Sometimes you have to let your inner kid come out and just take a trip to Disney World in Orlando. Disney has a lot of great parks and all of them are pricey, so if your going to visit any these are my top 3 picks.
Combine Disney parks to save a few bucks
The first two Disney parks are not only fabulous but you can purchase one ticket for about $135 per person and see both parks. Showing that it is possible to see the two parks in one day. And the added bonus is you can take the Hogwarts Express between the two parks.
And yes, I consider that a bonus.
Universal Studios
If you only need one reason to go to Universal Studios it’s this, Harry Potter. That’s right, Harry Potter. Alright, alright, there is also the crazy Transformers ride that will make you scream your head off, Dr. Seuss’s world for those that need something a bit lighter, and enough action movie rides for a lifetime.
To me Universal Studios is the classic Disney park. It’s where the real rides are. Not the iconic Mickey and Minnie or Disney princesses, but the screaming, fast, wild rides of our favorite movies.
The first time I ever went to Universal I was just a kid, barely old enough for the rides. But what I remember from that trip to this day all revolves around Universal.
The biggest stand out for me at the time was the Jurassic Park ride. Where the dinosaur literally swallows you and then spits you back up. Classic.
The rides evolve over time as new movies are created and so the park is always changing. With the advent of the Harry Potter series came Hogsmeade, the Hogwarts express, and the Hogwarts castle.
Yes, I realize I am mixing the parks together a bit here but that’s because they are so connected. But the park doesn’t leave out the heavy hitters that will always be special, like Jurassic Park and Jaws.
Even if you’re not really into the rides you can wander around the amazingly accurate Hogsmeade, drinking butter beer or Dr. Suess’s colorful kaleidoscope with rides that are more for kids.
Whatever your ride preference or movie love, to me it’s the perfect Disney park for adults.
Islands of Adventure
Universal’s twin sibling is Islands of Adventure. Connected by the Hogwarts Express, it has the superhero rides and more Harry Potter.
Combining this park with Universal is the perfect opportunity to indulge in your movie fantasies (the clean version).
Use your newly purchased wand to set off water spouts or perform magic in the mythical Harry Potter world and take a wild ride through the bank. Or stand back and watch the dragon breath fire, while again, drinking butter beer (it’s really that good).
Both parks have a ton to explore. And when you are all funned out you can head just outside the two parks and enjoy a real beer and some food at one of the multitude of restaurants.
I’m going to be honest here. I went to the two parks on 3 different trips. By myself. And it was glorious! I don’t care how old you are, or how cool you think you are; these parks are a blast. Just give in. You won’t regret it.
Animal Kingdom
Ok, so you knew this one was coming. What veterinarian doesn’t love Animal Kingdom? I mean seriously. It has animals and roller coasters. It’s the perfect match!
You can take a game drive safari to see elephants, including adorable baby elephants, and rhinos. Or you can ride the surprisingly scary rollercoaster a thousand times.
Let your inner animal out and wander the grounds. Stop and stare in awe at the immense tree of life.
You can even see where they care for the animal collection. The park animals are provided with some of the best care anywhere in the country.
Because this Disney park is such a popular place, they also have many viewing windows so people can see veterinarians performing surgery or evaluating the animals that live at the park.
The park itself is beautifully done. You honestly feel like you have left the US and entered another world entirely. If seeing them in the park is not for you, then you will need to head to Africa for an up close look at these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.
For more local wildlife viewing, make sure to check out Florida’s Everglades National Park during your trip.
Concluding Thoughts
Many say that the Disney parks are for kids. Or too gimmicky. Or expensive. For many of the Disney parks I would say they are right. It is expensive and it is directed towards kids. But I would say that these 3 parks break the mold.
We all love those major action flicks. And even if Harry Potter is not your thing, the park is still amazingly accurate. It’s as though you have entered the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with the attention to detail and the magic.
But that’s what Disney is all about right? The magic.
