Orlando — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetAug 20, 2026

8 best amusement parks in the USA

The USA

24 things in this story

Walt Disney WorldSightUndisputed heavyweight theme park.
Magic KingdomSightDelivers nostalgia.
EpcotSightFood-and-culture wandering.
Hollywood StudiosSightMovie magic.
Animal KingdomSightFusion of theme park and zoo.
Wizarding World of Harry PotterSightEmotional centerpiece for many visitors.
Universal Epic UniverseTheme parkHighly immersive worlds.
Pandora – The World of AvatarSightSet generations into the future after the events of the Avatar films, the area is based upon the…
Kilimanjaro SafarisSight
Elsewhere
Cedar Point Amusement ParkSightSandusky, United StatesRoller Coaster Capital of the World.
DollywoodTheme parkPigeon Forge, United StatesCombines coasters with bluegrass and crafts.
NightFlight ExpeditionPlacePigeon Forge, United StatesIndoor adventure coaster.
Silver Dollar CityTheme parkBranson, United StatesOld-timey Ozarks village with thrill rides.
American PlungePlaceBranson, United StatesChildhood favorite log flume ride.
Buckshot's Skillet CookeryRestaurantBranson, United StatesHome-cooked meal.
Busch Gardens WilliamsburgTheme parkWilliamsburg, United StatesThemed around European countries, unusually pretty.
Verbolten: Forbidden TurnPlaceWilliamsburg, United StatesMajor coaster with a 210ft drop.
Colonial WilliamsburgMuseumWilliamsburg, United StatesHistoric area.
KnoebelsTheme parkElysburg, United StatesFamily-owned park with no admission fee.
PhoenixAttractionElysburg, United StatesLegendary wooden coaster.
HersheyparkTheme parkHershey, United StatesAmusement park in a chocolate town.
CometAttractionHershey, United StatesBeloved wooden coaster.
Chocolate WorldSightHershey, United StatesHershey's Chocolate World is the name of five visitor centers that started in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.
ZooAmericaZooHershey, United StatesIt was founded in 1910 by Milton S.

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 20

Discount Disney World Tickets | August 2026

Save big on your next vacation with our breakdown of official Disney World discounts on theme park tickets, dining packages, hotel stays, and more.

13 things in this story

Walt Disney WorldSightmost magical place on earth
Magic KingdomSightIt opened on October 1, 1971, and is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company through its Experiences division.
Disney’s Hollywood StudiosSightDisney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando.
Disney’s Animal KingdomSightDisney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is a zoological theme park at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando.
Disney Resorts CollectionHotelup to 30% off stays of at least five nights
Walt Disney Travel CompanyPlacepackage includes free dining plan for children
Shade of GreenHotelmilitary ticket purchase location
Universal OrlandoTheme parkdiscount tickets available
SeaWorldTheme parkIt is a proprietor of marine mammal parks, oceanariums, animal theme parks, and rehabilitation centers owned by United…
Atlantis ResortSightSave up to 40% on travel with verified Atlantis Resort coupons, hotel and flight bundles, and more special discounts…
EpcotSight
Disney’s Grand FloridianHotel
Disney’s Wilderness LodgeHotel

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 14

Universal Orlando Discount Tickets | August 2026

Plan your dream vacation to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay without breaking the bank. Find authorized ticket sellers, Passholder perks, and hotel bundle discounts of up to 30%.

10 things in this story

Universal Orlando ResortHotelFamily's preferred park, heavier on roller coasters.
Wizarding World of Harry PotterSightGuests gain early access before regular opening.
Universal Epic UniverseTheme parkOwned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, the park officially opened on May 22, 2025,…
Universal Studios FloridaTheme parkOwned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, it opened to the public on June 7, 1990,…
Universal Orlando hotelsHotelSave up to 30% on 5+ night stays September 2026-March 2027.
Volcano BayTheme parkHotel guests gain early access before regular opening.
Halloween Horror NightsFestivalSpecially priced tickets available for military.
Universal CityWalk OrlandoAttraction
Volcano Bay water parkSight
Universal Island of AdventureSight

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 22

Discovering Familiar Magic on a First Trip to Disney World

On her family's inaugural visit to Orlando, author and lifelong Disneyland enthusiast Stephanie Danler tackles the larger parks.

22 things in this story

Disney WorldPlacesix parks and dozens of resorts
Magic KingdomSightpark with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
EpcotSightworld's fair that's never ended
Hollywood StudiosSightknown for technically advanced and thrilling rides
Pirates of the CaribbeanSightride
Star Wars: Rise of the ResistanceSightgreatest ride ever built
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindSightbest ride in all the parks
Star Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeSightimmersive piece of art
Disney's Contemporary ResortHotelin-park lodgings
The Magic Carpets of AladdinSightbasic spinning contraption ride
La Cava del TequilaRestauranttiny bar inside the Mexican pyramid
The Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorSightthrilling ride
Oga's CantinaRestaurantwindowless, chilled, dim bar
Michelle AllenPlaceCondé Nast Traveler Specialist
Travel MagicPlaceteam that advised on planning
Be Our GuestRestaurantdinner at Beast's Castle
Dole WhipRestaurantclassic soft serve
World ShowcaseNeighborhood
Slinky Dog DashSight
Seven Dwarfs Mine TrainSight
SkylinerPlace
Elsewhere
DisneylandTheme parkAnaheim, United Statesquaint, compact Magic Kingdom

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National GeographicMar 31

Where to find some of the wildest rides and thrills in Orlando, Florida

Roller coasters and boat adventures are a vacation staple in Orlando. This city in central Florida is the theme park capital of the world, after all, where resorts attract millions of visitors every ...

20 things in this story

Wild FloridaPlaceairboat tours include restaurants and animal encounters
Spirit of the SwampPlacesix-seat boats for spotting wildlife
Get Up and GoPlaceoffers clear kayaking and bioluminescence trips
Rock SpringsPlaceclear kayaking tours available
Blue Spring State ParkPlacemanatees congregate in warm spring water
Crystal RiverNeighborhoodonly place to swim with manatees
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State ParkPlacehas an underwater observatory
Silver Springs State ParkPlaceglass-bottom boats tour natural springs
Wekiwa Springs State ParkPlacepart of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
Rock Springs Run State PreservePlaceglide along the water on an innertube
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and ParkPlaceThe Preserve is bordered by the Econlockhatchee on the West and Wedgefield, Florida on the East.
Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental AreaSighthome to a 200-year-old tree
Loch Haven Cultural ParkSightA guide to the numerous historical trees in the City of Orlando.
Constitution GreenParkIncludes a large park area for dogs.
Harry P. Leu GardensGarden50-acre botanical garden with diverse plant collections
Lake Eola ParkParkrent swan-shaped paddle boats
Florida's EvergladesPlace
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife TrailPlace
Tibet-Butler Nature PreservePlace
Oakland Nature PreservePlace

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Condé Nast TravelerMar 7

9 Best Bags for Disney, According to a Theme Park Reporter

Backpacks, crossbody bags, and packable totes tailor-made for your visit to the most magical place on earth.

8 things in this story

Baggu Crescent bagPlaceCrossbody style holds snacks, sunscreen, small camera; lightweight
UniqloPlaceLightweight crossbody transitions from parks to daily errands
Vera BradleyPlaceMickey Mouse-shaped crossbody; quilted fabric; for shorter park visits
LululemonPlaceBelt bag holds phone, wallet, sunscreen, portable charger
Disney x CoachPlacePolished leather belt bag; chic yet playful park option
AwayPlaceDiaper backpack keeps essentials organized; easy to find items
QuincePlaceNylon backpack ideal for flights and Disney days; durable
BagguPlaceCompact pouch unfolds into a roomy tote for souvenirs

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 6

Disneyland vs. Disney World: How They Differ and Which to Visit

The parks are vastly different sizes, but there are other differences to consider while planning a trip.

25 things in this story

DisneylandSightOriginal park opened in 1955 in Southern California.
Walt Disney WorldSightMassive resort near Orlando, Florida with four theme parks.
Magic KingdomSightOriginal theme park at Walt Disney World, opened in 1971.
Cinderella CastleSightIconic castle at Magic Kingdom.
EpcotSightTribute to past and future innovations, home to World Showcase.
World ShowcaseNeighborhoodDestination lined with pavilions representing global nations.
Hollywood StudiosSightCelebration of Hollywood's Golden Age with edgy rides.
Tower or TerrorSightAn edgy ride at Hollywood Studios.
Animal KingdomSightSafari-themed park with attractions like Avatar and The Lion King.
Typhoon LagoonSightDisney's Typhoon Lagoon is a water theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida,…
Disneyland ParkSightTheme park at Disneyland centered around Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney California Adventure ParkSightTheme park celebrating California and Pixar's Cars.
Sleeping Beauty CastleSightCastle at Disneyland Park with a nostalgic feel.
Star Wars: Rise of the ResistanceSightInnovative multi-ride system attraction at Walt Disney World.
Toy Story LandNeighborhoodKid-centric land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Toy Story Mania!Sight4D attraction in Toy Story Land.
Slinky Dog DashSightFamily-friendly roller coaster in Toy Story Land.
Tiana’s Bayou AdventureSightContinues the tale of a Disney Princess at Magic Kingdom.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindSightRevolutionary indoor roller coaster at Epcot.
Mr. Toad’s Wild RideSightDark ride at Disneyland where movie-like sets shine.
Blizzard Beach water parkSight
Peter Pan’s FlightSight
Pirates of the CaribbeanSight
It's a Small WorldSight
Haunted MansionSight

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 12, 2025

11 Best Airbnbs in Orlando for Disney Weekends and Winter Sun

Whether you're visiting Disney World or heading to restaurants downtown.

9 things in this story

Disney WorldPlaceI've visited the most magical place on earth more than a hundred times—here's what I always pack.
Walt Disney WorldSightOpened on October 1, 1971, the resort is operated by Disney Experiences, a division of the Walt Disney Company.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeSightat Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood StudiosSightDisney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando.
Universal StudiosAttractionThe Orlando theme park offers five distinct worlds, including new Harry Potter and Nintendo attractions.
Mills 50Neighborhoodvibrant neighborhood with street art and murals
Church Street DistrictNeighborhoodhas some of the city's best restaurants
Orlando Science CenterMuseumIts purposes are to provide experience-based opportunities for learning about science and technology and to promote…
AirbnbHotel

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