn Cape Canaveral and the Four Points Sheraton Cocoa Beach.

Click here to see our Complete Guide to the Kennedy Space Center

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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