{"id":10290,"date":"2011-02-09T15:00:34","date_gmt":"2011-02-09T21:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=10290"},"modified":"2021-11-18T16:55:57","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T22:55:57","slug":"beyond-disney-world-3-top-orlando-attractions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/02\/beyond-disney-world-3-top-orlando-attractions\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Disney World: 2 top Orlando attractions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Residence Inn’s pool and playground make perfectpit stops before bedtime.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Maria Mora<\/em><\/p>\n

As an Orlando-area resident, I’m lucky to live only have an hour from Walt Disney World. But here’s a little secret: When I take my family on vacation, we don’t always visit the Magic Kingdom. Florida vacation<\/a> spots like Orlando and Kissimmee have dozens of other attractions, whether you’re in the mood to torpedo down a water slide or experience Harry Potter’s Wizarding World. Here are a pair of my brood’s favorites and Orlando hotels <\/a>convenient to each attraction.<\/p>\n

Wet \u2018n Wild<\/strong>
\nWhen I was a little girl, the highlight of each summer was my family\u2019s trip to this expansive water park. Wet n\u2019 Wild tempts with more than 30 acres of thrilling slides and splash areas. You can even ski around a giant lake. Now that I\u2019m a mom, I appreciate the Kids Park area, with miniature versions of the big kid and adult attractions. This park is also a great option for tweens and teens.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> Wear sunblock clothing to avoid having to reapply sunscreen to your shoulders throughout the day.
\nHotel: <\/strong>Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort<\/strong><\/a> is on the Universal Resort property\u2014just down the street from Wet N\u2019 Wild. Walk from the hotel to City Walk<\/strong> for more entertainment after your day at the water park.<\/p>\n

Universal Orlando Resort<\/strong>
\nThanks to the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter<\/strong> in Islands of Adventure<\/strong>, this is a must-see Orlando destination. When you visit, check out both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios<\/strong>. Each park has unique attractions. My husband’s pick: the Spider Man ride, a 3-D and special effects thrill ride. I prefer the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster at Universal Studios, where scarab beetles, warrior mummies and fireballs surprise thrill seekers along the rocky adventure.<\/p>\n

Tip: <\/strong>Don’t miss the specialty beer formulated specifically for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Kids can enjoy frosted Butterbeer.
\nHotel: <\/strong>The Hard Rock Hotel<\/a><\/strong> is like a mini theme park. Luxurious yet fun, it features a huge pool with a slide and beach. We spent a whole day simply lounging and enjoying the music.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n