Family Vacation GuideOrlando

This 110-acre wildlife reserve is filled with gators and fun attractions. Zipline over a gator-infested lake, even pose for a wrestling photo.

Find the hidden meeting place of evil wizards who practice the Dark Arts. Keep your eyes peeled. It's not marked.

You'll see a parade with Mickey as a Jedi Knight, tons of fans dressed as characters, and celebrity guests. It runs every weekend from mid-May to mid-June.

Every night, fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella's Castle, while "When You Wish Upon a Star" plays triumphantly in the background.

Nightly fireworks erupt on the lake at Epcot and a laser light show mixes themes from the cultures of the world.

Fireworks light up Cinderella's Castle, while you finish off the night with a dessert party over the lake in Tomorrowland.

Equal to the thrill of taking off in a jet plane without a windshield, this riveting ride takes you from zero to 40 MPH in about two seconds.

You get to pick a song to listen to as you fly down 17 stories on the world's first non-inverting loop.

Drop down 185 feet and you'll feel weightless. Then you jolt upwards at the speed of a space shuttle.

Two rides in one, you can pick one of two dragons to race on intertwining loops. It's worth trying both, and with two coasters, the line goes faster.

Embark on a whirlwind adventure with Harry and his friends as you fly through the classrooms and halls of Hogwarts Castle.

This is how wizards use the ATM. Zoom through the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank in a multi-dimensional 3-D thrill ride.

What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely jungle cruise in Jurassic Park? Well, the raptors get loose, and now you have to escape by plunging down an 85-foot waterfall.

Fire lights up the ceiling and scarab beetles cover the walls. Then everything goes pitch black and you don't know whether to hold your breath or scream.

This classic log flume sends you flying over a 75-foot drop with a cool story beforehand that will have kids laughing.

You may be on the ground, but it sure feels like you're flying across the skyscrapers of Manhattan in this 3-D ride with stunning effects.

This I-Drive attraction is an odd museum filled with all the unbelievable anomalies of the world like six-legged cows, vampires, and giants.

Kids get to learn about science, the fun way, by doing cool interactive experiments. The upside down building is quite a sight too.

This smaller theme park is home to classic, hard-hitting thrill rides. Ride the slingshot and fly 300 feet in the air.

This old-timey themed park and shopping mall has bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade, go carts, and haunted house, among stores and restaurants.

Tons of thrilling waterslides will keep you cool on a hot Orlando day. The park will close in Dec. 31, 2016 to make way for another, bigger one: Universal's Volcano Bay.

The water's always cool and clear in this natural spring. Take a scenic walk and then hop on in. Sure beats swimming with the gators.

They've got griddles by your tables where you can make your own pancakes. This 300-year-old mill at De Leon Springs was onced used by Spanish sugar plantations.

In this gorgeous coastal river, you have the opportunity to swim with hundreds of manatees. You can even kiss these loveable Sea Cows.

Sixty minutes from Orlando is a beach park, perfect for picnic. Bring your bathing suit and swim with dolphins and manatees in the warm ocean.

Kayak or paddle through a dense swamp forest at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Take a boat ride on the canals that connect the lakes of Winter Park. You'll pass through a botanical garden and cruise by a sculpture garden. Then go explore the town.

With something for all ages, they have 8 unique ropes courses and one zipline.

You fly across over a mile of cables on a course of 8 ziplines. Set up as dual racing zips, you can race your friends and family as you go.

Gather for great food, local art vendors, and family activities in this quaint historic town near Orlando.

Head south to downtown Kissimmee for their summer farmers market, held every Tuesday.

In this quirky ceremony that takes place entirely in Japanese, you get to select an oyster and have it opened for you to reveal a pearl, which is yours to keep.

Take a realistic aerial tour over California from the beaches of LA to the stunning Yosemite Valley.

Design your own virtual vehicle and then compare it as you ride next to it.

Hosted by Coca Cola, this showcase has dozens of sodas, which you can sample for free. Make sure to try the delicious soda called Beverly.

Gather round the main stage on summer nights for this family-friendly concert series.

Storytellers from around the world describe their holiday customs and stories.

Fly through a Star Wars battle in a 3D moving theater that makes you feel like you're zipping around the Deathstar. You may just make the Kessel run in 12 parsecs.

Hop aboard Steven Tyler's limo and ride through the freeways of Los Angeles with the music of Aerosmith on the radio. It's a roller coaster race to the concert.

You ride up 13 stories in a creepy abandoned hotel from 1939. Then, suddenly, you drop down to the bottom, and shoot back up again.

They're getting away! Stunt cars, jet skis, and motorcycles go into hot pursuit in this live action stunt show. Keep your eyes peeled for Lightening McQueen.

Tour sets out of famous films from romances, gangster flicks, and westerns.

Fly through the canyons of the American Southwest on a roller coaster ride.

You control the spin and blasters on Buzz Lightyear's spaceship. Aim for the evil Emperor Zurg and score points. You may just get the high score.

You spin around in oversized tea cups in this Alice in Wonderland themed ride.

It starts as a calm river ride with animatronic animals, and ends with a huge drop down a waterfall. Sit up front if you want to get wet.

The roller coaster car swings around turns and takes you into the workplace of the 7 Dwarfs. Make sure to reserve fastpass+ for this popular ride.

It's hard not to get a tear at this touching ceremony. Every day at 5 pm, the marching band plays and a random guest is presented with the flag.

It's an amazing event to say the least, but be advised, the park can get extremely crowded on New Year's Eve and New Years Day.

Dozens of topiary sculptures recreate Disney characters in greenery. You'll also see elegant flower displays and a number of farm-to-table food stands.

Mother's and Father's Day is a magical way for parents and lovers of Disney to spend their special day. Crowds also tend to be less.

After a patriotic ceremony, pyrotechnics erupt in beautiful sparks all throughout the park.

All around World Showcase you'll find 25 to 30 booths with food and drink from parts of the world not normally featured in Epcot.

It's more interactive than SeaWorld, next door. You get to swim with dolphins, play with otters, and feed tropical birds.

It's the big show that you think of when you think SeaWorld. Orcas jump high in the air and dolphins do all kinds of crazy tricks.

There's nothing like stepping out of Florida and into Antarctica. This tame motion simulator ride takes you through the world of a penguin colony.

You fly like a Manta Ray, hanging from the coaster above. It feels a lot like how you might imagine hang gliding to be.

Alright Hamilton! This 20 minute show features sea lions in a fictional high school, performing tricks and wacky antics as they work to earn their diplomas. Come at pre-show for good seats!

From June 20 to Aug 9, the park is open late and hosts nightly shows and fireworks. On weekends they throw the "Celebrating America" concert series.

How often can you say you've dined with a whale? This unique dinner show offers a buffet of organic food hosted by the orcas and their trainers.

Hop on this elevator that takes you above it all. You'll have a great view of the entire park, and a nice, relaxing moment too.

Earning the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, this is probably one of the best outlet shops in the US. You'll find tons of deals and a large food court.

It might not be as big as Vineland, but this sister property has great savings from designer labels such Coach, Cole Haan, and Michael Kors.

It's geared towards value-minded shoppers and features top brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Guess,

Madame Tussauds wax museum features shockingly life-like sculptures of history's famous icons. The museum is part of the I-Drive 360 area, which is also home to the Orlando Eye.

It's a fun roller coaster with backwards motion on the tallest mountain in the world. Keep an eye out for the Yeti!

Your guide takes you on a Jeep ride that traverses an animal sanctuary. They'll stop along the way to show you giraffes, elephants, and lions.

This 400-foot tall ferris wheel has changed the Orlando skyline forever. Get the best view of the city as you ride the loop.

It's soon to be the most happening spot of I-Drive! When completed, it will host a wax museum, aquarium, skeleton exhibit, and tons of shopping and dining.

It may be their first season, but the Orlando City Lions soccer team have exploded in local popularity. If you ever counted MLS out, think again.

If you're a fan, this is the time to visit. It's a celebration of Harry Potter with Q&A discussions featuring popular cast members and a costume expo.

It's the best of a Mardi Gras parade, but without the mayhem and debauchery. So dawn your shiny beads and try some Cajun-style food.

Geared for teens and adults, it's not for the faint of heart. Haunted houses and Scare Zones will scare the living bejeezus out of you.

Seuss Landing becomes a winter wonderland at Christmas time. And what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with the anti-Claus.