The Best Orlando Experiences

If images of Cinderella Castle pop into your head at the mention of Orlando, you're not alone. The Magic Kingdom's iconic castle and the lovable Mouse who started it all are by far the reason most folks venture to Florida in the first place. Although a visit to the Magic Kingdom is one of the biggest highlights of the Orlando experience, especially for kids, plenty more attractions and experiences await:

• Explore Disney's Animal Kingdom. Embark on an undersea adventure at Finding Nemo-The Musical, trek through the Himalayan Mountains on Expedition Everest-Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, or make your way by foot through the rain forests and jungles of Asia for a glimpse of exotic wildlife. Kali River Rapids will leave you soaked, but that's half the fun. Head out on the Kilimanjaro Safaris for an expedition through the African savanna or travel back to the time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Be sure to catch Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, one of the most distinctive and lively parades in all of Disney.

• Travel the world at Epcot. At Epcot, you can find high-speed thrills aboard Mission: SPACE and Test Track, a breathtaking experience Soarin' over the California landscape, undersea adventure exploring The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and the simple pleasure of splashing about in the dancing waters. Then it's off to tour some of the world's most fascinating countries along the World Showcase.

• Go behind the scenes at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Some of the most intense thrills in all of Walt Disney World, including Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, take center stage here. But be sure to take in the spectacular shows, too — this is a studio after all. Top billing goes to Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, the park's newest addition, and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Close out the night with the incredible Fantasmic! after-dark show that combines a love for all things Disney with an amazing combination of water and fireworks.

• Experience Universal Studios Florida (USF). Once just a diversion, Universal has worked hard to turn itself into a true destination. The rides here run the gamut from youngster to "What was I thinking?" Not-to-be-missed attractions include Revenge of the Mummy, Terminator 2: 3D Battle Across Time, Men in Black Alien Attack, and recent additions: Fear Factor Live and Shrek 4-D. Top off the day by taking in the all-new nighttime spectacular Universal 360-A Cinesphere Spectacular. The entire lagoon lights up with pyrotechnic effects, laser lights, and four 360-degree projection cinespheres.

• Test your physical limits at Islands of Adventure. You can spin, fly upside down, and get wet. And that's all just in the first few minutes in this park. Don't miss the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Dueling Dragons twin roller coasters, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and the big, green Incredible Hulk Coaster. If it's really hot out, a good soak on Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges is a great refresher.

• Sail the seas at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. SeaWorld has a few thrill rides — Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, and Wild Arctic — but the real reason to visit both parks is to observe and interact with the wide variety of marine life that inhabits them. Discovery Cove even allows you the chance to swim with a dolphin. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it if you appreciate unique experiences.

• Go to Gatorland. An Orlando original, Gatorland's crocodiles and alligators have been astounding visitors long before the Mouse moved in. Take in one of the amazing shows, such as Gator Wrestlin' and Gator Jumparoo, or just take a leisurely stroll through swamp and marsh on the boardwalks — no one's in a hurry here.

• Take in an evening park performance. Many of the parks close out their day with a fireworks display or show-stopping performance that's guaranteed to impress. So check out the Magic Kingdom's Wishes Nighttime Spectacular or "SpectroMagic" Parade, Epcot's IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Disney's Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic!, Universal Studios' Universal 360, or SeaWorld's Odyssea, Fusion, or Mistify. For a truly magical performance, see Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba; it's expensive, but also unforgettable.