Gary Bogdon Photography
Start by snapping photos at Cinderella Castle, the Magic Kingdom's most widely recognized symbol. It's almost impossible to pass it by without taking a look--or shooting a photo or two. The fairytale castle's 189-foot Gothic spires tower over Main Street, USA, taking center stage from the minute you enter the park.
Thousands of alligators and other reptiles occupy Gatorland's 70 acres of wetlands, marshes, and swamps--allowing you to safely see many of these fearsome creatures in their natural habitat. For a real adrenaline rush, zip line across the park, passing just above the jaws of a jumping Cuban crocodile!
Hundreds of vibrantly landscaped acres spread out across Epcot, whose huge, iconic geosphere can be seen for miles. Among the park's myriad attractions, you can travel around the world in an afternoon, rocket through space on a mission to Mars, or explore deep below the sea. There's so much to do, it's no wonder some maintain the park's name stands for "Every Person Comes Out Tired."
The roiling water of the Kali River Rapids mimics real white water. After a gentle start, you'll soon be dipping and dripping as your tiny craft is tossed and turned. If the rapids themselves don't drench you, the kids manning water cannons along the route will.
This collection of cleverly themed "islands," allows you to wander through the wobbly angles and Day-Glo colors of Seuss Landing, gaze at the foreboding carvings of the Lost Continent, and to cast a spell or two in the meticulously designed Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And there are also thrill rides--this is the park in Orlando for adrenaline junkies.
This oldie but goodie is one of Orlando's best introductory roller coasters thanks to its fun details, hairpin turns, and dark descents. The runaway train careens past animatronic characters and critters, through the ribs of a dinosaur, under a thundering waterfall, past spewing geysers and over a bottomless volcanic pool. It's an even better ride at dusk.