Along with popular theme attractions such as the Disney theme parks, there are now a whole host of other new places to get acquainted with. SeaWorld has a new water park called Aquatica, Universal Studios has a new motion simulator ride called the Simpsons and CityWalk has a new karaoke club where you're the star.
Aquatica is the newest water park to open in Orlando and is part of the SeaWorld family theme parks, its a unique water park where you can play alongside the sea life. Set on 59 acres in the heart of Orlando, this water park offers you the chance to slide down an eight lane racing slide, relax along a lazy river or stretch out on a patch of their 80,000 feet white sand beach. You'll also get a look at their Commerson's Dolphins as you drop through a 300 foot long enclosed water slide that goes right through the lagoon where they're kept.
SeaWorld itself has many wonderful animal shows such as 'Believe' featuring Shamu and the rest of their Killer Whale family. There's Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island - The Sea Lion and Otter Show which also features a huge walrus and Blue Horizons the new Dolphin and False Killer Whale show. Blue Horizons has a unique twist as it also includes beautiful birds and acrobatic fliers. If it's a thrill you're seeking Kraken is sure to deliver. It is the fastest roller coaster at any Sea World park and the first floor less coaster in this area, it twists and turns you all over, even going upside down, it also has a 145 foot drop. Special events like Viva La Musica, a Latin festival held on the weekends during the spring features popular Latin Artist and food, they also include Latin Dance demonstrations and is a family favorite. Guided tours of the backstage areas of most shows can be arranged for additional fees. You can also schedule to have a meal with Shamu meaning you can eat buffet style backstage or poolside depending on which meal your prefer. The Makahiki Luau is a wonderful mix of food and fun featuring Polynesian food, rhythmic dancing and a fire dancing, even the kids get to join in at one point and try their hand at the rhythmic dancing, they have a special show at Christmas.
Universal Studios has a new ride opening this spring called The Simpsons at Universal Studios. The ride is based on all the characters you know from the show, join Homer and the family on their misadventures as they head out to spend the day at the fictional amusement park called Krustyland. This motion simulator ride is projected onto an 80 foot dome and gives you the feeling that you are actually in the car with the Simpson family as they go through the park and town.
Also recently opened at Universal Studios CityWalk is their CityWalk's Rising Star, a different kind of karaoke club where you can sing with a live band and back up singers. They also have a top 10 challenge where participants compete for park passes and other prizes.
So what can you do as a family in Orlando; a better question would be what can't you do? The first thing that springs to mind is theme parks, Orlando is kind of known for them. Sure, there are the popular parks such as the Disney theme parks, including their water parks and resorts, no doubt these are some of the best Orlando attractions. But what if you've been there already? Well now there are a whole host of other new places to get acquainted with, there several new attractions opened now and more slated to open later this year.
Opening at Universal Studios is the new, the Simpsons Ride. Based on all the characters you love from the show, join Homer and the family on their misadventures as they head out to spend the day at the fictional Krustyland amusement park. This motion simulator ride is projected onto an 80 foot dome and gives you the feeling that you are actually in the car with the Simpson family as they go through the town and park.
Aquatica, which has just recently opened and is affiliated with Seaworld, is a water park where you can play alongside the sealife. Set on 59 acres in the heart of Orlando, this water park offers you the chance to slide down an eight lane racing slide, relax along a lazy river or stretch out on a patch of their 80,000 ft. of white sand beach. At Aquatica you can also get a unique look at their Commerson's Dolphins as you drop through a 300 ft long enclosed waterslide that goes right through the lagoon in which they are kept.
Have you been to Gatorland? It's a favorite among the 'locals'; founded in 1949 it's still privately owned and operate and recently reopened after a fire. They offer a very different way to look at wildlife. This 110 acre attraction is not only a theme park but nature conservatory as well. Located on Orange Blossom trail it is open daily and is inhabited by over 1,000 alligators, crocodiles, reptiles and birds. Ever seen anyone wrestle a gator? You can here, you can also visit the petting zoo, enjoy a 'swamp walk', hop a ride on the Gatorland Iron Horse or just take in all in atop the Observation Tower. If you want your child's birthday to be the talk of the playground, book it here, afterwards the kids enjoy the fun educational part they can cool off and have a blast at the new Gator Gully Splash Park.
On a budget? Then visit Old Town Orlando on SR 192, parking and admission are free. They have 18 thrill rides including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, 75 shops and more than a dozen places to eat, grab a coffee or some ice cream. The weekend starts early here with a new 'Bike Night' on Thursdays and as always there's the Friday and Saturday Night Cruises of classic cars.
Whatever you budget, whatever your 'thrill level', you'll always find an adventure in Orlando. Even if you think "been there, done that", there are still many Orlando places to have fun, and smaller attractions offer a different view of Florida.