9 Best Theme Parks in Orlando for Adults | Easily Explained

by Theme Park Center February 02, 2023

There are so many things to do in Orlando that it can get overwhelming sorting through each item, and figuring out which one you'll actually want to do.

We've done the hard work for you.

In this page, we will explain the what the best theme parks in Orlando are for adults, which specific activities make these parks great,

1. Universal Orlando Resort

2. Walt Disney World (All Disney Parks)

As the largest and most popular attraction in Orlando, Walt Disney World features four theme parks that have an infinite amount of activities that adults can do.

walt disney world

Whether you want to drink around the world at Epcot, to riding high speed coasters at any park, or revisiting your childhood at Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, or even going on a shopping spree at Disney Springs, you will have plenty to do no matter where you decide to go.

EPCOT

Test Track
Drinking around the world

Make your way through the 11 countries and enjoy the delicious food and drink of each country.

Spaceship Earth

Magic Kingdom

Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Hop in, partner with a duo and save the universe by blasting the bad guys off the screen. You'll receive a score of how well you did at the end.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safari
Avatar Flight of Passage

A flight simulator experience that is as close to feeling like reality as possible. Super weird at first. You'll feel the air, water, and even smell different scents throughout the ride.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Tower of Terror

Do you know that feeling in your stomach when you go down a steep fall? Yeah.. get used to it you'll be feeling that a lot!

Disney Springs

Formerly known as Downtown Disney. It is pretty much its own village. Disney Springs features a mix of stores to shop from, a giant amount of restaurants (150+), and even helium balloon rides.

disney springs

Want to bowl in style? Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a 2 story 50,000 square foot bowling venue that you can dine at as well.

Do you enjoy music?

Make sure to stop by the musical mecca known as House of Blues. Famous bands and artists from all over the world have made their way here, and it's only right you pay a visit as well.

If you're visiting the springs at night, the Boathouse offers a live band performance until midnight and make sure to visit the Forbidden Lounge at Morimoto Asia!

Best part of all of this? Admission is free. Parking is also free.

Disney's Boardwalk

Interested in after hour activities? Disney's boardwalk contains bars, restaurants, scenic and relaxing areas near the water.

If you're a sports fan make sure to swing by the ESPN club as they're known for having former sport superstars (Brian Dawkins the former Philadelphia Eagles Safety was there as a guest speaker recently), and if you're lucky you may be able to meet them as well!

disney boardwalk

Which Florida Disney Park is the best for adults?

All of them.

Don't wait in the long line during the Florida heat, skip the lines by purchasing online. You will always save money by purchasing your tickets online from reputable sellers, so make sure to purchase your Walt Disney World tickets here.

3. Gatorland

One of the most unique experiences in Orlando, Gatorland allows you to connect with the true Florida swamp environment. Contrary to popular belief, the everglades actually begin in Central Florida.

What does this even mean? Tons of wildlife, specifically gators.

Gatorland provides a ton of different experiences ranging from the gator jumparoo show, where you will watch gators jump out of the water to snatch some meals, to the bird rookery where you will see beautiful birds that are accustomed to human experiences and due to that they will talk back to you, to even a petting zoo to calm your nerves after being around the colossal gators.

They even offer a zipline experience where you can conquer the fears you never knew you had, by ziplining over 100+ gators!

gatorland screamin gator zipline

Gatorland offers:

Gator Jumparoo Show
Up Close Encounters
Gator Wrestlin' Show
White Gator Swamp
Petting Zoo
Bird Rookery
Splash Park
Free parking

If you'd like to learn more, we've created a comprehensive Gatorland Review Guide that details all of the tips that you should know for the best experience.

If you want to learn more about what Gatorland offers, and what is included in your ticket, visit our Gatorland Page.

4. WonderWorks Orlando

When you drive by International drive, one thing will immediately stick out.. There's a building that is completely upside down! You may think Florida is known for their crazy hurricanes, did this cause it? Nope! This building is actually Wonderworks.
wonderworks orlando

Wonderworks features 100+ interactive exhibits including:

Laser tag
4D theater
Fighter jet
Roller coaster simulation
Glow in the dark ropes course

If you're looking to have a fast paced, fun filled few hours navigating room to room, this may be a great fit for you.

wonderworks laser tag

As great as this amusement park is, where it is located is even better. International Drive contains a ton of restaurants, bars and activities that adults can go to before and/or after their visit. It is a friendly and scenic environment that you can stay at all day and night.

5. SeaWorld Orlando

Seaworld is where the Aquatic world comes to life. They provide fantastic educational shows and exhibits along with fast speed rides for the thrill seekers.
seaworld orlando manta

Some of the rides Seaworld offers include:

Kraken - A floorless rollercoaster named after the Sea monster
Manta - An aquatic themed roller coaster named after one of the fastest sharks
Journey to Atlantis - A water coaster with a famous steep drop
Wild Artic - Multiple indoor exhibits showcasing beluga whales, harbor seals and walruses

Some of the shows Seaworld offers include:

Shamu Stadium - An educational show of killer whales
The Sea Lion and Otter Theater - A pair of california Sea lions host this comedic stranded island themed show
Dolphin Theater - This acrobatic dolphin show will have loud reactions from the audience echoing throughout the stadium

Seaworld also has a very strong rescue, conservation & rehabilitation program that you can learn more about where they detail their mission and goals.

If you want the best tips to know before going, we've created the 19 Best SeaWorld Orlando Tips.

6. Orlando Balloon Rides

As the Premier Balloon Company in Central Florida and the largest passenger ride operator on the Eastern part of the United States, Orlando Balloon rides is as reputable as it gets.

They also have a 100% safety record to ease your concerns.

Fly over the top of beautiful scenery in a hot air balloon including Florida's natural preserves, resorts, and attractions. Your captain will be pointing out what everything is to keep you in the loop and provide you the best experience in the air.

Once you land, a champagne toast is done to celebrate this giant courage-filled accomplishment.

orlando balloon rides

7. Aquatica Orlando

Whether you're looking to relax for the day, or be adventurous for the day, this very popular Orlando waterpark has everything that you will need to enjoy yourself.
aquatica orlando

Aquatica offers:

40+ slides
Rivers and Lagoons
Wavepool
Lazy River
Sandy Beaches

Located across the street from Seaworld, Aquatica is a 3 minute drive or a 10 minute walk away.

aquatica orlando

Aquatica has several different ticket options, and we'll explain some of them here.

One Visit: 1 Day General Admission

One Visit with All Day Dine: 1 Day General Admission with included dining options

Choose Your Adventure 2 Visits:

Valid for two (2) one (1) day admissions to choose of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island Tampa.

All of the ticket options can be found in the link below.

8. Boggy Creek Airboat Tour

Similarly to Gatorland, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides provides you with a front row view to the everglades as well as its wildlife.

That's about the only similarities these two attractions have however, as this tour takes you on an airboat and you're able to see all of the wildlife in their natural environments.

The airboat tour is navigated by an experienced and personable captain that will ensure that you're comfortable and will make sure that you see everything that the everglades have to offer.

This tour can be done during the day and night and both offer unique experiences.

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides Offers:

Airboat Tour
Gator Oasis
Native American Experience
Gem Mine
Swamp Shack
Tiki Bar
Boggy Bottom BBQ

If you're interested in learning all of the details of the aforementioned features, you're in luck. We've created an Ultimate Guide for the Boggy Creek Airboat Tour that gets right into it and provides you everything that you need to know with no fluff.

boggy creek airboat tour

9. Kennedy Space Center

Space flight is one of the most complex and interesting topics that has captivated people around the world for generations. In this visitor complex you will be able to experience everything that goes into space flights from the actual parts, to the astronauts and much more.

kennedy space center

This is the one place in the world where you can:

Touch a moon rock
Meet a former NASA astronaut
See a Space Shuttle
Even tour a NASA spaceflight facility to get an up close and personal view of a rocket

Widely known as the greatest space adventure on earth, this visitor complex is an extremely popular addition to the Florida attractions.

Whether you go by yourself, or with a group, it will be a captivating experience that you will not want to miss out on.

kennedy space center