About Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is the most frequently renovated tourist destination in the world. Proof of this is that, recently, the city brought out several attractions that promise to delight Brazilians who intend to return or go to the region for the first time.
Just for roller coasters, there are three big new features. The Ice Breaker, at SeaWorld, with a negative angle drop. The Jurassic World VelociCoaster, at Islands of Adventure, is one of the most extreme – and delicious – at the Universal complex. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, at Disney World's Epcot, is one of the most original rail experiences launched across the planet. And look, you can still include Iron Gwazi, from Busch Gardens, located in neighboring Tampa, whose steel and wood structure awakens pure adrenaline.
Take advantage here to discover the best of Orlando.
First, check out an important tip!
DISNEY WORLD
On October 1, 1971, more than 50 years ago, the amusement park that would become a model for all leisure centers of its kind on the planet was born in Orlando, USA. With a fairytale castle as its symbol and classic attractions, such as a carousel, roller coaster, haunted house and boat rides, the Magic Kingdom was designed, in large part, by Walt Disney, who died before its creation. inauguration, but left an unparalleled legacy in the region.
Just Fantasmic alone, at Disney Hollywood Studios, will make the whole trip to Orlando seem like a dream!
Packed with classic characters, such as Mickey and Cinderella, the park gained neighbors over time, such as the futuristic Epcot, the cinematic Hollywood Studios and the wild Animal Kingdom. All of this is part of what is officially called Walt Disney World Resort, or simply Disney World, a name so strong that it has become synonymous with the city of Orlando.
Animal Kingdom just turned 25 years old and is full of new features. It's one of the parks that a day's visit still seems like too little.
Today, those who go on “Disney vacation” always return home wanting more. Thousands of Brazilians go there every year and, invariably, they bring with them exciting stories that encourage new people to discover the region.
SEAWORLD PARKS
Owner of the SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove parks, in Orlando, and Busch Gardens, in neighboring Tampa, the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group continues to grow and innovate in Florida. With modern roller coasters, such as Ice Breaker, at SeaWorld, which has forward and backward throws, Iron Gwazi, at Busch Gardens, the tallest hybrid attraction (with a steel and wooden structure) in North America and fastest and steepest in the world, and the brand new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, also at SeaWorld, opened in 2023, is the first attraction to simulate the effects of surfing in a radical way, the complex is gaining more and more admirers.
All of this is part of the company's mission to offer fun experiences that, at the same time, arouse the public's interest in topics such as environmental preservation and sustainability. This can even be seen in some water slides recently launched at Aquatica, the group's colorful water park.
Those who go to the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment parks can also swim with dolphins, as occurs at Discovery Cove, or feed giraffes at Busch Gardens, since the idea of the complexes is to please different traveler profiles. In practice, this means that there are activities for everyone in the conglomerate's four parks located in Florida. In this guide, you will discover the ones that best suit your style to create a perfect vacation itinerary.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Modern themes, which are popular in the world of cinema and TV, such as Marvel superheroes, dinosaurs from Jurassic World and Harry Potter are a real treat for those who go to the Universal Orlando complex. There, there are extreme attractions, such as roller coasters and simulators, and also play areas, perfect for little ones, whose themes range from Despicable Me to The Simpsons.
The complex has two neighboring themed leisure centers, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and an aquatic one, Volcano Bay, in the same area. There are also eight resorts and a leisure space with clubs, shops and restaurants, called CityWalk.
What's more, the group's third park in Orlando, called Epic Universe, will come out of the oven by 2025 in the vicinity of I-Drive, complete with a Nintendo area, with Super Mario and Donkey Kong attractions.
ICON PARK
The main attractions of ICON Park, located on International Drive, the most touristic avenue in Orlando
With attractions for the whole family mixed with restaurants, bars, clubs and high-quality exhibitions, the ICON Park complex, located on International Drive, the most touristic avenue in Orlando, offers a series of experiences for those looking for alternative entertainment outside of the parks. themed.
Day and night, there are always a lot of people there. With a Ferris wheel, aquarium and museums, the complex pleases people of all ages.
Check out the main attractions at ICON Park.
The main attraction of ICON Park can be seen from afar. This is The Wheel at ICON Park, a Ferris wheel similar to London's London Eye, which is 122 meters high and is the area's highlight.
There are 30 air-conditioned and glass cabins, each with capacity for 15 people. From them, you can have a 360-degree view of much of Orlando, including the roller coasters at SeaWorld and Universal and even Spaceship Earth, the famous symbol of Epcot.
A good tip is to go during sunset. Thus, you can see the surrounding scenery during the day and also at dusk, with the sea of lights taking over the city.
MADAME TUSSAUDS
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
The ride on The Wheel at ICON Park ends up serving as an aperitif for those going to the Madame Tussauds wax museum, right next door. The place is home to perfectly sculpted statues of celebrities.
As you pass through the rooms, you will come face to face with singers Katy Perry and Michael Jackson, as well as the cult IT entrepreneur Steve Jobs and Jason Momoa, the actor who plays Aquaman in the movies, among others. There are also athletes, such as Muhammad Ali and the Orlando Magic, a team from the city that competes in the NBA, a North American professional basketball league
The most fun thing is that you can pick up clothes and accessories to pose next to the statues. This way, you can create different Instagrammable situations “alongside” your idols.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
CHECK OUT THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF ANIMAL KINGDOM
Avatar Flight of Passage
In this attraction, visitors get on a type of jet ski, which acts as a banshee, Pandora's flying animal. The “transformation” into an Avatar takes place on a small screen on the panel, until the wall opens and everyone finds themselves in front of a dome, in which a sensational 3D film is broadcast.
Movements throughout the body, including the legs, simulating the animal's muscles with the swelling of cushions, make the experience very realistic. The trail, the smells, the landscape, the sensation… Everything is beautiful.
Na’vi River Journey
Built in the Valley of Mo’ara, one of Pandora’s beautiful environments, Na’vi River Journey is an attraction for families. It's a peaceful ride, in straw boats for up to eight people, that goes down a mysterious river. The setting includes caves, exotic glowing plants, and bioluminescent forest creatures. The great thing is that everything glows in the dark and creates a beautiful environment, full of details.
Here or there, it is possible to see an Avatar hidden in the forest until, at the end of the tour, everyone finds themselves face to face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, a kind of entity from the Pandora universe. Represented by a doll with delicate movements, she sings to move visitors.
