57 Theme Parks to Explore in Orange County

Checkout places to visit in Orange County

Orange County

Named for the fruit that constituted the county's main commodity crop. At its peak in the early 1970s, some 80,000 acres (320 km2) were planted in citrus in Orange County. The dark-green foliage of orange trees filled the county, as did the scent of the orange blossoms when in bloom. Fewer commercial orange groves remained by the end of the twentieth century.

Activities Around

Theme Parks to Explore in Orange County

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

This is a fun-filled boat ride through the facsimile of a Mexican town at Disney's Epcot theme park. The three main characters are Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles who entertain riders with vibrant colors and music. Riders experience traditional Mexican architecture, dancing animals and more as they pass beneath fountains that create a cooling mist effect. The tour has an exciting finale when the characters come together in a celebration of song and dance.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is an epic ride for any Harry Potter fan. Riders seated on Hagrid-inspired motorbikes soar around the enchanted Forbidden Forest, taking in sights of Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Cornish Pixies, and the mysterious planet centaurs in immersive 360° storytelling. Thrill-seekers even get to outrun a Manticore while they twist and bank through twists and turns that take guests of all ages up to 50 feet in the air before plunging them down backward.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ is an exhilarating ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests become part of the story as they venture with Harry, Ron and Hermione into the vaults of Gringotts Bank to reclaim a magical object. Along their journey they face many obstacles, like escaping from the grasp of an angry dragon or narrowly avoiding a whirling line of enchanted spheres. It is a thrilling experience full of special effects and surprises.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

This is an incredible experience for all. Visitors enter the magial world of Hogwarts castle through a medieval gate where they board flying benches to embark on an unforgettable journey with Harry, Hermione and Ron as their guides. From a dizzying trio of dragons to a fierce spider, guests can feel their every hair stand as they make their way through the enchanting enclosed ride. Along the way, guests are treated to a daring free fall adventure ending with a face off against Lord Voldemort.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

This launch coaster takes riders up a fantastic 65 degree lift hill, giving great views of the park before reaching an exciting top speed of 65 mph. The roller coaster provides six unique inversions, including a tasmanian devil like roll and zero g stall. As well as indoor sections, surprises, special effects and music that Riders can choose- this coaster really stands out compared to other rides.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a thrilling roller coaster experience located in Universal's Islands of Adventure - part of Universal Orlando Resort in Orange County, Florida. This incredibly fast and high-intensity ride features four extreme launches, the world’s first upside down “Zero G Stall” and an 80-degree drop at a maximum speed of 70 mph. The incredible journey takes riders on a series of tight curves and drops that travel over 2,500 feet at top speeds from start to finish.

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids, is an intense whitewater adventure not to be missed! This fast-paced ride takes visitors on a thrilling journey through a lush rain forest as they twist and turn down a 12-foot waterfall. Riders are guaranteed to get soaked during the three-minute experience, so it's best to come prepared with waterproof clothing or change into one of the park's ponchos. A great time for families and friends alike, the Kali River Rapids is sure to provide some lasting memories.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris provides an unforgettable experience for nature and wildlife lovers alike. On a guided tour, visitors will be treated to stunning views of both African savannahs and the iconic Kilimanjaro Mountain. Animal species native to East Africa can be seen along the rugged terrain, such as lions, elephants, zebras and cheetahs. The guide gives a detailed narrative about each animal species and their natural habitat throughout the journey.

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park is an iconic destination in the Disney empire. This grand amusement park boasts six themed lands including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Adventureland. The atmosphere is filled with music and laughter as guests explore their favorite attractions such as It’s a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. From meeting your favorite characters to gazing at light shows over Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom Park has something to offer everyone.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

This is the first ride ever to feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse as its stars. The ride brings guests into the colourful world of the Mickey Mouse Cartoon shorts, where the stars do their best to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Passengers follow different paths through compellingly detailed environments, experiencing dizzying drops and thrilling turns along the way. Guests are also treated to catchy songs, special effects and even secret surprises throughout the course of the ride.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an entertaining and exhilarating virtual-reality ride, where Passengers take the pilot's seat in one of the Millennium Falcon cockpits and embark on a thrilling mission to help the galactic smuggler, Hondo. Depending on their actions guiding the spaceship, passengers may receive either cheers or boos upon completion of their mission. Along the way, they experience twists and turns throughout this dynamic adventure filled with Star Wars excitement.

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is an exciting and unique attraction located at the Orange County Convention Center. The gravity-defying rides takes guests on a 4 minute thrilling tour through outer space that exceeds expectations while offering shocking cinematic visuals and special effects. Riding this coaster, guests feel as if they are flying above the planet Earth, 20,000 miles away from home. Along the way riders experience with your crewmates as you soar through space on Mission: SPACE!

Na'vi River Journey

Na'vi River Journey is an exciting way to explore the jungles of Pandora. Guests embark on a gentle 4-minute canoe ride that cruises through a bioluminescent rainforest during a magical night-time excursion. After passing underneath the iconic Hallelujah Mountains and through glowing fauna and flora, guests come face to face with an Audio-Animatronics version of Pandaamari. As you pass through a waterfall, you will be treated to Na’vi cultural music and surrounded by visual display.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at the Magic Kingdom is a wonderful ride for all ages. This classic turn-of-the-century carrousel is adorned with almost 90 exquisite ponies set in a very detailed fantasy. The design of the carrousel dates back to 1917 and is now one of the most popular attractions at the park. As you make your rounds on the ride, you can spot three different brass rings which, if collected, would grant a complimentary ride later on.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney's Hollywood Studios is an exciting and memorable must-see ride. It features acceleration from 0 to 57 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds, sending coaster riders through multiple fast inversions. Music from the band Aerosmith plays during the thrilling journey, allowing visitors to rock ‘n’ roll with the show. The ride includes two launch systems that provide extraordinary launches, special effects and plenty of excitement.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is the perfect spot for an unforgettable experience. Patrons can enjoy classic American fare inside a fun atmosphere with a 1950's science fiction flair. With tables shaped like classic cars, transforming the restaurant into a retro drive-in, diners can sit back and watch classic sci-fi clips while they enjoy their meal. The menu includes ice cream novelties, sandwiches, burgers and shakes while offering unique entrées filled with bold flavors.

SeaWorld Orlando

Theme park and marine zoological park. When combined with its neighbor Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando, an entertainment complex consisting of the three parks and many hotels. In 2018, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 4.594 million guests, ranking it the 10th most visited amusement park in the United States

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride for the whole family. Starting with a gentle climb up through some rocky ridges, it quickly gains momentum as the track twists and turns around some stunning theming before emerging from a dark mine shaft. Then riders are treated to a thrilling drop down a mountain pass before whizzing back into the mine and out again.

Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash is an exciting coaster ride for thrill seekers of all ages. As you climb up the winding track, you can see your surroundings while remaining seated in your own Slinky Dog car. When you reach the top, you begin a speedy journey filled with twists and turns until finally reaching the bottom and riding back to the start. If that's not enough, riders can also enjoy the many surprises and special effects along the way!

Space Mountain

Space Mountain is an amusement park classic! It's a thrilling roller coaster ride set inside a glowing, indoor night sky. It climbs high into the stars and around sprawling banks of neon lights. Sitting on the train, you'll rocket past meteors, star clusters, planetary rings, and other cosmic scenery as you twist through corkscrews and dive down breathtaking drops. You won't want to miss Space Mountain if you're in town seeking some fun.

Map of Theme Parks to explore in Orange County