Orlando

After making its largest investment since opening Universal’s Islands of Adventure this great theme park has completed its newest and most amazing addition. The parks sixth island, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opened on June 18th, 2010 and features a variety of great rides and entertainment that revolves around the magical Harry Potter universe. The islands attractions are built around an amazing recreation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is loaded with rides, new dining options as well as shops and other attractions to experience.

Founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin, Gatorland in Orlando, Florida is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles earning its billing as the “Alligator Capital of the World”. Still privately owned by the Godwin family, Gatorland has grown from a roadside attraction into a 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory. The park does a wonderful job of combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.

Opened in March, 2008, the Acquatica Water Park was created to accompany SeaWorld Orlando and has quickly become one of the most visited water parks in the country. In Acquatica’s first year it managed to rank fourth-most visited water park in the United States and eighth-most visited in the world. The park theme is based on the south Pacific and features a unique set of “park ambassadors” from Australia & New Zealand. Of course, this being a water park created by SeaWorld, the ambassadors are actual animals who travel around the park with their trainers greeting visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for Papa the Royal Spoonbill to see a truly unique beak or follow the laughter sounding birdsong of Kata the kookaburra. The Commerson’s Dolphins are definitely the stars of Aquatica, you can spend all day watching these distinctly marked dolphins play and race around. A great way to see them is on Loggerhead Lane, Aquatica’s lazy river, which takes you through the lagoon that the pod calls home.