Orlando is a lot to take in. Between Walt Disney World’s four parks, Universal Orlando’s three parks – now including Epic Universe – plus SeaWorld and LEGOLAND nearby, even a two-week holiday isn’t enough to do everything.
Planning your first family trip can feel overwhelming, especially once you factor in height restrictions, nap times and a child who’s determined to meet one particular character. The key is not trying to see it all, but choosing the parks, rides and experiences that best suit your family. Book a few must-do attractions, plan where you’ll eat before anyone gets hungry, and buy your tickets before you leave the UK to save both time and money.
Which Orlando park is best for your family?
The best park depends largely on your children’s ages. Families with younger children will usually get the most from Magic Kingdom, while older children and teenagers often prefer Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe.
Walt Disney World is home to four parks. Magic Kingdom is packed with classic family attractions, EPCOT combines world cuisine with gentler rides, Hollywood Studios is the place for Star Wars and Toy Story fans, while Animal Kingdom blends wildlife with some of Disney’s biggest thrills.
Universal Orlando now has three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, which opened in 2025. SeaWorld mixes marine life with impressive rollercoasters, while LEGOLAND Florida, around an hour south of Orlando, is designed primarily for children aged two to 12.
If your children are under seven, Disney and LEGOLAND are usually the best fit. Older children tall enough for the biggest rides often find Universal the highlight of the trip, while Magic Kingdom remains a favourite thanks to its huge choice of family attractions.
The rides worth queuing for
Rather than trying to ride everything, build each day in Orlando around 2-3 headline attractions and treat anything else as a bonus. The newest rides tend to attract long queues, so arrive at park opening or consider buying a skip-the-line pass.
Here are some of the best rides worth queuing for:
- At Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run is the park’s biggest thrill ride, while Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers a gentler family coaster. Younger children will love Peter Pan’s Flight and “It’s a small world”.
- At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage is the must-do attraction, while Expedition Everest is perfect for thrill-seekers. Families with younger children should prioritise Kilimanjaro Safaris and Na’vi River Journey.
- At Islands of Adventure, head straight for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Jurassic World VelociCoaster before the queues build, then explore Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- Universal Studios Florida’s biggest draws include Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Revenge of the Mummy and MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack.
- Epic Universe is built around five immersive worlds, with standout attractions including Stardust Racers, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Yoshi’s Adventure.
- SeaWorld Orlando combines major rollercoasters such as Mako, Manta and Kraken with its marine-life exhibits.
Before joining any queue, always check the height requirements. Many of the biggest rides require children to be between 34-40 inches tall, so measuring your children’s height before you travel can help to avoid disappointment. Children under three usually enter the parks free of charge.
The shows you shouldn’t skip
If you’re planning one evening highlight, make it the nighttime entertainment. Daytime parades and stage shows also provide a welcome break from walking in the Florida heat.
Here’s what to expect at each park:
- At Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After remains Disney’s signature fireworks spectacular, while Festival of Fantasy is well worth catching during the day.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to Festival of the Lion King, one of Disney’s best live productions, while Feathered Friends in Flight is a favourite with younger visitors.
- At Universal, Hogwarts Always transforms Hogwarts Castle with projections, music and special effects after dark.
- SeaWorld’s popular live shows include Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures and Pets Ahoy!, with extra nighttime entertainment during the summer.
Always check the entertainment schedule when you arrive, as performance times can vary from day to day and the best viewing spots fill quickly.
Where to eat with kids
Orlando’s theme parks offer plenty of family-friendly dining, but planning ahead can save both time and stress.
If meeting Disney characters is on your wish list, book a character meal as early as possible, as popular options like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s and Tusker House often sell out weeks in advance.
Most parks also offer mobile ordering through their apps, allowing you to skip the queues at busy meal times. If you’re visiting Universal, Harry Potter fans will love dining at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade or the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
Quick-service restaurants are generally the best value for families, while those with allergies or dietary requirements are well catered for – just mention them when booking and again on arrival. Finally, pack a refillable water bottle, as free drinking water is widely available and Florida’s heat can be intense.
How many days do you need?
A two-week holiday gives you enough time to enjoy Orlando without rushing. Aim for one day per major park, with a couple of rest days for the hotel pool, shopping or simply recovering from the early starts.
Many families spend 4-5 days at Walt Disney World, 2-3 days at Universal, and a day at SeaWorld or LEGOLAND if they appeal to their children’s ages. If you’re travelling with younger children, ease into the holiday to help them adjust to the time difference, rather than tackling your busiest park on day one. Multi-day tickets are usually valid throughout your stay, so there’s no need to cram everything into the first week.
Sorting your tickets before you fly
One of the easiest ways to save money is to buy your theme park tickets before leaving the UK rather than paying at the gate. Advance prices are usually lower, you’ll avoid ticket queues on your first day and you’ll know exactly what you’ve spent before you travel.
Where to buy? Orlando Attractions is a UK-based ticket retailer and ABTA member offering tickets for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, as well as combination tickets. Buying through a UK retailer means you can pay in pounds and receive your e-tickets before you travel, making budgeting much simpler. It’s still worth comparing prices for your travel dates, but booking in advance is almost always cheaper than paying on arrival.
Family Orlando FAQs
Which Orlando theme park has the most rides?
Magic Kingdom has more attractions than any other Orlando theme park, making it the traditional first choice for families with younger children.
Which park is best for a 3-year-old?
Magic Kingdom and LEGOLAND are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers thanks to their gentle rides, character experiences and dedicated play areas. Epic Universe also includes attractions suitable for younger visitors. Children under three usually enter free, and many rides have little or no height restriction.
What’s the best order to do the rides at Universal?
Head for the newest or most popular attraction as soon as the park opens – currently the headline rides at Epic Universe or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure. Save indoor attractions and shorter queues for the hottest part of the afternoon.
Is it cheaper to buy Orlando tickets in the UK or at the gate?
In most cases, yes. Buying before you travel is usually cheaper than paying gate prices, lets you pay in pounds and saves time queuing for tickets. Prices vary depending on the parks and your travel dates, so it’s always worth comparing options before booking.
Orlando rewards good planning more than almost any other family holiday. Choose the parks that best suit your children, prioritise a handful of must-do attractions, reserve popular dining experiences in advance and buy your tickets before you travel. With the logistics taken care of, you’ll be free to focus on what really matters – making unforgettable family memories.
Which Orlando theme park is at the top of your family’s wish list? Let me know in the comments below.