Orlandos other Big Ones!

Seaworld is easy to locate at the Southern end of International drive, it is well sign-posted and there is parking for over 6000 vehicles. For visitors parking in the farthest lots there is a tram car to take them to the entrance and more importantly to return them to their cars after a busy and tiring day.

The entrance is marked by the Shamu lighthouse and taped sounds of seabirds to set the atmosphere for the visitor. This is obviously an attraction devoted to all things marine and the environment feels friendly and is clean. Visitors will encounter security bag searches before entering through the turnstiles, queues do build up quickly as the ticket reading machines can be unreliable and staff often have to assist guests to enter when the automation seems to want to exclude them.

On entering the park it is essential to pick up a copy of the map. The front shows a large, colourful map of the park and is rather "cartoon" style in its appearance. The reverse of the map contains lots of useful information. The most important thing to look at first is the show timetable. There are several shows around the park and it does take careful planning to be able to see all of them in one day. It is worth taking a few minutes to sit with your family and decide which of these are "must-sees" and plan your day accordingly. Keep in mind that if the park is busy it will be necessary to arrive quite early to gain a good seat. The rest of the information covers safety aspects such as height restrictions on rides and also restaurant times and any special offers available or attractions that are closed. Once the day is planned you are all set to start the fun.

Thrill rides are not the mainstay of a park like Seaworld but there are a couple of rides that were exciting enough for us:

Journey to Atlantis- this is a brilliant water ride visiting the lost city of Atlantis before plunging down a breath-taking drop and being covered in water. If the wave misses you then passing guests can use water squirters on the passing boats, the water ride then suddenly turns into a roller coaster for the exciting return trip to the loading bay. Waterproof capes are a must if you don’t want to get completely soaked and bags are not allowed to be taken onto the ride so must be left in the lockers nearby.

Kraken- this is a roller-coaster to equal any other in Florida. The journey is fast and long and the inversions are thrilling. Once again no bags allowed. I had not been on a roller coaster for about 10 years when I got on this one. It really is fantastic and it is long enough to really get to look around (if you open your eyes!)

Manta- this is a brand new ride that I cannot comment on as I have not yet seen it but it was being built when I was last in the park and it looked spectacular.

Wild Arctic- this is a simulator taking you on a helicopter journey across the arctic before disaster strikes! For visitors who don’t wish to use a simulator there is a static version that tells the story. The simulator is a bit rough so I wouldn’t recommend it foe people with back problems.Visitors then exit into the arctic animal exhibit.

Shamus Happy harbour- to ensure younger guests also have a great time there are a selection of smaller rides including a small coaster in a designated family area which is located by the most amazing three storey adventure play area. My children are now teenagers but they have had a great time on the play area in the past. Word of caution though, it does get very slippy when it is wet and we had to waste an hour in the first-aid room when my son had a really bad bump on the head when he slipped.

Animals are what make Seaworld a different sort of park. There are lots of exhibits and in many of them there is the chance to touch or interact with the animals. The map gives indications of feeding times and it is worth trying to see these if possible. My children were thrilled by having sting-rays eating out of their hands and stroking dolphins. These are certainly not experiences that they will have every day and they are what memories are made of. Purchasing food for the animal does work out expensive so it is wise to set a budget beforehand and then choose the animals that appeal most. Dolphin feeding is particularly popular and be prepared to queue if this experience appeals. The main animal exhibits are:

Wild Arctic- polar bears and beluga whales are seen here. There are viewing areas above and below the water. There is not a lot of action in this area and we have always found the animals asleep!

Dolphins- there is a large pool where the adult dolphins are located and a dolphin nursery. There are always staff on hand to answer questions and also to keep dolphins safe from the visitors, they will eat anything and cause themselves injuries so the keepers are very vigilant about glasses, hats and jewellery. You will have to jostle to get a place at the front but it is worth it to touch these wonderful animals and watch their behaviour. They know exactly how many pieces of fish are in a feeding tray and as soon as someone throws in the last one they swim off to the next person.

Manatees- not a particularly well-known animal outside of Florida this exhibition houses mainly animals that have been found injured. A fascinating and informative display and an underwater viewing area really capture the elegance of these creatures. The scars from their injuries are obvious and my son remembered so much about this exhibit that when asked to do a project on rivers at school he chose a Florida river so that he could write about them.

There are also fantastic displays of Sharks, Seals, Sealions and Penguins. All offer great viewing opportunities .

SeaWorld is more than an aquarium, it is known for its animal shows. There is a lot of controversy about using animal of any type in shows but the spectacular nature of SeaWorld’s shows means they should not be missed. Part of me feels guilt for enjoying the shows so much but I would never get to see the wonders of these creatures in the wild.

Shamu- the killer whale shows can be amazing and they can also be completely uneventful. If the whales choose not to co-operate the keepers give a talk and then the show is over. The whales can’t be forced to do anything and the confidence that the shamus trainers have with the whales is awe-inspiring as it’s is obvious that theirs is a dangerous job. The shamu show is varied at night with a more freeform style and lots of music. We did sit through a whole Shamu rocks show with no sign of Shamu and a bunch of trainers dancing—very funny! The splash-zone does get very wet with freezing cold salt water. Exhilarating on a hot Florida day but not great for young children or cameras so take care when selecting where to sit.

Blue Horizons- a dreamscape told using dolphins, false killer whales and a multicoloured selection of tropical birds. A delightful show with plenty of action and colour. My children particularly like the divers.

Clyde and Seymour- sea lions and otters join forces to produce a comedy pirate show particularly aimed at the younger audience, watch out for the mime-artist on arrival or you may find you are the stooge.
The other shows seem to change with more rapidity, currently there is an Elmo and friends show and there is also Pets Ahoy.

If guests are lucky enough to visit at Halloween then they are in for a treat. Included in the normal entry fee there is free Trick or Treating and a whole area set aside with photo opportunities and interactive experiences. My children couldn’t believe the Halloween treat, walking around being given sweets was their idea of heaven.

Overall SeaWorld offers a unique day out. It is certainly one of my favourite parks and it is nowhere near as tiring as the others. Careful planning is needed to get the maximum enjoyment out of the day but if there are things that are missed pop into guest services before leaving as there is often free entry offers for the next day which are worth checking.

Islands of Adventure is the newest Theme Park in the Orlando area and it is certainly worth a visit. The design is fantastic and each separate "island" is themed magnificently to really submerge you in the theme-park experience. The "islands" are actually simply areas they are not separated by water but they do all have their own characteristics and rides. Visiting in October the lines are not unbearable but for high season it is possible to buy Universal Express passes that allow you to go to the front of the queues.

--Marvel Super Heroes—

The most eye-catching, awe-inspiring ride as you approach Islands of Adventure is the Incredible Hulk rollercoaster, the huge green frame towers over you as you enter the island. This is a real white-knuckle ride that should not be missed, the speed of acceleration is breath-taking and the whole ride with all its twists and turns is one to be experienced again and again. Universal operate the "child-sway" system here so if you have children too small to ride the adults can all have a go without having to stand inline again. Dr.Dooms Fearfall is a ride suitable only for those with a head for heights. You are strapped in around a tower and shot up into the air. The views across the flat Florida countryside are wonderful, as long as you are brave enough to open your eyes! The other great attraction in this area is the simulator ride that is The Amazing Adventure of Superman, the effects are brilliant, you feel like you are falling from tower blocks or being attacked by the enemies, this is a 3D adventure so you will have to wear those trendy glasses to get the full effects.

There are a couple of smaller attractions but time should be spent just walking around and appreciating the recreations of the marvel comic skylines. Lockers are available here that you must use if you are intending on riding the Hulk as you cannot take any bags on at all.

--Toon Lagoon—

This area recreates the cartoon adventure of Popeye. There is an adventure playground with water features set around the boat. Several of the rides will get you very wet. Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls is a log-flume ride with a heart-stopping drop that literally sends you through the surface of the water. People standing on the bridge watching will also get their fair share of water too. If you are not wet enough after this then head to the Bilge-rat barges, this raft ride will guarantee everyone gets soaked. This is not a ride where you may get a little wet, if you are not wearing the waterproof capes you will be thoroughly drenched. Great fun but don’t ride before the weather has heated up.

The general area has lots of photo opportunities with cannons and speech bubbles that you can pose with.

--Jurassic Park—

Anyone that enjoys the films will love this area. You walk through the majestic gates with the theme tune playing and you feel that you could be in the film. The lush planting and footprints on the path all add to the general atmosphere. The Jurassic Park River Ride takes you through the science centre but there has been a Dinosaur escape to be prepared for anything. The Pteranadon Flyers are a gentle ariel ride, they are quite pleasant but the queue gets so long it is really not worth waiting for.

A Dinosaur bone-yard is the setting for an unbelievably exciting play area that children will love but unfortunately there is not a lot of seating for tired parents, you just have to perch a bit of rock while you wait. The visitors centre is a recreation of the centre from the film and there are interactive exhibits and sometimes a baby triceratops is on hand to be stroked and petted.

--The Lost Continent—

This area is probably the weakest and some of it will be incorporated and re-themed as part of the new Harry Potter area that will open in 2010. One of the best rides of the park is here. Duelling Dragons is a suspended coaster, tow coasters run on opposing tracks at the same time and you get the impression whilst riding that you are almost touching. This is an exhilarating ride but the walk through the castle to get to it seems never ending, if you want to ride again when you get off keep your eyes open for the "ride again" sign. If it is not too busy they open a shortcut from the exit to the queue so that you do not have to trail all through the castle again. Poseidon’s Fury is a walkthrough, guide led attraction. It mainly consists of special effects but some positions allow very little viewing and it is rather predictable and uninspiring.

--Seuss Landing—

Fans of the Dr Seuss books will love this brightly coloured area where everything is just like the books. Caro-Seuss-el is a traditional style carousel but the children (and adults!) get to ride characters from the books. 1fish/2fish is a light hearted ride based around the verse; if you follow it correctly you don’t get wet but as it gets faster there is bound to be water heading your way. The sky ride trolley takes you around the area but lines build up quickly which is a shame because it would particularly appeal to young children. The Cat-in-the-Hat is often wondering around in the area for children to meet.

Each area is unique. Each part has its own styled restaurants and shops that offer a more unusual selection than you will normally find at theme parks. As usual for Orlando the whole park is spotlessly clean and the staff are all cheery and helpful. Due to the layout of this park there does seem to be a lot of walking involved so it would be wise to have strollers for younger children.

This is an "all-action" park, there are not many places to sit and relax and there are no shows or parades to give a little respite from rides. The colours and settings are magnificent but it is also a very tiring park but definitely one that shouldn’t be missed.

Universal Studios in Orlando opened in 1990. It is located at the Northern end of International Drive and is on the same site as City walk and Islands of Adventure.

I find this the most disjointed of all the Orlando theme parks but I would think that it has more teenage appeal than many in the area. The park is split into several areas but I didn’t find them particularly distinctive and can’t really remember why a certain attraction would be in a certain area.

Entrance to the park is past the very photogenic Universal globe and then through the huge gateway. Bag searches and electronic turnstiles are the norm for this area and the queues move quite quickly. There are several attractions that are particularly popular so like all parks it is a good idea to plan what you really want to see.

Shrek 4D is probably the first attraction you will spot. This is very popular and has a huge queuing area which leads you into a "pre-show" to get you up to speed on the story of Shrek (as if you didn’t know!). This is followed by a 15 minute film with plenty of brilliant 4D effects and a good story although some younger children may find it a little scary.

Jimmy Neutrons Nickletoon Blast is opposite and that is a part simulator and effects story that is also popular with youngsters. Sometimes Shrek and Donkey or Dora the Explorer will be in the area to sign autographs. The donkey is expertly done and is very witty, certainly makes the parents laugh!

There is a larger children’s area that houses Feels playground which is great and even has a little water ride in it. ETs adventure is located in the children’s area. This always seems to have a huge queue, made worse by the fact that everyone is given a card and asked their names which is entered on a computer. After the rather gentle air ride you are welcomed back with your name but it is very hard to hear and I think it misses most people anyway.
My favourite ride is Men in Black. This shoot-to-score ride takes you through rooms that look just like the film and then send you to defend the city from aliens. There is a huge alien at the end and if you know how to beat it you get a huge score which infuriates your family! (Guess who knows the secret?)

As you progress around the lake you come to some of the older attractions that are starting to show their age. Jaws is not open everyday but is a boat ride that turns into a disaster. The boat pilots are the key to how much you will enjoy the ride. The models are not great but join in with the screaming and your kids will be terrified anyway.

Twister and Disaster are based on the disaster movies that were popular in the late 70s. They are both long attractions so make sure you have planned enough time to visit them. Disaster takes you on a simulation of a San Francisco Subway during an earthquake and involves 65000 gallons of water. Make sure you are not at the end of the train as the effects are really much better in the middle. Twister is based on a tornado and most of it is rather boring so give it a miss if there is a big queue.

The Revenge of the Mummy was the only coaster in the park when we visited (Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitt has just opened). It was an effective ride that is all enclosed with plenty of beetles and scary effects. It reaches good speeds and is quite exciting. The walk through the queuing area was very long so I would hate to think how much waiting occurs in high season.

Terminator 2 3D is a fun presentation involving actors and pre-recorded films. I thought that this was very effective and quite exciting but again wouldn’t be suitable for younger children.
Universal Studios does have several other attractions.

Unfortunately because we always visit in October several of them are shut as they are revamped for their Halloween night specials. This is quite irritating as there are stage make-up presentations and special effect features that I would like to see. Also, as the park is decorated for Halloween there are parts that look odd because they obviously will have features added to them at night so the park tends to look a bit derelict and unloved by day.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities and places to eat. Photographs have to be collected at the guest services area and need to be viewed before you leave the park.

Having visited several times I would have to say this is not my favourite park as I find that it certainly doesn’t take up a whole day. Visiting in October has the disadvantage of Halloween but the advantage that we have hardly ever had to queue for more than about 10 minutes for any ride. Get a two-park ticket and visit Islands Of Adventure as well, especially if you like thrill rides.

Blizzard Beach was opened in 1995 and at the time was the third Disney Water park, since then one has closed so now there is just this one and Typhoon Lagoon. The basic story is that a freak winter snow storm hit central Florida and produced the first ever ski resort in Orlando. This has produced imaginative theming and creates a completely different feel to the park.

The sun beds are located all around the park and there is towel and locker rental available on entry. Trying to find a shady spot is tricky here as there seems less natural shade. Also, because the mountain is white there seems to be a lot of reflection and lots of waterproof sun-cream is a must here as burning is very easy.

The biggest drop flume is Summit Plummet and it is not for the faint-hearted. I don’t like flumes anyway but at nearly 37m tall my family declined to try it as well. It certainly looked exciting if that is your sort of thing.

There are a couple of inner tube rides, the Downhill Double Dipper is a race and you will set off at the same time as your partner and you can see who wins at the end. Slush Gusher is a relatively new addition and there is a choice of enclosed tubes, the water pressure actually forces you uphill which is an odd experience.
Teamboat Springs is a great twisting and turning family raft ride, it is quite quick and sometimes you end up under freezing "run-off" water so be prepared for the shock.

Toboggan races is a multilane course and you lie on a flat mat. This is probably my favourite as you don’t get particularly wet and I am a bit of a wimp but you do go really fast.

Encircling the whole park is the Cross-country creek. This meandering inner tube river is very sedate. However sometimes you do end up under cold waterfalls and then it seems to go very slowly. A lot of this is in shade and on a cooler day you can get quite chilled whilst floating about.

For children there is a brilliant area called Ski Patrol. There are lots of unusual water activities that are a bit like an adventure playground. My children’s favourite was the T-bar slide which drops them into a deep pool. Most children drop straight down but somehow my son ended up doing an impressive back –flip that drew applause from the watching crowd! Luckily his stunt was captured by a Disney photographer and we have a great photo to treasure.

The pool area of the park is called Meltaway Bay and offers ample paddling and swimming opportunities for everyone.

The main problem with this park is the amount of uphill walking you have to do. The steps are all very steep and enclosed between white walls. We found that we got very hot and tired here quite quickly. There is a chairlift that takes you up to the summit but the queues are always very long. The sign-posting to find the flumes that you want are also a little tricky and sometimes I would be waiting at the bottom of one to take a photograph whilst my family had ended up somewhere else!

There are places to get food and drinks but you are also allowed to take coolers into the park so it is just as easy to take your own snacks in.

Although I am not the greatest water park fan this place certainly offers a great variety of thins to do. It is by far the better of the two parks for differing rides although I find Typhoon Lagoon a more restful experience. It is wise to bear in mind that the parks can be shut in inclement weather so plan accordingly.

I am not really a fan of water parks in general. I am not a particularly strong swimmer and I have to wear glasses as I am very short-sighted so all in all they are not places that I go out of my way to visit. However the Disney water parks are in a different league altogether and I visit them quite happily.

Typhoon Lagoon is probably my favourite. The park is built with the theme that a huge storm happened which impaled a fishing boat on top of a mountain and the resulting tides and rapids have continued. The setting is like a tropical island. There are lots of palm trees set around sandy beaches with tropical music drifting around.

Arriving as the park opens gives you a good choice of sun beds. The beds are actually quite close together and it can be a bit tricky getting between them. Towels can be rented cheaply and it is a good option as it saves you having to launder all the sand out when you get back home. Large and small lockers are available to rent which are quite a good idea as you don’t want to leave money or expensive cameras on your sun beds whilst enjoying the attractions. Waterproof boxes that can be worn around the neck can be bought in the shop and are useful for keys etc.

The park has a couple of family style raft rides; these are my favourites as they do not plunge you under water at the end. The best one is Keelhaul falls. The problem with these rides is the long walk up to the top of the hill in the hot Florida sunshine.
For fans of downhill slides then Humunga Kowabunga is a must. The height of 5 stories gives an exhilarating plunge (so I have been told by my children!) in a matter of seconds. A one piece swimming costume is recommended for ladies as bikinis do not stand up well to the flumes!

The Shark reef is a little cooler than the main pool, you don snorkels and goggles and you can swim across the pool with small sharks around you. If you don’t fancy swimming then there is an underwater viewing area.

Ketchakiddee Creek is the area for youngsters. There are some brilliant little slides and a pool for children that will keep them happy for hours.

Castaway Creek is a ring ride that circles the park. The tubes can get a bit congested on busy days but it is quite a relaxing experience travelling along and through caves. There are entry ports all around the park.

There are several other slides and flumes but they are all located around the huge surf pool. The tides are a lot stronger than you might expect so hang on to little ones. The water is lovely and warm and it goes from very deep to very shallow so everyone should be happy.

There are refreshment shacks dotted around and there is a gift shop where you can also buy anything you may have forgotten like sun lotion or goggles.

My family can spend hours playing here and I am quite happy to lie amongst the palm trees, reading a book and relaxing after all the hectic theme-park days so it really suits us all.