With Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Orlando has long been a favorite destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Since Magic Kingdom's opening in 1971, the number of major theme parks in Central Florida has grown to a total of seven, with Disney adding three additional parks over the years, two parks at Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Today, it's not uncommon for visitors who experienced Magic Kingdom as children to bring their grandchildren to Orlando. That said, even though the region's theme parks are interwoven through generations, Central Florida's attractions have stayed popular and relevant partly because they continue to develop new experiences, including quite a few that have debuted in the last couple of years. Walt Disney World(R) Resort Magic Kingdom Cavalcade The Magic Kingdom is known for its parades down Main St. In this updated experience, guests can join their favorite Disney characters on a new adventure along the parade route. The parade route turns into a party with the Mickey Celebration Cavalcade, followed by a Royal Princess Processional. Before its conclusion, Tinker Bell sprinkles some pixie dust and takes off down the parade route! Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot) If you've ever wondered what it's like to be as tiny as a mouse, now is your chance! In this 4D adventure based on the Disney/Pixar film, Ratatouille, you'll join Chef Remy on an exciting culinary caper that involves all your senses while you scurry and dodge through a bustling kitchen and dining room, as well as inside the walls of Gusteau's Paris restaurant. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Hollywood Studios) Take part in a Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away! You can fly the Millennium Falcon on an interactive mission called Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which is designed to thrill! Or join the resistance in a crucial battle against the First Order in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios) When Mickey and Minnie take their sporty roadster out for a picnic – along with their friend, Goofy – they wind up aboard a runaway railway on a whirlwind ride through a world where the laws of physics don't apply. You get to ride along and experience slapstick pratfalls, surprise twists, and surprising transformations at every turn. Disney KiteTrails (Animal Kingdom) Three-dimensional kites and elaborate windcatchers take flight twice a day above the Discovery River Theater. One show is inspired by The Lion King and features kites of Simba, Zazu, and other characters from the film. The other show is based on The Jungle Book, with appearances by King Louie, Baloo, and many more. Check Out These Related Articles 12 Hidden Jewels In Orlando You May Not Know About 6 Easy Ways to Bring Christmas Cheer on Vacation Florida Vacations by The Season Universal Orlando(TM) Resort The Bourne Stuntacular (Universal Studios) In this heart-pounding stunt performance, which fuses innovative stagecraft with cutting-edge film techniques, you follow Jason Bourne as he tries to elude evil characters attempting to bring him in. You'll see him dangle from a helicopter over Dubai, navigate rooftops while being chased through Tangier, and more. The Bourne Stuntacular is unlike any stunt performance you've ever seen! Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure) If you love thrill rides (and dinosaurs), this is the ride for you. It takes you into the fictional Jurassic Park through a beautiful land transformed into what it once was 65 million years ago. You'll speed alongside the velociraptors as they hunt their prey, and come face to face with a jungle full of terrifying and prehistoric creatures. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure) With its debut in 2019, this attraction is still new to most people who visit Orlando. It takes you on a thrilling coaster ride with Hagrid for a fast-paced journey into the Forbidden Forest beyond the border of Hogwarts castle. Experience the rare and wonderful magical creatures in the wizarding world during this immersive, highly themed ride. SeaWorld(R) Orlando Dolphin Adventures Bottlenose dolphins are extremely smart, playful, and found frequently right off the Florida coast. In this revamped show, you can observe these amazing animals displaying their natural behaviors and how they've evolved to help them thrive. You'll also learn the role they play in our planet's ocean ecosystems, as well as the threats they face every day. Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight The Pacific Point Marine Conservation Center takes you on a special tour to see how California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters live. You'll experience these fascinating animals in action and learn about their characteristics, behaviors, and skills. You'll also discover where they live in the wild, the threats facing them, and how you can help protect them. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Summer Bay Orlando is the perfect setting for creating unique vacation experiences and unforgettable memories. The resort is conveniently located only minutes from any of the three major theme parks and is an easy drive from beaches, shopping, restaurants, and more. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
