The best theme parks in Florida for 2027: which one to choose?

Fairytale castles, thrilling roller coasters, the world of Harry Potter or NASA rockets... Florida has no shortage of theme parks!

But with Disney, Universal and all the other parks, how do you choose the right one for you?

Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple or with friends, check out our comparison of Florida's theme parks and get ready for some unforgettable moments on your Florida road trip!

Comparing the best theme parks in Florida

Which are Florida's most popular theme parks? Based on visitor numbers, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios take the top 3 spots. And they all have one thing in common: they are all Disney parks!

But popularity isn't everything! Disney, Universal, LEGOLAND, NASA... To find the park that really suits you, compare Florida's 17 must-visit attractions by their themes, rides and how long you'll need there.

Key: 🟢 Yes, fully | 🟠 Partially | ➖ Not available

Attendance: 2024 estimates from the TEA Global Experience Index. Parks with no available data are listed at the end of the table.

For film fans and cult universes

Have you always dreamed of getting your Hogwarts letter, piloting the Millennium Falcon, or challenging Bowser? In Florida, your favourite worlds come to life!

Universal Studios Florida

Attention, budding wizards! At Universal Studios Florida, step through the doors of Diagon Alley, marvel at the dragon perched on Gringotts and board Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

But the magic doesn't stop there! Meet the Minions, battle aliens in MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, or get your adrenaline pumping with Revenge of the Mummy.

"My biggest highlight was, without hesitation, the world of Harry Potter. It's truly magical! What I loved was that it's not just a ride, but an entire universe you're plunged into. Even the wait for the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride is part of the experience! You enter Gringotts bank, where you see the goblins working behind their counters. Another favourite of mine, a bit more nostalgic this time, was E.T. Adventure. It's an old ride, but I really loved it! I truly felt like I was a child again. Personally, I'd go back with great pleasure, if only to relive the magic of Harry Potter!" Emilie, USA Specialist

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Ready to step through the screen? At Disney's Hollywood Studios, board the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and join the Resistance with Rise of the Resistance.

Toy Story fans will also find Slinky Dog Dash, while thrill-seekers can brave The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

We had a wonderful family day at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando over the holidays last year, with our 12-year-old son! We absolutely loved Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a truly immersive experience, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, with its super-fast launch and dark inversions! We also adored Tower of Terror, which gave us some great thrills! The scenery is incredible, the atmosphere magical, and the rides are perfect for teenagers who love adrenaline. A memorable day we highly recommend! Virginie, USA Specialist

Epic Universe

Opening in 2025, Epic Universe invites you to travel between 5 extraordinary worlds. Challenge Bowser in Super Nintendo World, explore the Ministry of Magic and meet the dragons of How to Train Your Dragon.

For a change of pace, head to Dark Universe, filled with legendary monsters, or Celestial Park, where the Stardust Racers roller coaster promises plenty of adrenaline!

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For thrill-seekers

Do you like going fast, very fast? With dizzying roller coasters, impressive drops and exhilarating accelerations, Florida's theme parks have plenty to get your adrenaline pumping!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Roller coaster fans, you're in for a treat! At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, roller coasters are the real stars. Dare to ride Iron Gwazi, a hybrid wooden and steel coaster known for its speed and spectacular drops.

For a change of pace, try SheiKra, with its almost vertical drop, or Cheetah Hunt, which features a series of accelerations. Between rides, you can also observe giraffes, zebras and other animals in areas inspired by the African savannah.

Islands of Adventure

At Islands of Adventure, get ready to go from the world of Jurassic Park to Harry Potter, with a few adrenaline rushes along the way!

The most daring will head for Jurassic World VelociCoaster, a roller coaster with exhilarating accelerations, or The Incredible Hulk Coaster, recognisable by its spectacular launch. Wizarding fans won't want to miss Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a motorbike adventure deep in the Forbidden Forest.

SeaWorld Orlando

Don't let the name fool you: SeaWorld Orlando is not just about marine animals! The park also has several roller coasters that are just as impressive as those in Florida's other major parks.

On board Mako, get ready for a series of drops and weightless sensations. Manta will have you flying in a prone position, while Ice Breaker focuses on forward and backward launches. The park also offers aquariums and encounters with various marine species.

For those wanting to rediscover the magic of childhood

A fairytale castle, characters from your childhood and worlds where anything seems possible... At Disney, the magic works at any age, and yes, you don't have to be a child to still be amazed!

Magic Kingdom

Welcome to Disney's enchanted kingdom! With its famous Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom is the park that best embodies Disney magic. Here, you'll meet Mickey, embark with the Pirates of the Caribbean and fly over London with Peter Pan.

Among the must-sees, don't miss Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and TRON Lightcycle / Run, a futuristic roller coaster that will delight thrill-seekers. And to end the day in style, let yourself be amazed by the evening shows around the castle!

EPCOT

Fancy a trip around the world without leaving Florida? Head to EPCOT, a Disney park that blends cultural discoveries, innovations and futuristic attractions.

In the World Showcase, wander between the pavilions of 11 countries, from Japan to France and Morocco. For rides, embark on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for a thrilling adventure or let yourself be surprised by Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, which plunges you into the Parisian kitchens of the famous little rat.

For space, science and discovery enthusiasts

Do you prefer exploring space or observing wild animals rather than going on roller coasters? In Florida, some attractions invite you to discover fascinating worlds, without leaving Earth... almost!

Kennedy Space Center

Ready for a journey to the stars? Located on Florida's Atlantic coast, the Kennedy Space Center takes you behind the scenes of American space exploration. There are no movie sets here: the rockets and shuttles actually played a part in NASA's history!

Get up close to the legendary Atlantis shuttle, admire the impressive Saturn V rocket and discover the Apollo missions. Between simulators, interactive exhibits and astronaut encounters, depending on the programme, young and old alike will be inspired to dream of walking on the Moon.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

How about going on a safari right in the middle of Florida? At Disney's Animal Kingdom, nature takes centre stage in a park that blends animal encounters, spectacular scenery and immersive adventures.

Embark on Kilimanjaro Safaris to meet giraffes, elephants and rhinos, then completely change planets in Pandora – The World of Avatar. With Avatar Flight of Passage, fly on the back of a banshee over Pandora's extraordinary landscapes. Thrill-seekers can also challenge the Himalayan mountains aboard Expedition Everest.

For families with young children

First rollercoaster rides, meeting their favourite characters and adventures made just for them… In Florida, little ones can have big adventures too! Here are two theme parks where they won't have to wait until they're older to join in the fun.

Peppa Pig Theme Park

Welcome to Peppa Pig's colourful world! Located in Winter Haven, right next to LEGOLAND Florida, this theme park has been designed especially for little ones. Children can explore familiar settings from the popular TV series and meet Peppa, George and their friends.

They can enjoy their first rollercoaster ride on Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, take to the skies on Peppa's Balloon Ride or have fun in the playgrounds and splash zones. Everything is designed with younger children in mind, so even the smallest visitors can join in!

LEGOLAND Florida

Calling all young builders! At LEGOLAND Florida, those famous colourful bricks come to life in a theme park where children can become the heroes of their own adventures.

Get behind the wheel at Ford Driving School, take on the challenges of LEGO NINJAGO The Ride or marvel at the impressive LEGO creations in MINILAND USA, where famous American cities have been recreated in miniature. With family rides, interactive games and plenty of opportunities to build, there's no shortage of ways for children to let their imaginations run wild.

For water park lovers

When the Florida sun is shining, there's nothing better than cooling off with a splash! From thrilling water slides and wave pools to lazy rivers, there's a water park for everyone, whether you're after an adrenaline rush or a relaxing day in the sunshine.

Volcano Bay

Welcome to Universal's tropical paradise! At Volcano Bay, an enormous volcano towers over sandy beaches, palm trees and waterfalls. It feels like a Pacific island getaway, yet it's just minutes from Universal's other theme parks.

If you're feeling brave, try Ko'okiri Body Plunge, a spectacular near-vertical water slide, or Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which sends riders racing through the volcano. For something more relaxing, float along Kopiko Wai Winding River or unwind on one of the park's beaches.

Please note: Volcano Bay will be temporarily closed for maintenance from 26 October 2026 until 1 April 2027 at the latest. Check the official Universal Orlando calendar to confirm opening dates.

Aquatica Orlando

Fancy a whole day of slides, splashing and floating around? Aquatica Orlando has something for everyone, from high-speed water slides to play areas designed for younger children.

Twist and turn your way through Ray Rush, brave the drop on Ihu's Breakaway Falls or climb aboard Tassie's Underwater Twist for a group ride. When you need a break, head for the wave pools or enjoy a leisurely float along one of the park's rivers.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Imagine a tropical island after a huge storm, with a fishing boat stranded at the top of a mountain. That's the wonderfully quirky setting of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon!

The park is best known for its enormous wave pool, Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Water slide fans can also race down Crush 'n' Gusher or enjoy a family raft ride on Miss Adventure Falls.

Disney's Blizzard Beach

A ski resort in sunny Florida? Only Disney could dream that up! At Blizzard Beach, snow-covered ski slopes have been transformed into water slides, creating a wonderfully unexpected setting.

The bravest visitors can take on Summit Plummet, an impressive high-speed water slide. For some family fun, climb aboard Teamboat Springs for a group raft ride, then slow things down with a relaxing float along Cross Country Creek.

LEGOLAND Water Park

After exploring the world of LEGO, it's time to make a splash! Located within LEGOLAND Florida Resort, this water park offers plenty more family fun, with attractions designed for children of all ages.

Little ones can splash around on the slides at Joker Soaker, enjoy the wave pool or build their own LEGO raft before floating along the Build-A-Raft River. It's the sort of activity that could keep parents just as entertained as their young builders!

How to fit theme parks into a Florida road trip

Found a few parks you'd love to visit? Now it's time to work them into your itinerary! After all, there's much more to Florida than Orlando. With the Gulf Coast beaches, the Everglades and the Florida Keys waiting to be explored, it would be a shame to spend your entire holiday queuing for rides.

How many days should you spend in Orlando?

It all depends on how many parks you'd like to visit. For a major theme park such as Magic Kingdom, Epic Universe or Islands of Adventure, it's generally best to allow a full day per park.

Here are a few guidelines to help you plan:

• 2 to 3 days: Ideal for visiting one or two must-see parks without spending your entire trip on rides and attractions.
• 4 to 5 days: A good balance if you'd like to explore several Disney and Universal parks, with a quieter day in between.
• 6 days or more: Worth considering if theme parks are the main focus of your holiday and you want to visit as many as possible.

If you're travelling with young children, try to keep your plans flexible. A day by the pool or a morning without an early alarm between park visits can work wonders for everyone's mood!

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Which theme parks can you combine on the same trip?

The good news is that several parks are located within the same resorts, making it easier to plan your visits.

• Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are all part of one enormous resort, along with the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks.
• Universal Orlando Resort: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay offer plenty of variety without having to travel to another part of Florida.
• SeaWorld and Aquatica: Two neighbouring parks in Orlando that are easy to combine over two days.
• LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park: Located next to each other in Winter Haven, they're a great combination for families with young children.

One thing to remember: just because parks are close together doesn't mean you should try to visit them all in one day. The larger parks generally deserve a full day each.

Kennedy Space Center also makes a great day trip from Orlando. Allow around an hour to reach the Atlantic coast by car, depending on where you're staying and the traffic.

How can you enjoy the theme parks without missing the rest of Florida?

The trick is to make Orlando one stop on your road trip, rather than spending your entire holiday there.

After a few days of Disney magic and thrilling rides, it's time for a complete change of scenery!

• On the Atlantic coast, explore the beaches of Cocoa Beach or head to Kennedy Space Center.
• Along the Gulf Coast, the beaches of Clearwater and Sarasota are perfect for slowing down and relaxing.
• Further south, the Everglades reveal Florida's wilder side, with mangroves, alligators and tropical birds. And if you're dreaming of turquoise waters, continue down to the Florida Keys and Key West.

For a trip of around two weeks, you could spend three or four days in Orlando before hitting the road in a hire car or RV, heading towards the Gulf Coast, the Everglades and Miami.

In Florida, there's a theme park for everyone! The hardest part is deciding which ones to visit. But one thing's certain: a visit to the theme parks can be one of the highlights of your Florida road trip. Mélaine

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