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The park that started Disney’s Florida empire combines fantasy, adventure, and the future in a package of rides and shows that focuses on Disney movies and TV programs. (see The Magic Kingdom® Park).

Inquiring minds love this Disney park, which features technology in Future World and the culture, architecture and enticing food of 11 nations in World Showcase. (see Epcot®).

Lights, camera, action! Movies, TV shows and stomach-churning thrill rides come together in a theme park that sometimes also serves as a working studio.

Visitors are brought face to face with the wild world of animals, but this kingdom’s spacious environmental design doesn’t always offer a front-row seat. (see Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park).

Universal’s top-of-the-pile theme park is a magnet for thrill jockeys, with some of the fastest, highest, and best rides in town. Be warned that 9 of its 13 rides have height or health restrictions, so it’s not for the young, weak of stomach, or squeamish.

What Disney can do, Universal can equal. The movie and TV themes here can make people’s wildest dreams come true or worst nightmares a (special effects) reality. From Jaws to Terminator, the silver screen comes to life.

Its laid-back pace, educational angle, and animal actors make this a popular stop for those wanting a break from the lines and stifling crowds at other parks. (see SeaWorld Orlando).

Some say it’s hard to beat Disney’s water parks, but this rival has the most thrills money can buy on the city’s water scene.

Located at the Kennedy Space Center, this wildlife refuge is great for learning about local and migrating animals, while also enjoying a bit of fishing or hiking.

The appeal of man in space has turned America’s No. 1 space center into a stellar attraction complete with live shuttle and rocket launches.