Maximize your getaway with our top Orlando theme park tips.

Planning a trip to Orlando’s theme parks? We have you covered. Park hop like a pro with our tested tips for planning, packing and having a ball at Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Discover: Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.

Buy Tickets in Advance

Buying tickets before you arrive can be a huge time saver. It can even save you money! Score discount tickets for Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort through Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com to save time at the front gate.

Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks

You can see a lot in one day, but if you plan on visiting multiple theme parks, we recommend buying multi-day tickets so you can experience more of your Orlando must-do’s in one trip. You can also book special vacation packages directly through the theme parks to enjoy deals on accommodation, park tickets and more fun perks throughout the year.

Reduce Your Wait Times

Spend less time in line and more time experiencing Orlando’s world-class rides and shows with reduced wait time passes, available at all Orlando theme parks. Passes and restrictions vary by park and are subject to change. Theme park admission is not included.

Discover: Orlando FAQs

SeaWorld Orlando: Skip the standby line and save a seat for top SeaWorld® Orlando rides and shows with Quick Queue® and Reserved Seating. Choose one or both options in a variety of packages to best suit your day. SeaWorld is the only Orlando theme park to offer an annual Quick Queue option, which is ideal if you plan on visiting the Coaster Capital of the World multiple times throughout the year.

Universal Orlando Resort: Enjoy shorter wait times with a Universal Express pass, available for one-time or unlimited use at most rides at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. You'll also score free Express passes with a Premier category hotel stay at Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando or Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando (theme park tickets are not included).

LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Speed into fun with a FasTrack at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The FasTrack Unlimited is geared towards all-day fun at participating attractions. FasTrack bands are available exclusively at LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park and cannot be used at LEGOLAND® Water Park or Peppa Pig Theme Park.

Walt Disney World Resort: Plan ahead and reserve Lightning Lane entry for your must-do attractions up to 14 days before your visit to Walt Disney World Resort. Lightning Lane Single Passes can be purchased on an a la carte basis for Avatar Flight of Passage, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Other attractions may be booked with a Lightning Lane Multi Pass — choose three rides during the advance booking window, then make additional day-of selections as you enjoy your day in the park.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at or before park opening time to enjoy cooler temperatures, lower wait times and less crowded conditions for the first hour or two of the day. If you’re using services like Lightning Lane Multi Pass, plan on jumping right into your first Lightning Lane entry of the day to get a head start on booking for the rest of the day.

Discover: Stay and Play at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Overnight guests at eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, 30+ official Walt Disney World hotels, and various partner hotels can also score early entry to their respective theme parks. Check with your theme park of choice to see what’s available for early entry during your next stay. Theme park tickets are required for early entry and are not included with your hotel stay.

Discover: Stay and Play at WALT DISNEY WORLD Hotels

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling

Come Prepared

You’ve prepped your theme park outfits, packed comfortable shoes and made your dining reservations. Now make the most of the big day by packing everything you’ll need to enjoy the parks in style. Bring charging devices to support your theme park app and camera usage, and don’t forget water to stay hydrated.

Be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly, whether that means stashing umbrellas and ponchos or a small battery-powered fan. If you forget something, don’t stress. You can purchase sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water bottles and more essentials at all Orlando theme parks.

Jurassic Park TM & © 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

For fun that lasts all day long, remember to drink plenty of water. You can bring your own water or refillable bottle to all Orlando theme parks, where you’ll find plentiful refill stations and drinking fountains at the ready.

You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, provided that the food does not require heating, is not in a glass container, and does not have a pungent smell. Baby food, formula, and snacks for guests with dietary restrictions may be permitted at all Orlando theme parks. Check with your preferred theme park for policy exceptions and additional restrictions on outside food and drink.

Plan on the Go With Theme Park Apps

Be sure to download each theme park’s official mobile app ahead of your visit to help guide your day. You can easily check wait times and show schedules, see the park map, purchase tickets and reserve dining right from your phone. Some apps also offer mobile food ordering, automated chat services, fun photo filters and lenses, digital ticket and payment options, and more helpful features for travel made easy.

Party On With Parades and Shows

Check the entertainment schedule for any planned character meet and greets, parades and show times ahead of your visit, then plan accordingly. Shows can fill up quickly during peak periods, so prioritize your must-do’s early in the day. We recommend staking out a spot 30 – 60 minutes before major parades and nighttime entertainment. Snag a snack before you settle in and enjoy the show.

Remember Where You Parked

Orlando’s theme parks accommodate thousands of visitors daily, with supersized parking lots to match. You might think you’ll remember where you parked, but it’s better to be safe and write your lot section and row number down just in case. Take a photo, text yourself the details, or use an app to record where you parked.

Explore the Resort Beyond the Park Gates

Finally, if you’re visiting for multiple days, venture beyond the theme park gates to explore some of the resort’s other onsite activities. Select Orlando theme parks boast incredible hotels and entertainment districts where you can shop, catch a concert, savor award-winning dining, go barhopping, float down a lazy river and explore the great outdoors — not to mention everything else there is to do in Orlando.

Discover: Unexpected Theme Park Experiences in Orlando

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