The theme parks, done smarter

Be at the gate 45 minutes before opening and ride the two or three rides you care about most before 10.

Ride the big attractions in the first two hours, then treat World Showcase as a long, slow walk with food stops.

This is a small park with a few very popular rides, so get there before opening and head to the one you care about most.

Animal Kingdom is a morning park.

Arrive before opening and head to Diagon Alley before it fills up, then work through the rest of the park.

This is Orlando's best park for thrill rides.

Epic Universe is Universal's newest park, opened in May 2025, and it's still one of the busiest in Orlando.

Get there before opening, claim a shaded spot, and join a virtual line for the big slide straight away.

SeaWorld is usually less crowded than Disney or Universal and has some of Orlando's best coasters.

LEGOLAND Florida is the best park near Orlando for kids aged about 2 to 12.

Gatorland is a classic Orlando roadside park with thousands of alligators, fun shows and a bird rookery.

Disney Springs is Disney's outdoor shopping and dining area, and it costs nothing to get in or park.

Buy online in advance from the park or an authorized seller, never at the gate.

Small kids: Magic Kingdom.