Orlando, Florida

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Walt Disney World
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Universal Orlando
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SeaWorld Orlando
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The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

I created this unofficial guide to walk you through all of the offerings of a Walt Disney World Vacation. 

It includes all of the following:

* An overview of each theme park with attractions and dining outlined (It even goes into detail for each land!)

* An overview of each water park with attractions and dining outlined 

* An overview of Disney Springs and Disney's BoardWalk

* A brief highlight of all the different resorts broken down by value, moderate, and deluxe

* Time, Savings, and Packing Tips specific to Walt Disney World!

So, if you don't want to use me to plan your next Walt Disney World vacation, maybe this guide will help you out!

Get it for only $5 over in my Etsy shop (link below):

Get Your Guide Here!
Universal Orlando

For those that like rollercoasters and other thrilling rides, Universal Orlando makes a great addition to your vacation! There are also family friendly rides and a large variety of themed areas to explore!

Theme Parks

3 Total

Universal Theme Parks offer immersive, real-life adventures themed around popular movies and entertainment, from thrilling rides to interactive shows 

  • Universal Studios
    • Diagon Alley (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
    • Illuminations Minion Land
    • Dreamworks Land
    • Simpsons Land
    • World Expo
    • New York
    • San Francisco
  • Islands of Adventure
    • Marvel Super Hero Island
    • Toon Lagoon
    • Skull Island 
    • Jurassic Park
    • Hogsmeade (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
    • Lost Continent
    • Dr. Seuss Land
  • Epic Universe
    • Celestial Park
    • Super Nintendo World
    • Dark Universe (Classic Monsters)
    • Ministry of Magic (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
    • Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon)
Water Park

1 Total

Universal's Volcano Bay is a tropical water park featuring a 200-foot volcano called Krakatau. The park offers a variety of water rides, including the Ko'okiri Body Plunge (the world's tallest body slide), and a relaxing lazy river. 

Here's a more detailed look:

  • Krakatau: 
    • Ko'okiri Body Plunge
    • Krakatau Aqua Coaster
  • Wave Village: 
    • Two wave pools
    • Waturi Beach. 
  • River Village: 
    • Family-friendly slides
    • Kopiko Wai Winding River
    • Tot Tiki Reef for younger children. 
  • Rainforest Village: 
    • More adventurous slides
    • TeAwa the Fearless River (so much fun!!)
Accomodations

11 Total

Universal Orlando has several hotel/resort options that fall into the following categories:

  • Signature
    • Universal Helios Grand Hotel (New!)
    • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
    • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
    • Hard Rock Hotel
    • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • Prime Value
    • Universal Aventura Hotel 
    • Universal Stella Nova Resort (New!)
    • Universal Terra Luna Resort (New!)
  • Value
    • Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
    • Universal Endless Summer Resort 
      • Surfside Inn and Suites
      • Dockside Inn and Suites

When staying at a Universal hotel or resort, you will have the following benefits:

  • Free Universal Express Unlimited (Select Signature only)
  • Early Park Admission (All)
  • Complimentary Transportation
    • Buses (All)
    • Water Taxis (Select)
Extras

Universal Orlando has some extra additions you can make to create the perfect vacation experience:

  • Entertainment
    • Universal's Great Movie Escape Game
    • Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
  • Dining
    • Marvel Character Dining
    • Themed Dining (like Toothsome!)
    • Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup
  • Photos
    • My Universal Photos Package
  • VIP Experience
  • Express Passes
    • Standard
      • Skip the line at select attractions once per ride
    • Unlimited
      • Skip the line at select attractions as many times are you would like! 
Events

Universal Orlando has different events happening throughout the year, which are categorized by their seasons below:

  • Winter
    • Holidays
    • Rock the Universe
  • Spring
    • Mardi Gras
  • Fall
    • Halloween Horror Nights (Recommended!)
SeaWorld Orlando

For those that enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, aquariums, marine habitats, and more! 

SeaWorld

Theme Park and Aquarium!

SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-focused theme park in Orlando, Florida, offering a blend of animal encounters, thrilling rides, and family-friendly attractions. 

It's known for its focus on aquatic animals, conservation efforts, and unique experiences like the "Penguin Trek" and the "Orca Encounter". 

The park also features record-breaking roller coasters, making it the "Coaster Capital of Orlando," along with kid-friendly areas like "Sesame Street Land".  

Key Features:

  • Marine Exhibits:

    • Dolphins

    •  Sea Lions

    • Turtles

    • Orca's

    • Beluga's

    • Sharks

    • and much more!

  • Thrilling Rides:

    • SeaWorld is the Coaster Capital of Orlando and includes some of the most unique roller coasters:

      • The Mako (Orlando's tallest, fastest, and longest)

      • The Manta (unique lying-down coaster) 

      • The Pipeline (Stand up and surf the waves)

  • Shows and Presentations:

    • Educational presentations like "Orca Encounter" and "Dolphin Adventures" provide insights into the behavior and care of marine animals. 

  • Family-Friendly Areas:

    • Sesame Street Land™ offers fun, kid-friendly rides and attractions. 

  • Extras (Additional Cost)

    • Dining with Orca's 

      • Get a private Orca show while you dine on a set menu.

    • Quick Queue

      • Get through the lines quicker for the rides

    • Preferred Seating

      • Get the best seats for the 3 shows

    • Animal Encounters

      •  Get up close and personal with Dolphins, Belugas, and more!



Aquatica

Water Park and Aquarium!

Aquatica offers a unique experience by combining the excitement of a water park with the educational and immersive aspects of a marine animal attraction. Here's a closer look: 

  • Water Park Features:

  • Aquatica includes numerous water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, providing thrilling and relaxing water-based entertainment. 

  • Marine Animal Encounters

  • Guests can encounter various marine animals, including dolphins, sharks, and other fish, in dedicated exhibits and habitats. 

  • Aquarium

  • Some Aquatica locations feature a large marine aquarium, allowing guests to explore the underwater world up close. 

  • South Sea Theme

  • Aquatica's overall theme is inspired by the South Seas, creating a tropical atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience.

Discovery Cove

All-Inclusive Day Resort

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort in Orlando, Florida, focusing on immersive animal encounters and relaxation, with a highlight of swimming with dolphins. It offers a unique blend of animal experiences, relaxed waterways, and resort-style amenities, making it a popular choice for families and animal lovers seeking a different kind of theme park experience. 

Key Features:

  • Dolphin Lagoon
    • Sit on the beach and relax while watching the Dolphins swim and play
  • Grand Reef  
    • A snorkeling area with diverse fish and rays. 
  • Explorer's Aviary
    • A place to hand-feed tropical birds. 
  • Flamingo Point
    • An area to observe and mingle with Caribbean flamingos. 
  • Wind-Away River 
    • A lazy river that runs through the aviary. 
  • Freshwater Oasis
    • A habitat where monkeys and otters can be viewed. 
  • All-Inclusive
    • Free Breakfast, Lunch, Unlimited Snacks
    • Free Beverages (non-alcoholic, select beer and wine)
  • Worry-Free Amenities
    • Free Parking
    • Lockers
    • Towels
    • Wetsuits
    • Snorkel Gear 
    • and more!
  • Serenity Bay
    • A relaxing area with white sand beaches.
  • Extras (Additional Cost)
    • Swim with the Dolphins
    • Cabana Rental
    • Seaventure (Underwater Walking Tour with Dive Helmets)
    • Shark Interaction
    • Ray Feeding
    • Animal Trek (Private tour - birds and small mammals)
    • Flamingo Mingle
    • Premium Drink Package 
    • Photo Packages
    • Ultimate Animal Experience
    • Ultimate VIP Experience
    • Trainer for a Day (animal care behind the scenes)
Accommodations

18 Total

SeaWorld has many hotels and resorts that you can stay at, which are split into the following categories:

  • Official SeaWorld Hotel
    • Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
    • DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Fairfield Inn and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Holiday Inn Express and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Hampton Inn and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
    • Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld
  • SeaWorld Hotel Partner
    • Aloft Orlando International Drive
    • Element Orlando International Drive
    • Hilton Orlando
    • Hyatt Regency Orlando
    • LaQuinta Inn and Suites Orlando
    • The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
    • JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Events

SeaWorld also has some fun events going on throughout the year:

  • Seven Seas Food Festival
    • Late January thru Early May 
    • Sample your way around the world (kind of like Epcot!)
  • Cinco de Mayo
    • May 1-5
    • Authentic music, delicious Mexican cuisine, and festive entertainment
  • Summer Spectacular
    • Late May - Early September
    • Viva La Musica (June)
    • Bands, Brew, & BBQ (July-August)
  • Baby Shark at Seaworld!
    • June 30th - September 2nd, 2025
  • Halloween Events
    • Halloween Spooktacular 
      • Late August to Early November
      • Trick or Treating and Halloween characters
    • Howl-O-Scream (Night Event - Extra Cost)
      • Early September to Early November
      • Haunted Houses
        • Get in first with a Fear Pass (Additional Cost)
      • Scare Zones (watch out as you walk through!)
      • Bar Experiences
      • Shows
  • Christmas Celebration 
    • Delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment