subject: The Best Family Theme Parks [print this page] Have you heard the word "Edutainment", well, it's a portmanteau for "Education+entertainment" which is the concept behind modern theme parks, contemporary theme parks are no longer just fantasy-provoking atmospheres. They've moved beyond mere excitement and now encompass learning experiences; this is all done without undermining the underlying concept of a theme park. Below are some of the finest theme parks the country has to offer that also cater to families.
Seuss Landing, Islands of Adventure
Parents with small kids will want to spend time in Seuss Landing or in the gigantic Camp Jurassic play zone. Teens and 'tweens will spend the day in an adrenaline rush, hitting the thrill rides such as The Hulk and the Dueling Dragon coasters. Spiderman "ride" is good fun too.
Universal Studios Florida
This theme park at Universal Orlando has plenty of movie-based attractions that kids will love: ET, the Revenge of the Mummy "dark ride", the Simpsons Ride, Jaws, and plenty more.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Finally, Muggles will have a chance to enter the magical world of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando is building a sixth "island" area in Islands of Adventure, called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", completely themed to Harry Potter. Opening will be in 2010.
Universal Orlando: Holiday Celebrations
Universal Orlando has two major Holiday Season special events: at Universal Studios Florida, the nightly Macy's Holiday Parade has giant balloons and floats from the famous Thanksgiving parade in New York; and over at Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure, get ready for Grinchmas.
Mardi Gras Weekends at Universal Orlando
Every year, at Universal Studios Florida, Mardi Gras is celebrated with a 10-block parade, live music, and more, on weekends from early-February to mid-April. (Dates change every year, depending on when Easter and Mardi Gras occur.
Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is a performance by, well, blue men: an indescribable mix of mime, percussion, and antics involving the audience. Blue Man Group can be seen in New York City, Las Vegas, London, and other venues -- including Universal Orlando. Blue Man Group has a special theater in Universal Studios Florida, but performance-goers can get to the theater directly from CityWalk (no need for a ticket to the theme park.)
Universal Orlando Resorts: Hard Rock Hotel
The Hard Rock brand is famous for Hard Rock Cafe's filled with rock music memorabilia. This family-friendly resort has rock band theming, location close just a short walk from Universal Studios Florida, fast-lane access to top theme park attractions, frequent boat shuttles to CityWalk, large free-form pool with waterslide and sandy beach.
Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel
The Portofino Bay Hotel - modeled on the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera - has a lovely harbor, photogenic architecture, and some cute Italian details; multiple restaurants and lounges; large beach pool with water slide, kiddie pool, quiet pool; kids' club, and all the conveniences (boat shuttle, fast-lane access to attractions) noted above.
Royal Pacific Resort
As at the other two hotels in the Universal Orlando complex, guests at the Royal Pacific Resort can reach the parks by walkways or boat shuttles, and get fast-lane access to popular rides. The Royal Pacific has beautiful South Pacific landscaping and decor, waterfalls, large beach pool with a waterplay area.
