Orlando Attractions

Kiss a bottlenose dolphin, swim with stingrays, snorkel with tropical fish in a reef lagoon, or just take it easy riding a winding lazy river at Discovery Cove. An all-inclusive tropically landscaped park with a daily visitor limit of 1,000, it's one of Orlando's most popular -- and costly -- attractions. Since guests must be at least 6 years old to participate in a dolphin encounter, some families opt to save this special spot until their children enter the grade school years. Advance reservations are required, and you can book up to six months in advance.

Go on an African safari, take a trek through an Asian jungle, and dig for answers in a land of prehistoric giants at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Orlando's wild theme park with a penchant for adventure. On Expedition Everest, board a steam train bound for Himalayan disaster, and on the wet and wild Kali River Rapids, help divert illegal loggers set on a course to ecological ruin. Be forewarned that the ride aboard Kilamanjaro Safaris is a rough one. If you want to bounce a tired baby to sleep, one trip should do the trick. Upon entering the park, check the tip board for a daily schedule. Along with Finding Nemo the Musical, Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade is a masterful production of puppetry and pageantry that shouldn't be missed.

Experience the thrill of the stage and screen at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a theme park and working studio since 1989. Be a gamer or a game show contestant in Toy Story Mania and The American Idol Experience, two of the newest and most exciting attractions to debut in Orlando in recent years. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes guests to new heights of drama with extra-sensory special effects, while Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith, launches fans on a wild ride into the Hollywood night. At Beauty and the Beast -- Live on Stage, families will be inspired by Broadway-caliber performances, and at Playhouse Disney -- Live on Stage!, little performers can sing and dance along with their favorite Disney stars, from Handy Manny to Mickey Mouse.

Two parks in one, Epcot combines the world of science and technology (Future World) with the culture and traditions of the countries of the world (World Showcase) to present an educational experience that's so entertaining, your kids won't realize they're being schooled. Future World is home to Test Track and Soarin' -- two of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World. At The Seas with Nemo, you can board a "clamobile" and take a trip with Dory, Squirt and the crew, or engage in some friendly conversation with Nemo's talking turtle friend, Crush.

Be at the World Showcase when it opens for the day, and enjoy front-of-the-line access to attractions in 11 country-themed pavilions. Families will love Kim Possible's World Showcase Adventure, an interactive, high-tech scavenger hunt that sends players on a spy mission to save the world from evil villains. A limited number of missions is available each day. Stop at the recruitment center to schedule your assignment.

The holy shrine for character encounters, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park is the place where childhood fantasies take flight 365 days a year. Take the kids on an enchanted journey through six attraction-packed lands that contain some of the most iconic attractions in theme park history -- from Dumbo's Magic Flight to Pirates of the Caribbean. Fantasyland, scheduled for a major makeover by 2013, will soon become more dreamy when it essentially doubles in size. Also on the alteration board is Mickey's Toontown Fair -- a favorite place to meet up with Mickey, Minnie and all the gang. Families should budget at least an entire day to visit this park or, ideally, two or more split days.

Feed dolphins and stingrays, marvel at killer whales, and discover the plight of manatees in the wild at SeaWorld Orlando, a marine-themed theme park, offering an engaging package of entertainment and science-based education. Beyond four hair-raising thrill rides, SeaWorld Orlando's stage shows, featuring creatures from otters to sea lions, are a major draw. The blockbuster of them all is Believe, a dramatic spectacle starring killer whales and set to symphony sounds. Shamu's Happy Harbor, a play area for children with pint-sized rides and interactive water elements, is a magnet for families. When budgeting, don't forget to factor in funds for animal snacks -- feeding sea creatures is a highlight of any SeaWorld visit.

Battle aliens with Men in Black, board a bike with E.T., and join Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey on a 4D honeymoon adventure at Universal Studios Orlando, an action-packed theme park that takes visitors behind the big screen. The drama gains momentum with Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, an exhilarating duo of technically sophisticated roller coasters that give new meaning to the word "extreme."

Toddlers and preschoolers adore Barney's Great Adventure -- a predictably silly stage show. Despite its wacky cartoon theme, Jimmy Neutron's Nick Blast is fun for adults, as well as kids. Two play areas -- Fievel's Playground and Curious George Goes to Town -- provide contained frenzy for the youngest guests. Both are splash-happy, so be sure to bring along swim gear.

A favorite spot for multi-age families, Universal's Islands of Adventure caters to guests with an affinity for fear and fantasy. Thrill-seekers will find some of Orlando's most intense rides -- from the Incredible Hulk Coaster to Dueling Dragons, the choices are frighteningly good. At Seuss Landing, favorite tales from children's literature come to life in rides like The Cat in the Hat, and after spending some time in the soak zone, parents and kids alike will be hard-pressed to forget a trip to cannon-filled Toon Lagoon. Expect crowds to swell in 2010, when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter debuts. The fanciful land promises magical attractions for aspiring wizards of all ages.

The newest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter due to open in Spring 2010. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature magical creatures, rides, shops of Hogsmeade and the Three Broomsticks restaurant. Children can visit the towering Hogwarts castle with classrooms and passageways at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and experience thrilling roller coaster rides including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.