The top cities between Port Orange and Sarasota are Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, Winter Haven, Kissimmee, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Tarpon Springs. Orlando is the most popular city on the route. It's 1 hour from Port Orange and 2 hours from Sarasota.
New Smyrna Beach, located in Florida just south of Daytona Beach, is a popular destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts. The area is home to the scenic Canaveral National Seashore and the coastal Smyrna Dunes Park, offering stunning views of Ponce Inlet and its historic lighthouse. Visitors can explore the charming Canal Street Historic District with its palm-lined streets, featuring art galleries, shops, and the New Smyrna Museum of History. Additionally, the Mary S.
0% as popular as Orlando
14 minutes off the main route, 9% of way to Sarasota
DeLand, located in Volusia County, Florida, is a charming city with a vibrant restaurant scene despite its small size. The historic streets are adorned with eateries offering a diverse range of cuisines, from farm-to-table delicacies to international flavors. Additionally, the nearby spiritualist community of Cassadaga provides an opportunity for visitors to have their fortunes told by resident mediums and spiritualists. This adds an intriguing aspect to the cultural tapestry of DeLand.
1% as popular as Orlando
10 minutes off the main route, 15% of way to Sarasota
Need a place to stay?
WhereWhere are you going
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Located in the heart of Florida, Orlando boasts over a dozen theme parks, including the world-renowned Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Islands of Adventure and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Along with its theme parks, Orlando is known for its warm weather and beautiful white sandy beaches.
Most popular city on this route
4 minutes off the main route, 32% of way to Sarasota
Kissimmee, located in central Florida's Osceola County, is a city known for its close proximity to numerous amusement parks, including the expansive Walt Disney World Resort complex. Situated along the northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, also known as Lake Toho, Kissimmee offers the picturesque Kissimmee Waterfront Park with its walking paths and fishing pier.
3% as popular as Orlando
14 minutes off the main route, 40% of way to Sarasota
Winter Haven, located in central Florida, is popular for its Chain of Lakes that are connected by canals. The lakes offer several recreational activities like water sports rentals, boat ramps, waterside parks and eateries. Legoland Florida Resort situated on Lake Eloise features Lego-brick attractions, rides and a water park alongside Cypress Gardens- a botanical garden established in the 1930s.
1% as popular as Orlando
16 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Sarasota
I'll never travel to Sarasota without this trip planner again
Tarpon Springs, located on central Florida's Gulf Coast, is a charming city with a rich Greek heritage. The legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled here in the early 1900s can be seen in the Greek eateries that line waterfront Dodecanese Boulevard and the Historic Sponge Docks along the water. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, dating back to the 1940s, features stunning stained glass and a Grecian marble altar.
1% as popular as Orlando
41 minutes off the main route, 67% of way to Sarasota
Tampa is a coastal city situated on Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. The city is renowned for its rich cultural offerings, including various museums and attractions like Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park with thrilling rides and animal viewing areas. Ybor City, a historic neighborhood established by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is an ideal dining and nightlife destination that attracts tourists from all over.
12% as popular as Orlando
10 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to Sarasota
Clearwater, located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, is renowned for its bright and sunny weather as well as its stunning gulf coast beaches. Visitors can enjoy a 3-mile stretch of white sand at Clearwater Beach, which is surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants. The city also has the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where injured dolphins and sea turtles receive rehabilitation services. Additionally, Spectrum Field is home to the Phillies pro baseball team's spring training games.
6% as popular as Orlando
31 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to Sarasota
St. Petersburg, located on Florida's Gulf coast and part of the Tampa Bay area, has earned itself the nickname "Sunshine City" due to its pleasant weather. Popular activities include golfing, boating, fishing, and beach-going. Visitors can explore several museums such as the Dali Museum featuring surrealistic works of art or the Museum of Fine Arts showcasing ancient to contemporary creations. The Mahaffey Theater is home to the Florida Orchestra while waterfront parks offer scenic views.
5% as popular as Orlando
14 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Sarasota
Bradenton, a charming Florida city located on the Manatee River just south of Tampa, offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions. The South Florida Museum features exhibits on local history and nature, including the Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium. Along the river, visitors can enjoy the scenic Riverwalk park. The Village of the Arts showcases galleries, studios, and shops housed in restored 1920s and ‘30s cottages.
1% as popular as Orlando
6 minutes off the main route, 88% of way to Sarasota
Best stops along Port Orange to Sarasota drive
The top stops along the way from Port Orange to Sarasota (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Other popular stops include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
The Marine Science Center in New Smyrna Beach is a fascinating aquarium and marine museum that offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about endangered and threatened animals. The center features exhibits, display tanks, and a rehabilitation area for injured marine life.
I have been visiting the Marine Science Center for years, since I was little. And I will continue to visit for as long as I live. I just love hearing about all the animals that are currently in care, and their individual stories and treatment plans. All the staff are so sweet and want to tell you as much as possible about all the animals in the facility. I always look forward to playing with Pancake the stingray. I can't say enough about it here, it's always so nice and well kept. Just beautiful.
Emily Moore — Google review
Small facility packed with very informed passionate staff. My son LOVED the touch tank, he didn’t want to leave Chip, Queso, Poseidon, Pancake (favorite b/c of his left turn swim,) and the only lady stingray, Gracie- ask me how long we stayed to learn all the thing!!! He wants to work with a rehab center when he grows up!
Wish that the rehabbing turtles had a better viewing area. All of them are not able to be seen from the viewing deck.
They do have a glass viewing area (with an overhead camera streamed to a TV) that visitors are able to watch while turtles were being examined.
Bird section (a slight walk down from main building) was like a mini zoo path.
Also, wish they had cuter stuffed turtles (and Bella canvas souvenir shirts)in the gift shop. We found plenty of items to purchase though, including a bracelet with a link to track our own turtle! 🐢💚
S Hettinger — Google review
Very family-friendly interactive learning center. Touch pool with sting rays were a highlight for the kids. I personally enjoyed the seahorse session by one of the interpreters. She was fabulous!!! Bird sanctuary and turtle ICU was eye opening to the real work being done behind the scenes.
Small parking lot with overflow on the street. Took us 45 minutes to see and explore everything with a 10 yr old, teen and adults.
Walked to lighthouse after for a nice afternoon out!
Kelly Hyer — Google review
Love this place and everything they do. Great place to visit and see all the turtles they are healing and awesome lobby with ranks of fish, turtles, seahorses, and more. Live action chances to feed the stingrays and leaning room where we leaned about owls with Bubba. They also have a Bird Sanctuary on site. Great place!!
Lisa Notestone — Google review
An amazing opportunity to teach kids and adults all about marine life. There were baby turtles getting care from very staff and the viewing window allowed visitors an opportunity to watch them care for the animals. Our kids had a blast and enjoyed the touching pool where they got to feed sting rays.
Daniel Patterson — Google review
Awesome place for a short visit! Many things to do and see! There’s a touch you can touch stingrays! They’re so cute and playful! It’s a great place for kids!
It is a small place, so don’t plan on this being an all-day excursion but it’s very inexpensive, educational and fun!!
Angela DeAmelio — Google review
A great time for a small price! Admission for a family of four cost roughly $26. You can start off with their bird center where they have pelicans, eagles, owls, and other birds of prey. From there you can enter the science center, which is handicap accessible. They have multiple aquariums and a turtle terrarium. The highlight is the sting ray tank, where kids can pet the friendly rays. From there, tourists can proceed to the viewing area for the sea turtle rehabilitation center. There’s also a classroom setting where you can view snakes, turtles, and learn a little biology about reptiles. They are currently building a new raptor (bird of prey) center. Just 15-20 minutes south of Daytona, FL. Just under the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
Visit Middle Georgia — Google review
The little kids (12 & 14) enjoyed it as much as the big kids (38 & 39)! It was small enough to walk easily but big enough to be impressive. The bird exhibit was great and the ability to touch animals and see them up close was really great as well. The trail was short but also very nice!
Tiffany Ziegler — Google review
Quite nice and informative. Nice to see the animals in recovery and they do let you feed the stingrays which is quite fun. I saw that some people had a guide and was wondering how we could get one too. It would have been nice to have had a guide so we could have learnt more about the animals. It shouldn't take more than 1.5 hours to finish this entire experience. $8 per adult.
Ranita Isaac — Google review
Very interesting and fun! It is small but will definitely catch your eye. We went there and got to feed the stingrays and touch them. There was also a lady that educated us about their turtle rehabilitation center. Very cool!
Lily P — Google review
This place was amazing! Hands-on learning experience for adults and kids. It was really cool to see how the rehabilitation facility works it’s miracles. Huge thanks to the staff for all they do for these critters. You guys are awesome!
Breezy Kenai — Google review
This is a MUST visit if you love marine life. The value of the Marine Science Center is outstanding. Being able to to get up close with sting rays, watch seahorses get fed and learn all about their rehabilitation efforts is outstanding. Take a few hours and stop here if you’re at Ponce Inlet. Not only will you help support their efforts, you’ll learn something along the way.
Jacob Adamczak — Google review
The Marine Science Center was the high-light of my visit to Volusia County. In my mind it’s perfect. The entry fee is very reasonable ($35 for my family of 5) and for that reason we were able to shop in the gift shop! The exhibits were well done and very educational. My 11 year old son enjoyed the touch tank the most. The cow nose rays loved the attention. The most important part of our visit (and of the facility in my mind) was the rehab center for the turtles and the birds. I was especially impressed with how well the touch screen computer program communicates to visitors the stories of all of the patients!! I literally read EVERY ONE! Thank you for that!! If I lived in the area, I would love to volunteer and help take care of the animals!! Maybe week- long eco programs for volunteers??? Just an idea!
Allie Westerside — Google review
Though it is a smaller center than others I have been to we still had a great experience. Definitely go for feeding time. The kids really got a lot of joy out of feeding and petting the cow nose rays. They even pet a small spotted shark!
Kristen Cyran — Google review
Wow! So much to learn. Shell, Education Manager, is a walking source of energy, enthusiasm, and information. She was AWESOME interacting with us and presenting to the group. The turtle hospital is several tanks divided into different levels of care. It is very interesting to hear what they do to rehabilitate these special creatures. The sting rays are fun to watch. They are interactive with the humans around their tank. Little Gracie was quite the ham seeking attention. We were there at feeding time. Very educational and fun to watch. We even got to feed them! Cool experience!!! Fed the sharks (little ones) as well. We were also there at feeding time for the seahorses. Super neat and interesting to watch. The raptor ambassadors are beautiful with nice “homes”. Be sure to ask about them and why their environment is as such. There is also a seabird rehabilitation section. Though small. It’s wonderful as well. Great find and well worth the time and money. 2 hours and $7 each! Very accessible to all abilities.
T T — Google review
We visited on a Sunday in January. It was not very crowded. The place is not very large, but there is a lot of really interesting exhibits to see if you are into this stuff. We loved the touch pool, saw the sea horses being fed, explored the sea turtle hospital, did the nature trail, and checked out the bald eagles in the bird sanctuary. We easily spent around 1.5 - 2 hours there. They also have a nice gift shop. I can't believe I've never been here before. I'm going to look into going back with my cub scout group.
Robin Ballard — Google review
The Marine science center is a small place with big experiences. The ray tank is everyone's favorite 😍. You can watch turtles get medical care, seahorses find a mate, and birds be rehabilitated. The informative lectures are incredible and hands on. Inspirational for both young and old. A great organization. Buy a season pass, it pays for itself in 3 visits.
Look at their schedule for special events; including turtle releases.
Calvin Johnson — Google review
A very cool little place! Staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and very friendly. All the animals here are so cool. Loved the addition of the big birds
Madison Willett — Google review
Great little rescue and rehabilitation facility for marine life - specifically sea turtles. Very clean, very intimate setting with the marine life, and extremely knowledgeable volunteers. Definitely would go again and again.
Audra Jennings — Google review
Super fun experience for all ages! It wasn’t too busy and it was relatively cheap for me and my family of four. We got feed the sting rays which was really cool and the staff was super friendly and really great with kids. I loved all the stuff they had to offer and would come back and see it again. Although it is educational, it is also a rescue center so the are always rehabilitating animals to release back into the wild if they are able to. So take your kids here and see all the fish and seahorses and sting rays they have to offer. And sea turtles! And birds! It is a bit of a pet peeve of mine but I always want to mention a good bathroom when I see one. The bathrooms here were super clean, you can tell this is a place that is well taken care of. Really thought the staff was great.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a historical brick and granite lighthouse from the 1880s that offers scenic views of inlets and exhibits featuring artifacts. The museum also includes vintage games at Daytona Arcade Museum, knowledgeable staff at the gift shop, well-maintained property, informative exhibits, clean restrooms, and a beautiful 360-view of Florida's waterways after climbing 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Admission is reasonable with military discounts available.
This is a well-kept, clean, and beautiful historic site. I loved the historic explanations making the outbuildings and grounds even more meaningful and educational. The lighthouse is such a gem. The climb is worth it, but it’s quite a climb up the 203 steps - it would be hard to bail out mid-way, so be thoughtful about starting. I would not recommend this for young kids or the elderly. The inside is so well preserved. The gift shop also offers a lovely collection of coastal items. Check out the playground nearby.
Julie Sanders — Google review
We venture to discover new places here in Central Fl, so a time ago we saw this lighthouse from far and i wanted to find this place, i have been many times in Daytona Beach but never exploring the area. This place is a well maintained jewel, affordable we paid just$20 and we are 5 members, excellent for family with kids and you can learn more about this enigmatic place..Definitely i loved the experience but be ready to dare to go 203 steps inside the lighthouse..Beautiful site and views my kids have a blast here. 100% Recommended.
Sandy N. — Google review
My family & I have been here twice since living here & both times we have really enjoyed it. The kids love climbing to the top of the lighthouse & the views are exceptionally breathtaking. The history & artifacts are interesting as well. Overall, this is a great place to stroll and look around w/ your family.
Cassandra Stockley — Google review
One of my favorite places on the east coast of Florida. Beautiful lighthouse w historic museum at the base. (Dont miss it, very interesting). The walk up the lighthouse will be rewarded with a marvelous panoramic view of the inlet and ocean. Then enjoy a walk on the beach... My favorite time is at night when the red color of the lighthouse shines as a bright beacon against the backdrop of the ocean waves and salty sea air. Later, take a walk down the jetty which can be absolutely breath-taking when stormy and waves thunder against the rocks.
J D — Google review
The historic lighthouse, standing 175ft tall, has guided ships with steadfast certainty till the present day. There are many well-preserved artifacts and buildings, whispering tales of rich maritime history. Ascending to the top rewards you with mesmerizing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and sprawling landscapes. A perfect destination for a family outing or a day trip, the friendly staff add to the experience with their informative insights and warm hospitality. The museum ticket window closes at 5 pm, so plan your trip accordingly.
Karan Shah — Google review
Very lovely ladies "manning" the gift shop. They were knowledgeable and helpful with an outstanding sense of humor. The property itself was very well maintained. The exhibits were informative. Clean bathrooms added to the positive experience. Lastly, if you can make it up 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse you will be rewarded with a beautiful 360° view of Florida's finest waterways. Admission was reasonable and military service is honored with a discount. Please consider donating while walking the different "museums". It's definitely for a good cause.
Berlin 1987 — Google review
I love lighthouses. I live in Florida, and I am visiting as many lighthouses as I can. So far, this is one of the best ones, although I like all of them.
The lighthouse is in amazing shape, and the grounds are also in great shape. The lens museum is one of my favorite exhibits, but there are so many different ones in the park.
There are 203 brutal steps up to the top, but it is worth every single step. After the 1st 2 levels, we started resting at each level, catching our breath and letting our leg muscles settle down. Going down is much easier, but the angle of the staircase keeps you going slow.
The employees in the gift shop are very friendly and love to chat and share lighthouse stories and information. Their knowledge of the lighthouse and it's history is amazing. This is both a very enjoyable and historic place to spend a day. I highly recommend it.
For photographers, you get an amazing view from the top of the Atlantic Ocean, two inlets, the surrounding area, and you can even see Cape Canaveral on a clear day.
This entire park is funded by donations only. I hope if you visit and love it as much as I do, you will donate if you are able. A little bit can go a long way.
Hank Lambert — Google review
If you are in the area - the lighthouse is absolutely worth the trip. Pay the money and go to the top for a great view from this operational lighthouse. It's a couple hundred steps but can feel like more if you're in shape. If you have a problems with heights you'll find it to be great therapy. I'm a lighthouse fan and one of my life-long fantasies has been to live in a lighthouse. I've been here many times going back to the late 70's.
Jeffrey Morgan — Google review
This was a cool museum and there is other stuff to do here if you don’t want to climb all the steps to the top of the light house. There is a lot of cool history on the ground level. It’s really simple to find this place from Daytona, you just drive south until you can’t no more. They stop allowing guest at 8pm but shutdown at 9pm which makes this a perfect spot to watch the sunset. There are a lot of steps to the top so if for some reason you are even REMOTELY hesitant about if you can make it, don’t do it. The only was down when at the top is down the stairs again and they are steep. When you are at the top they did a good job of making it where you would have to really try to fall so I personally felt comfortable with my 4-6 year old but I don’t know if I would want to go up to the top with someone younger.
Steve Dickey — Google review
Very nice experience with a lot of history. The walk to the top was rough but the view was well worth it. Would definitely go back. Nice place to just sit and enjoy the quiet, peaceful silence.
Kerri B — Google review
The tour was awesome. The lady at the register was so sweet. We walked up the 205 steps and enjoyed the views. A lot of history. Totally worth it.
Sam M — Google review
I visited back in January and had a nice time there! I arrived a little bit after opening and had bought my ticket the night before on their website.
This is the first lighthouse I climbed! And it made me want to climb as many as I can.
There is so much to learn about on the property. I love history, so I really enjoyed that.
It was quite busy and there is no control on how many are going up the lighthouse, so it was a little loud and crowded.
I wish I would have climb up the lighthouse a second time but it just became a little over stimulating for me. I hope to come back again in the future and arrive earlier in the day.
Lauren — Google review
While climbing the lighthouse is lovely and definitely the highlight, I don't know if I wanted to pay that price (for 2 people it is 13.90) and the tour is self guided. The history was very interesting to read and see, but maybe $5 would be better. They do provide you with a map and their are restrooms available.
Ranita Isaac — Google review
I really enjoyed this visit. 203 steps very hard but the view was so worth it. We had 90° weather so it was challenging. $6.75 to go in, you can also visit the lighthouse quarters, is a museum and so interesting. Plenty of parking and very nice at the gift shop.
Patty Lopez — Google review
$7 per person for the perfect cloudy day activity. The drive to the inlet alone was charming, just wait until you get to the lighthouse! You must enter through the gift shop and purchase a wristband before you reach the campus. Once you are in the campus, you are free to roam. The grounds have several houses turned museums, a building that displays the lighthouse lenses, a tiny nature preserve, a few other misc buildings as well as the lighthouse itself. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday when there may be less traffic. This will allow maximum enjoyment and time taking. You can climb all the way up the lighthouse which is the 3rd tallest active lighthouse in the U.S! There was a lot to learn about the history of the lighthouse and of the native Americans who once occupied the land. All of the staff/volunteers were super friendly. I’m so grateful that I was able to visit while I was in town. This place is a gem to be active and preserved generation after generation.
Madison M — Google review
One of the most memorable places that my family and I went to during our stay. The climb wasn't bad, the view was totally worth it. I bought a beautiful compass at the gift store. It was a great memory to share with my family!
Gavyn Swale — Google review
This place was a pretty cool spot to walk around and explore on site. The price is perfectly fitting for what there is to do. The walk up the Lighthouse was really cool as well. They are not joking around when they say you should be in somewhat good shape to climb to the top, cause it is a lot of stairs. The view at the top though is well worth the sore legs one may get from this trek to the top.
Matt LaMotte — Google review
The walk up is a bit intense and not handicap accessible, but it's beautiful at the top and well worth the hike. The views were lovely and the trek down was much easier. The other buildings on the property were filled with interesting artifacts. In particular, we loved the room with all the old lights. Worth a stop!
Cassie Duffle — Google review
Small little historic outdoor museum and lighthouse.
Lighthouse is almost 200 steps. Very cozy at the top!
Easy parking. No water bottles. Leave at desk.
Kelly Hyer — Google review
Fantastic lighthouse, grounds and museum! It's a climb to the top but well worth the view and it's the tallest lighthouse I've been to. So happy to add another stamp to my lighthouse passport book. We visited in October during the Fall Homeschooling day so it was busy, but there were a lot of employees and volunteers around. Gift shop is pretty big and has a lot to offer. Bathrooms and parking are on site. Visiting during the weekday, we had no problem finding parking in the back lot.
PNW Nikki — Google review
Great experience here! We learned so much about the history and working of the lighthouse from guides all over the place (on the top of the lighthouse and within each of the buildings. I am not sure if this was normal or if it was a special day, but it was fantastic (we went on a Saturday). Very responsibly priced in comparison to other lighthouses and it is the best!
Meaning Builders — Google review
Hands down the best preserved well kept and restored lighthouse we have ever been in. This lighthouse is 175 ft tall and has been fully restored. What Justice nice is the fact the grounds are well preserved with the lighthouse keeper and the two assistant homes in good condition. There are some great displays about the time. How they lived and just looking at the houses along with where they stored everything was very informative. You can go up to the top of this lighthouse but be ready for a good hard walk it will get your exercise for the day done.
Rick Adkins — Google review
The lighthouse museum & gift shop were a great place to capture some history. The lighthouse is open & one can climb to the top to catch an amazing view. The adjacent veteran's memorial park was extra special; a wonderful tribute to the local veterans 💙. One can easily spend an entire day here. It is most enjoyable & a great place for a family outing.
Mary Lando — Google review
If you love American history, this place is a unique part of our history. The museum is comprised of 6 buildings where the Lighthouse keeper and his family lived and worked. Make sure if you are physically capable to go to the top of the Lighthouse. Awesome view!
Mike Bloom — Google review
Easily accessible from the Main Road, about 12 miles from downtown Daytona. It has plenty of free parking including for Handicap accessible Vehicles. The Museum and Grounds were immaculate and the Staff were Friendly and Knowledgeable.
Restrooms are available and clean. There are also multiple drinking fountains.
There is a fee of $7.00 per person to visit which was very fair.
There is plenty to see besides the Lighthouse walk up, which we didn't find difficult as they have landings every so often if you need to rest.
Finally the Gift shop is very nice and has plenty of items.
If you like Lighthouses and History don't pass this up
P Oneliv — Google review
What a great place to visit! The light station and the museum were so interesting and the building with the Fresnel lenses was AMAZING... absolutely spectacular.
Also, the 'Hidden Treasure' restaurant, not too far from the lighthouse, was delicious with fantastic views of the inlet!
John Stetson's luxurious estate, the Stetson Mansion, can be toured as part of a living history museum. Constructed in 1886 for the hat manufacturer John B. Stetson, the home once entertained some of Florida's most notable historical figures and can still be seen today through guided tours.
Beautiful mansion, both the outside area and inside. Crazy amount of beautiful Christmas decorations in every room. Probably coming back in the spring to see the inside without all the decorations and to see the 3rd floor (off limit during our tour as the owner was staying there). Not cheap, around $30 per ticket.
Kare Backstrom — Google review
I have taken both the Xmas guided tour and the Historical tour. The Xmas tour is fun for those who enjoy decor. It’s very thought out with a lot of fun items to find. There are always different themes each year. But the best tour in my opinion is the Historical tour which is sadly coming to an end in a couple of weeks.
The Historical tour takes you through the by history of the Stetson family, interesting facts about the home, and a discussion about his work as a hatter. Our most recent tour guide, Jo Ann, did an amazing job taking us from room to room and answering every question that the group had. At the end of the tour we purchased both books to take home and continue learning about the history of such an amazing home.
The only downside of the tour is that you cannot take photos inside, but being that this is a private residence, and is only funded by tours, it is understandably why they ask for privacy.
Koontz Photography — Google review
We took the guided tour and I highly recommend it. Our guide was such a delight. She truly loved the place and gave us so much detail on the planning and history of both the house and the Stetson family. Plus her descriptive narrative was riddled with humor which kept us interested and made the tour more pleasurable. The 10 decorated rooms were amazing. Each room had a different theme from the others and from years past. We were delightfully impressed and I believe will make this tour an annual Christmas tradition.
Judith “Judy” Wheeler Bastin — Google review
A must see! Beautiful house. They still had holiday deco up so I want to see it without all of the decorations to get the real feel of the house and architecture. It was tastefully done though.
Jennifer David — Google review
Lovely restored mansion with some nice Florida history. Go for the unique original architectural features. Plan on going for the spectacular Christmas decor.
Nilufer Kessler — Google review
Visiting the Stetson is always a treat, but especially at Christmas to see JT's talent on display! Beautiful decor highlights the historic home & is a joy. We took the guided tour & were treated to a heartfelt story from JT in the dining room about what Christmas meant to him & his family. Our guide for the rest of the home was knowledgeable & entertaining. Photos aren't allowed inside, but trust me when I say you won't be disappointed!! It's a sight to experience 🎄
joey rogers — Google review
We visited the Stetson Mansion today for the Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour and it was fantastic! Highly recommend the guided tour with JoAnn to learn more about the decorations and a little history about the house. Her infectious personality and storytelling made our visit even more enjoyable.
Each and every room, even the kitchen and bathrooms have a dedicated theme. The attention to detail and the creativity behind each room is truly amazing. I especially loved all the inspirational sayings sprinkled throughout the house. Definitely a must visit and our family will surely make this an annual holiday tradition.
Jennifer Abreu — Google review
Fabulous Christmas decor and a surprise pop-in by JT the owner who does all the decorating. Try to go to the 7:00 p.m. guided tour as it is special. Each room has its own decor starting with angels and cardinals in the Grand Staircase in the entry, Department 56 layered on a tiered tree, Snobabies filling up a bedroom and the kitchen dedicated to military heroes, just to name a few of the rooms. Such a beautiful sight it is still racing through my mind two days later. A must tour in the central Florida area as it is also one of Florida's most historical homes and the first to have electricity installed by Thomas Edison himself.
Kathy Voorhees — Google review
An amazing beautiful home with the most wonderful Christmas decorations anyone could imagine. It’s said that it takes 3 months to decorate the home and the passion and love shows.
The only downside is that there is no photography allowed inside the home.
Bryan Countryman — Google review
My sister and I took our mother as a Christmas present. She absolutely loved it, she had to use her walker to get around. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful getting her though it because we had to take our time to get her through. We would recommend it anytime.
Lisa Bell — Google review
The Proprietor spent 3 months decorating this home in a Christmas theme. Each room was intricately decorated, and we participated in a delightful guided tour. The Proprietor himself even came to visit and gave us some heartwarming background stories about the mansion and some of the decorations. Southern Hospitality at its best--when I had to take a break from walking and standing, the other Proprietor brought me a picture book of the mansion rooms, and I was able to scan the QR code to get my very own audio tour while sitting comfortably on the beautiful front porch. :) Truly a stunning home!
Sally Jecmen — Google review
We did the Christmas Tour! Very much worth it! Beautifully decorated for Christmas! Kim was our awesome tour guide.
Matt Bishop — Google review
We came to the mansion because it was on a haunted house list. When we arrived the house was locked but the gate was open. There was a sign outside that says scan for self-guided tour. We went to the door to see if it was unlocked and it was locked. We walked around the house a bit and found a staff member. Explain to her that we were interested in seeing the inside of the house because it was on a haunted tour list. She was not happy that it was on a haunted house list and did not seem very friendly with us. She didn't explain that the self-guided tour was the Christmas tour and was $35 per adult and $20 for children. We felt that was a bit high. We took some pictures on the outside and when we went to leave she had locked us inside the property by closing the gate up and locking it. The staff member came to the gate to unlock it for us because we were sitting in front of it and there were people outside trying to come in for the tour. I think this property could be ran better than how it is being run.
Follow us for more great reviews ™
Shainey Marcus — Google review
Great tour at Christmas time for sure. Kim was a great host and gave us lots of good info. We would like to back outside the holidays to see more of the super cool house. Thank you for sharing your home, the rooms were decorated one better than the next!
Jamie Randazzo — Google review
Absolutely Amazing tour of this beautifully restored mansion, but to personally see the amount of Christmas creations strategically & thoughtfully placed in each room, nook & cranny was such a treat! It's a highly recommended must visit, & we plan on coming back again to experience the artistic joy w/ our visiting family. Great surprise!
Domingo Clemente — Google review
It's expensive, but we really wanted to go to see the over-the-top Christmas decorations that this place is known for. We signed up online a couple weeks ago and paid then. Yesterday, the day before our visit, we received an email that revealed some things about our visit, set for today. It recommended using restrooms off property before arriving. The mansion's only restroom facility the public could use was a portable outdoor unit out in the parking lot. The other thing the email warned against was arriving more than 20 minutes early. It said parking was limited and the gates would only be opened at certain times. This was not an issue as we were early and parked easily and without hassle. We assembled briefly on the porch and started touring the inside of the mansion. Photos were prohibited inside (also stated in the email). We moved from room to room on the mansion's first and second floors as we listened to the tour's audio on our phones, which were browsed a lnk provided in that email. The audio program was the owner's own narration of the decorating job that he took the past 3 months doing himself. We thought the decorations were spectacular and captured both the Christmas spirit and the Stetson family history. Also there was a nice patriotic salute to servicemen near the end. It was all so well done and made us glad we visited the "mansion that hats built" today.
Joe Graham — Google review
Wow!!!! Came here for the Christmas decorations and got so much more! The mansion by itself is unbelievable, the time and dedication it must take to maintain this beautiful historic home is beyond comprehension! The Christmas decorations what can I say WOW! Each room has a unique style and theme to it. Hard to pick a favorite room or design! We crossed paths with JT the owner and designer of the displays. He is a very talented artist and designer. He took the time to chat with us about his experience in making this come to life! This one of a kind place is very special from the architecture of the house to the Christmas display. I wanted to say thank you for sharing your home and your talents with the public! It was amazing!
Paul Peters — Google review
Absolutely Beautiful Christmas Displays! Amazing historic craftsmanship. And if you get the honor of meeting the owner/creator of this holiday spectacular he is very amicable and a delight to chat with.
The Blue Spring State Park is a cool-water spring on the St. Johns River that is popular for swimming and kayaking. It's located 45 minutes from Orlando and has a constant 72 degrees temperature making it the perfect summer spot. The park also offers campsites or cabins to rent, as well as hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.
Swimming in this spring was amazing experience where the nature is as is!! I wish we could spend more time there and we could possibly see manatees.
Parking was easy, close to the spring.
There is food available, rental tubes as well, and of course restrooms conveniently located.
The boardwalk was amazing and along the river.
sahana varadaraju — Google review
Cool water on a hot summer day! Nothing better! Mother Nature provides her own lazy river. Our family goes at least once a year. We love this place more than any beach. The wildlife is also incredible.
Dawn Marengo — Google review
What a beautiful spot! We also got a break in the weather, the temperature was just right. But most of all...our guide Gina from Adventures in Florida was spectacular! She was the perfect combination of knowledgeable and friendly and funny! Pointed out so much wildlife including a ton of birds, some alligators and a bunch of manatees!
Tom Nielsen — Google review
Very nice state park close to Orlando, about 45 minutes drive to get there. In December we are not able to swim but the beautiful spring kept many manatees, it was great time to see so many of them! Kids love them.
Sherry Yuan — Google review
Gorgeous park! We had a great time tubing and walking around appreciating the scenery and wildlife. We were within 2 feet of a momma manatee and her calf that swam by and stopped to say "hi"! The restroom facilities and gift shop were both well maintained. We enjoyed our day here.
A O (FLChiefsFan79) — Google review
Plenty of things to do for everyone be it swimming, kayaking, hiking, boat trips. We went in mid November when we were unable to go into the water because of the migrating manatees but just to see them in their natural environment was well worth the trip
Amazing place!
Alison Williams — Google review
I love coming here all year round. During the summer you can get in and enjoy the cool crystal clear water, and during the winter you can walk around and enjoy the wild life. There is so many manatees that visit each year, it's really amazing to see. There's also a boat tour that you can take but you have to get tickets in advance. There's a nice playground area for the kids, and there are also cabins for rent. And did I mention that the entrance fee per car is only like $6.
Jezabeth Rivera — Google review
It was beautiful! We saw several manatees. The picture is of a mommy and 3 babies. There's a $6.00 per car fee to enter. There's trails and rentals. There is a campground, store and lovely walkways and viewing areas of the crystal clear springs. Beautiful park.
Connie Nawrocki — Google review
This is an absolutely beautiful park! We went in the beginning of April and it happened to be firefly season. It was absolutely magical. I would recommend it to anybody! We'll be coming back next winter when the manatees are there. Can't wait!
Tara F — Google review
Love it every second. My husband and I rented a kayak for 4h. We were able to spend 2h only as I was not expecting to see so many alligators 😅... the park is amazing and the manatee is so cute. We were able to see one only, but it was great. If you are looking for some time with nature and quietness here is your place to go. Arrive early, and don't forget to do the boat tour at St. John's river, it is breath taken. Will definitely come back for more adventures... be very careful with the gators of course 😅🙈 they can come quite close 😉
Eduarda Dornbusch Pereira — Google review
Wonderful time with friends. Manatees, gators and bird oh my. Beautiful day, went on the boat ride. Best time in a long time. They knew what they were doing. The lady knew her animals and their stories as she picked them out and the gentleman knew his boat to get close to the animals as he could get. Great team. Then we went to the swimming hole and saw more manatees and they had a guide to make sure nothing harmed them. Swimming hole cold but, refreshing.
jane wakefield — Google review
It was awesome! Cold, but that was expected for a spring. The water was pretty and a nice clear sea green color from the algae and spring floor. There were so many fish! Including alligator gars. I got lucky and came when a group of rescued manatees were being monitored to see how they adapt to the habitat. I got to see them up close and it was such an experience! The camping was really fun too. For my first time it was really really nice and tranquil. It felt good to escape civilization for a few. Recommend this park to anyone. Reasonably priced too, imo.
Naomi A. Bigwood — Google review
An absolutely gorgeous river fed from an easily accessible spring. A wonderful opportunity to see much aquatic wildlife, from gar fish to manatees!
The water is crystal clear in most spots, making snorkeling equipment a must. The lazy pace of the spring-fed river is perfect for tubing as well.
There are full amenities at the park including a bathrooms, shelters, and a store.
Rakkety Dash — Google review
It is truly awe inspiring. The amount of wildlife, chiefly manatees but also gators, big ones at that, in close vicinity is really special. The water is so clear that you can easily spot all of the different fish species including gars. The park also offers picnic areas and if my memory serves me right restrooms and vending machines for water and sodas. The boardwalk throughout the park is also a perfect way to get around to the upper ponds and to do some bird watching while exploring the area. I will definitely return.
Thomas T?rling — Google review
Camping review. Love the campsites here. Plenty of woodland coverage feels like all alone. Restrooms clean and hot water for a shower. Easy walk or bike ride to the spring. Lovely 73 degrees water, and two manatees swam by while we were swimming. Excellent bike/hiking trails and deer everywhere.
Steven — Google review
Had a fabulous time! Rented a canoe through Blue Springs Adventures doing the unguided option and it was worth every penny! Only spent the 6$ for park admission and it was around 34$ for a 4 hr 2 person canoe rental (they also offer kayak rentals). Lots of wild life; birds, turtles, manatees, snakes, and gators! Oh my! 10/10 do recommend and will do again! After we finished our canoe trip we went down to the springs to cool off which was the icing on the top of the cake!
Stephanie Elderkin — Google review
The park was kept clean, the water was great. We were able to swim with the mantees while we were there they swam near the head of the spring. You are not allowed to touch them though, and you have to stay 20 feet away. There’s somebody who stays on a kayak and kind of follows the manatees to make sure people are leaving them alone. And that’s a good thing. It was nice to see some wildlife in the water with us. you can scuba dive here so that was fun to see the scuba divers going down into the hole. The current is very strong coming out of the hole so for younger children it could be difficult. I was able to walk through the old house of the person who used to live there, that was pretty cool. And they have a nice park for the kids, kayaks you can rent, lockers and tubes for rent. Now there’s not a lot of picnic tables so if it’s a crowded day that could be tricky if you’re trying to catch a table… But it’s not bad it’s very pretty lots of open grass to lay a blanket out if you wanna go picnic style. There is a decent amount of bathrooms probably about 8 to 10 stalls. I would definitely recommend !!!
Khloe Loves — Google review
Blue Springs State Park is stunningly beautiful. The crystal clear water, the Manatees swimming, fish galore, turtles sun bathing on logs near the water, all amazing sites. Spanish moss hanging over the water is so pretty. Anyone visiting will not be disappointed. Gift shop, picnic areas, kayak rental.
Rene Killion — Google review
Amazing!! So many manatees! And great trails, lookouts, bathrooms, museum, giftshop, etc. we did wait a while in a car line to get into the park, but it was only $6 per car. Like $2 for pedestrians, and more for bigger vehicles. Didn’t need a lot of time, not a whole day experience. An hour or two to walk the trail and watch the manatees. There’s picnic benches, lawn, and a lunch bar I believe too!
Naomi Elmer — Google review
It is a fantastic place to bring kids and family out for family activities like picnics while enjoying God's beautiful creation. It was ONLY $6 per car at the entrance. They have a gift shop and a Kayak for rent if you like to roll around the lake. Beautiful area! 🥰❤️
Joshua Nguyen — Google review
Marvelous geologic experience of a fresh water spring and boil, easy walk with concession stand and restrooms. Mostly shaded. Fair entry price. Great way to experience natural Florida without having to worry about being in the water with the alligators! We had no wait to enter the park and found convenient parking without a problem. Very nice.
Christopher Field — Google review
Beautiful state park with crystal-clear spring water. We visited this state park twice and both times in the month of December. Hundreds of manatees gather here in the spring from mid of November to March, and it's such an incredible sight.
Keertu Anil — Google review
Exceptionally beautiful spring and spring run. The boardwalk is also an easily accessible path which you have the potential to see so much wildlife from. One of the best places to see manatees as well during the winter. The park staff do a great job with maintaining this park. There’s also a hiking path inside the park accessible from the lower parking lot called pine island trail… east but long and very little shade In Some parts. I love visiting this place and have done so many many times!
Tatiana Rokicki — Google review
My mom and I went here to check out this beautiful Spring. We hiked a little, walked the boardwalk along the spring area and did a 2 hour cruise on the St John's River. It was so peaceful and wasn't very crowded when we went. You can swim, tube, snorkel and dive the area. The water is so clear, but 72 degrees, its a little to cold for me. We saw a few manatee, but during winter time this place gets over 700 manatees coming in. Beautiful place and recommend. Great seeing undeveloped areas.
Brooke Murdock — Google review
I've been to Blue springs quite often through the years yet it is only getting better with time. The rain kept the crowds down so the experience was even better. As you can see from the photos, the turbidity of the water was very good. Crystal clear in most places, so as to be able to see the plethora of wildlife. The source of the spring I found was the best place to enjoy swimming and the clearest water. As you travel downstream you begin to see a tremendous array of fish, birds, turtles, etc.
Definitely was a wonderful day at Blue spring State Park 🏞️.
Gavin Ritzler — Google review
Awesome place to go kayaking and swimming. The kayak rental station hands out the last batch of boats at 3pm and you have to be back at 4pm the latest. The park closed at 7pm that day.
Very clear water in the spring and we could spot some Manatees.
Robert Wachs — Google review
This is such a picturesque spring.
I had an amazing time swimming with the manatees (at a safe distance) and taking in nature’s best.
Tip: When paying for parking online you have to go down the list and select the right location. :) (You might have to pay again at the gate if you select the wrong park.)
Nadia R — Google review
Went with my boyfriend to see the manatees and there were so many there! I know they look like rocks in the water but watching them swim around with their babies was so cool. A really good time, highly recommend.
Annie Chavers — Google review
Very cool place to check out.. unfortunately we didn't see any manatee, but we did see lots of fish and cool birds. Nice little walk and playground for the kids. Will definitely come back.
Andrea Drescher — Google review
One of my favorite places in the world. The amount of joy I get from seeing manatees flock here every year is beyond comprehension. There are always such dedicated and passionate volunteers there fielding questions about the park, manatees, the nature there, and engaging with kids and visitors alike.
I’ll miss not swimming here this year as they undergo construction to help the shore erosion, but, I’m so glad they’re maintaining this space for years to come.
Teketa Shine — Google review
Such a beautiful place! Water is so clear you can see all the fish and there was a huge variety of them. We were there towards the end of the manatee season but were able to see one manatee that had been rescued with a tracker on it. There was a volunteer there that was very helpful and informative and answered all of our questions about manatees. The walking trail is easy with several overlooks of the spring. Restrooms were very nice and clean. This place is a must see!
Andrew Novack — Google review
Went right during prime time. So there was a line up to get in. The rangers kept the line moving quickly. We were lucky to find parking. The main walk is paved and boardwalk with overlooks. The day we went the manatee count was 482. There were a lot you could see from the walkway. Was an amazing sight to see them. The water was clear and kept getting clearer the closer you got to the spring.
Highly recommend visiting!
Restrooms, gift shop, and small snack stands on site along with kayak rentals.
Ashley Gutowski — Google review
Lot of construction, but still super cool. Ton’s of alligator gar, catfish and other miscellaneous fish. Water was super clear. We also saw a momma manatee and her baby, as well as others. Handicap accessible.
Bobby R — Google review
This place is magical. It was so cool to see all the manatees hanging out staying warm. When I went, the count was at 146! Earlier in the week, they had the record for almost 1k!!! This park is beautiful and I wish I would've packed a picnic.
Karle Lyons — Google review
Such a great place to visit to see some manatees. There were almost 300 there on the day we visited so the water activities cancelled but we weren’t planning on doing any anyway. I can imagine it’s very cool to do on a hot summer day. There are also some nice trails and plenty of bathrooms and food options.
Jennifer H — Google review
A lovely park with plenty of activities. If you time your visit right, you can see a lot of manatees and other wildlife. There's also setups for kayaking and diving so you can explore the area a little better (not available during manatee season)
There's a historic house with some educational material available, but it's very focused on a colonial mindset, with little information available regarding the indigenous people who resided here originally.
James Scott — Google review
Blue springs State Park was beautiful. My fiance and I were incredibly happy with the camping site. Lots of shade level ground easy access to water electricity it was great. The only thing that we didn't care for was the fact that the Blue springs was closed this year all year and they don't tell you till you get to the little house to pay. Nothing on the website nothing on the gate as you're coming in. We stayed anyways it was still fun lots of critters squirrels deers possums raccoons. Well go again but maybe we'll wait till the springs are open.
Irene Harwell — Google review
A visit to Blue state Park will not dissapoint. They have regular boat trips, just check that they are running on the day you want. All done on-line. We went early May, so all the manatees had gone. Plenty of fish to see! We saw an American Bald Eagle. Lots of other birds too. Even saw some deer and the prize of the day was an Armadillo! Lovely board walk that offers plenty to see. This walk is wheelchair friendly too. There are restrooms there and a small shop for souvenirs and to buy cold drinks. If visiting for the day just make sure that yiu have enough water and food as it can get very hot!
This was a great tour around the river and wetlands. The captain pointed out lots of examples of the local wildlife including birds, gators and plants/trees. It was educational and a great ride.
Headphones allow you to hear the captains explanations over the noise of the boat and wind.
Holding a gator at the end was a great touch and connected us to the wild gators we saw on the tour.
Art Stanton — Google review
This is a hidden gem. A relaxed, educational and fun time with a cool take off spot. The store has cool swag and a gator picture. It's Florida at it's best. Good people, good time and easy to book.
Daniel Ritchie — Google review
Captain Tony was awesome. We all had a great time. We saw alligators, different birds and even cows. I highly recommend it. You can take your phone and get lots of great pictures.
Jennifer Proudfoot — Google review
The airboat ride was a lot of fun. We were able to see several alligators, including some very big ones. We also saw a lot of different birds including eagles. Captain Sammy was funny, informative and made it an awesome experience. We were a family of 8 which also included teenagers and grandparents and we all really enjoyed it. We also all liked holding the alligator. This was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it.
Andrew Novack — Google review
Amazing experience with an awesome airboat captain. Way better than any 60 second amusement park ride. We saw loads of wildlife and had loads of fun skipping across the water with the wind in our faces. And of course we got to hold a baby alligator at the end. Will definitely be back next time we're in the area!
Mark Schleimer — Google review
Had an airboat tour with Captain Sammy, and what a great experience! She was funny, safe, full of knowledge, and made sure we all had a great time. We saw over 40 gators big & small, tons of wildlife, and a great trip. After we got to hold a baby gator and see some of the other animals they have on site. Money well spent and worth the drive as this was an unforgettable experience. Awesome job Captain Sammy!!
brad l — Google review
We had an amazing adventure with Midway. We had some friends in from out of town who wanted to see alligators. We saw so many gators, as well as beautiful birds and a magnificent landscape of marsh and cypress swamp. Our Captain Tony was so friendly and knowledgeable. We even were able to hold a small gator at the end of the tour. I will definitely use Midway again. Thanks!
Christine Posada — Google review
TLDR: This tour is well worth the money. You will not be disappointed!
My friend and I went on the one hour airboat tour, and we could not have had a more enjoyable time. I have been lucky enough to travel the world and see many areas, but this was by far one of the prettiest places I have ever been. There's so much to look at - gators, manatees, birds, and even cows. The water is so pretty, the trees are cool looking, and the guides are super knowledgeable and passionate about what they're doing. Our guide would stop and get us as close as possible to the gators (without causing them any distress) so we could take pictures. He did this throughout the tour if he saw something really interesting, unique, etc.
As an added bonus, the building where you check in has different types of snakes, a huge pig (who loves belly scratches), birds, and more, which you can see and, depending on the animal, touch. There is also an area with multiple baby gators, and at the end of the tour you get to hold one of them and take a picture.
Haley Gray — Google review
Believe the reviews! We had a trip planned to the Space Coast and decided to try an airboat ride before we headed back to the airport. I scoured local places and read the reviews and was sold on Midway. We had an amazing time - calm but fun, peaceful but exciting! Our captain, Justin, was a great guide, answered tons of questions, and made it a super chill experience. Come for the gators, stay for the pig, birds, cats… Highly recommend!
Fadra Nally — Google review
We had Captain Sami and she was AMAZING!!! My kiddos, although a tad chilly said later it was one of their favorite parts about our vacation. We saw cattle with their calf - gators - gorgeous views and tons of birds. Great experience and completely worth it, holding the baby alligator at the end was cool too.
Victoria Dietz — Google review
We had a great time! Our guide, TONY was the best! Lots to see, gators, cows grazing in the water up to their necks, herons, hawks, eagles, pink birds, black birds! Cypress swamp was beautiful! We were down here for the race but this was truly at the top of the list for the weekend! This needs to be on your to do list.
Shamus Harris — Google review
Absolutely loved this experience. We just moved to Florida and this was a great way to learn more about the state. We got to see so much wildlife, and got to be in nature. Our guide was amazing. She was funny and didn't kill us so I'd say that's a plus. Kind welcoming people with a sense of humor. 10/10 recommend 👌
Kaelyn Hops — Google review
We had THE BEST time at Midway! We spent 5 days in FL doing many excursions and everyone agreed that this was our favorite!! Our captain was fun, kind, and so knowledgeable! She even stopped to take pictures of our groups and answer questions. We saw a ton of gators, cows, and birds! We all loved holding the alligator at the end too! So much fun! Highly recommend!!
Danielle Betti — Google review
We absolutely loved this place. Our schedule changed and we ended up arriving 2 hours early, hoping to get out earlier. They made special accommodations for us and took such good care of us. My kids also loved all the animals while we waited for the ride and our tour guide was amazing. For sure one of the most memorable days of our trip. I’ll come back here every time we visit Orlando. Such a fun experience!
Josh Robbins — Google review
Captain Sammi was the best! She had us out on the water for an hour and 15 minutes. The whole trip she was giving us fact after fact about everything we saw out on the water. We saw a lot of gators and birds, we had a bald eagle fly right over our heads it was incredible. At the end we got the chance to hold a 3 year old alligator it was an amazing experience and I highly recommend to anyone who loves nature.
West Brunswick — Google review
I’ve been many times in the past few years and it’s always amazing. The beauty, wildlife, gators and Captains are the best there is. Thanks Captain Tony and Sammie. We bring all our guests here. Online booking makes it easy.
anne bowman — Google review
Very fun experience. You get to hold the bird and there’s animals like cats and a potbelly pig. The airboat ride is fun and the guide, Tony, was very entertaining and informative. Very relaxing at times and gets fun going up in speed. You get to hold a small alligator at the end!
Sean Green — Google review
Orlando is not just parks. A must if you want a wild but safe experience!! 🐊 🚤☀️
My kids enjoyed it too.
Captain Chris made it an unforgettable experience.
Alejandra Concha — Google review
We came without a reservation but we were able to make it on the next boat with a group of 5. It was about 50$ per person, it may be cheaper to get tickets online ahead of time. Our guide was amazing and knew a lot about the area ! He was fun and we did the last tour of the evening. The views were beautiful and we would do a boat tour again for sure ! To our guide : thank you for the memories !!
Kortney DeMent — Google review
Very pleasant experience. Would recommend. The hour tour is just the right amount of time. We were able to see beautiful wildlife and extraordinary beauty in the cypress marsh. Our Captain was pleasant and informative. We left feeling very happy we took the tour.
carolgilmo — Google review
Airboat Rides at Midway is a great way to see wildlife in the Florida waters. One hour gives you enough time to see gators, cows and birds. The airboat itself is smooth and a fun ride for you and your family. The guide, Captain Justin, was super friendly and knowledgeable. You are given headsets to hear the captain who explains the area and lets you know what to see. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who likes boat rides and wildlife.
Daniel Carro — Google review
It was nice and sunny day
Out boat tour started morning
And we saw many alligators coming out in the sun and other native wildlife during the tour.
It was nice experience
Dhiraj Kharche — Google review
Fantastic experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It wasn't very warm so most of the animals were hiding but it was still a great ride. You can hold one of the parrots and an alligator too.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is a natural attraction near Orlando, with crystal clear Wekiwa Springs and lush tropical hammocks. You can canoe or kayak the Wekiwa River here with equipment rental available from Central Florida Nature Adventures inside the park.
Nice beautiful state park in Apopka county. The main feature of the park is its spring water pool. Kayaking, canoeing and trails are other features of the park. There is $6 admission fee to the park. Kayaking and canoeing costs $40 for 2 hours and the area is separated from spring pool. The pool is big enough and has clear water. The view around is scenic. People can also picnic around the area near pool. There is restroom available. There is also a small restaurant. The wet to dry trail is beautiful. There is also a 2 mile trail to sand lake which is located at other end of the park. The place is good for all age groups, and the pool also has a section for small kids.
Nareshkumar Acharya — Google review
Great place, clean, rangers are very helpful, kayaks and canoe rentals available or bring your own. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails are available. Fishing, swimming, snorkeling, lots of wildlife. Campsites clean and well groomed with electric and water, but hard to get into. Come early or you maybe turned away because there is a limit on how many can come in at a time.
Doug — Google review
During summertime the park gets full and there's a car waiting line. There are canoes, stand-up padles, kayak, and bicycles for rent. Since it is a spring, the water is freezing cold, but since the summer is so hot, it's just perfect. We rented a canoe because it did fit 3, and we were lucky to spot 2 alligators, a few turtles, lots of fish, and birds. They have a good structure with bathrooms in two different areas, not so clean, but...
There are also snacks and drinks available for sale.
It's also nice to go for a walk on the boardwalk in a not so hot day.
Leticia Santos — Google review
We rented kayaks. Two hours was the perfect length of time. I was expecting crowds based on what I have read online. We were there on a Tuesday in March and it was not overrun with people. It was actually a peaceful paddle. The spring had people swimming, but not so many that it took away from the experience. Worth the visit.
Prudence Lahti — Google review
Excellent park!
Well-maintained nature, then - almost well-maintained, and then comes wild nature. And it's wonderful!
Several hours passed like minutes.
Canoeing is something special! We did it for the first time and the impressions were the most memorable ... even the Titanic was remembered when they collided in a pair of logs.
Lovely, friendly staff, moderate parking prices. Everything is wonderful, we celebrated my wife's birthday.
Thanks guys!
See you again.
Igor — Google review
This place was awesome and is a must to visit if your on vacation! This is the last thing we did on our vacation in Florida and in my opinion was the most relaxing and enjoyable. I took the boys on a canoe ride and the ladies went to swim in the natural spring. The canoeing was awesome! We saw gators sun bathing, turtles sunbathing, different types of birds foraging, gar fish swimming and other random creatures wandering the park. There was a friendly raccoon that greeted us in the canoe area. Bathrooms were well kept. There are snacks and basic necessities offered for sale in the shop where you also rent the canoes. You could spend hours canoeing, yet we didn’t spend that long. There is also a restaurant you can canoe to through the water ways. They don’t allow maps on the canoes due to potential littering, so have your phone charged if you get lost easy. The natural spring was also a really cool place to swim or sun bathe. Check this place out!
Precision Insulation and Coatings — Google review
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Wekiwa Springs but it’s natural beauty is still intact. It was a $6 entrance fee for my car. The springs were beautiful and is a great place to swim, snorkel, and float. Their nature center includes some tiny habitats for their snakes, turtles, and gator “Dolly.” A liter pick up station was established and park goers can take a bucket and claw grabber to help maintain this beautiful park. There’s a hiking trail next to the spring and after driving around the property, we soon found the park was a lot larger than we first expected. We saw a tortoise, some deer, and a sign for bears being in the area. A great place to learn, relax, and to enjoy nature!
maryroselol — Google review
Definitely worth a visit.
Rent a canoe (1-3 people) and paddle up the river to see alligators, turtles, vultures, etc and more.
Beautiful place.
The water is at a constant 72 F - great for swimming all year round.
Loads of picnic areas ( there is also a shop, no cafe/restaurant)
Ian Pearce — Google review
Amazing spring with a nice crevasse you can crawl in. Just be careful not to bump your head when you come back up from the water! Kayaking through the river is very fun as well. I could go there every day if I lived closer. It's also a great price to get in so it's well worth checking out.
Zac — Google review
We couldn’t get into Kelly Park on Dec24th, but Wekiwa was nothing less than a great alternative. We made e squirrel friend too. Clear water with canoeing and kayaking. You can have a family picnic too. No rush, no crowd. One of the best Springs in Orlando. A great day spent.!! You would love it.!
Santu Dhua — Google review
$6 admission to a beautiful swimming hole kind volunteers and staff and great kayaking. Food availability with a little convenience store. Park is clean and well maintained.
Ron Kanutski-Comedian — Google review
Absolutely stunning! Coming all the way from Miami, this place feels like paradise on Earth. We spotted alligators, turtles, and the water is incredibly clear. Excellent experience overall. 100% recommended!
Mauricio Castaneda — Google review
This place is one of the gems of Florida I'd say. But before I go deep, I must tell you to arrive early during the weekends, we arrived around 9:30 and there was a line of cars waiting to get in. We got in in approx. 20 minutes.
You pay for the car and you're in. Prices are reasonable. Ample parking was available, so no issues with that.
We headed towards the main area where the springs are. On the way we saw families doing BBQ, music playing and what not. It was pretty nice to see people enjoying and actually happy.
Arriving at the springs area was kind of overwhelming due to large number of people, there's no limit to how many people can be in the park at the same time. Apart from that the place is stunning.
The change rooms and restrooms are available not very far from the springs.
Don't forget to bring a good sun screen cream (SPF 70, I'd say) as it can get very hot.
The springs are crystal clear and very beautiful, the average depth is I guess 4-5' but don't take my word for it, practise caution while swimming. Water is moderately warm.
There is a kayaking area as well for those who love kayaking.
As the day advances, the number of people gets higher and higher, at one point of time, there were at least 500 people in the area surrounding the springs.
Due to heavy crowds and no control over that, I'll reserve my one star. Else this is an amazing place to be with kids and adults alike.
Abhi S — Google review
Very pretty and clean natural spring, super close to the Orlando area. Kids & Adults love it! Only $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) easy to park and well maintained bathroom area. Lots of animals around (we were able to see a deer, a couple of wild turkeys, an armadillo . Make sure to bring your mask, snorkel and cute lifesavers to enjoy the day.
(Water is 72 °F all year long)
M.S80 — Google review
Just stayed at this park's campground just this past weekend and here's my review...The camp sites are spacious with plenty of shade from the tall trees, no full hookups, only water and electric, but our site was just a few steps away from the restrooms. The restrooms are dated, but they were fairly clean. We stayed at sites 42 and 43, there's about 60 campsites total. The park itself is beautiful; love the tall pine trees and other vegetation. The wildlife here is abundant. You are most likely to see plenty of turtles walking around, squirrels, wild turkeys, deers, and if you're lucky, a bobcat or two. The spring is pretty cool, there's a big open area like a big natural pool and the water pumps out of a deep opening (the spring) around the front of the "pool". The water is cold but refreshing if it's really hot out. The visibility is ok, but not great..there's a lot of algae. The pool itself is not deep..an average of about 4 ft. The river that connects to the spring continues behind the pathway that crosses over the spring and that is where you can pick up kayaks/canoes/paddle boards after renting them at the concession store located by the parking lot. In my opinion, the areas of improvement would be adding more activities, maybe more animal encounters, etc. The entrance to the park is also a BIG issue. If it's a weekend, you have to arrive before the park opens at 8AM, or you may be waiting outside for hours. This can be avoided if you are staying at the campground and drive to the spring parking lot before the park opens (the campground and spring are NOT in walking distance of each other). Overall, we had a nice experience, and I definitely recommend visiting this park at least once.
J C — Google review
HUGE CONTAC WITH THE NATURE!!Very nice place to spend time with family and friends!! GOOD TO RELAX DO Barbecues Camping 🏕 swimming 🏊♀️ kayaking 🛶 .... and more..... Security no alcohol allows. Follow the rules and schedule to have fun!!
Ivelisse Lopez — Google review
One of the many natural springs in Florida. This is a great alternative to the theme parks in Orlando and another activity to check off the list when traveling to Orlando. This is just a short drive from all the major attractions. The clarity of the water is amazing. The temperature is cool year round but once you jump in, it feels good during the hot summer days. They have a canoe and kayak rental spot on site. This is very convenient for those of us that are coming out of state and don't have our own equipment. I had a blast swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking on this park. Be prepared to see a bunch of different wildlife. I was able to see some deer, many kids of fish, birds, and all types of insects. Definitely bring your go pros and snorkeling gear and catch a glimpse of what's below the water. It has a small shop to grab some snacks and rent the equipment . It has a food court but I can't say it was the best. I saw this place on Instagram and I was sold. If you love the outdoors don't pass this place up.
Hector Espinoza — Google review
We went camping here and it was a great experience - quiet, weather was beautiful (October), restrooms were clean, campsite was night. My only minor problem was that there weren’t paths to get to the restroom without cutting through campsites so the people near us kept walking right through the middle of our campsite to go to the restroom. Lesson learned - next time we will get a site on the edge and not in the middle. The walk to the spring was short. You can swim and kayak at the spring but we didn’t come for that. I have kayaked here in the past and it was great - nice calm river and beautiful wildlife. The spring is closed in like a pool to keep wildlife out (like alligators).
Sarah Wray — Google review
Swimming hole is quite beautiful, especially in the summer. The water is clear and so much fun to spend time in. It's not like creek water or anything and there are swimming rocks to sit on, etc. But sometimes it's too packed and there needs to be less crowds for you to really enjoy the spring in its entirety. You could always lay in the sun on the hill around the spring but be warned that the parking lot is a good amount of steps away from the spring. It can get tiring back and forth.
The center also provides an area for kayaking. It is an awesome experience and you can choose to leave the kayaking path anytime.
Charleen Firlus — Google review
Great experience! Parking is $ 6, lots of spots to ensure you can get to the springs. The washrooms/ change rooms are great and easy to access. The springs can be busy therefore plan to go ahead of the afternoon rush. Walking the trails is nice but it’s limited to one trail which is along the road ( some bush/ trees in between) but there are no maps, signs, or displays for distance to Sandy lake. It’s also not paved so beware if you have a stroller.
Victoria Muskoka — Google review
If you want to swim in the spring and have no ice and people around you it's possible but if you like to head out on a hike and have a very quiet and relaxed experience then you have the option, good we'll marked tracks. Kayaks for hire, loads of turtles.
Sara — Google review
Great place for snorkling, we saw fish and turtles. Make sure you check out the spring vent. Nice walking trail. It is a long way down from the parking lot and not a lot of space to spread out. We were there on a weekday in March and it was very busy so plan on arriving early. Bathrooms were dirty.
Andrew Novack — Google review
Really beautiful state park for kayak, canoe or paddleboarding.
There's an area for swimming as well.
It can get busy in the weekend so go early, pack a picnic and enjoy the day.
There is a little downhill walk down to the canoe/kayak launch area but it's not a difficult walk.
Bathrooms are clean too!
Mandy Wong — Google review
I know most people come here for the springs, and they’re undoubtedly awesome. To me, though, the real highlight is the ability to hike through some of the most beautiful sandhill habitat in all of Central FL. The state parks staff should be commended for how well they maintain the park. The best parts of the trails that have recently been burned have gorgeous long leaf pine vistas where all you can see are pines towering over open fields of grass, and you can hear the wind whooshing through their needles. Hiking the trails of this park is better than therapy for your mental health.
Chelsea LeNoble — Google review
I know this park for a long time. Every time that I go back there is a great pleasure. I really love the atmosphere and have a great time all the time. Yesterday we went there. I don't know if they cut workers to the park, not much ranges around or workers , we saw couple rules being broke or if the rules change. Propane tanks being used, hammocks and loud music.
Elza Silva — Google review
Beautiful park. Parking is a short walk to the water. They get you on renting water boards- you rent for 2hrs but are most likely to stop at Wakiwa island and go over time. Still nice! Will likely see gators and birds.
Anastasia Lucignani — Google review
Beautiful place yo spend a day with the family, lots to do. Swimming, canoeing, bird watching, Hiking and much more. Ample parking, $6 entrance. Good bathrooms, clean and organized. Store inside for snacks and stuff! From 8am to sunset 365 days open!
Discover Florida!
Para Un Tiempo Como Este Rosaly Guzman — Google review
Camped for 2 nights, site 38. Spacious, private site with quick access to clean restrooms (shower head missing in women’s shower). Nice in ground fire pit. Walked multiple trails from campsite, with a bit of upkeep needed. Springs beautiful and not terribly crowded for Thanksgiving week. Brought our own kayak and launched from rental site, furthest lot from springs with a bit of a hike to the springs. Signs are present to head either towards Rock springs run or Wekiva Island. Easy kayaking with turtles seen (no gators). Be cautious in evening, drive to campground with many deer. Would come back again except for the difficult drive through Orlando.
Universal Studios Florida is a sprawling amusement park with movie-themed rides, attractions, and entertainment. It was opened in 1990 and is considered one of the best theme parks in the United States.
IF YOU DONT WANT TO READ THE WHOLE THING, JUST KNOW THE PARK IS FUN LOTS TO DO BUT LONG LINES.
My experience was amazing. This park has tons of attractions. As always, I like being brutally honest. The park was really fun. I loved the Harry Potter attractions and the cartoon simulations. I was very satisfied!! The lines on the attractions are pretty long. Some are much shorter, so I recommend to VISIT this park for 2 to 3 or more days because there is a lot to do. Thank you, Universal Studios, for the fun experience 10 outta 10 would recommend.
Jeriel Sanchez — Google review
Pretty fun! I think it’s a great place to experience maybe once. If with small children, maybe more fun but it’s a once and done kind of thing for me personally. The park was very cool and fun to walk through! Attractions and rides were mostly visual ones, where you sit and it virtually takes you through a ride - so it’s not like a normal park with big, outlandish rides. Very family friendly and not bad for an amusement park overall. Would recommend especially if you have younger children!
Maurielle C — Google review
Had a great time despite the hot weather and roller coaster being down for 75 percent of the day. It's a little pricey in gift shops and food but thats too be expected.. If you have teens I'd go for island of adventure.. Still a great experience either way.
Mario Lopez — Google review
Phenomenal experience with the different immersive rides you can take. Plenty of water fountains and lockers for the rides that require it. You should definitely bring a small bag that can fit and a bottle of water. There is a good amount of shade but a hat and sunscreen will make your life easier. You can get wands and cast spells to activate different water features which is pretty neat. Go early in the morning when it opens.
Joe W — Google review
First time to universal and it was a lot of fun. It's not just for kids. It's a lot of rides that are very interactive and entertaining, even for adults. They have a large variety of food which is great because you're going to want to be there all day. The food is a little pricey for what you get but it's decent quality. I would recommend checking it out and will definitely come back for another visit.
andi nicpon — Google review
Orlando Florida. Awesome. Loads to see and do. Great rides, great food, a lot of shops to do your shopping. Harry Potter biggest attraction at this location. Kid friendly. We went on Thursday - it was pretty busy but average waiting time for rides were 10 minutes. Great place to visit with your family.
Jeanette Boshoff — Google review
I loved Universal, I haven’t been there in the last 6 years because I thought my kids were to small for the rides but I can tell you that I was wrong because they really enjoyed the parks and they are 7 and 6. We as a family ditched Disney after this trip to Universal, we even bought annual passes. They came with a lot of benefits, like fast passes after 4 PM. Universal parks are less crowded than Disney’s plus I don’t like the path Disney has gone, especially for my kids. This visit was on Thanksgiving week but we return on Christmas week because we had an awesome trip and the kids wanted to return.
Alain Jares — Google review
The best time EVER! Going as adults is even more amazing than going as kids. Hubby and I had an absolute blast. Yes it is pricey but the details in the attractions can't be beat. The food was great and the water refill stations around the park was a huge plus. Highly recommend!
Hillary Asbury — Google review
Always a great place to spend the day! Lots of food choices, definitely will cost a good amount of money to eat while there. If it's feasible, bring a bag/backpack with some basic supplies such as water and snacks. Small lockers are free and will definitely not fit a backpack, and the larger lockers that will accommodate backpacks you can rent for a short period of time for $2. The Rock It roller coaster is intense, absolutely love it!!
Shaun Sanders — Google review
Okay, let’s admit it you are going to go here regardless of how many stars this is rated. But I need to be honest. There is the endless walk from the car to the actual park. Then you spend half your day waiting in lines. That is unless you buy the express pass on top of the already insanely priced ticket price.
We enjoyed taking it slow. This does not mean we did not get annoyed at times.
It is Florida. It is hot. Don’t forget your sunscreen. I can’t tell you how many people were hurting with sunburns. Also, it rains. When it does, some rides shut down. They shutdown even when you think they shouldn’t. Your opinion of rain does not matter. This can be frustrating when there is a 60 minute wait and you are 45 minutes into the wait!
Some lockers are free, some are not. The ones for the water rides are NOT!
Everything is expensive, but the water fill ups are free.
BONUS!!!! You can find gluten and dairy free options in many of the restaurants. Just ask. It is best to get to the restaurant before the crowds so you can ask for their options.
Deborah Shepherd — Google review
Every time I visit Universal Studios in Orlando, I have an absolute blast! The level of attention given to every detail truly impresses me, and it's a delight for any fan to experience.
The staff and characters at the park are incredibly friendly, adding to the overall magical atmosphere. The attractions themselves are absolutely fantastic!
Universal Studios Orlando is a place that captures the imagination and leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. Definitely, the perfect place for all Harry Potter and Marvel fans!
Sergio Dias Junior — Google review
2 adults in August from the UK.
What can I say? It was expensive but worth it. We had 14 days at the park, so we didn't need to rush or buy express passes-there was simply no need.
Many wait times aren't as long as they say.
The rides were great, the food was good and the staff were excellent.
kirsty hopkin — Google review
I really enjoyed the street dancing at Universal with their cast members in beautiful costumes, hair and makeup. The minions attraction having a stand only section for an infant to still be inside and see it was an accommodating touch for youngsters! The “real-life” talking transformer was super cool. Lastly, the shopping was fun! My grandsons looked adorable in their matching minions shirts 😊
Meredith Bonn — Google review
This is a great place to visit. Be sure to give enough time to get it all in. There is a lot of walking between islands of adventure and universal area. If you like roller coasters, don't miss Hagrids motor bike. You can get express passes for a single day and get them all in if you plan it out some. The food is not cheap but never is at theme parks. There are plenty of clean bathrooms and friendly staff to help you out with your questions. Character meet and greets. Lots of 3 d rides are amazing. Don't skip the shows they are great as well. The monster makeup show was super funny and would recommend you see. I was very happy overall and would do again. 10 out of 10 Park.
M B — Google review
Taking the kids to Universal (Island of Adventure) for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. We all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, the show was beautiful to too. Everybody was waiting for the Harry Potter castle to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Island of Adventure is my favorite Universal park.
Naty Rivera — Google review
Came here to add more fun family time and excitement for a special 21st birthday celebration. We focused more exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter because we're huge fans. You can explore both worlds in a day, but it felt a but rushy because of the closing hours of the parks. Other then that you can expect a crowd no matter the season (*my family and I were there mid January). The places to eat or grab a treat at the park/parks is endless. Since we focused venturing the Harry Potter Worlds, the restaurants, treat shops, etc were all super tasty and delicious! We had the best time ever. I wish Universal would extend their park hours so visitors don't feel rushed to explore more. But... you bet we'll be definitely going back soon! The rides are thrilling and fun!
*Tip: expect to pay $2 for bigger lockers. This is for big bags/backpacks on some rides. Using your ticket barcode you can get a small locker free. (Ex: Small lockers fit smaller items like small bags or mini backpacks)
Ericka Santiago — Google review
Universal Studios Florida exceeded my expectations. The park is massive and I barely made it through the whole thing by the time they closed. The walk from the garage is equally as big, so prepare to do a lot of walking when you go. Like Disney World, there are many family friendly things to do here, however, some of the rides are a lot more intense. In some of the rides you rattle so much you almost get a concussion and have to walk off the headache before you get on the next one. I definitely recommend spending the money, if you can, on the fast pass. The first ride that I went on was without it and the wait was about 45 minutes, and then I got a fast pass and immediately got on it again, as well as the rest of the rides that day. Harry Potter world was amazing, I felt like I was in the movies. The Hagrid ride was my favorite, which the fast pass unfortunately did not work on, and the wait was around an hour. The smaller rides are okay, but I'm sure kids would love them. I can't wait to come back here again.
P Reviews — Google review
We were here on a Thanksgiving weekend and it was fully packed, which we expected. There was a huge wait for Harry Potter and Minions rides. But, other than that, the lines moved fairly quicker. This was our first experience with 3D rides and we just loved it! The Vertical Roller Coaster is one hell of a ride. So as the Revenge of the Mummy. Transformers, Minions, The Jimmy Fallon show and Simpsons and the parades were all fun. It's a very happening place and covering everything in 1 day may be a bit tight. Plenty of Food options available. But they are priced high as one would expect in any amusement park. There's a plenty of walking to be done. So, be prepared for it. Overall, it's a great place which one should visit and experience at least once.
Saiprabhu B — Google review
We had the most awesome time! We will def be back next year, maybe even a 2 day ticket! Love the shade they have for when you need it and wait lines are somewhat short and are shaded or air conditioned. Parking was a breeze and not a far walk either. So many great attractions and shops. This place really was fun for our whole family
Shell Keller — Google review
Very nice and agreeable attraction park with a diversity of rides mostly based on special effects and movies, such as Transformers or Harry Potter. The parade and fireworks were very good during the Christmas 2021 holidays. Recommended to anyone looking for attractions during holidays.
Chris Mobile — Google review
I love USO. It's so much fun. I took my 2 teens there and loved it. We did the mouse house when they were little. They loved that place too but wanted more thrill, and USO did not disappoint! We stayed on property, which made it even more enjoyable
D.Meier — Google review
First time back in many years. They took some notes from Disney and it is a much happier place now. Staff were all excellent across the board during our 3-day stay. I will advise that the fast passes are not fast. Or express. They just cut the line wait time in about half. It still means waiting 30-40 minutes for the more popular rides. If you really want to take all the rides, take one of their VIP tours. Well worth it.
James VanderWier — Google review
Had such a great time here more positive than negative points. The best time to visit would be week day non school holidays.
Queue times for the rides were not too bad when we visited. It seems the place has been designed to keep everything cool, and fans and light water is sprayed in the air, making it much more comfortable than Disney.
Negatives are there are not many places to sit down and relax it is go go go all the time which is fine being young and healthy. But some may want to take some breaks which could prove difficult.
There are very minimal food outlets to grab something on the go, I imagine this is intentional to prevent littering, etc. Unless you fancy bakery goods or Starbucks, there's nothing else really unless you want to go for a sit-down meal, which in 30 plus degrees isn't great. Sometimes, you'd prefer a light snack.
I was surprised that the city walk area where all the food outlets were very small and queue time was crazy.
I thought America was all about fast food, but there was absolutely nothing fast or friendly about the service here, which was surprising, really.
But non the less due to it being a quiet period, it was manageable. I dread to see what it's like in a high season.
Liss Winfield — Google review
Excelent!!! It is very funny and great park specially when you go with you little one and take him the place you have been when you were a kid and see him get amazed the same way when you were a kid. We enjoyed even if we couldn't get in many rides because the park was pack and some rides had delays. We got our annual passes so we will be able to come back soon.
Melina Valenzuela -Greco — Google review
Amazing place we had so much fun. Definitely bring a poncho, it rains pretty much everyday unless you want to buy a $20 poncho inside. I recommend spending a day to each park. You cannot do it all at one day. The one with rides and the water park is definitely our favorite. Buy the pass for the rides, all rides have long lines
I kee — Google review
Universal Studios was satisfactory. The scenery was amazing and really transports you to another place. Probably a cool place to take children. For thrill seekers however, there aren't too many rides worth the trip. The island of the adventure side is better for thrills. The main downfall is it's just so expensive; Parking, entrance fee, lockers, food, optional express pass, ect.
Cody Marthaller — Google review
A great theme park with rides for the entire family. The different themed areas are very nostalgic. The staff is friendly. Like most theme parks, food and souvenirs are expensive, but it's expected. If you have the pass that allows you to travel between the different parks, you get to travel on the Hogwarts Express which is super cool. Definitely a much bigger park than Hollywood with 3 different parks on the campus. Gringot's Bank was such a fun ride.
Wander And Travel — Google review
Visiting Universal Studios in Florida for our honeymoon was so much fun! From the adrenaline rush of the rides to the magical atmosphere of the world of Harry Potter, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. Exploring the park with my wife made it even more special, creating memories that we'll always cherish and remember. It was the perfect way to kick off our new life together, surrounded by fun and feeling like a kid again. Highly recommend for couples looking for an unforgettable experience!
Carl Morgan Jr — Google review
Their website is thee most confusing thing I have ever paid my eyes on!! I bought what I thought to be entrance tickets for two parks with fast passes. The total was $1,300!! So, I thought surely that was what I needed for my husband, my two boys, and myself! NOPE! I got to the gate, only to be told that I had only purchased fast passes to skip the line on rides 😳 I paid $1,300 to skip the line?? I then proceeded to the ticket booth to be told that entrance tickets are $250/person for EACH PARK!!! I ended up paying the money for the 2 parks we intended on visiting because we planned our whole trip around visiting both, but man was I seriously disappointed 😞 The lesson I learned was to never, AND I MEAN NEVER, visit Universal Studios during spring break!! NEVER EVER!! The one positive thing was how amazing our hotel was!! We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Studios!! Amazing hotel all around and the price was even better!! $155/night compared to $250-500 a night to stay at a Universal Studios resort/hotel!!
tasha jarman — Google review
We visited for spring break and had an absolute blast. The park is amazing, detailed, and clean. The crowds were not bad. I do recommend the express pass, even tho the cost is up there, not having to wait was more than worth it. We will definitely be back.
Matt T — Google review
The Non-Private VIP experience is worth the extra amount you pay. The ability to see parts of the park you would not otherwise see, you are fed two full meals (breakfast and lunch - these are quality meals presented in professional and friendly manner ) and there is reserved seating to watch the parade at the end of your tour, are just some of the reasons this tour is worth the money. You also get 10% off throughout Universal for the rest of the day, which is nice too, since you have been eyeball shopping through the day as you toured the park and rode the rides. Our Tour Guide Jen was fantastic! Friendly, joyful, knowledgeable, funny, energetic, and all around she just seemed to really love and appreciate her job. We were able to ride all the major rides with little to no wait time and when Jen discovered that one in our group could not do the rides and was looking for more of a Universal Hollywood experience Jen, Jen's supervisor, and a colleague of Jen's went the extra mile to accommodate the guest. Jen was intentional about understanding the likes and dislikes of our group and to see that each person had a special, individual moment during the day. Our last ride of the day was the ET ride (which as someone who was born in 76' I had a full appreciation for this ride and it was a great way to wind down an otherwise exhilarating day) and Jen had ET say bye to each of us by name! It was terrific and such a nice personal touch. After this experience, you aren't going to want to do this any other way than the VIP way. You can easily spend the same money on food and souvenir in a day, this way gets you on the rides, without waiting, with meals included, designated space for the parade, and 10% off throughout Universal...it's worth it.
Date of experience: December 2023
Theresa Smith — Google review
I love this place ❤️
I can't even begin to describe how awesome Universal Studios is! 🌟 The moment you step foot in there, you're transported to a whole new world of excitement and adventure. The rides are mind-blowing, like seriously, your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy! And the attention to detail in the park is just insane. It's like you're walking through the sets of your favorite movies. Plus, the staff is super friendly and helpful. They really go above and beyond to make sure you have the best time ever. I totally recommend checking out the Harry Potter section too. It's like stepping into Hogwarts! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Joesph Bydôn — Google review
I personally love Universal Orlando over any of the Disney theme parks, hands down. From the staff, to the food options, prices overall to the holiday perks…it is an amazing experience. We live in VA and are season pass holders because we love it that much. Best Halloween Nights by far compared to any park I’ve ever been to.
Plenty of places to sit and rest your feet and shady spots to find. Indoor locations have great ac And they have rides of all thrill levels. I personally love Suess Land. 🤣
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an amusement park themed after the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling. It is located in Universal Orlando Resort and features attractions based on the Harry Potter movies, including rides based on the iconic Gringotts Bank ride from Universal Studios Hollywood and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts thrill ride at Universal Studios Florida.
I absolutely loved this area. It felt like we were in the movie. The attention to detail is wonderful. There are so many shops to visit. People that purchased wands from Olivander's were able to wave their wands in front of certain shop windows and cause something to move! The wands come with a map that shows which windows can be activated with it and how to make that happen. It was cool to watch! The butter beer is delicious, especially the frozen one. The rides are also fun.
Tabitha Norman — Google review
The experience was phenomenal!
Came with the family and we all enjoyed it tremendously!
The staff were very engaging with us and respectful.
The food and drinks were pricey (understandably) but very good!
Will definitely come back again except with a multi day pass!
Manny Martinez — Google review
I hadn’t been to Universal Studios since I was a kid, and to come back with my husband, brother, and best friend made it that much more magical. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience brought me such an incredible experience. The rides were great, the little experiences such as the wands with the interactive stations, and being able to ride the Hogwarts Express was like having a dream come true. Hagrid’s motorbike adventure was by far my favorite and we cannot wait to come back and enjoy it all again!!
A Love — Google review
We loved everything about this place including the food and butterbeer. We made sure to stop in every shop and check out all of the rides. This was for sure a large part of wanting to come to Universal for me, but even my husband and the kids were excited about it.
So much of it looked like it was taken straight from the movie set, and Olivander's was a magical experience. Three of us got wands to use the interactive displays and it was such a cool place to visit. We are still talking about when we can go back, and our visit was four years ago.
Thank you so much for making this Harry Potter fan so happy!
Kristen Jett — Google review
Growing up in HP, all I can say is that I love this place. All the shops and buildings just give you all the good feelings. This is my 3rd time around, and everything was still exciting.
The staff are generally nice and helpful.
The bathrooms' cleanliness is a hit and miss.
The rides and eateries are fun and exciting.
For Butterbeer, I suggest getting a frozen one from HogsHead and also a shot of Bailey's (if you're over 21).
The downside is when you try to do magic around the park, and the sensors are really hard to work with. It's really difficult to make a spell work, and oftentimes, there is an out of order sign behind the spell shops. If they can only figure this out, then the experience will become truly magical.
Highly recommend express passes to avoid hours of wait time. If you are staying at the hotels, your unlimited express pass is included.
V A — Google review
If you love the world of Harry Potter, you will love this. They recreated the world of Harry Potter done to the last detail. The land is so immersive and life like. From the feel to the buildings, to the food including butter beer and all the magic wands, the rides and the fire breathing dragon.
Joseph Cardillo — Google review
Visiting any part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical experience, for potterheads & muggles. Magic around every turn, this was my Momma Judi's first time visiting Diagon Alley, and we spent some time enjoying the busting streets full of excited wizards and witches. Casting spells, drinking butterbeer, waiting for the dragon that sits atop Gringotts bank to shoot hot flames out that really give off some heat in the Florida sun. We love skulking around Knocktun Alley, for both it's ambience as well as nice chilly temps. We ate lunch at Leaky Cauldron, caught Celestina Wombat’s performance, chatted with the magic mirror in Madame Malkin’s Robes, and dialed MAGIC (62442) from the phone (red phone booth) in front of Kings Cross Station for a spellbinding surprise.
Marisa Balletti-Lavoie
Marisa B — Google review
Looks of stuff to do, the rides were amazing with decently short wait times on weekdays. Lots of different food and drinks to try from. Butter beer is a must try. Lots of places to shop for Harry Potter themed stuff. They definitely got pretty much every detail on point. Would definitely recommend this place if you are a fan of Harry Potter or even just visiting universe studios. Will definitely be back.
J — Google review
This Wizarding world is next level they have a very well done area of Harry Potter here and it looks to real just like the movie this place is so spot on they have spots for the kids to stand and do spells and the employees play right along to show a great time.
Take the train over to island of adventures to keep the world alive.
A true magical place!!
🪄🪄🧙🏼♂️
LAND ROVER — Google review
If you are a fan of Harry Potter then this is your place. It is pretty magical. I would spring for the fast passes but be warned they don't work for every attraction especially the sought after o es.
Marcus Lamb — Google review
The moment you walk into this place you feel like you've stepped into another world. The atmosphere feels totally different because of the effort they put into making this place. Ever part of it feels magical and leaves you wanting to explore more and more of the place. The butter beer is great and tastes delicious. The various little shops in the area all have great souvenirs and other fun stuff to purchase.
Adam ?John Sovereignton? Ramsey — Google review
Wow. This was a really cool experience. For any Harry Potter fan, this is a must see if you’re at Universal. I really enjoyed all the little Harry Potter references and the attention to detail. It was crowded of course, but it was still an excellent time. The butter beer was better than expected. We also enjoyed Olvander’s wand shop. It was like a mini-show built into going into the wand shop. Totally fun and worthwhile without being a big wait.
Aaron Green — Google review
The park is nice, but the lines all forever, you can spend all the day there and just get into 2 or 3 rides. Do not start the day with the Hadrid Ride, because you will find more line and the others rides has less. Not all the rides are good, so choose wisely. Starting in island of adventure and then taking the train to the universal park is a good start, the most newest and exiting ride are in island of adventure. Avoid vacation time and if you can go during winter, will find less people and a nicer weather.
Armando NL — Google review
Bought online a 1-day, 2-parks pass to visit Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade specifically. We were sent on a “mission” to look for wands for our 3 boys knowing full well, “The wands pick the wizards,” not us! Must get there as early as possible because that’s the only way to take pictures without being crowded out.
The two parts are surprisingly compact sharing a total of 5 rides. We took 4/5 with our express passes. It did not apply to Hagrid’s which was intense but the best. The ones which need 3D glasses are ok but bothersome.
For HP fans and non-fans alike, the detailing is quite amazing and impressive. People watching is a bonus especially the legion of fans dressed up like wizards and waving their wands to “activate” their spells at the various Interactive wand spots. Rather amusing when you see them struggle.
So much HP merchandise to buy and they are expensive. F&B is expensive too. But it is after all a bucket list destination so bring lots of money for a once in a lifetime experience (applies to foreign tourists only LoL!)
eddie chan — Google review
We got a 3 day pass Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We got there early and wasn’t too crowded. If you want good pictures I’ll recommend to do the same. There is so much to see and do in the wizarding world. If you can visit in the morning and at night. It’s worth the view.
They Call Me Jelly — Google review
We went past it the first time because it was so hidden away! Very cool looking set with a fire breathing dragon and Gringotts ride which took us about an hour of wait time to get to however it was kind of underwhelming because it was too short. The ice cream shop was nice and very generous on portions.
Mi Sha — Google review
Took my daughter for her birthday. So many sights to see here. Loved the castle with the forbidden journey ride, Gringotts bank and Hagrids Motorbikes! Food at Leaky Cauldron was great and butterbeer is a must have! Hogwarts Expess takes you between parks and is so fun and pleasant to ride!
Hunbun — Google review
Such a cool environment that really captures what Diagon Alley would truly feel like! Also if you haven't tried Butterbeer specifically hot Butterbeer then you're missing out on a life changing experience lol
slgregg321 — Google review
Honestly, I am not typically the type of person who gets excited by amusement parks, but the Harry Potter experience at universal is unbelievable. Not only is it meticulous in its attention to detail, but it’s really accurate to the movie. There are ways to explore all kinds of moments, like the train to hogsmede, which actually takes you there, but down to butter beer, and a range of Easter egg activations you can use your sensor wand to play with. The rides are excellent. Also, as a London native, I appreciate that they don’t totally screw up the references to the UK. It was raining when we went, which added to the authenticity!
Troy Benson — Google review
I have to watch the series again after visiting. What a great experience! I really wanted a robe and wand, but at 55, I thought better of it. The Ollivander's experience was so good we waited in line twice.
Mike Wright — Google review
Out of this world this place! The magic is real. Amazing atmosphere and the butter beer is to die for! We will definitely be going back again & again
Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park that features thrill rides, Harry Potter attractions, and other themed areas.
I've never had so much fun in my life! Two days full of adrenaline, happiness, wildness and joy! Island of Adventure has it all! I recommend a Park-to-Park ticket and take advantage of it during the week. This resort will enjoy both child and adult! Thank you for an exceptional experience!
Martin Vanta — Google review
Took the family of teenagers. Lots of options of rides: thrill, virtual, water, etc. The favorite was velicicoaster which was awesome. Loved that they had water fountains while in line.
Like any other amusement park the food was expensive, $35 for two personal pizzas and a single fill drink. The good was good with a good variety.
The staff was very friendly and helpful.
The app was also helpful with the map and wait times. We didn't buy the express pass and got onto all the rides in a relatively decent time frame 65 min bent the longest.
Really my only gripe was some rides require you empty everything from your pockets and pass through metal detectors. I'm sure lawsuits are to blame, the gripe is the locker process isn't that great. Free inside of 30 min but the rides such as hulk take much longer than that to get on🤷🏻♂️.
Overall a positive experience.
holleysmoke — Google review
Very, very, very expensive! But we had the most fun here versus Disney World. The expensive part was just the admission and getting the express lane option with the park hopper pack which I'm glad I got. If you're spending a week here and get one of their deals where you pay for 2 days and get 3 days free for a total of 5 days, then sure you probably don't need the express lane, but you're going to spend majority of your time standing in lines, especially for the popular rides/attractions...
We were able to go on just about every ride and even went on some twice. The express lane pass really benefits you if you only have 1 - 2 days to spend here. I was almost about to get the 5 days, but then I thought how that's going to be 5 days of mostly standing in line. Most lines were 50 mins or longer.. There was some that was really short, but that's because the rides was really bad, looking at you Fast & Furious...
That fast and furious ride needs to be taken out or updated. All the bad guys in it are now good guys and it was ridiculous. It wasn't even over the top fun like the movies, it was bad.... definitely the worst and weakest ride...
Didn't really experience the food, we mostly were on a mission to ride as much as we could because we really didn't get that at Disney...
This theme park definitely had more and better rides than Disney, but if you have going kids then I can see why Disney might be more appealing and it is cheaper, but their lightning pass is a scam, it's not unlimited like universals express pass...
I was wanting more of the "tour rides" that we've seen in countless movies, like Jaws coming out of the water. I guess I'm just old and those have been retired or not at this location? But I was looking more for those type of rides and there wasn't any. The Kong ride was the closest, but it was the Peter Jackson King Kong. It wasn't the new Legendary Kong that's part of Godzilla vs Kong movies, which the advertisements kind of made it seem like it was, but it was still fun...
I do feel for the people though that wait an hour or more for a quick 3 min ride, if that. They do seem like they should be longer, especially the video 3d rides...
But overall it was the most fun at a theme park and a great end to a week long vacation in Florida... Well, little over a week...
Jake Montoya — Google review
I loved everything about islands of adventure. Didn't have long to wait for most rides. Where ever we had food it was very good and the prices were ok. It seemed to have a much better vibe and seemed more fun than any of the Disney parks we visited. We popped in and out of the park with ease during the 5 times we visited over the space of 8 days. It's also great that it within a short walk of universal studios and city walk too. I would definitely go back when I can.
Paul Ellis — Google review
Fantastic park, only complaint is the crazy queues even on a weekday in early Nov. This is the best Universal Park for thrill seekers. Good variety of rides and fantastic details and special effects. Park is super clean and staff is very friendly. Obsessed with the Velocicoaster!!!! Express pass expensive but worth it, or try riding the singles lines everywhere. Be prepared to walk a lot!
Allison Goldberg — Google review
The park is really cool, it's huge and has a lot of extreme attractions, I think the Hulk roller coaster and the velocicoaster are super cool. The park is for those who really like fast things. The food is delicious and the experience of being there is unique. If you have the chance, take advantage of it!
Vini Celular — Google review
Outstanding park experience from entrance to exit. The staff as you move through the entrance to food and parks was fantastic. Signs to get around were very helpful and clear to follow. The restaurant selection outside and inside the park are amazing. You can find a nice restaurant and also many regular fast food options. The cleanliness of the park and the staff maintaining was top notch. The people working as spider man etc.. extremely friendly and enthusiastic with people. An outstanding family day for is.
David Johnston — Google review
My first experience at this place was more than I had ever expected. Each themed section is nicely set up that it literally feels like you are transported to that world. The rides are even better when you step foot into the buildings. Even before the rides you are immersed into the character's world while waiting to enjoy the ride. Do visit with friends and family at least once. The one time is worth it!
somchay1851 — Google review
It's a very fun tour accessibility is great for you to get to the place it's very easy accesses are well facilitated ample parking and very easy to park. The problem is the price is $27, but it's still for the whole day, it's not for an hour inside the fun is complete because there are many attractions and toys that cater for all ages, you'll have fun alone with friends and your girlfriend or with the family, this tour is really worth it, even if you take it for just one day, it's still worth the queues inside. They look great but they still ride well and it's worth the wait. I recommend in all senses.
Jairo Da JCD — Google review
Love this place! Fast pass done right. Real rides and roller-coasters. My kids loved this park best out of Universal Studios and Disney Magic Kingdom. Disney needs to redo their fast pass. As it is right now I would say not worth the money. Universal fast pass is definitely worth the money. Would we go back? Yes we would.
Lorin Devries — Google review
It had been over a decade since my last visit, and nearly everything was different! I was happy to see the Cat in the Hat ride still there, and so well maintained! Everything, honestly, was in excellent condition, and I loved the entire Harry Potter area! It was SO well done and had so many hidden surprises. It did not disappoint!
Priscilla Molerio — Google review
Lots to do and see. While the rides are awesome, my friend doesn't like rides, but there was so much to do and we didn't need to stand in any lines. It's a great time either way, riding the rides or enjoying everything else the park has to offer. It was like we entered the movies and it was a fun time taking a break from reality.
christine alvarado — Google review
There is so much to do here! I can't even begin to start with one ride or section of the island that was better than another. We definitely felt this island was a bit more interactive for a family and more fun involved than at Universal Studios or Volcano Bay. Highly recommended to visit but be prepared to wait in long lines for rides. We purchased express tickets on top of the park pass and it was definitely worth it! Because of having an express pass each, we were able to experience more rides and more fun than waiting in line for hours and only be able to ride a few rides. We will be coming back!
Tiffany — Google review
This was our first time to this park. It was Thanksgiving week, so it was busy as I expected. I have 2 kids, 14 and 12, this park was fun for them. We enjoyed going through Dr. Seuss area and we even did some rides.
We loved the Spider-Man ride. The water rides were fun, the big round tube in Popeyes area, we were entirely soaked from head to toe, so you will definitely get wet. Even with the plastic coverings it does not protect your feet, shoes, and butt from getting wet. We were fine getting wet, but I definitely got wetter than I thought.
My kids favorite ride of all was the Harry Potter Motorbikes. Harry Potter area is the most packed of people compared to rest of park. At night the castle had a lightshow for Christmas, very cool, but people everywhere!!!
The Grinch show was very cool even for my kids who were thinking it wasn't going to be.
There were definitely a bunch of places to eat and drink everywhere. We had a great week, we hope to return again someday.
Tracy Mtz — Google review
Universal island of adventure is so adventurous. If you like crazy coasters along with many other ride this is the best place.
We love the King Kong ride, spider man meets to blue reptiles Harry Potter water ride.
And meeting to avenger and comic characters adds more fun.
Place is the dream to visit we all love it thanks universal.
Amrit Sandhu — Google review
Absolutely one of the best theme parks in the US I had so much fun here, if roller coasters 🎢 are your then, then you should absolutely go for islands of adventure. Get ready to do a lot of walking though. I would also recommend you get the four day pass, because it’s almost impossible to see everything universal has to offer in just a day. If you can afford it, get the express pass because it makes your wait time so much shorter. Have fun 🤩
Ednaei — Google review
Best trip ever!! We had a blast. The lines were long but moved very quickly. The staff members were nice and appeared to really love their jobs. The Spider man ride is a must!! We spent 3 days there and still didn't get to do everything. Yes it was costly but my children enjoyed every minute of it
Qui M — Google review
Great experience! I actually found that i liked it better than Universal Studios. Islands of adventure have more extreme rides and adult rides which i found way more fun. Also, i really recommend to buy the express pass, it might cost twice to three time the ticket. BUT I was able to do all the rides I wanted and all the most popular ones (i did like 7-8 rides) from 10:00AM to 3:30PM. That would be impossible without the express pass..
Gev Elbaz — Google review
We had a FANTASTIC time! We stayed the week and had the park Hopper passes. Even as adults we felt like kids again and had sooo much fun! Everything is so well themed at Universal! The amount of detail put into every attraction is just amazing!!- there was always something you didn't see previously. At the eateries, the food was good but you can't get that kind of ambiance anywhere else!
Amy Burgess (BarefootBurgess) — Google review
I couldn’t imagine being any happier. This place is so magical. The crowds were insane at points but it seems the deepening into the park you go the less people are around. Also, the velocicoaster is so insanely fun. Secret tip, go tell them what you’re celebrating and they will give you a button to wear and ask for some fast passes to celebrate and they will more than likely oblige.
Kyle Pearson — Google review
Bought 2 days pass for two parks and got 3 days for free. Cost was $300. Visited Aug 2023. Weather was 110F. So planned evening visits and that really made a difference as wait times were shorter and we were able to enjoy all the rides and shows. Highly recommended specially for families and kids
Osman Gilani — Google review
I typically don't review these type of things however I wanted to point out that this was by far the best Park we have ever been too! Clean as can be, everything was organized and ran perfectly. Fans in all the lines to keep you cool and once inside the building the A/C was a much needed add on to our waits. We went on a Friday during the day (Arrived at 9am). Parking was a breeze and only ($30) and from there it was smooth walking and entry into the park. We chose Islands of Adventure since we had been to Studios multiple times before. We honestly didn't wait on average for longer than 30 minutes per ride. Again I can't state how clean and nicely ran this park was. I would choose Universal over Disney parks 10/10 times! Keep up the great work and we'll see you again soon!
Chris “MasterShake” Andersen — Google review
We went here one night on our trip to Universal Studios in Florida and had a blast. This place was a lot of fun for me and my boyfriend. I really love the theme and architecture of the entire place and there's so much to do. I wasn't even bothered with having to walk a lot during the trip as it was so nice being in the park. It was absolutely beautiful and the rides were so much fun. We had a lot of fun here, at the regular park, and at City Walk, which are all conveniently connected. Getting in with our tickets was a much easier process than I thought it would be, even without having fast passes. I would highly recommend this park for anyone planning on going to Universal Studios in Florida.
Colton Burnette — Google review
Super park! Both me and my child really liked it. Cool rides, especially the motorcycle ride. However, the queues are crazy. We came specifically out of season, on Monday. And still there were huge queues. We had unlimited fast passes, I highly recommend buying them. Otherwise we would have been waiting for an hour. The bad thing is that the fast pass does not apply to the coolest attraction and you have to wait up to 2 hours! Oh, are you crazy? Make an electronic queue! As in all normal places. Why do you think that being forced to stand in line for 2 hours is normal?? Ugliness.
Lina — Google review
Wow, customer service is #1 at Universal Studios Orlando. Every interaction with staff, from shop workers to food service to ride attendants was beyond positive. Everyone made you feel so important and special. The park is so well maintained and beautiful. Rides are amazing, you can ask the staff for a breakdown if nervous. You can leave the line at anytime. The stores all had unique items to purchase based on the rides. The experience is highly enjoyable.
Lisa Kachigian — Google review
The Harry Potter parts are EPIC!!! So much fun. I'm not even a huge fan of the books or movies (but I DO like them). The Butterbeer was EXCELLENT!!! The atmosphere is amazing.
The entire park is great. We went to Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, & Volcano Bay. They are ALL FANTASTIC. I enjoyed Universal even more than Disney World!!! ♡♡♡
If you plan on going more than a couple days, I recommend buying the Annual Pass (OR booking in one of their hotels - LOTS of perks!!!).
Momma Bear — Google review
Theme park, as you would expect from an organization of this caliber, the attractions and organization are top-notch. Unfortunately, so are the prices, with an entry fee of nearly $500 for 3 people (day ticket), I wonder how accessible this park is for an average family of 5? Also, keep in mind that a water attraction is truly a water attraction, at the end of the ride, you'll be completely wet! Top attraction was King Kong (IMO), most beautiful setting Harry Potter), best roller coaster "Hulk".
Why only 4 stars? Prices inside the park, 50 dollars for 3 hamburgers? Come on…
Steve Graveé — Google review
Amazing rides and very well maintained washrooms. The wait times on some rides can get very long, but that is also bypassed most of the time by getting an express pass. Worth visiting, especially in the off-seasons as the crowds are more manageable then.
Siddhi Bhutada — Google review
I love this place. Yes, it is usually packed with people. Yes, all the best stuff has a long wait time, but there is so much to look at and do. Like the Universal park, they pay such amazing attention to detail to completely immerse you in each world. Plan to wait in lines. Food is theme park prices, but good. Running into characters throughout the day is a fun perk!
Ashley Renéigh — Google review
Great place. I wish I had more time to enjoy the park but unfortunately came when during spring break. The park was very packed, and the wait time on rides was 60 minutes minimum. Was only able to go on 4 rides.
Frankie Camacho — Google review
Great rides, let down by the not as friendly as they can be staff. The thrill rides are certainly a plenty here and are great fun. They insist on putting cell phones in free lockers before getting on big rides which given how fast and thrilling these rides are is no surprise. The lockers are small so you won’t fit a regular back pack in, they provide paid for lockers for those. Usual theme park pricing so do not expect a cheap day out.
Aaron Payne — Google review
This park was absolutely awesome. The rides were amazing and very interactive. We were able to get on everything we wanted to get on and the creativity in this park is as good as Disney. The food was great and me and my daughter enjoyed the shows as well. I will say that Harry Potter is quite busy, but amazing. The food options were great! You were able to find anything from fried food all the way to fruit cups here, and this is not common at theme parks. The staff overall was great and accommodating. I highly recommend this theme park to anyone visiting the Orlando area, I have not seen much like it and you will absolutely love these rides. If your a hardcore comic nerd-this is the place to be, absolutely awesome.
Timothy Weitzel Jr — Google review
One of my favourite parks in Orlando.
The one downside compared to Disney parks is the costumer service quality and the reason for only 4 stars. Some employees are not passionate and not willing to help. One example was at the ticket booth where we asked for help with the one and two day park tickets and the price difference if buying online. We ended up spending 45 minutes on our own figuring it out.
The new rides take 75 minutes wait or more so be prepared to wait or to spend more money with fast passes.
Julio Viana — Google review
Universal Islands of Adventure is an absolute thrill-seeker's paradise! From the pulse-pounding rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive worlds of Harry Potter, every corner is filled with excitement and wonder. The attention to detail is phenomenal, making you feel like you've stepped into your favorite stories. The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a hardcore theme park enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Islands of Adventure delivers an unforgettable adventure every time. Highly recommend!
Abani Ojha — Google review
100% prefer this to the actual Universal studios Park. Less walking between rides, more rides are tall/heavy friendly, and more cool stops between rides. Although Universal has all the famous movie stuff and has to be seen once, but as far as Island of Adventure, I would definitely come back again and again.
Tomasz Smolinski — Google review
Honestly one of the best parks I've been to. This place is Awesome! We went during spring break and the crowds were not bad. From Hogwarts to Jurassic Park to Dr Seuss this place has it all. Hagrids motorcycle ride is a must do and I can say Velocicoaster is breathtaking, rode it 3 times. We didn't want to leave.
Matt T — Google review
If you are a Harry Potter fan this is an absolute most on your bucket list! The park has incredible thrilling attractions. Compared to universal studios, islands of adventure is a bigger park and has more rollercoasters. Both parks offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. I’ve gone to this park at least four times and every time is so exciting and fun. Hopefully next year I will be able to go to the brand new Super Nintendo world which is under construction right now. If you’re in Orlando definitively do not miss visiting this park!
SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park where visitors can see marine life including dolphins, penguins, and killer whales. There are also exhibits with smaller animals like turtles and sea lions. There are educational aspects to the park too which is great for children. The resort-style pool complex at the Renaissance Orlando Resort features an interactive water playground that's one of the most entertaining in Orlando.
This was the best park of all 3 we visited those time. plenty to do. All included meals. I was worried how people talk about how poorly the animals are treated. But I seen wonderfully healthy animals thriving. Our 5 kids 6 to 19 loved it. Great deal and we are definitely going to go back next visit. Christmas decorations and rides for big kids made it a perfect day.
Heather Mc — Google review
The shows here are very good. Dolphins, Killer Whales, & Sea Lion shows were very informative & action packed shows. Definitely recommend getting to the shows at least 30 minutes before start time to get a decent seat.
Lines for everything is crazy. 1-2 hour lines for food, popular roller coasters, & of course entering the parking lot. As others suggested, definitely eat a big breakfast to power through the first few hours at this park as outside food is strictly prohibited besides bottled water. Otherwise, if you get here early try to order food upon entering before the lines get crazy in the early afternoon.
One of my favorite exhibits was the penguin experience. Tip, try going towards the park closing as the regular line was only 15 minutes to get in, not bad.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Alex L. — Google review
One of the best and affordable theme parks in Orlando. New rides added. Killer whales show is still the best overall now with a total educational program that your kids will love it. Totally worth the visit. 4 stars because food is below average for the price and you cant bring anything with you. Not healthy or decent choices. Everything else, from staff to service is great. Enjoy your visit. Take it from a local guy that lives two blocks away from it.
Nelson Roman — Google review
Great experience! Definitely get a dining plan but share it because it is a ton of food! We also got a souvenir drink cup that we shared and refilled for free that helped with cost. The Quick Queue passes are a game changer and my kids were able to ride all the rides in one day. The animal shows are educational, entertaining, and funny. The animal viewings are fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing their Rescue animals and knowing they make a difference in the welfare of so many animals in the wild.
Corri Stanley — Google review
Great place for the whole family. Buy the all day food voucher as expensive to eat inside park if not. We went mid week and Ques were very short. Good wheel chair or mobility scooter access to all areas of the park. Staff were excellent and very friendly. Your ticket also allows this park to keep working on Marine conservation!
paul masterman — Google review
Fun place to visit. Kids enjoyed the rides and shows with dolphins and whale's.
Lot to see and do,one day is not enough for sure to see it all. We came at great time, before Christmas when everything is decorated and there is snow with Xmas trees,just beautiful. Recommend! 🥰
Nataša Malinda — Google review
Park was busy which was to be expected. To ensure you get the most out of your day (shows, entertainment, roller coasters etc) I would highly recommend purchasing the fast pass to ensure you don’t waste your time and energy waiting in 2 hour lines. I was hesitant because of the amount but I never had to wait in lines, I was able to experience all the shows, ride for an unlimited time, eat and still have fun without wasting time. You go for the experience and the fast pass will ensure you have a fun time.
Sarah Victoria — Google review
We visited Sea World on a beautiful 70 degree Florida day in February! We went during the week, and it was not crowded at all. The parking experience was fine and very quick. There was a minimal wait to get into the park. We did purchase a year pass for the same price as a one day admission! We loved the seal/ sea lion show ( You will get wet if you sit up close). My favorite was the shark exhibit and the Shark Experience Restaurant, where you can dine while watching sharks swim around you! I thought the park employees were helpful in directing us around. Yes it's pricey here, but I think this is the best theme park in Florida!
Robert — Google review
An experience for the whole family. We came with a baby girl and even she enjoyed it.
I recommend arriving early to get everything done and not miss the shows.
There is a huge variety of animals and shows with huge aquariums and interesting animals
Don't miss the the seals (and tom the mime), orcas and dolphins.
*We came in the middle of the week and didn't buy the express ticket and there was really no point, there weren't such big queues
Nadav Meir — Google review
Penguin exhibit was the coolest part for us. It was about an hour wait to get into the exhibit. Lines for food is just atrocious as well as the popular coasters. Eat big before you head into the park and give yourself some time before hanger sets in. Cool shows and great animal exhibits. Sea lions were cool and you can go and buy food to feed them. Good times, just wish the lines weren't so bad
Fung Szeto — Google review
This place was amazing! Could very well be my favorite amusement park. The variety of things to do makes it a perfect spot for the roller coaster riding thrill seeker, as well as the laid back admirers of sea animals. This place is essentially a zoo for sea faring animals and it does a great job at letting you interact with these beautiful creatures. Feeding the seals and sea lions was one of my favorite activities. There are enough eateries to satisfy the pickiest eater, and if you're really making a full day of it, the all day eating pass is a nice option. With so many photogenic attractions, this is a great place to create some lifelong memories with the family!
Jonathan Chambliss — Google review
I loved the shows and the food. I recommend buying the food inclusive package. My first experience ever at Sea World and loved the animals. Each show, I oohheed and awed at all the work behind the scenes that went into each performance. The love the trainers have for the animals is expressly seen and awesome. The time they had to put in for a show, wow. The energy was contagious.
Marcie Hennings — Google review
4 of us went ( all adults ) . We bought the food package, which we very much recommend. We weren't worried about going on the rides, but did she all the shows. It's not like it used to be a few decades ago , The shows were short, and all ended with a speech to appeal to the animal activists. Overall had a great time. Highly recommended specially for kids. Make sure you see the penguin house !
Rick Nedescu — Google review
Been here plenty of times. Came this time for the Craft Beer & Food Festival. All the stations were open, even after a storm that lasted about an hour. Park was crowded even after the rain & 100 degrees weather. All the food from the stands were good. Roller coaster rides were all about a 50 minute wait. Penguin encounter is closed & fenced off. Overall a good Aquarium park.
Christopher — Google review
My dad took me here in the late 80s and again a few days ago. Great experience to see everything & how amazing the park has grown. Definitely bring your family and friends here. We also got tickets to see the Halloween Theme After Hours and It Was Fun.
BENNY — Google review
Pleasantly surprised. Shows were fun. Roller Coasters are way better than Disney World. Tickets are affordable, park merchandise not so much, all day meal plan are worth it. 4 stars because the kraken was not available. Just had a fun time overall.
Michael Silva — Google review
Sea world was a lot of fun! I highly recommend getting the fast pass. We rode everything and the longest wait was like 15 minutes. The dolphin experience was pretty cool too. Food isn’t great, but what do you expect lol. A fun day indeed!
Jacob Kersting — Google review
Although we didn't go on any rides and only wanted to see the animals. I would recommend buying tickets in advance. The rides had about a 60+minute wait on everything. It was hard to maneuver with kids running wildly with no care and no one watching them. If you are old enough try one of their cocktails, they were good and they have a lot of liquor in them so it was worth the price.
Justin Saiz — Google review
My family and I had a great time. If you have a little one the best spot is sesame street. My daughter had a blast on the kiddie rides and couldn't stay still in line to take photos with Elmo and friends. My wife had her fun on the roller coasters while I enjoyed the animal shows and all the animal exhibits. Definitely a great way to spend the day.
Rogelio Alvarez — Google review
Great family park! We went for a family trip ranging in ages 3 to 72.
The animals are fascinating for all ages. In addition to viewing, there are several shows that give you a chance to learn more about them while being entertained.
For the younger children, you can spend time in Sesame Street Land. With tamer rides, a splash pad and playground, as well as a parade, it's the perfect place for the little ones.
The roller coasters are crazy, probably some of the best in the area!
For a very affordable theme park experience, go to their website and check out the hotel packages. You can't beat the prices!
AJ McGwire — Google review
We brought our son here on Thursday, and he had a blast! He got to see all kinds of animals from flamingos, dolphins, sharks, alligators, walrus, seals, sea lions, otters, sea turtles, beluga whales, etc. I honestly was not expecting the park to be as big as it is, nor did I know it was also a theme park. I honestly thought it was like an aquarium. I did not expect there to be rides. The rides were themed around some sea animals, which I thought was creative! There are 4 different parking areas, if I remember correctly: RV, general, preferred, and VIP parking areas. I recommend families to bring their kids here for an amazing experience!
Montana Danner — Google review
That place had no summer heat tolerance. They don’t have drinking water fountains , no tents or covers, no tents, limited AC places, lines over 90 minutes.
No sprays or refreshing areas.
Totally disaster to go there in summer.
Not enough staff. Ride that could pass 40 people in one hour took ages to make.
Also nothing to do there for small kids.
Only shows.
This park has to make major changes to respect guests and make more refreshing areas.
And now you can’t buy separate fast pass for each ride- must buy 130$ per person on top of tickets quick queue even if you came for few hours.
I’m gonna skip this place for a while and not renew my membership as my daughter and i almost got overheated with THERMO hit.
We had headaches both.
Could do only 2 shows and one ride.
Dolphins show and killer whale was the only refreshing fun.
Ilona Nesterova (ILONA_TRAVELONA) — Google review
Great family experience. Sea World started out its operating day with the national anthem. They offer an amazing military/ veteran discount. The park was clean. The lines were not long. Rides were great, and the whole family learned a lot. Highly recommend for families.
PJ Wallace — Google review
The underwater exhibits are the best, and you should definitely check out all of the live animal shows if you can. While the animal exhibits are great, the park feels poorly configured and oftentimes you're walking a good while before you can see the next most interesting thing. Because of that, the park can sometimes feel very sparse in certain sections of the park. If it's raining, try to go to one of the underwater exhibits, we got stuck outside when it poured with nowhere to go. The staff seems to disappear when it rains as well.
Joe W — Google review
First time to SeaWorld! I had a great time. I love how much water there is, and the new pipeline coaster is super fun. We watched a dolphin and killer whale show, and they were both as amusing as they were educational. You're able to ride every coaster that was open, except for one. But we will certainly be back!
Eric Ray — Google review
If you are considering going to Sea World, just go! It’s wonderful. We had such a nice day even though it did sprinkle. The shows are wonderful. We went to all of them. We were able to buy discounted tickets ahead of time and also got the all day dining on sale. Much cheaper than going to a Disney theme park. The Christmas show was fantastic. The mime was funny at the sea lion show. It was a day well spent and the park was decorated for Christmas. We were there the day before Thanksgiving.
Mary Beason — Google review
Rides: I enjoyed the rides, especially the manta. the lines were moving pretty quickly
Shows: still enjoyable, especially the dolphins show, Otter and seal encounter. We were hoping to catch the Blue Horizon show, but we're told that they do not have that anymore.
Other animals encounters like shark, sting rays ... etc. It's not as great compared to the last time we were there (9 years ago). The touch tanks were pretty bad. There was no attendant there to interact with the kids. All the tanks are very dull and murky, not great condition for photos.
Overall, I would give it a 3 because it didn't give us the excitement that it used to. The atmosphere was kind of stale. The staff whom we encountered with were very monochromatic, with no personality, lack of passion.
Teresa — Google review
We purchased season tickets to all 4 parks as a local Florida resident with a large family we found it to be the best deal.
Our first visit to SeaWorld was great and the family had a great time. I recommend knocking out your rides you want to do right away in the morning and doing the shows and exhibits after as the ride wait times got significantly longer as the day went on.
We went during the Seven Seas food festival and it was fun to try different foods the kids really enjoyed it and the food was better than I expected.
Over all the experience was great and we will be back again. The reason for the 4 stars and not 5 is that we found we had several issues with staff helpfulness throughout the day.
It started with parking there was a hold up in our line for over 15 minutes and then when we got to the booth they for got to give us our preferred parking pass so that caused more issues when we went to park.
Later in the park when trying to use some of our membership rewards and redeem the free animal feeding we had the same issue. We were told we had to have a paper ticket not a digital ticket but had to ask the staff several times where to get it from but he brushed us off the first few times.
Lastly we once again tried to redeem some season pass perks with free food tastings but the app was not working properly and our options was to take a 30 minutes walk to guest service or figure it out on our own. We ended up have to redeem it directly from the website on our phones native browser as the app on multiple phones would not let us complete the checkout but it still took 20 minutes or so to figure out.
Jess Probasco — Google review
The staff were all very friendly and approachable when we had questions or help needed for anything. The shows were good, entertaining, and educational. All the rides were fun and safe, and since we had quick passes, our wait time was minimal to get on. I also enjoyed how almost every ride had easy purchase access for pictures taken, and they were quickly available, so you weren't waiting and wasting valuable time for them. Another positive is how they were able to crop the photos to get only your group of people in it, you also have an option for digital and a print out of the picture to frame in one they sell or no frame at all. Years ago, they didn't offer that. The food and drinks were on point. SeaWorld is the place to go with your family for fun without a doubt for sure. From feeding the wildlife, watching the shows to riding the roller coasters, there's fun for everyone of all ages!
Nichole Fulton — Google review
Here's the real deal... SeaWorld is great. The food quality is decent and expected for a theme park. However, the price is a bit out there for what is offered.
General parking today is $37!
There are no half-day (after 4pm) tickets.
The best values are adding the Quick Queue, animal feedings, and the all-day meals.
Alex Gaskins — Google review
Came for vacation and it was out first time. We bought our tickets online which sped up the process to enter the park. The orca show was absolutely wonderful. Very interesting to learn about the orcas and crazy how they have been trained. The kids world was perfect. Lines were long! But that is expected. I'd definitely get the fast passes next time although they are not for the kiddie rides. Lots to do and see. Loved all the exhibits. My kids enjoyed themselves. Fun park!
Courtney — Google review
Always a favorite spot to visit. It's great for the whole family & our kids love it! Shows are lots of fun! Plan to spend all day to get all of the experience in because there's a ton to see. We do suggest getting the Dining Pass... It turns out to be worth it for the meals & in between drinks & snacks.
Brad Westberry — Google review
Loved it! But wasn't prepared for the water ride that drenched you, needed fast drying clothes & shoes! Did not want to pay $6 for a dryer:( Animals appeared happy in their environments and great shows!
Kandy Heiman — Google review
This was our first visit back here in about 20 years and wow! I am very impressed with the growth of this park. So many improvements and additions…
We enjoyed the Dolphin show, the Sea Lion show and all the beautiful aquariums. The Shark area was fantastic!! Manatees and turtles… alligators and flamingos all things Florida and so many coasters!
Gift shops with nice merchandise and plenty of food options.
Easy parking. No wait to get in on a Saturday at 9:15 am
This was enjoyable for all of us- from 9 months to 56 years old. We all loved it.
I highly recommend a visit here!
Lynn Ringis — Google review
Very fun, educational and interesting. Lots of animals and shows, fun roller coaster rides, a kids area and food. It is only card for all payments but they do have machines that give you instant prepaid cards on site. Easy to navigate as it’s really a big circle. Im sad that the Antarctica exhibit was closed but I’m excited that they’re building a new roller coaster and area.
JC Olson — Google review
We had a fantastic time. Kids were fairly young, but there were tons of things they could do. They even got to ride a few coasters, which they were excited about. With adult rides, they have a good parent swap, so you can both get a chance to ride while the other watches the kids. Naturally, there are lots of shows you should definitely watch. There are lots of exhibits to see all the cool fish, turtles, and sharks. It's not the cheapest place, but none of these parks are, but the experience is worth it.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a vast estate that offers guided tours of their facilities and wine tastings, as well as hosting regular music and food festivals. Although California dominates the wine industry in America, Florida is also home to an exceptional winery that produces its own label. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards boasts reasonable prices for both individual bottles and cases of wine. The staff are accommodating, especially for those with strollers, since there is a second-floor tour available.
The video and the tour were exceptional. Was quite a surprise to be able to go through that before for the taste test. We sampled seven exquisite wines. Of course I loved the dry reds. The Cabernet was really good and so was the special reserve Cabernet. We ended up picking out a couple of bottles and some cheese to take back to the room with us. Place was wonderful, the staff were helpful and kind, and the wines are a real delight. Stop in, even if it means going out of your way. You will be glad you did. Be sure to check out my photos on google maps as well.
Tom Johnson-Medland — Google review
This was such a lovely place. Very kid friendly too. Definitely bringing chairs and a few games (balls, bubbles, etc.) for the kids is a plus. Felt like being in a backyard with extended family around you. All the wines were delicious but I need to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Olga which greeted us at the door and made us feel very welcomed after mentioning it was our first time. She kept the same energy with every guest that came in. This place is VERY lucky to have such a great person with such amazing energy as the face of the winery. Will absolutely recommend this place to anyone and will be back with no doubt.
Monica Sotomayor — Google review
A nice vineyard and winery. They offer free tour and free tasting. Their wines are good and have good prices. If you go during the weekend, there's live music and food vendors. Nice parking lot.
Gabriela Vega — Google review
If you want to spend a relax day in a beautiful picturesque hilltop! This is Theo la e to be. We enjoyed live music, free wine tasting and tour. They also have food on the weekends. Very well recommend.
Omar Echeverri — Google review
I really liked the free tasting/"tour" through the winery but I didn't really like any of the wine. I know it's a personal preference thing but the "wines" grown in Florida are way too sweet for me. And the wines they cultivate from California just don't hold up to California bottles around the same price. At all. I do think the FL wines are fairly priced though and I think the extra/reserve tastings were a very good price, as were the cheese trays (though I wish they were curated and not just out of a boar's head box).
The store is the best part about the place though! So many unique gifts and food/wine stuff that I've never even seen! The concert venue outside was nice as well, though it's weird that if you buy a bottle in the winery you can't enjoy it on their lawn.
corbin byers — Google review
Great experience, we have a stroller and the staff is very helpful in accommodating us because there's a 2nd floor tour. Lovely place! Reasonable wine prices for both in bottle and case. I surely love all of it. Will definitely come back.
Jade Singson — Google review
Lakeridge Winery is just a great time! Awesome people enjoying a nice landscape and some delicious wines. Learned a lot of the craftsmanship in making these wines. You learn a sense of how massive the operation must be to keep up with the quantity of grapes. The tour was well done and made the group laugh a good deal! Definitely worth a try if you're nearby. Love the southern red and white wines personally.
Dillon Fosa — Google review
Free tasting and tour! What more can you ask for? The tour experience itself was really fun. Our "tour guide" was very funny and energetic.
Personally, the sweet wines made from the muscadine grapes tasted better than the dry ones. I saw many people taste testing pouring out the dry flights. They should just focus on the sweet ones where they grow the grades themselves instead.
j h — Google review
Visited this winery on my birthday and I have to say it was a 10/10 experience. They have offer a great tour which by the way is FREE , great staff that’s knowledgeable about the winery and any questions you may have. It’s such a beautiful property and must experience. Although I’m a sweet red wine person trying all the other wines they offer was also a great experience yes at the end they offer FREE wine tastings definitely worth it. Definitely will be back in June.
Leslie — Google review
Very busy, but we did go on a Saturday afternoon and it would be a wonderful way to spend your afternoon we chose just to check it out. The free wine tasting is neat, a no hassle mini tour. They gift shop has an extensive array of goodies and of course the wine you can buy by the bottle or by the case what ever you want. Tha staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. I hope to come back again and enjoy the outdoor venue, music, and the delicious smelling food booths. Bring your lawn chair and have a relaxing time.
Laura K. — Google review
We dropped by to check it out. The personnel was welcoming. Nicely kept grounds. We bought wine and a sherry at fair prices. Sherry you was very good. We were pleasantly surprised to see florida “hills” 😊
Yenca — Google review
Lakeridge Winery has a great location in the hills of Central Florida. I’m not a fan of the Muscadine grape, so I felt the wines were quite biting and acidic. But if you like the Florida grape, try this out! The staff was informative and pleasant. They do allow dogs and have free wine tastings after the facility tour.
Megs — Google review
We absolutely loved it! The second we walked through the front doors we were treated like we were family! All the staff made us feel right at home! The staff was very knowledgeable and we learned so much from them while we were there. Everything was very clean and organized, the bathrooms were immaculate. The tour was free, and the wine was delicious! We can't wait to go back in the summer to see the vineyards in full bloom.
Melanie Hayes — Google review
Amazing experience! We did the tour/tasting and our girls took us on a tasting journey. So much fun and so full of friendly energy. If I lived closer I would spend way too much time in the loft, hanging out and overlooking the vinyard working on my laptop all day... such good vibes here. Love almost all of the staff and almost all of the wines! Try the mulled and be ready for flavor explosion!
Kathie Ward — Google review
My family and I really enjoyed this winery. It’s one of the best we have visited. The tour and tasting were complimentary which makes it even better. They do yours all day long so you can show up with out reservations. You will walk up stairs to a room to watch a video on the history of the winery. Then walk around and see where they make the wine at. If you want to see the vineyard in full bloom it’s best to go during the summer time. We can’t wait to return to check out their weekends at the winery! Very great place to visit with family from out of town that love wine!
Aundrea Lohman — Google review
Absolutely amazing visit !! Free parking and tour .Guided Tours and Tasting are offered 7 days a week starting at 10:00 am each day, with the last tour offered at 4:00 pm. Tours usually run every 30-40 minutes and begin with a 10 minute video presentation, which guides you through the entire wine making process and the history of Florida wine.
Geovanna U — Google review
My husband and I enjoyed the complimentary tour and wine tasting here. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. If we hadn't had a flight in two days, we definitely would have bought some wine or other goodies! Definitely a nice place to stop if you're in the area.
Kia Frank — Google review
Fun afternoon!! We went on a Monday so there was probably more going on during the weekends but we walked right in and jumped into a free tour!! Tour guide was super sweet and gave some great tips on wine. We got a few things at the shop and roamed around a little. Cute spot!
The Magic Kingdom is a renowned theme park within WDW, consisting of six themed lands that include rides, parades and costumed characters. It's known for its iconic Cinderella Castle, as well as popular attractions like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The park offers nightly fireworks displays that illuminate the castle and Main Street USA. Geared toward young children and their families, the Magic Kingdom provides an immersive Disney experience with a focus on storytelling and mythology.
An absolute must visit for adults and kids big enough to walk on their own.
We started on Epcot and moved to Magic Kingdom (two grown adults) we spent over 10 hours in a single day between the two and didn’t even get to see half of magic kingdom (we did no rides just sight seeing and food stops)
If you have kids start at magic Kingdom and plan no less then one full day, several if you have the time. As two adults in Epcot eating/drinks as we got hungry or thirsty and without any concern for cost we spent about $300 above the cost of parking and entry tickets. (Adult beverages and two “meals”).
A final note, if you go absolutely plan to stay for the firework show. Video and photo do no justice to the visual or audio quality of the display. LED lights in the trees are synced to the projector lights and are synced to the street lights, synced to the projectors on the castle, synced to the choreographed fireworks. All of that on top of an absolutely mind blowing audio set up that resonates from what I imagine is hundreds or thousands of speakers throughout the park. To top it all off you may even see Tinker Belly fly from the castle off into the distance. (Best use of a zip line and LED outfit I have ever seen)
Plan ahead so budget isn’t a concern and just plan to enjoy yourself. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. (A hat or umbrella to block to sun would go a long way to increase your sunshine stamina).
Daniel Roeder — Google review
We had a great time here with the kids. This was our first visit to a Disney park since we were kids ourselves so there was a lot that we didn’t know.
First off, the parades and shows throughout the day are incredibly well orchestrated and the kids loved it. There’s always something to see which is nice.
We didn’t go for the photo pass which turned out to be a good choice because all the photos they took of us sucked. We did however buy the genie+ pass that allowed us to book rides ahead of time. If you’re going for only a single day definitely get this to optimize your time.
The rides are a little more dated feeling than at Animal Kingdom but the kids didn’t notice.
This is the most important thing to know heading in…EVERYTHING COSTS A FORTUNE.
Here’s what you should consider bringing with you or buying elsewhere and the Disney prices for each.
Portable fans ($30ea)
Poncho ($10ea)
Water ($3.50ea)
Minnie ears ($30ea)
Lunch ($15-30ea)
Lots and lots of snacks.
Have fun :)
Mike G — Google review
They say this is the happiest place on earth... and I fully agree with them!! I have never been happier in my life! All the cast members were super friendly and helpful when I needed them! The characters were all great, sweet and so amazing! All the food here is divine and not to badly priced for a theme park. The rides and attractions are fun and you don't always wait to long, but if it is a long line then they have covered walkways and fans! You can ask almost any guest service or food place for free water if you can't find one of their water fountains. The stores are beautiful and well stocked with a lot of merchandise! I am already planning my next trip! It is well worth it!!
Kyojuro Rengoku — Google review
Great park in particular for families. You can ride almost everything with kids older than 5. Only Tron might be something for older kids. But it is also a hell of a ride, highly recommended. Stay of possible until the end, the fireworks are really impressive.
Michael Wiedemann — Google review
Out of all the parks, this is the one where the cast members and rides feel the most magical. I really enjoy how the parks are back to their old vibe and the cast members truly add to the experience, unlike when they were staffing the park with only college program due to the pandemic. I also noticed that this park is the only one that balances the ratio between lightning lane and Standby Lane when feeding a queue to an attraction. This makes the wait time to be more accurate, if not faster than what's displayed. We attended the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and it was worth every penny. Had tons of fun.
Carlos Alberto — Google review
One of the classic parks! Disney parks always deliver.
Tron was an amazing ride. Highly recommend it. Really cool structure and recreation of the Tron aesthetic, the weird position you’re in makes for a different and interesting roller coaster experience, and the parts where you go outside was cool.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was good too. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are always fun. The Space Mountain here is one person per row unlike the one in Tokyo Disneyland which is 2 ppl per row.
We also went for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where you could be at the park until midnight, get free cookies and hot chocolates at a bunch of places, see a bunch of shows and parades, and interact with cast wandering around. The projection mapping on Cinderella’s Castle was fun and spectacular. Christmas vibes were super cute. Space Mountain had Christmas lighting on l and it was cool to see the inside for the first time.
Yuri Yamaguchi — Google review
i had so much fun! this is my third time here, and every time it never ceases to amaze me. spacious, and lots of fun rides for everyone. lines got sort of long (especially weird for a weekday), so we got the genie + passes, which let us ride many rides and even the bigger ones we rode multiple times. you have to join a line queue for the tron ride- it’s so cool!
Ryelie Cauble — Google review
Incredible place to take the kids. There is a lot to see in this park from rides to attractions. Many options to meet the characters which was a lot of fun. The Magic Kingdom's Starbucks took 45 minutes to get our order; that was a bummer. Magic Kingdom had the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen; they were amazing. Great place to visit with the family just remember to have patience while walking the park.
Sarah Cat — Google review
Magic isn't only for your children. Adults can live the fairytale too!
I proposed to my wife here! We took the back stage tour, we have been on every ride, but we keep finding new things to do and ways to experience the magic!
The food isn't healthy, but it is feel good food.
A fun way to spend time with friends or family. A great way to make some core memories!
Also, the call them fireworks for a reason... 🔥
Sam Marks — Google review
We loved it! It definitely brought out the kitten all of us!
It's been roughly 20 years since I've been, but it was wonderful to go and show the experience, experienced it as a child and then again as an adult. It was good to see you that some of the stable rides were still standing. It was hard to get on trying no matter what we did. Mountain was awesome! Magic Mountain never disappoints. I would definitely have to take the baby on the teacups and small worlds for good measure. The lines were ridiculous so the genie plus service definitely helped them in some situations but not on all the rides.
It's a dry park though, so be forewarned, it's not like the other parks in that regard.
King was pretty easy. Just remember where you parked. You can save that in app or on your phone and remember how to get to your tram section.
Moochie M — Google review
Great experience to have with family and friends. Best place to take if you have kids but I went with adults and we had a lot of fun. Prepare for long lines and a lot of walking but the parades were amazing, and the castle was magnificent. 9pm showcased the fireworks and that was pretty cool. Definitely recommend!
Andy Mejia — Google review
Visited as 3 adults for the opening Mickey's not no scary Halloween party. Having travelled from the UK and not doing the Disney parks this year it wasn't to be missed for a first time experience. Last visit was 7 years ago and it didn't disappoint.
Arrived at 4pm, you don't have to make a reservation for special events and rode Haunted mansion, Splash mountain, Big thunder mountain and pirate's of the Caribbean with little to no queue. The event start at 7pm and managed to ride space mountain in the dark and the tea cups with a spooky theme.
The check up points for candy were everywhere and you collected tokens to exchange for allergies.
Enjoyed the magic of walking down Main Street and soaking the atmosphere all in. Whilst most of the shops were shut to prepare for the event still managed to get some goodies.
As for a day in the it's perfect for little ones, adults or those with any additional needs. Plenty to do for all.
The event queue for merchandise was hectic so I recommend waiting until later on in the evening if you wish to purchase anything.
Don't forget to collect your free print on the way out and if it rains the parade or show may be delayed (which is what we experienced) but wait for it! It's worth it 😊 characters are about in costumes but be prepared to wait for over an hour for some. Elvis stitch, Winnie the Pooh and friends were especially popular. Jack and Sally are in the main theatre and they tend to be the busiest due to the event.
Cara H — Google review
Despite a downpour that push the fireworks until 22:00 the “Happily Ever After” show was amazing. The day was enjoyable with the family despite the 95 deg F temperatures. The highlight would have to be TRON. The night ride in the front seat was outstanding! It was a unique coaster experience on the light cycle.
Jason Brandt — Google review
"Most magical place on earth," still remains true. The entire day was hot & the lines were long at times, but we had a blast at this theme park! We were a bit lucky with the weather because it rained; however, it was still humid it's Florida. Still, there are plenty of air conditioned places for a cool off, water, & other needed supplies. In our opinion, you will not need a lightening lane pass. Those lines were long too & even though some rides said 45/75 minutes on the myDisney app, we never waited longer than 45 minutes. The entire kingdom is clean, staff are always in character, variety of options to shop & eat, & an overall great family experience. Stay for the fireworks show. Place yourselves close to the monorail to see them - thank me later :)
Dr. Lisa — Google review
Magic Kingdom is a realm of pure magic and wonder, where dreams come to life and the heart is forever young. Stepping into this enchanting kingdom is like entering a storybook brought to life.
The iconic Cinderella Castle stands tall, radiating a sense of awe and anticipation that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is nothing short of extraordinary, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly fantastical.
The attractions are a symphony of thrills and imagination, catering to guests of all ages. From the nostalgic charm of classics like "it's a small world" to the heart-pounding excitement of Space Mountain, every ride promises an adventure that lingers in your memory.
The parades and fireworks displays are a spectacle of artistry and emotion, leaving guests with a sense of wonder and awe. The dedication and talent of the performers are evident in every dance step and soaring note.
The staff at Magic Kingdom are the true heart and soul of the park. Their boundless energy, friendliness, and genuine passion for creating magical moments elevate the experience to a level beyond compare. They're the real-life fairy godmothers and wizards, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty.
Magic Kingdom is not just a theme park; it's a place where joy knows no bounds, and every corner is infused with the spirit of dreams. Whether you're reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, a day at Magic Kingdom is a day well spent. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to this land of enchantment!
Joe Twal — Google review
It is a huge, very beautiful park with a giant castle as its main attraction. There are some roller coasters and many ways to be entertained. The food is very good and the fireworks show at night is the best thing in the world and a unique experience. You You need to visit it someday, period, because just as the name says, it brings a unique experience for you and all the visitors there. You can also take a photo with several characters that you love.
Vini Celular — Google review
Magic Kingdom was amazing for where my kiddos are at the rides, and attractions were great. I've heard it is a bit less enjoyable for the older kids as the majority of the park is geared for a younger audience other than Tomorrow Land. Which I can see, however, it is still such a great place to visit and see the location. We loved every minute.
David Berggren — Google review
It's always a magical place. A most see with the family. The experience is amazing. The
Price is starting to become a factor. 200 a day per person to wait on long lines and hopefully enjoy 3 rides during your day is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Also, charging for geni and only being able to choose one t8me slot at a time instead of being free and choosing 3 at a time definitely does not help.
Frankie Camacho — Google review
The absolute best park in all of Disney! So many iconic rides and things to see. Recently came here for the Christmas party for the first time and it was amazing! The park really lights up and you get the real Christmas feel. Love when it snows it’s unlike anything you’ve seen and a must see!
Christopher Ciminelli — Google review
This was our first time taking out toddlers to Disney. I love the fact that we were able to bring in our own snacks and drinks in our travel cooler. It wasn't that crowded and the Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lanes help cut down our wait for some ridesnot the popular ones though. I would definitely suggest getting familiar with the app prior to your trip. Make sure to also bring an extra charging pack for your cell phone because you will be using it all day for the app. We only had to order lunch once since we came prepared with our own snacks. The rides we were able to get on with our toddlers were pretty good and they enjoyed them. We loved the shows and parades throughout the day. I am glad we did not get the photo pass and would not suggest getting one. Almost every picture they took of us was awful. You will be better off taking your own photos. Our best photos were taken when we offered other families to take photos of them and then they take one of us. My toddlers had a great time and all in all we enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back.
Chelle D — Google review
Simply W O W
I was here with my wife and our little daughter, having been here once before as a couple a few years ago.
An absolute experience for which a single day is hardly enough. There is so much to see here. Starting with rides to different parades, countless restaurants, shows, etc.
Simply breathtaking.
However, the truth is that the park is not only incredibly large but also incredibly expensive! The Preferred Parking alone costs $50. So we have spent for the one day including tickets & food a total of more than $ 500 - our little daughter had to pay no entrance fee.
However, the glow in the children's eyes was absolutely worth it!
To see as much as possible, I can only recommend to activate the Genie+ service in advance. It makes planning your day a lot easier.
The absolute highlight of the day was definitely the Meet&Greet with Mickey&Mini.
Johannes — Google review
This is the classic Disney park. From the moment you enter and walk down Main Street there is a different feel than any other park. There are endless great snack and food options all over the park and cast members that are present to make your day magical. The mix of old classic rides with newer technology rides like tron is great. The shows are outstanding and the evening show happily ever after is one of the best there is.
Jj Prete — Google review
Magic Kingdom truly is the most magical place on earth. From the attention to detail throughout the park, right down to the cast members - it’s a wonderful experience.
There are lots of food/drink options throughout the park. Some restaurants will take reservations - save yourself a wait and make one in advance if there’s a particular time/place you’d like to dine.
Crowds are generally large, however manageable. If you’re not big on waiting in line, I would recommend the Lightning Lane pass (Genie+) and you’ll be able to pack in more and not waste your day in queue.
Disney is expensive and that’s a fact. You can bring snacks and empty bottles in and refill with water inside the park to help cut costs. Merchandise prices can vary. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.
Overall, wonderful experience for the first time or the fifth time.
Christina Marsh — Google review
Taking the kids to Magic Kingdom for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. He all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, it was beautiful to see the castle light up. Everybody was waiting for it to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney park!!!
Naty Rivera — Google review
The magic kingdom park is really magical. The whole park transforms into a virtual reality where you are in Sindbad at one point and in princess world at other. There is something for everyone ; The various thrill level rides, fireworks, parade, meet and greet, the ferry/train ride to enter the park, food, decor!
The wait times during holidays are high and may be there is a way to better manage the lines. The app offers interactive games to engage while waiting your turn, but some other interactive acts in the waiting room would be ideal. The park was open until mid-night during the Christmas break so in all we managed to avail much more than we anticipated.
Much better than the Animal kingdom. If contemplating where to go first then this is it.
The genie plus pass for fast lanes is definitely worth it and pretty reasonable at $30 per person.
The park requires physical ID unless the tickets are added to the wallet. Plan accordingly. Ample restaurants and souvenir shops for each attraction.
Recommend Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion amongst others.
P.S. They do not have the laser show like Disneyland at LA.
Ruchita Agarwal — Google review
My daughter and I went for a weekend getaway. We had a blast. All the cast members were very helpful. The weather was beautiful. We are exhausted from having too much fun. We rode every single ride. We had a truly magical time. See ya again real soon, Disney.
Gessica Estensen — Google review
Magical indeed! The park did not disappoint. Although, I do wish we could have enjoyed more rides. But the lines got so long it was impossible for us to wait for hours with two little ones who have very little patience. We spent literally all day there and enjoyed as much as we could.
Eve Newsom — Google review
Going to Disney “magic kingdom” it healed my inner child- however the crowds were horrible, staff were very rude, and food was nasty and overpriced. But for a person like me - I did love the experience- watching the parades and seeing the show at 8:30 was great 😊- everything else pretty mediocre- I still however plan to go to other Disney parks- no need to visit this one for a second time.
lashondp — Google review
Truly the most Magical place on Earth. My four year old was in shock from the moment she saw the castle. We loved every single second of our trip. Will definitely be back. Buy tickets in advance
Tai Sanders — Google review
Not my favorite park but it's still a fun place that I like visiting just because of the rides, food and the castle!
Pro tip: Stay hydrated and cool during the very hot days. The FL heat sucks. Make sure to take some mini fans to keep yourself cool since there will be times that you have to wait in line for a very long time. Also, try not to bring a lot of things to carry (if possible). Just bring the essentials if you can. This park can get packed and it should be a good idea to feel comfortable during these times.
Maritoni Osgood — Google review
Incredible... love to come to disney every single time. Don't expect thrill rides, expect quality and a fabulous family experience. The food, the fireworks and iconic views of the castle... its all amazing. The cast members are amazingly kind and helpful. Build memories and come to the parks. It's not cheap is the downfall.... bring your own water bottle for drinks to fill, bring your own poncho for the Florida rain. Recommend to stay on property, many locations and budgets to select from.
Anita Eulenburg — Google review
A truly magical place for the young and old. This is our second visit after many years and it's still fun. More rides, parades and character meets than shows at this park. It can get hot when waiting in the queue, so keep water handy. Use the App to see the current waiting times, ordering food and paying for goods. The Lightning Pass was costly, so I did not our purchase it. The fireworks are worth staying around for.
William Lin — Google review
Like other Disneyland park, it is filled with fun and joy for kids and adults. They have strollers and wheelchair rental for those who need it.
Majority of cast members are amazing. Of course there will be some who could do better.
They have special nights and such, so ensure to check on the app for special hours. Genie + is a must in my opinion. It is a bit pricier, but hey… it really helped in saving time!
Food options are most American and quality is meh, but oh well. It’s a grab and go type of thing. Some of their sit down restaurants are great - Cinderella Royal’s Table, Be our Guest etc.
Ming — Google review
Perfect weather and ride times were well managed by the teenagers who used the app to find optimal choices based on wait times.
The Tron virtual queue needs to be tightened up. Once it was our turn, we still waited 70 minutes to board. Great ride, though
Walt Disney World® Resort is a renowned destination that includes expansive resorts, dining options, shops, and four theme parks featuring various rides and shows. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World stands out as Central Florida's sole AAA five-diamond resort, offering top-notch amenities from one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands.
Disney is always a beautiful destination but I have some recommendations. My first recommendation is, if you don’t like waiting in long lines buy the lightning pass. Also if you’re a thrill seeker there may be a couple rides for you but they’re mostly shows. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing because it will be hot and it’s a big park so there will be a lot of walking involved. Stay hydrated, bring a backpack so you don’t have to carry anything by hand. Lastly but most importantly have fun. All in all it is an experience so enjoy it.
zelekah niles — Google review
I have visited several times Disney World before the pandemic and really enjoyed it. Very Beautiful and lot of activities for Kids and Adults as well. Our recent visit was a little disappointment . We went there last spring break and the park was very busy. It took a long time to get into any rides or activities unless you pay more for the fast lane. Also 2 week’s before the spring break all the parks except EPCOT were fully booked. We’re lucky we’re still able to Book EPCOT because on the start of spring break all the parks were fully booked. Also you need to get a park reservation in advance in addition to your pass tickets to enter the park. And it cost $25 to park your car inside the park. I advise that you install the My Disney application to help you navigate the park. The application gives you update in real time how Long the wait for each rides in the park as well as schedule times of each activities in the park. You can also use the application to buy tickets and park reservation .The fireworks at EPCOT was amazing. Overall still a good place to visit probably better if you go there on off season..
Manny Alonzo — Google review
It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending.
Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it's so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.
Pardeep Kumar — Google review
Oh my gosh this place is nuts. So many fun things to do. The rides, the food, the merchandise. Everything here is so fun and just a great experience. The first recommendation i have is the Magic Kingdom Park, this place is literally magical just like the name says. The next stop is Disneys Animal Kingdom Theme park. And also check out the Epcot Presentation because that is some really cool stuff they’re gonna be doing with the Epcot center
Jordan James — Google review
Disney does a great job at keeping the guest happy. It is the happiest place on earth. The rides are fun, and the shows are great. If you can make it, I'd recommend going at least once. It's my favorite amusement park that I ride the majority of the rides. Bring good shoes and rain gear. It rains a lot in Florida.
Donna Miller — Google review
I hadn't been in 11 years, and it was just as fun as back then. Great experience. Staff is amazing! I actually went around the world twice! It was the Flower & Garden Festival while I was there, and if you haven't seen it, it's an absolute must!
Renee VanGalder — Google review
We got to visit WDW, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for a recent family Vacation. While our single-day Disney Park visit itself was pricey, incredibly packed, and loosely planned, the park itself was fun. Was fortunate to ride Space Mountain but sadly the fast passes did not quality for most rides we wanted to go on, plus having been sold out for a week beyond even our date of visit.
Food was very expensive, but tasty. The Magic Kingdom Parade was really awesome to see as well as the evening castle stage show. Other family members also enjoyed the rides they went on.
If you really want to see and do everything at even just the Magic Kingdom, be sure to spend extra for Fast Passes far in advance; otherwise be prepared to wait a bit in line as expected. Even then, with how busy it was, multiple days might be considered to ride everything.
The Genie App, while useful, does also have a hamburger menu to show the full list of shops, restaurants, etc., while using it. Also, keep in mind nearly every boutique focuses on take-out ordering so you'll want to make sure you get orders in at least 45 minutes in advance if not more if you're planning meal times - there are to-order lines of course, but you might wait awhile as both on-premises and to-go orders are being processed. It worked well enough - just not the most ideal method for handling crowds in the tens of thousands or more.
Overall, still a fun time. Still magical. Not quite the same as being there when young but still had a good time.
Doug Fullerton — Google review
The most magical place in the world. Have the best time here, staff were very friendly. The rides were really fun but you do have to wait quite a bit for them which is understandable. Meeting the Disney characters was a wonderful experience. The whole atmosphere is very nice but be prepared to walk a lot. Overall it’s a great place, 10/10 would recommend
Gabrielle Panayotova — Google review
We stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort. Father’s Day and our 9 year anniversary and we celebrated in style. It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending. Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it’s so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.
Rachael Gaylord Cargill — Google review
Beautiful resorts. We stayed at the Dolphin for a few days and then transferred to Animal Kingdom Lodge for the rest of our stay. Loved them both. We also spent time visiting the other resorts. Each were unique and offered something different. There are several free modes of transportation as well. Boat, monorail, skyliner, and buses that can take you to each of them.
christine alvarado — Google review
Absolutely thrilled to share my enchanting experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! From the moment I stepped into the magical realm, I was whisked away into a world of pure delight. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is truly astounding; it's as if fairy tales came to life! The heartwarming character encounters left me feeling like a kid again, and the exhilarating rides were a true adrenaline rush. But what truly set this trip apart was the impeccable service – from cheerful cast members to the meticulously clean and organized attractions. Every moment was like stepping into a dream. Disney managed to capture the essence of joy and wonder and transformed it into an unforgettable reality. This trip was nothing short of a spellbinding journey, and I'm already counting down the days until I can experience the magic all over again!
Lynn M — Google review
THE HALCYON IS THE GREATEST DISNEY EXPERIENCE OF ALL. I was a guest on the Halcyon. Hands down the single greatest Disney experience we have ever had. Worlds above any other. We wanted to book another Halcyon cruise immediately but found out they were closing. A huge loss. So many of our friends had not heard of the Halcyon and would have liked to go after hearing of our experience and seeing our photos. The cast was excellent. Every member of the crew was cheerful, attentive and helpful. The rooms were spectacular. The food wonderful.
kaijugal kaijugal — Google review
We absolutely loved it here for our first time the staff and characters were all nice and friendly my son got to meet Cinderella and the actress was so patient with him and extremely kind knowing he had autism….I’m still gonna 5 stars my only complaints was every including food and drinks are crazy expensive my hubby bought to regular size soft drinks and
It cost him near $10 for just 2 sodas….. my other complaint would be the guest services didn’t give me the correct information
Ashley Stoddard — Google review
Amazing! The pictures do not do justice to how much detail and effort goes into these parks! Always clean, staff is easy to find for questions and transportation between parks is super easy! Had a blast at 4 of the Disney parks!
Tommy B — Google review
Disney World is a favorite vacation spot, it is such an incredible experience! You absolutely get what you put into it. There are crowds so remember to pack your patience and to dress comfortably, and definitely consider buying the Lightning Lane passes, it can help streamline the day a bit.
Mary Wharton — Google review
Absolutely enjoyed every second spent here. Who said Disney’s not for adults, I could tell you, it sure is. Awesome spots for food with various choices and a lot of places to choose from to shop. From was one of my favorite rides.
Omer Sherjang — Google review
I recommend going prepared to walk and remember to drink plenty of water. Everything is very magical and beautiful. The food is not tasty and total fast food!!so don't think you're going to eat well.The parade at night is worth staying to see the end of the fireworks but I advise you to leave 10 minutes before it ends because the queues to get out of the island get huge.
Nara Medeiros — Google review
Walt Disney World Resort is comprised of multiple theme parks, each with separate entry costs. I truly believe that everyone - from all around the world - should visit each park at least once to experience the magic that has been created there. Multi-day and multi-park tickets offer incredible savings for multiple visits, so definitely plan your trip.
Joshua Pulliam (Mercion) — Google review
It is one of the best places in the world! Am so in love with the multiple parks and the ease of hotel access between the parks with shuttles. Great packages and heaps of fun. Have always loved being a pass holder, and the water parks are an added bonus.
Brielle J — Google review
The rides and atmosphere is fabulous. Food at quick service is too repetitive. Very few gluten free choices in quick serve. Chefs are great trying to help. Dislike seeing Starbucks and other chains within the park. Please consider Colonial period correct clothing. Dresses were wrinkled and ill fitted. Disney should represent the USA in a more dignified manner. Landscaping is very nice, too.
Ames — Google review
Our family has loved Disney World through the years. As the kids have grown up we have found new ways to enjoy the parks. On our last trip we stayed at the newly renovated Grand Floridian. Excellent vibe. Nice to have options to getting into the parks: boat, monorail, bus, and walking. Well worth the extra expense of staying at a nearby Disney property.
Sunset Seeker — Google review
Went in 2021.
It's definitely worth it for kids.
Make sure to go when the ☁️ is nice. It started to rain halfway during the day, and kind of slowed everything down. But, the views of all of the structures are fantastic.
Purchase tickets ahead of time.
Rides are mostly for kids.
Make sure to take the ferry ⛴️ to arrive at the theme park.
It's free and a better experience.
Juned Ahmed — Google review
Disney, magical encounters with beloved Disney characters and special seasonal events. (Please note that character encounters and seasonal events are subject to change or cancellation.) And starting in April 2023, this will be where Walt Disney World's latest attraction takes place.Knowing the behind-the-scenes and close-up experience of the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perceptions and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.I can experience one of the most incredible and memorable experiences in my life.
Knowing behind the scenes and experiencing up close to the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perception and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.
Еаликино Абинореал — Google review
It is pricey, but after experiencing it we have zero regrets! Disney World is simply exceptional, and there’s honestly nothing else like it. There is literally endless fun to be had! The food, the rides, the shows, the decor, the cast members, everything is amazing :) Even their lost and found program. I filled out their online form, and they found my stuff within 30min. This place is Magical
Christian Prescott — Google review
In one word, Expensive! That said it was lovely, our room was nice. Grounds were nice. Park was great. Nice transportation from area to area. Amazing staff. Food was good in upper tier restaurants, not so much in lower tiers.
marianne neel — Google review
First time here and a time was had. I was solo and not to do what I wanted (well maybe not all cuz of the wait times 😅) but I had fun. Will definitely be back and plan better. Also need better shoes for all the walking
Kelly Ndifon — Google review
We have the annual pass for Disney parks and it is truly a beautiful experience every time we go with our kids.
On weekends, we take advantage of the waterparks, especially on the warmer days. You have to stay and see the fireworks in the evening. It’s definitely something magical 😊
Diana “Your Favorite Realtor” Mahadeo — Google review
It's getting back to what it should be before they got greedy. Love going to all the parks. We we skipped AK this time due to weather but with annual passes we can go a different time. EPCOT'S festivals are amazing & you go near the end of one you can catch both with the flowers.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is a vast wildlife sanctuary, divided into six sections where visitors can experience animal encounters, thrill rides, safaris and shows. It aims to combine the elements of a theme park with those of a zoo and African safari. The attraction also incorporates Disney characters and storytelling for an immersive experience. Among the highlights not to be missed are Finding Nemo The Musical, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest.
This is one of our favorite Disney parks, especially when the weather starts to get cooler. We concentrated on the Asia and Africa portions of the park today. These are very well themed and make you feel like you are in another exotic part of the world. There are many interesting things to see and do there. Their crowning glory is the Tree Of Life that greets you when you first enter the main part of the park. It has many intricate wood carvings that make it up and it houses the It's Tough to be a Bug attraction. There is one of the best restaurants in Florida located here too. The Yak and Yeti restaurant. The best thing I like is all the different vegetation, waterfalls and wildlife that you can see here. There are several nature trails you can walk, a safari and even a train ride. These also are live shows, rides and plenty of places to buy souvenirs, food and drink. You will certainly be kept entertained and well fed if you go here.
John Haddock — Google review
Pandora was mind blowing, a floating mountain over your head! Wow. Really impressive, well done Disney. Tree of life is always amazing, wish the food was better. Also pretty crowded and we went on a weekday in May. Didn’t have a chance to get on any rides, and we were at the park at 8 o’clock. We’re not willing to wait an hour for a ride, but apparently lots of people are. We had perfect weather, so didn’t feel the need for AC. Several of the animal habitats were being cleaned, so we didn’t see tigers or antelope. Overall a really nice day
Mary Lou Keller — Google review
Great place to experience all types of animals, ants, culture, and great rides! The Yeti is one of my favorite roller coasters, the view before the drop is amazing! Pandora is a BEAUTIFUL area, the rides are very fun and definitely raises all senses. The area in within itself is exquisite, especially at night. The safari is the most interesting aspect, to have the ability to see such animals up close is so cool and we all are so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience this. Animal Kingdom is overall a great place to bring kids and photo ops!
Jackie F — Google review
Absolutely great experience. If you can wait a bit, Avatar ride is by far the best experience I've ever had. The expedition to Himalaya is fun too as well as the Safari. The park is smaller than Magic Kingdom but definitely recommended.
Michael Wiedemann — Google review
If you are planning a big Disney vacation this is a good kingdom to start with as a warm up. I highly recommend the fast pass and lighting lanes if you don't want to wait in long lines. This park isn't as crowded so it was a good way to learn how to schedule rides and plan out your day. Pandora was really beautiful and my son made himself into an action figure! Lion King show was really amazing. I get motion sickness really easy and I could handle all the rides fairly easy. It did rain almost every day so bring a pair of flip flops and a poncho. We put our sneakers away when it would rain so they wouldn't get wet. If you like nature and animals this is a great park to visit. Lots of food choices. We brought water bottles and protein bars to cut on some food costs.
Maria Velasquez — Google review
Went on a Sunday in September.
Easily, my most favourite park! Got there for 8am solo with genie plus activated. Got my shaking Jamaican and walked on and off every ride. It was great. The music, the atmosphere, the food, the authenticity of the countries. The jungle juice is super underrated! The safari ride was amazing, as we got to see a elephant taking a bath (apparently, rare). If the park was open later and had the light show, I could have stayed the whole time just staring at the architecture. The cast members are very nice and helpful to get where you need to go.
I wasn't a huge fan of the corn on the cobb. I've had better.
Jan M — Google review
I recently revisited Disney's Animal Kingdom Park after a few years, and it was just as magical as I remembered, if not more. The park has made some new additions that are absolutely fantastic. The Avatar ride, in particular, is a standout – it's so impressive! The rides throughout the park are great fun and there's something for everyone, no matter your age. One of the best parts of the park is the variety and quality of food available at the restaurants; they really add to the experience. And of course, seeing the animals roam freely is a joy. This park truly offers a bit of everything for everyone, making it a perfect destination for families or anyone looking for a fun day out.
Arelys Q — Google review
Our first visit here and it was amazing! The tree of Life is a gorgeous sight to see and the wild birds flying around the area brought the place to life among all the people. Wish the park was open later as we could have stayed much later than the 5pm close time as there is lots to see especially if you or the kids enjoy nature/animal watching.
The scenery in each section of the park is a spectacle and the Avatar themed Pandora land was what I couldn’t wait to explore. It’s unreal being there and Flight of Passage had to be my personal favorite ride of all 4 parks.
This park stands apart from the rest connected you feel to the plants and animals throughout and although there are less rides overall, it’s well worth the trip because of what they offer.
Bonus: huge Starbucks with quick service to give you a cool boost to battle the summer heat!
Disney world is definitely a magical place and this park carries on that theme just as strong as the others!!
Randy Douglas — Google review
It was lush and gorgeous everywhere we went! Even the places where we waited in lines were interesting and well-kept. We loved the bug show inside the big tree, the jungle safari, and the Pandora river ride.
Leah Tobey — Google review
We had an amazing time! We love this park. My only complaint is the crowd levels. It's always packed, so be prepared. I'm very excited to see the updates coming to this park. The rides are all amazing. I really enjoy the safari too. Just all around was another fantastic day. Also, I love seeing the pin boards back out and all around.
Mel W — Google review
Great time! Highly recommend if you have little one’s. There is plenty to see and do that everyone has fun. A few playground areas are scattered around the park too so you can sit and watch your kids play or join them in the fun! We did a few rides, but mainly enjoyed the ambiance and the animals. Again it was perfect with our little guy!
Caleb Wright — Google review
Perfect weather! We went to all the islands, the Pandora ride left me completely speechless, really was a lot of fun. Got drenched in Asia, the ride was nice but it seemed like I took a shower! Safari was great, got to see many of the animals (pics included). Did not sit down for one minute.
Is n exciting place
Astric Cruz — Google review
An amazing weekday experience at the Animal Kingdom. The lush landscape and beautiful wildlife makes it all worth it. Entertaining shows and highlights like rides and attractions are the cream on top. It was my first experience and surely one to remember. I think you need a few days to get the full experience but it was certainly something incredibly memorable for the kids and adults.
Tasha Ceres — Google review
Animal kingdom to me is the best park by far. I love the animals and all the different things you can see and try their. Perfect for taking photos too in various places! I highly recommend the festival of the lion king show! Took scout with me my lion character.
Braze Wolf — Google review
Really awesome place to visit for the family. Must see area in the park is the avatar area! Lots of good places to shop and eat. Rainforest cafe was great. Definitely go on the Safari to check out all the different animals in the park. Park ride lines were not to bad unless you are waiting for avatar. Overall great experience and would recommend checking this park out.
J — Google review
Each Disney park has a unique look and experience but animal kingdom is one of the most unique looking and feeling places out of the 4 parks. Plus they have the Avatar attraction! Kids loved the park! It’s especially nice during the time they have Christmas decorations up as well.
Justin B — Google review
Amazing! This is the best park of the four if you like more chill stuff. There are rides for all ages and it is extremely fun! I recommend the feathered friends in flight show!
Parker — Google review
Had a great family visit. We especially enjoyed the safari. Everything is expensive, but if you know that coming in its saves some frustration. A lot of walking covering a lot more area than anticipated. Nice playground for small kids provides a good break.
Bob Mueller — Google review
Had a great time there. The lines were insane long next time we will get genie+ and get lightning lane passes. I feel it's worth the money. We spent more than 2 hours in line for avatar flight of passage.
The ride was amazing tho. Me and my gf loved it. It's a technical marvel. Was awesome
Secret for this ride is to get in the middle. Know you really don't have a choice but if you can figure it out... sit in the middle. There's a little bit of visual distortion on the outside seats.
We go lucky seated in the middle
Random Someone — Google review
Amazing experience however roller coaster was down.
But park was clean, was easy to wander, nice rides and experiences. The safari was amazing to see. Variety of food choices.
Some Longish waits for rides but I think that’s normal.
jen.juhlke — Google review
Animal Kingdom is hands down the best of all the Disney Parks. It's stunningly beautiful. The lines move fast and are amazing! The food is so good. So many awesome animals and photo opportunities! Also a ton of places to sit in the shade! We had a wonderful day, and since we gate dropped we did a ton of stuff and even managed a lightning lane for Flight of Passage!
Brandy Nelson — Google review
So not the best park for rides if you don't like avatar or animals but if you do this is awesome. We love Avatar and this park has been a long time bucket list. Flight of passage, and river journey are both great rides and have lived up to expectations. Recommend getting genie+, there are not a lot of rides here but it's worth getting just to do those 2. Ride times for them never got below 1 hour the whole day we were there. Pay to ride Passage and book lightning lane for journey. Also Recommend going to Nomad Lounge at 11 when they open to put your name in for a table later in the day. We got in line at 11:20 and got a table at 2. When we came back at 2 they were booked for the whole day. There drinks and small plates are so outside of normal park eats and they are a real treat. The best ice cream sandwich was in Dino land USA, at Dino bites. It's a great dessert and really helps cool you off.
Nerdy Family — Google review
Some of our best Disney magic photos or in this park. It was our first time visiting the park and it was worth it. I would say that if you're planning a Disney trip, you can do this one in particular and under a day. It was not my favorite park, but they've done a wonderful job putting it together. If you're into the hole Safari thing and avatar, this is the place for you.
Shan Lee — Google review
The experience with in the park was awesome and educational in areas. There are boats that go around the river in this park with characters and bands. The rides were fun and I highly recommend the Pandora area for the flight ride.
April Milton — Google review
It was my first time going here since I was very young and don't remember, so it felt like my first time going here. I had high expectations considering it was Disney, and I think it still exceeded expectations.
Some of the views are amazing between Pandora and Mount Everest, and the Yeti ride is up there as one of the best rides at Disney.
Tony Puglisi — Google review
Beautiful place but I think it has very few attractions inside, one day will be more than enough to do everything and get time to rest.
We went with our little girls and they got in love with animals and shows ❤️
Service as usual was good and helpful.
We enjoyed it a lot
Josias Madrid — Google review
Very clean park with a great safari and very nice shows but not my favorite Disney park. We were there at rope drop first thing in the morning and the Aviator ride Flight of Passage was already at a 50 minute wait time by the time we ran to it (I was unable to grab the lightning lane tickets). Not as many rides but their animal exhibits were nice. The Lion King show and both bird shows were awesome. I will say because it's a smaller park it only takes a half day so it's easier to park hop.
Sarah Cat — Google review
Love Animal kingdom! Been there multiple times and every time we had so much fun. At safari ride, you see different animals.
I love going to Gorilla Fall. Baby gorillas have grown up quite a bit since last year, and teenage boys were moved to different locations.
Best part of the park is Avatar ride! Regardless of long line, it’s worth waiting.
Lion King show is a MUST!
This is the first time we saw the show and were blown away! The costumes, quality of show was comparable to the Broadway show in smaller scale.
My daughter went to the river raft ride and got soaked but had so much fun. When you get tired, you can sit on by the water in Asia, have ice coffee and pastries from Joffrey.
Whether you want to see animals and stroll around the park or want to get on fun rides, Animal Kingdom has everything you can imagine and much more.
Amy Kang — Google review
We went to animal kingdom on springs break with my son 5 years old and my teen age daughter. Both had a lot of fun. I recommend to go early morning and start with the avatar theme park. Don’t miss the safari ride. Do it ether on the early morning or the end of the day for the waiting time. Download the app it will help you a lot with the waiting time and with guid your trip.
Daliah B — Google review
The park boasts breathtaking beauty and offers an extensive array of attractions and amenities. Its aesthetic charm is truly remarkable, evoking the enchanting ambiance of movies seen on both TV and the big screen. The attractions are meticulously designed to provide boundless entertainment, catering to individuals of all ages (it's virtually impossible for anyone not to relish this park experience!). Furthermore, the park's infrastructure is tailored to ensure visitors enjoy optimal convenience: the restrooms are impeccably maintained and conveniently located, a diverse selection of food and beverages is readily available throughout the premises, and lockers are provided for storing belongings securely before embarking on any rides. Additionally, the park staff are exceedingly attentive and helpful, further enhancing the overall guest experience. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or simply a day of family fun, this park undoubtedly exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Leonardo Noronha — Google review
It’s my second favorite park other than magic kingdom. It felt absolutely amazing inside it. All the nature sound and atmosphere, the animals and the attractions. Disney totally killed it for this one. Looking forward to come back again next year!
X z — Google review
Phenomenal experience. Escape from Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Na'vi River Cruise, Flight of Avatar are all top notch attractions. The Pandora section is breathtaking, especially after dark. One year we'll spend more than just a day here to experience everything this place has to offer. So many themed shops and eateries and they're all so well done. And in typical Disney style, everything is just perfect, from the attractions, stores, eateries, to the garbage cans and the bathrooms.
Deen Blash — Google review
IMHO...Best family fun through out Disney. All the wildlife and plants give it a warm, comfortable feel.
The bug show is only 10 minutes, but recommend doing this when when you want comedy and excitement.
The Lion King is also a must as it blends acrobats with a good story, and fun, familiar music.
Recommend purchasing a separate lightning pass for Avatar...to say it is a 4D simulator does not do it justice. The separate pass does not interfere with the regular lightning pass.
Tom Erb — Google review
My personal favorite park. As an animal and nature lover it doesn't disappoint! My personal favorite is an event they do called birds of flight they do in the center view of the big tree. A whole bunch of parrots fill the sky and come down around everyone and they're gorgeous birds. It's also home to my favorite coaster in all the Disney parks, Everest. Avatars area is incredibly detailed. Plus, it's practically like visiting the zoo!
joshua salter — Google review
This park was so much fun! We took my stepson, baby girl, and my parents. The safari ride was amazing! The kids loved seeing all the animals up close and personal. It was my first time as well, and it was a great experience. We went to the Avatar area, and my daughter loved it. She was only 9 months old and was allowed to ride in the Avatar River ride. The food was great, even though it was expensive, it was worth every penny. Lastly, we ate at Rainforest Cafe and it was thoroughly enjoyable!
Ashley Evans — Google review
Animal Kingdom was one of the three parks my family and I visited during our Disney Trip, and despite my very much looking forward to visiting, I was really disappointed.
If you don't get Genie+ ahead of time and don't get the park super early, go ahead and expect 45 minute plus waits for almost every major attraction. We did get to do the safari and a few other minor rides, which was fine, but it simply felt like there was nothing but an absolute mass of people any which way you turned, even on a weekday. We still very much enjoyed ourselves, and I always enjoyed the food and snacks in this park.
Just beware that all the shaded spots will constantly be unavailable just due to the sheer amount of people in the park. Next time we come, I might just skip Animal Kingdom this time around.
Robert Maxwell — Google review
This had some of the best visuals of the park. Disney has done a really great job here. Between Avatar, It's tough to be a Bug, Expedition Everest and River Journey you will have a busy and fun day.
Art Bezzeg — Google review
First time visitor to Disney Animal Kingdom. It was fantastic. The "Tree of Life" is spectacular. We went on the private tour (14 people) of Behind the Scenes Elephant area. Cora, the baby elephant was there. Elephants roamed freely in a very large, open area.
Our Guide was enthusiastic and well-informed. Learned a great deal about Elephants, the Disney live animal philosophy and the profile of a Disney Guide. Guides seem to love their job. They're tenured employees with years of experience.
This attraction features an airboat tour and alligator-handling show in a protected swamp. The park also has a tropical bird aviary and petting zoo.
My family had a wonderful time at Wild Florida. The boat tour was relaxing and very enjoyable. Bobby was an awesome tour guide. My kids had the best time feeding the gators, big and small, and we all enjoyed seeing the various animals up close. Better than the typical zoo experience by far. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this as a stop while in the Orlando area. I also recommend going earlier in the day if you're on a later boat tour because there is much more to do and see than I expected. The food was amazing as well!
We did the safari tour after our boat tour. The kids enjoyed every second of seeing the animals so closely. Our car was even attacked by an angry ostrich (or maybe emu). We found it funny but the poor bird wasn't so amused. The park is run very well and the kids even got a map to track what animals they saw. Cannot recommend this enough.
Megan Caywood — Google review
We absolutely LOVE this place! We did the boat tour on Saturday at 9:00 am so we arrived around 8:20, plenty of parking spaces (by 10:00-11:00 am was completely packed) and we checked in and waited until our boat arrived. Beautiful views, boat is pretty noisy, but tolerable, we saw a couple of baby alligators, which was awesome, and a lot of birds. The captain of the boat was knowledgeable and nice. I think his name was Bobby. After the boat tour we were allowed to go to the park and see the different exhibits and animals.
We fed alligators, we even hold a baby one (with permission and supervision obviously). We pet baby goats, and a tiny pig , they were adorable! . All the staff are super friendly and nice!! For sure we’ll be back soon . 100% recommended!
Frecklebean — Google review
This place is amazing! Came for our 5 year anniversary and the drive through was stunning, we seen so many beautiful animals that look very well cared for and happy. We seen some little deer jumping and running and some water Buffalo going for a dip in the water even got to see some zebras come right up next to our car and an ostrich that wanted a taste of our car lol plus so many other beautiful animals, we seen animal in the map that they give you at the gate.Wonderful experience and we will definitely be back.
Ash Place — Google review
What an awesome day we had at Wild Florida. Even being native Floridians we learned a few things. We were fortunate enough to have lunch with “Crusher” the resident 13 ft alligator. What an amazing experience. The staff and trainers are very knowledgeable and courteous which made our experience that much better. I highly recommend visiting the park to anyone. We will definitely be back.
K — Google review
Took my 12 year old daughter on a whim for something to do on spring break. I’m SO glad we did! She loved seeing all the animals so close, and feeding the giraffe, Walter! We even got to see a Watusi delivery a brand new baby calf, watched momma clean her baby, and the whole herd, including a bison and 2 camels come to see the new baby! It was such a joy to be a part of! The park was great to see and then seeing new life come to be and all the animals so excited to see the baby made it even better! Thank you for letting us in to be a part of that!
Amanda Taylor — Google review
Wild Florida is a great place. It was a lot of fun. It is not a full day unless you want to spend a lot of money. We did just an animal interaction & just walked around. If you want to do the air boat ride & drive through safari you can spend a full day. But even if you want to do even one of those things, I definitely recommend it. The staff is super friendly & zoo keepers speak very highly of the place. The food is well priced, good quality, & the corn bread is fantastic. We bought more on the way out. Definitely worth the trip & we will be making another this year.
Robert Carroll — Google review
We did the safari and some of the Gator Park only because it was 100°. Safari was beautiful! Feeding the giraffe was great! Gator Park is nice, looking forward to going back when it's not so bad of weather.
Ashley — Google review
Fantastic evening airboat ride. Saw a few alligators and Eagles plus lots more that we wasn't expecting. So peaceful and amazing to see when we stopped in various areas. The tour guide was great and pointed out loads to us with some amazing facts. The Gator Park was very good staff all friendly and helpful. Well worth a visit.
Karl Dudley — Google review
They lock the gates 10 minutes after closing make sure to get to car with enough time to get out. Also there is no lighting on the paths & once the sun is down it was hard to see to get out of the park. More don't touch a snake if you see one instead of an exit signs. Lots of gators. We had a nice time. The trails were mostly dirt. Like most animal parks you need to watch out for wet walkways.
Crystal Sullivan — Google review
We had such a good experience. We pet and fed the porcupines. Fed the alligators. Went on an airboat ride. And finally drove through the safari. There were so many baby animals! I was driving and didn't get the chance to take a lot of pictures. A recommend buying your tickets in advance for any of the animal encounters.
Dianna Dempster — Google review
Just finished this adventure and I must say it was well worth the money spent. A first class operation all the way.
Air boat captain (Kevin) did an outstanding job of showing us bald Eagles , alligators an other marsh wildlife.
The wildlife park drive through was an extremely pleasant surprise. A large variety of high plains wildlife and at a very close up look. One of the best we have been to.
Gary Weybright — Google review
We couldn't have been happier with the sloth encounter that my daughter went to. She is still smiling days later. The woman running the encounter was great. She was friendly knowledgeable and made the whole experience enjoyable for everyone involved. If love animals and want to get up close this is a great place to visit.
All of the animals encounters are booked separate from just an admission to the park. I highly recommend booking encounters in advance.
Unfortunately we did not have time to explore the rest of the park, since we had other plans we had to get to, but we did get to see some of the other animals on our way to and back from the sloths.
It's not the place to go for a whole day, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the trip. I would definitely return next time we are in the area, to check out their other attractions.
Greg Noonan — Google review
Great time. Went when it was summertime, but was still doable. Would recommend early in the day, or cooler time of year. Did the Safari, and really enjoyed it. Plan on 60-70 minutes for the Safari. This includes admission to the Gator Park. Overall, would plan on around 4 hours to see everything. Did not do the airboats.
Andrew Mackey — Google review
The safari drive was so fun. There are 2 options, going a long 2.5 mile route or a shorter option if you just want to get to the zoo. We saw many animals who were very close to the car. The zoo was much larger than I thought and we spent about 5 hours here. There’s a petting zoo with goats and pigs which was cool. We were lucky enough to catch some shows as well. I will definitely be back
Briana Harricharan — Google review
Wild florida is a great day out for all of the family.
We started our day with a trip on the air boats where we saw alligators and bold eagles in the wild.
We then walked around the zoo section and saw loads of incredible animals, saw a couple of shows, and got to hold an alligator.
We then went around the drive through safari and finished the day by feeding a giraffe.
A great day out, I would highly recommend it.
Danny Iwan — Google review
Great family experience. Loved the freedom of taking our time through the drive through safari, many animals came right up to the car for some cool pictures. The gator park was eventful as well, so many animals to check out. Few shows to check out as well, we missed it.
Lynette Johnson — Google review
This place is Florida's best kept secret. This was an amazing experience and was a great way to get away from the crowds at Orlando parks. We paid around $170 for five people abd we had an absolute blast. They offer so much for such a low price. The safari comes with a walk through Zoo and optional animal encounters for additional costs. This will be a Florida to do staple for my family and I moving forward.
Lucas Brobst — Google review
Wild Florida is a gator park and much much more. It is about 30 miles south east of our Blue Heron 1806 rental condo.Wild Florida also has a 'drive through Safari', Airboat tours and wildlife park featuring gators and an assortment of animals from around the world. The park has a great swamp walk, petting zoo and bird house in which you can feed the resident animals and birds. You can even arrange an alligator feeding experience and walk through a swamp. All their attractions are very reasonably priced and they even have Florida residents rates. We highly recommend Wild Florida. It is well worth the drive! Don't forget to get a picture holding Fluffy the gator!
Blue Heron Resort Rentals Orlando FL — Google review
We Absolutely loved it! A nice fun trip to see some animals we've never seen before. The pricing is great and very affordable. Every staff member we met was extremely helpful and nice and answered all our questions. Also they have snacks and drinks which BONUS they are not expensive and crazy prices like most places weve gone in florida. They have multiple shows going on we had the most fun at the gator feeding show. They have a petting zoo with goats and pigs. We did not get to do the air boat ride but I'm sure it is excellent. I highly recommend checking this place out for some family fun time!
Tony Goehring — Google review
Great experience on the water. The temperature was a little on the chilly side, so be sure to dress accordingly. Our boat captain was great and really knowledgeable about the lake and the different animals and birds we saw. The boat was comfortable, but definitely wear ear plugs if you sit near the back.
Chris Mitchell — Google review
I'd go just for the delicious ice cream! We had a great time during our visit. It was remarkable how close we were to alligators and other wildlife. The sloth encounter was a delight. Staff were welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly.
Jen McKean — Google review
This was a spur of the moment trip and it was an excellent day. The Safari and the gator park were just what we needed. The Safari took about 90 minutes. Spent another hour at the Gator Park. They have Florida resident discounts which is always nice.
Located in rural Dade City, Giraffe Ranch is a picturesque drive-through attraction with close encounters with giraffes, camels and rhinos. The ranch also offers exclusive tours that can only be booked by reservation, as well as ample opportunities for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car.
Here are just a few shots of all the amazing animals you will see and learn about at the Giraffe Ranch. Lex and Elena are so great and Lex was who took us on our tour. His genuine love for his ranch and all his animals shows loud and clear. He is a wealth of information so take notes! Very worldly man to say the least. We learned so much and asked many questions that Lex was happy to answer. It was so fun and so educational. Worth every cent and then some. I will go again and take the camel tour next! We did this for my moms 81st bday and learned that he had a lady over 100 do the camel back tour!! My mom says she will do it for her 85th lol!! I've lived her my whole life and just learned about this place on my favorite morning radio show. I'm sorry I did not know earlier. I'd of love to have taken my father who had a huge love for the animals. Needless to say im grateful I got to experience this with mom. I rate this life experience like the best of diamonds. Colorless triple excellent!!! ❤😘
Carlamarie B — Google review
My first visit at the Giraffe Ranch this weekend. Ranch has a lot of animals! Guided Tour included with general admission was great. My reason for 1 star is in regards to the $300 private giraffe experience, falsely advertised on website!! Website states you “join professional giraffe keepers in their daily giraffe care activities. Customized experience lasts a minimum of 30 minutes.” My “experience” was a 20 minute private giraffe feeding. No tour of the giraffe barns, no daily giraffe care activities demonstrated, and I was only given 20 minutes in the enclosure on the safari bus. The tour guides brought me just enough into the enclosure to feed the giraffes and closed the gate right behind the safari bus. General admission is not included in the price of the experience, so my entry with the experience was $420 for a total of two hours on the ranch. Not to mention I missed the beginning of the general admission tour because I was feeding the giraffes. Don’t recommend adding this experience to your general admission, they take you to feed the giraffes during the guided tour anyways. $300 is absolutely outrageous, totally not justified for the experience I received. I didn’t even get the 30 minutes promised in the experience listing. Disappointed!! Would’ve loved to actually see the daily giraffe care activities.
Heather Padgham — Google review
What a WONDERFUL Florida gem. The safary tours are amazing. You get to watch the animals live in a natural environment. This place does not have a zoo type vibe. The husband and wife couple keep you entertained by educating you on everything you see without having to exploit the animals. Definitely worth the money!
Leslie Powell — Google review
This was absolutely an amazing experience! They take pristine care of this facility and really care about these animals. It was a drive-thru tour with the guide over the radio. We have taken other tours like this and the quality of the tour and information from the guide (who has worked all over the world and is an adjunct professor) is 2nd to none. We also did the lemur feeding afterwards ($35) and it was SO COOL. They have other package options (Segway tour/camel tour/driven) and other feeding options to explore as well. There is another location in Lakeland that is 5x the size and we will go and review that soon too! VERY MUCH WORTH THE COST!!!
pivolopez — Google review
This was a great outing. The Safari wagon takes you up close and personal to giraffes and camels. Got some great photographs feeding the giraffes. Their pet camel is a big puppy dog who wants to be petted on the nose. Highly recommend the vehicle tour. $119 per person.
Glenn Smith (Smitty Nuc-Guy) — Google review
Absolutely hands down the best experience ever. Words can describe how amazing this place was and the owners where so nice . I had my grandmother with me who has mobility issues and they really helped with her and engaged with her and made for a very special day .
Mike T — Google review
We were skeptical because we had seen some negative reviews on this place. It's a beautiful drive to get there. Gate was locked up when we arrived which is understandable, but there was no instruction or guidance as to what to do if you already had a reservation. You do need a reservation to do this. We sat at the gate for about 15 minutes. Employee came out and let us in, greeted us and assisted in finding the radio station to listen to the guided tour. We did the guided tour from the comfort of our rental car. Property is a fairly decent size. Plenty of animals to see, even up close. Got to see plenty of animals roaming around. All animals looked like they were well taken care of. Guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We also participated in the lemur feeding. We had plenty of time to feed and interact with them. Was overall a great experience!
Chris Edwards — Google review
Very nice place to see and feed giraffes. This is a private home ranch. You will be up close the animals. The owner took on the the tour and she was very knowledgeable and down to earth. This is a MUST DO if in the Tampa / Orlando area.
mark merrion — Google review
The tour was an awesome little adventure for our local family and visiting out of towners. Reservation was easy to do online. When I needed to add one more person, I just called and was taken care of promptly-easy peasy.
The tour was engaging and informative. My teen nephews had lots of questions that Elena answered and her enthusiasm about the various animals, their care and history, and related topics was appreciated and made an awesome impression on the boys! Elena was also very considerate to ensure my brother who has mobility challenges, and my 80 y/o aunt were able to see and participate and that they were comfortable. Definitely recommend this and I’ll be bringing more visitors through!
Alison Seward — Google review
“Expectation versus reality” is the best way to sum up our day at giraffe ranch. My boyfriend and I took our two 7 year old daughters to visit. Our reservation was at 4pm and cost me $340. We entered and the tour started immediately almost without warning. Driving so far to come we needed a restroom. Drove around the property following a gentleman on a Segway whom was explaining the property and animals we encountered. I felt his humor and over all approach was just not as professional or child friendly as I would have hoped for. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. The grounds were well kept as were the animals. We got no where near any animals on the tour and a lot felt lack luster and was over sold online in the gallery and descriptions. Once our tour ended he immediately led two vehicles out of the property because they had not bought other experiences. I do hope no one needed the restroom!! I purchased the lemurs in addition and had to request a restroom first. On my way I Found out they had a gift shop and many other animal enclosures we had not seen! We were being rushed the entire visit it felt like. The lemur activity was enjoyable and I’d say worth the extra fee. The children enjoyed that part and the animals were very clean and gentle. Upon the end we were taken to the gate to exit immediately. Perhaps at an earlier reservation we may have had a more impressionable enjoyable experience. Overall we had moments of enjoyment and learned a lot about animal mating! Personally feel it did not entirely meet expectations for the cost.
kelly Kersey — Google review
Excellent adventure! We did the camel tour. The guides were knowledgeable and you got to see the animals way closer than you would at a zoo. They were also very open about where each animal came from and their conservation efforts.
Jessica Franco — Google review
A++++ experience! The gentleman, owner, did our tour and we learned so much not only about the animals but about the history of Florida (and elsewhere). We had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this place!
Christina — Google review
Don’t be concerned like we were when they didn’t open the gates right up until your tour time. It does look a little sketchy driving in but it is very much worth it. We enjoyed the otter feeding though it was quick, it was worth it because they were our favorite animals. You can tell the owners take pride in what they do and they have a wealth of knowledge on all the animals. The ride along safari was great because you were chauffeured around the land to be so many animals. We got close encounters and great pictures of all of them! It is pricey but worth the day trip out!
Sarah Kubik — Google review
This place is fantastic!!! First discovered this place during covid. They offered- and still do- a safari style tour of their fifty acre property that's chock full of all kinds of amazing animals!! Giraffe-babies included!! They have a rhino, several big cats, lots of small primates, so many ostriches, and many more!They also offer add on experiences like hand-feeding ring-tailed lemur, a two toed sloth🦥, and two different types of otter!! 🦦🦦
Suzi West — Google review
If u haven't been here, it's a box you may wish to check and go see. This place may not be that big,but, wow, it's interesting and shows how much someone who cares about animals can do a wonderful job taking care of them. I know the money to get in is ouch to the pocket book but is worth every cent u spend. This will be a place to see. Feeding a giraffe, yep, so loved that.
Debra Mauthe — Google review
What an amazing way to celebrate our eight year anniversary! The owner was very hospitable and knowledgeable as we rode some amazing and friendly camels through the vast expanse of his property. Every employee was super friendly, and I highly recommend the lemur feeding as well! You can tell these animals are well cared for. The gift shop was also a treat. Very well maintained ranch with awesome staff and a great owner! We will be recommending this place to everyone we know. Thanks again!
Falling Knife Films — Google review
We did the Camel Safari Tour for our 17th anniversary and had the most amazing day. Truly an anniversary we won’t EVER forget. We felt welcome from the moment they greeted us at the gate. Easy parking, a bathroom and LOTS of amazing creatures.
Mitchell Osborn — Google review
Awesome experience!!! We did the drive thru safari in our own car guided by a Segway. The guy was very knowledgeable and made sure we got to see as much as possible. Definitely going to do this again ( maybe on a camel :))
Bekah Knieriem — Google review
Just go, you will have a GREAT time. Never been on a Segway but after 10 minutes never thought about it again, just enjoyed the freedom to follow the guide (who was excellent), and have a intimate experience with the animals vs riding in the people mover. A must do!
Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Citrus County, Florida that features beautiful gardens, twice-daily carillon concerts, and the Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estates (circa 1930s). The gardens also hosts outdoor classical-music concerts.
What an absolutely beautiful hidden gem Bok Tower Gardens is!!! If my friend hadn't told me about it I wouldn't have stopped to check it out. What a vast array of beautiful landscape to walk and explore; 250 acres worth!! We barely scratched the surface and I look forward to going back to explore more! I love how all the plants are labeled so we know what we are admiring!! We so enjoyed the gardens and the tower, and next time will explore more of the nature trails. We also enjoyed the children's garden, Hammock Hollow, where my 5 year old could explore on terrain more fitting to her size!!
We grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe; delicious sandwiches and ice cream!! Was a nice treat before exploring the gardens. Make sure to also take time to go inside their mini museum and learn the history behind Bok Tower and Gardens, as well as learn more about the making and insides of the tower itself.
Bok Tower Gardens is a place you could spend your entire day exploring, as well as just relaxing on a blanket with a picnic relaxing!!
Rae — Google review
This place is beautiful. We spent half a day there walking around and looking around at all the beautiful plants and trees. It was amazing to walk around and check out the grounds and old buildings. The tower is amazing and we stayed for the carillon bells. I can't explain the beauty at this place, just spectacular. The food at the Cafe is delicious, great salads and sandwiches. I really enjoyed this place and recommend, so relaxing and a place to de-stress.
Brooke Murdock — Google review
Great family friendly location, awesome museum and tourist center with an 8 minute video explaining the history of Bok Tower. Cafe had awesome food, kids loved it. Awesome scenery. Great children's playground. We will definitely come out again, the kids loved it!
Neida Ortiz — Google review
Seriously beautiful and worth a visit at least once. The singing tower is stunning and very well maintained. Also enjoyed a good portion of the general gardens walk, lots to see! Make sure to take in the views around the tower itself, the elevation is a rarity in Florida and so nice to see.
Elizabeth Hadden — Google review
Definitely worth visiting these gardens over 200+ acres. Incredible variety of plants and exotic vegetables. Great play areas for kids. Incredible musical tower with bells, called Carillon, popular in Europe.
Paul Bhadha — Google review
This is definitely one of Florida’s hidden treasures. Unspoiled by man’s forward progress, this sanctuary features some extremely beautiful trees, plants, flowers, and foliage. And of course, the main centerpiece is the Bok Tower Bells. If you want to avoid crowds and screaming children, and screaming adults, this is definitely worth the visit. It’s about 45 minutes or so from the Walt Disney World resort. It’s definitely worth the drive.
Michael Crandell — Google review
Just back from a visit to Bok Tower Gardens and I've got to say, if you're someone who loves a bit of nature and history, this place is a must-visit. Nestled in Lake Wales, Florida, the gardens are a creation of Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant who really gave back to his adopted country. This beautiful spot isn't just about the lush landscapes; it's also home to a stunning 205-foot tall Singing Tower. The sounds of the carillon bells ringing through the gardens are simply majestic.
We went for Mother’s Day and it was the perfect setting. The tower, the music, the expansive views—all contribute to a peaceful, yet exhilarating experience. They even play a mix of top 100 hits, adding a modern twist to the historic backdrop.
For anyone looking to spend a day surrounded by beauty and calm, I can't recommend Bok Tower Gardens enough. Bring a picnic, enjoy the koi fish in the reflection pool, and just let the beauty of the place wash over you. Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking to unwind outdoors, this place has something for everyone.
Paulina Fadrowska — Google review
Absolutely loved it! So much so that I purchased a membership, which grants you either free admission or 50% off admission to about 50 gardens or history centers throughout FL. A regular annual membership is $60 but it’s only $30 for students.
Bok Tower Gardens is well-kept, with a wonderful variety of greenery and plenty of places to sit & enjoy. There were a lot of people picnicking and napping. Definitely worth the trip. Bring some snacks and a blanket and you can easily spend a few relaxing hours here.
Sieda — Google review
Definitely worth the visit. The entire grounds is kept so nice. Everywhere you look there are hidden areas to sit. We enjoyed walking up to the tower and getting to listen to the bells, it’s an experience unlike any in our area.
We were specifically blow away by how nice the childrens area is. It’s very thought out, and the creativity that was put into it should be celebrated. Overall we had the most amazing day here.
Can’t wait to come back and explore some more.
Ctine Doza — Google review
Being there is better than these few photos. While we were there it was almost on going bell's ringing in a musical way. So beautiful and peaceful. Another of history and surprised of who created this place and the people who were involve had an effect even in D.C. .
Glenn Williams — Google review
This was a really lovely experience and I would love to come back. I feel like they offered everything I would have ever expected or hoped for as far as gardens or estates go, and they did it well. Between the gardens themselves, the introductory video, the museum, the cafe, the tower itself and the gift shop, everything was top notch.
Tracey Campana — Google review
So glad we got the chance to explore the Bok Tower Gardens. This place is massive and so beautiful. Be prepared to walk-around and really take in the beautiful flowers and serene landscape. I even got a chance to grab some of the plants from the gift shop. Reasonably priced and happy to have something to remember the time spent there. This is a great place for a stroll, picnic and some good exercise.
Nay F — Google review
Beautiful garden. Trails were paved and mulched, well kept. Bathrooms were cleaned. I enjoyed the walk through the garden. Looking at the map, I thought it was a lot bigger but after walking, it fell just right. Not too short, but also not too long. Perfect for younger kids. As you drive in, you pay at the front gate, then drive to the parking lot.
Luke Chang — Google review
This day across the board was perfect! Weather impeccable for our day out at the Bok Tower gardens!
The cafe had very friendly staff .
Food was very fresh when ordered!
The staff in the information center were thrilled to help us learn about the garden as well! Beyond pleased to have spent a peaceful day here ❤️
Angel Locicero — Google review
We had a great time walking around these gardens on a quiet Saturday morning. I particularly enjoyed the endangered plants garden and outdoor kitchen. Walking around here for a few hours brought us peace. It was nice to escape from the busy city and take some time to enjoy nature. Hopefully we will be back again one day soon.
Fairooz Haque — Google review
We love the many incredible Botanical and Natural Gardens that Florida offers for visits, at the “top” of our list is Bok Singing Tower. On this particular visit we had a goal to hike their trail system along with the Garden. We ended up doing over 5 miles including a variation of terrain. It is no easy feat to hike a grade of significance in Florida.
The bonus was the large number of Azaleas in bloom. The music from the carillon echoed in the hills as we traversed the sand and clay terrain. The gardens transported us to far away places with strange sounding names. Then we inadvertently crashed a wedding where the theme from Jurassic Park brought in the Groom and Bride’s entourage. And you know… in that setting it worked.
Neal — Google review
Visited 4/16/2024 and had a great time. All the staff we met were friendly and helpful. The grounds are immaculate. We brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed time by Bok tower as the carillon played. There are lots of small secluded areas to enjoy time together in a peaceful outdoor area. The tour of El Retiro is worth it and brings you back to a time long past. We did stop in the cafe, where they have a selection of beers, food, and ice cream among other things. All were excellent. I'll be back!
Walter Piper — Google review
The landscape is so diverse and well maintained. There were so many portions of the gardens to explore. The tower was really neat, the bells have a beautiful sound. The Old Florida is very interesting and fun to explore. We would highly recommend a visit, plus it's out in the country. This is an opportunity to get away from all the crazy traffic of a more densely populated area
Angie Huff — Google review
Loved everything about my visit today from the super friendly helpful staff, to the well thought out and maintained gardens. The short movie with the historical information was helpful. Bathrooms located throughout the grounds. Ate at the Cafe on site which was convenient and good to refuel. Saw fish, turtles, snakes, all different kind of birds. Spent 4.5 hours there and still did not see everything. Definitely will be back!
Kimberly D. — Google review
My family and I went here for the first time yesterday and we loved it! There was plenty to keep them entertained and lots of space to run out some energy! The grounds are beautiful, especially around the tower. We will definitely bring a blanket and have a picnic out there next time. We ate at the cafe and it was delicious.
Definitely would recommend bringing the whole family here!
christy lane — Google review
What a wonderful experience! While visiting friends in Cocoa, FL, we planned a day trip and drove to Bok Tower Gardens (something they'd talked about doing for a long time and just hadn't been). The grounds, gardens, the home on the property- El Retiro- were all beautiful! And the main attraction- THE SINGING TOWER!!! oh my goodness!!!! It was stunning. It looked like we were in another country or maybe we'd walked through time??, into Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings). I hope to visit again, soon! It was just a perfect day!
Jennfer Holder — Google review
Lots of beautiful areas to walk around even with small children. Lots of shade and there are many outdoor children activities behind the eating and gift shop area. It's much cooler in the summer and before 11am is perfect in the winter.
Monique Burrow — Google review
Undeniably beautiful. This garden is enchanting, well laid out and stunningly kept. I would love to be able to climb the tower. The water features and children’s area is also well thought out. This place is almost 100 years old and was a gift to all Americans from Mr. Bok. This place is a true treasure and gift. A must see place
Jared M — Google review
This is now my favorite place in Florida. BEAUTIFUL. Well taken care of, tons of different plants and flowers, so many different trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours just exploring around this beautiful place, but at the same time, everything is close so it’s not an exerting walk by any means. Ironically, although the tower and music are gorgeous, it was everything around it I would go back for. Loooved it.
Elianne Ferrer — Google review
Wow! Gorgeous! Beautiful! Are words to describe this beautiful part of Heaven on earth! This park is beautifully laid out to enhance the natural beauty of its flora and landscape.
Barbara Deckard — Google review
Amazing gardens to wander around. Peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you get there for 1:00 pm to hear the recital. You will need 2 to 3 hours to see everything properly. The kids garden is a lot of fun for adults as well. Reasonably priced cafe with friendly staff.
Raymond Wheeler — Google review
Beautiful gardens and paths. The bell tower was gorgeous. Loved the history lessons in the visitor center. There are lots of interesting plants to see, and everything was well labeled to learn as you go. Educational and fun!
Andrew Wagner — Google review
Wife and I were at a wedding in the adjacent neighborhood. Decided to give it a try. Looks very cool from a distance. Very quiet and serene. Neat plants and ponds. We were there in the early morning. A few other folks. We took a walk around. The background story is neat. I really enjoyed our time there. Not many places like it anywhere else.
John Myers — Google review
We recently purchased a duo membership and it's already paid for itself. It's such a peaceful and beautiful place. Plan for a couple of hours of walking the properties. It's stunning and there's so much to see! Cute cafe and shop and you can buy plants to bring home!!
Jalain O — Google review
Beautiful and peaceful gardens with many rare native Florida plants and excellent walking paths for all levels! Carillon bells played from the tower are so relaxing! Video screen area with bench seating to watch the artist playing. Highest point in FL and amazing views of countryside! Short historic movie at visitors center! Annual pass includes many other gardens across the country. On site restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced! Amazing gift shop with gardening gifts and environmental options.
Johnna Neugent — Google review
This place is AMAZING. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Such beautiful grounds with vistas from the top of the "mountain" 😂
The cafe has excellent food with beer and wine. Gorgeous gift shop and the tower is WOW! Concerts at 1 and 3pm. We took our dog and it's very dog friendly. Because we went last minute, we didn't bring a picnic lunch, so if you go, definitely pack a blanket and lunch and eat up by the tower on the beautiful lawns under the massive oak trees. Serene and peaceful retreat. 💚
Admission is $20
Dogs $10 - totally worth it!
Andrea Collyott — Google review
Well planned area. The area to park in had trees lining it so obviously for Florida your vehicle wasn't hot. The people were friendly. The different plants were awesome. We even saw a snake gardener snake it was all good. All the plans were really nice and like I said the setup but everything even when you were walking lots of shade there was a good Breeze we've really enjoyed our time there
C Chiavetta — Google review
Magnificent!! I was here many years before all the gardens were added. Such a huge variety of flowers and plants, vibrant colors, the winding paths with groups of plantings artfully designed - with many to attract bees and butterflies, plenty of places to sit after much walking, exceptionally clean... And then there's the tower itself. Beyond words...exceptionally well maintained, looks new.
And add to all this a perfect sunny cool day with a nice breeze -- we were in 7th heaven. We will definitely be back.
Vivian Bernasek — Google review
This is one of the best botanic gardens on the whole east coast of the USA.
Great walking paths, well labeled plants, duper staff, interesting varied environments.
Add to that a great kids area and a carrollon that plays every half hour and you have an all day to multiple day stop.
I highly recommend seeing this site.
Good for the whole family, even rover.
Stephen G — Google review
Bok Tower is an expansive garden where the centerpiece is a giant bell tower. You can enjoy a well-manicured garden while listening to the captivating sounds of the bells. Admission is $20 per person which is a bit expensive. There is a cafe and gift store on campus, along with a theater and visitor center which displays some history of the Tower.
I saw several groups of people having picnics and enjoying the warm March day.
At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, you can enjoy a day of fun without any stress. The park is filled with colorful LEGO bricks and features attractions geared towards children aged two to twelve years old. Rides and attractions include the attached water park which offers a refreshing break from the heat. LEGOLAND Florida Resort also includes an 150-acre theme park, 5-acre water park, on-site accommodations themed with LEGO bricks, and a world famous botanical garden.
Hadn’t been here in 10 years since our son was little. They have made some improvements but this place is still as amazing as it was back then. The food, drinks and rides were great. We were actually there a total of 5 hours and rode 14 rides!! We do Disney regularly and 3 rides is the norm there. We got annual passes so we will definitely be back. This place is so cool. Clean bathrooms and everyone was super friendly.
E Recker — Google review
Great park about 1 hour away from Disney ( out west). This is a great park for small children, not so much for teenagers. You can bring your refillable water bottles as they ah e refill stations for ice, water and soft drinks even if you don’t buy their cups. You should buy their cups to refill fountain drinks though. I went Labor Day weekend, the lines weren’t long at all. The most I’ve waited in line for a ride was approximately 15 minutes. Bring a change of clothes or towels for the rides that involve water. The food isn’t that great. Tickets are approx $100pp. I found a great deal online. Pay for 1 adult and kid goes In free plus paid for parking $22. I paid $268 for 4 tickets. Google search “ kid free with adult ticket” ( Honest Kids)
Winnie J — Google review
The service has been immaculate. They have a lot of staff members and all have been very kind and helpful. The free buffet breakfast has lots of options to every age and diet. Is it the best buffet? No, but it’s good for what it is. The themed rooms are a big hit with the kids. And every day they get a new small Lego kit they get to put together and keep. The castle hotel has a playground you can hop over to and utilize during the day. The Lego building play areas have been really fun for the kids. It’s been an all around great fun experience. The downside; all guests 48in and shorter, no matter the age are required to wear a life jacket in the pool area. Even if they know how to swim. I don’t think much older than that would have much fun.
Cat Wig — Google review
Excellent theme park for kids, specially for toddlers. Many attractions for all ages and with a best in class decoration. You really feel like you’re inside a Lego toy.
Food is not that special, but enough for spending the day.
George Homsi — Google review
The best theme park we have been to! The hotel rooms were well decorated. The buffet skillets for breakfast and dinner were amazing. Great place for all ages but in order to ride all the rides you have you be 48” tall. We loved all the Lego made characters throughout the park. Each area is decorated to its own theme. My kids rode their first roller coasters here and are hooked to ride more!!! Very clean, friendly staff, reasonably priced food and gifts. We can’t wait to come back and stay longer! No I’d also suggest the pontoon ride on the lake. The Captain is very knowledgeable and easy going and super kid friendly.
Meag McElvain — Google review
If your child is into Legos this is a MUST! Pay the extra $ and stay at the resort as well. You can't beat the convenience of having your hotel room steps away from the theme park.
The rides were great for my almost 5 year old. He loved all of them and especially loved the building stations they had throughout the park. I think his favorite thing to do was build the cars and race them with other kids at the Imagination building.
Every staff we encountered was so nice and helpful.
The park was clean and kid friendly.
We had dinner and free breakfast at the resort and it was surprisingly very good! Service was great. Room was great!
Rose Limb — Google review
As a “Lego Nerd”, wife’s words, I was excited to take my ten year old son. We had so much fun going to all the exhibits and rides. We went in the middle of the week and there was little to no wait for most rides. It is definitely geared more towards younger kids, or adult kids 😆, than teenagers. I do like the fact you can bring your own water bottle and fill it all over the park. We have been twice so far and plan on going back a lot more.
Michael Cornwell — Google review
Legoland Florida was SUPER FUN! We went on almost all the rides in one day, the wait times are pretty short. They also have a water park. Regular parking was $20 and preferred parking was $50. My favorite part was Mini land USA. Legoland is an awesome, extravagant, amazing place to go on the weekends or weekdays. I would recommend bringing tons of water too. And coming on a weekday.
Micah Dibiasio — Google review
Legoland was better than I expected. There were plenty of rides and activities for my young kids to do. We spent an entire day there and didn't get bored. There were refill stations for drinks at the park. I wish there were places for mist or outside fans as it got really hot, but we took breaks as needed.
My kids enjoyed every area of the park that we went to. We tried the pizza and pasta for lunch, and I do not recommend it. It is pricey for food that doesn't taste good. I really enjoyed the 4D movie. It was very interesting and short enough to keep my kids' attention also long enough to cool off.
I dreaded going to legoland, but I am glad I went. Highly recommend.
Cee — Google review
Great place for families with young kids. The park is small and easy to get around in a few hours. Food choices vary and are a little pricey for what they offer, but they do allow small coolers in. Young adults and teens will enjoy the park, but only a few rides are available to them
Paul Biramontes — Google review
This was our very first Legoland Trip and we drove about 13 hours for it with a 9 & 7 year old and it was well worth it. We stayed at the hotel and went to the parks. The hotel was incredible. It was so much fun, it had so much to do and was really cool to look at. The rooms were a little smaller than I thought however they were perfect. My husband and I had a blast along with our girls. They had a dance & pajama party every single night and a party elevator although the music wasn’t working on the elevator but my girls still sang and danced in it and enjoyed themselves. The park had plenty to do. We had 3 days at the park and we got to see and do pretty much everything. You could stay a entire week or more and not run out of things to do but for the Legoland part of our trip those 3 days were perfect and they got to do everything they wanted. My husband and I also love legos so it was really neat to see everything built in Lego. My camera roll is more full from our Legoland stay then our beach portion of our trip. I definitely recommend visiting Legoland instead of Disney. It was a really cool experience!
Victoria Newbern — Google review
We visited the place a week after new year. We only purchase 1 park ticket which is the Legoland itself. The weather was cold. There were less visitors. Most of the food carts were close. few rides. children will definitely enjoy the park. In terms of souvenir items there were not much to choose from. I was looking for architectural lego design but there was none.
Joy P.A. — Google review
So much fun there! We conquered the whole park in 3 hours - two adults with no kids. Some of the rides have about a 40 minute wait. Spots to go indoors and get out of the sun throughout the park. Very clean and organized. Only wish they had more "healthy" food options in the park. A ton of great photo op spots and most of the employees will take your photo with characters that appear.
Lorraine Toth (Pinupmakeover) — Google review
We got our annual pass back in December 2021, it is well worth it. Been here already 3 times and my little one loves it. We have $299 pass , we love it, no need to pay for parking ( we park in preferred parking) , we are allowed to bring 3 guess per pass in the year. We have use some already. I must confess it is a great park, lines for rides at the most 20 minutes and not all the time.
Nancy Castellon — Google review
Legoland is a great park for the kiddos ages 3-10. Especially if they love building with Legos. The coasters and rides are all appropriately themed and exciting for that age bracket. I have 3 boys and they LOVED IT! As an adult I enjoyed the large Lego builds. I would recommend this trip to anyone who comes to Florida with young kids. The wait time for all the ride were very reasonable, 5-25min per ride.
Brandon Woodard — Google review
We really enjoyed the craft at the Legoland theme park. I was just amazing. We really enjoyed miniland and we actually started there must of our visit. The best part for us was to see our hometown in the mini city. "Miami Beach". But, all the Lego craft is just amazing. It a must see to believe scenery. 👀😯👀😯👀😯👀
JARKESHA KINGDOM CHOSEN (KC) — Google review
This was my families favorite vacation! I wish we would have come here sooner. We stayed in the Legoland Hotel (pirate theme) and my kids loved it! The room was cleaned daily, housekeeping was great! The free breakfast at Bricks was awesome, we did it everyday. We also ate at Shipwreck in the Pirate Hotel, it was good but very expensive. Both restaurants are family style. We went to the pool and had it all to ourselves for an hour, best time to go is around 11. It was very clean.
The park was a blast, so much to do and so many places to cool off. The wait times were not insane like Disney. It was definitely less crowded during the weekday vs weekend. My kids road everything they wanted to multiple times. My only regret is not coming here sooner!
Kali Higgins — Google review
This park is specially designed for children under 12, but it's fun for all ages. The wait time was short at an average of 5 to 10 minutes per ride, with the exception of the cypress boat ride that had a 25 minute wait, I suggest going on that one right when the park opens before the line gets long. Buy the tickets online directly from Legoland for a secure purchase and to receive the best discounts. The kids love all the interactive attractions and rides, Legoland got the formula right, it really gets the kiddos involved like no other park!
Fred Hintenberger — Google review
WOW !!! What a great place to take your family. We made the trip on 10/29/23 and it was worth the 90 minute drive. Our daughter had a blast and their Team is absolutely Awesome. Halloween was in full swing and passing out candy from 2pm to 7pm, and not skimping on it. We had so much fun that we have decided to purchase season passes on their program. And the food was delicious and very reasonable!!!!
Shawn OConnell — Google review
Pros: when the park isn't busy, it's a pleasure to be there. We went on an "off season" day and it was perfect. No lines, kids were able to ride almost all of the rides other than the rides that were undergoing "annual maintenance". Overall a really great trip and the kids had a blast.
Ricki Mindick — Google review
I went with my kids today, and in my opinion, it is not worth the price for the amusement park. Regular fair rides are way better than this park, and it's over hyped. The only advantage is that 4 year old kids are allowed in all adventure rides along with an adult, which is not feasible at Universal and disney.
S Bansal — Google review
First visitors. Familiar with all Orlando parks and we live here, so went with family and a 2 year old. Rides are per typical of a county fair and over very quickly. Grounds dirty. Rides that were supposed to be open until 4pm (the pirate boat ride is the picture with my watch) were closed early.
But the ABSOLUTE WORST THING THERE WAS THE FOOD. The all you can eat pizza and pasta buffet was something straight from your nightmares. SUPER EXPENSIVE and all food bars empty all the time. They were adding ONE pizza at a time, while 15 people waited. When you did manage to launch yourself , Hunger-Games-style, to fresh food, it was absolutely awful. No cokes in any soda machine at all. And did I mention trash everywhere?
Finally, rides for a tot are SO minimal. Even super safe rides (like floating boats) they can't ride.
The only redeeming things about this place (still not worth the price point though) were the Cypress Gardens area, and the mini Lego land.
Been here, done it, and if you have an option - recommend that you pay a little extra and go elsewhere.
heather featherstone — Google review
So let me start by saying this place is nice for the kids and they loved it BUT the prices are just outrageous for what you are getting. Yes they get a little scavenger hunt in the fully themed rooms and they get a free small Lego pack and a juice but does that really justify the prices? I don’t think so. Otherwise it’s just a regular hotel. They do have the little play area in the lobby but the lobby is small. Perfect for the kids but the prices are ridiculous. Our kids did enjoy every minute and I’m not regretful but they should consider lower pricing so more families can enjoy the experience. That being said they do have a full bar downstairs where you can watch your kids play and have a drink and food. The breakfast was a family style all you can eat which was included in the price but still not super spectacular for what we paid. The breakfast was good though. The aesthetic and the decor is perfect and the kids thought the elevators were so much fun. Bathrooms are a little scrunched but the room overall was nice and it accommodated our 3 kids perfectly.
V Rose — Google review
This place is a ton of fun, especially for younger kids, but even the bigger ones can get in on the excitement. The Lego creations are simply incredible and truly captivating. The rides and attractions offer a good time, and there are indoor rooms for Lego building, complete with air conditioning and seating for a much-needed break from the sun and walking. While things inside can be a bit pricey, it's par for the course with most theme parks. Overall, we had an absolute blast!
Erika Sosa Romero — Google review
Excellent for 6-9 year olds! 48" can pretty much ride everything. 44" can ride with another kid who is 48"+.
Not a lot for toddlers under 34-36" but we went for the older kids. My 2 year old could do 3 rides. This was our 2nd trip and we just discovered the red schoolhouse building with the childcare center inside. It was great for an air conditioned break. Small indoor playground, kid's restroom, several lactation rooms, fridge & sink, many changing stations. Our toddler was able to nap in a lactation room with the lights off while my husband took the older kids through the park.
Cazbar Saelao — Google review
BLESSED to be a Polk County resident for annual family passes for our 11 year old son. He will soon "out-grow" much of the rides, since going at age 2½. The Water Park is the BEST for local FUN during Florida heat. The atmosphere and remaining Cypress Gardens, Ski Show, and Holiday Events are FUN for All, and returning visits. A 20 minute drive to Family FUN for Children is a Luxury; since, other families have to get on a plane, pay for a hotel, and book well in advance. And; Mom got a Discount, and Preferred Parking. NO Lines to get thru to Parking. I only went to get my PASS and purchase a "Gift Card" for The BIG Shop or LEGO Factory Store. They do not offer "Gift Cards". I did not go further into the Park for visit. Other Guests have more thorough REVIEWS and Beautiful Photos. ENJOY🤗
Donna J Pyne (FRANK's MOMmy2012) — Google review
I went with my wife and an adult friend (no kids) and was shocked at how fun Legoland actually is. There is a LOT to do, including some really fun rides and excellent theming. There's also a HUGE section of Lego cityscapes with realistic 5-6 ft tall buildings depicting the Vegas Strip, Florida cities, San Francisco, DC, and more. I spent about an hour just looking at all of that... Almost like a Lego museum. There are also fun Lego building options like the new Ferrari build-and-race where you build your own Lego car from scratch and literally race it like a soapbox derby.
For the coasters... The wild mouse (Great Lego Race) was maybe the best wild mouse model I've been on. Dragon is extremely well-themed with tons of Lego animatronics and a decent family coaster at the end. Coastersaurus is bad. Rough and forceless with TINY cars very difficult for adults to fit in.
Non-Coasters... Ninjago was disappointing. It was the first ride (I think) with the AR hand-motion shooting but the sensors were not calibrated well and there were no physical sets at all. Just screens, screens, and more screens without an interesting story. So if the only point is shooting for points it would be much more fun if it was properly upkept. The queue was very cool though. (In general I LOVE the idea of putting places to build Legos IN the queues so kids can handle longer wait times.)
Lost Kingdom Adventure was good in concept but again, not calibrated well. I like that when you shoot targets it activates effects. I feel like this one would be better without the guns at all. Just let us go through the "not-Indiana Jones" story with all of the effects happening for everyone.
The LEGO Movie Masters of Flight was a cute concept for a ride and is basically a better version of Disney 's Soarin' ride (but not close to as good as Avatar: Flight of Passage). I liked that the ride had a story as well as most and scent effects.
Pirate River Quest was disappointing. The wait times were outrageous for not that many people in line (a general problem at this park) especially because they were only running 3 boats on a 20-minute ride. And they only hold up to 8 guests each. So ~70 passengers per hour. And for most of the ride I wished I wasn't on it. It's mostly just a pirate telling you to count gems then giving you the answer before you even pass by all of the gems. And most of the figures are not made of Lego and are stagnant. Not nearly enough animatronics for a "pirate battle." The parrot talking got really old really quick too. I did like the last part sailing on the open water but I'd rather just walk through the Gardens next time. Because I chose to do the ride I didn't have time to walk through Cypress Gardens which is included with admission.
Mia's Riding Adventure was the only true thrill ride in the park, being a big disco-style spinner ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Coast Guard academy was basically go-karts but in boats. Super fun but the wait was ridiculously long because they weren't using over half of the boats.
NFPA Rescue academy was a super-fun competion to put the fire out the fastest. A slight workout!
Most of the rest of the rides are kiddy flat rides. I think you need a lot of kiddy rides in Legoland BUT too many of them are just the same flat track with different ride vehicles and scenery. Would be nice to have a really solid kids' dark ride along the lines of Ratatouille at EPCOT or Small World at Disneyland/MK.
The park was clean enough though the bathrooms weren't great. The rides and experiences were a lot of fun. The only negative is that the operations on the rides are TERRIBLE and it's mostly not the employees' fault. It's because the ride's capacities are akin to fair rides but the park is built to attract thousands per day, causing lines with literally 20 people to take 20+ minutes. Most theme parks have ride capacities around 600+ per hour per ride and this one is about 15% of that.
Also know that AAA Gives good discounts if you're a member.
corbin byers — Google review
Compared to Disney Theme Parks, Legoland is a bit far to the city. But it has its unique themes since visitors can see lego characters, animals, and famous landscapes everywhere. It is amazing to see the mini city around the US to the world. They are all beautiful. There are many rides at Legoland and waiting time is so much better than at Disney World. Kids seem so excited there as they can see, touch, and take pictures with their Lego characters. Kids and adults can join the rides and most of rides there are mild and experience for kids.
Hollis Garden is a botanical garden located in Orlando, Florida. The garden features a variety of plants and ornamental fountains.
Very beautiful and peaceful. We went on a Sunday afternoon, the weather was great, lots of families all around, but it was not crowded. Beautiful setting right on the lake. Lots of grassy areas for relaxation. It is connected to Barnett Family Playground and Splash Pad, but the playful sounds from the park did not deter from the beauty of the gardens.
Dawn Clardy — Google review
Quite frankly one of my fave places in Lakeland. An always wonderful hit of nature and calm in the middle of the city.
The caretakers/gardeners are also super friendly and have no issues with answering questions about the garden, plants, or anything else you may want to know (within their purview of course). And if you ask they’re more than willing to give cuttings if possible (not always allowed for some). Anyway the whole place is beautiful. It’s well laid out, well structured, and a delightful place to visit.
Nordia — Google review
Always a good time here. Peaceful, clean and a very beautiful environment. Absolutely love this place. It’s also one of my favorite spots in Lakeland.
Tonni N. — Google review
This is a beautiful sculptured garden that borders a lake with interesting spots for multiple age groups. While there, there was a wedding rehearsal, to take advantage of the beautiful settings. The gardens offer ideas on how to group various plants.
James Burchick — Google review
Simply beautiful. Quiet peaceful setting just off Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. A perfect place to unwind or take pictures. The plants and flowers are majestic and give off a calming vibe as you walk around. Not huge… but we’ll worth the visit. This place has so many photo opportunities and so much to take in … well worth the trip.
Paul Lamison — Google review
A very nice, small, formal garden next to a lake and open lawn areas. A splash park for children is next door and the most amazing roses I have seen surrounding the "Magnolia Building "which is directly next to Hollis Gardens. I go often just to see the roses.
There is a small cafe at the magnolia bldg. and there are many downtown eateries close by. Great garden for a short stroll. There is no fee to enter.
Public bathrooms are next to the splash park and not well marked, so look for the two-story building beyond the play area / water park.
The kids love the water features and fun looking playground equipment. The nice lawn going down to the lake where the town holds some events gives a good open feel.
The garden has a variety of plants including many Tropicals and some vegetables. Each little area has its own theme, surrounded by boxwood hedging. A fountain runs down toward the lake from a large half circle pergola / pavilion. This area is highest point and the garden and gives you an overlook at the areas you can explore working your way down to the lake. There are several artworks in the gardens and on occasion we have gone into the Magnolia Bldg. for little art shows, etc.
Drive or walk south to Morton Lake to see a great many waterfowl. Swans, black and white, etc.
Rich Dugger — Google review
Very nice public garden on the southern end of Lake Mirror. Free to walk around, with a great variety of plants and flowers. Would be a good location for a portrait shoot. The Garden Bistro was next door was awesome for Sunday Brunch.
Andrew Mackey — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. I'm an avid gardener a d love coming here for ideas and inspiration. It's often overrun with photographers, but easy to navigate around.
Seth Gilland — Google review
Very nice well maintained garden. We loved seeing the multiple fountains, and enjoyed watching the birds give themself a little bath. My oldest son liked the art sculptures that were there. Also enjoyed the little pond with the koi. I think they would benefit from a bigger area to swim. My favorite part was the gardenia trees, they smelled so good when you walked by them. Would definitely recommend a stroll through the garden.
Kristin Wright — Google review
Title: A Botanical Paradise in Lakeland!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Review:
Hollis Garden in Lakeland, FL is an absolute gem that will leave you enchanted with its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. As a nature lover, I was thrilled to visit this exquisite botanical garden, and it exceeded all my expectations.
From the moment I stepped foot into Hollis Garden, I was captivated by its meticulously designed landscape. The garden is a symphony of colors, featuring a stunning array of vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and beautifully manicured lawns. Every corner seems to have been carefully crafted to offer a feast for the eyes.
One of the highlights of my visit was strolling along the winding pathways that lead to hidden treasures within the garden. Every turn revealed a new breathtaking vista, whether it was the cascading waterfalls, the charming bridges, or the serene ponds adorned with water lilies. It felt like stepping into a fairytale land where nature and art seamlessly merge.
The attention to detail in maintaining the garden is commendable. The staff takes great pride in their work, and it shows. The flowerbeds are immaculate, the sculptures are well-preserved, and the entire garden is kept clean and tidy. It's evident that the team behind Hollis Garden puts in a tremendous amount of effort to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Apart from its visual appeal, Hollis Garden offers a sense of tranquility and serenity that is hard to find in today's busy world. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to unwind or a picturesque spot for a picnic with your loved ones, this garden has it all. I found myself completely immersed in the calming atmosphere, feeling a true connection with nature.
KJ Hillard — Google review
Went here and a lovely walk with some great views and plants. Followed this by walking round lake mirror and seeing the sculptures. Total about 1.5 miles but easy walking. Parking available for free
R Watson — Google review
A small botanical garden with a grand view of the lake in the front. It’s seems like a popular place for people to take photos of weddings and other events in their lives. Best place also for TikTok. Parking is small but additional road side parking
Fowzer - travelideasusa — Google review
This is a review of the Hollis garden in Lakeland Florida.
I believe this to be a city maintained park garden that is surrounded by office buildings and restaurants etc.
They have a fireworks display at 4th of July late at night from the center of the lake.
Is a long walk around but absolutely stunningly beautiful as the lake is filled with various fish, turtles and there are birds, ducks and swans everywhere.
We were here on vacationing visiting family but I would have to say if I lived in the area I would be here constantly it's free to just walk around there are playsets for children, we encountered several friendly people who were walking the perimeter for exercise along with others who are just out for a stroll in their lunch break from offices I assume based on the way they were dressed everyone was in good spirits it was not crowded and fairly neat and clean.
Veteran Veteran — Google review
Very beautiful, beautiful little garden. Well worth the walk through! It's right next to the main lake, downtown, and all the shops! Well kept, lots of flowers, fountains and places to sit and relax
Josiah Kenyon — Google review
The food is excellent and the wait time was good. The food prices weren't bad and were decent compared to most places.
If you like vegan or veteran options, this is the place for you, with meat lovers also getting some love as well.
This place has beautiful scenery and nice staff. The outside area lets you view the downtown lake, and you will be surrounded by excellent infrastructure for ventures and gardens. The flowers and plants are beautiful, and the area is well taken care of.
The only problem is that the outdoor area is limited and a tad small, so if you are planning to take a group there, reserve a table. The standard setting carters to a couple seats, with a few 4-person tables and only 2 tables on the outside patio. There are plenty of seats inside.
I would recommend this place for a hangout for brunch or a morning date.
Ray Thunder — Google review
Hollis Garden is a small but lovely garden area close to the shore of Lake Mirror. The water features and sculptures add to the appeal of the space.
Carol Ann Jason — Google review
My first time at Hollis Garden with my family. It's beautiful, lots of room for walking & taking pictures. Small park & water pads for the kids. My daughter & I enjoyed the ducks, Music & Fish in the Garden. Very relaxing. Would love to return.
Diana Ovalles — Google review
Hollis Garden is beautiful and wonderful place to take pictures. It's right at Lake Mirror awesome place to walk around. There's a few really nice places to eat at. Love it there lots of duck's
Shelly Coville — Google review
Absolutely beautiful scenery, immaculate amount of seashells for a park. So much wild life and places to see in one walk.
Dale Hotchkiss — Google review
What a delight and it's free. Pristine garden and awesome sculpture and fountain. Plus take a walk around the lake.
Dinosaur World is an open-air museum situated in Plant City, Florida that boasts over 150 life-sized dinosaur models nestled amongst indigenous flora. The park is located between Tampa and Orlando and has an entry fee of $20 for adults and $15 for children under thirteen. With a Fossil Dig and Boneyard exhibit, Dinosaur World caters to visitors of all ages who are interested in exploring the prehistoric era.
WOW!! What an experience, the dinosaurs are amazing, the landscape is outstanding as well.
The facilities are clean, the playgrounds are great! It was unfortunate that the fossil dig was closed. But the gem excavation was open which is a bonus! Make sure you get your tickets with excavation.
There no food here but many clean picnic table, makes for a great family experience.
Roy M — Google review
Amazing setup and beautiful landscape!! We visited this place with our three children (9, 6 and 3 year old). And everyone loved every bit of it. Mind you it was 92F degrees outside when we went there to visit. However, due to the excellent landscape (lots of thick and tall trees and bushes) we could barely see the sun while it was pleasantly mild temperature all throughout the park. There are plenty of dinosaur and ice age animal exhibitions to see and take pictures of. They have gem finding and fossil finding mini section where children can have extra fun activities for additional fee. General admission prices we found to be adequate for the amount of fun we received during our visit. Don’t forget to ask for their military discount if you’re a veteran or active duty member. And even your spouse or significant other with a proper dependent ID can get a small discount, which I found it to be really nice (every bit helps 😊). All in all it was an amazing experience! Highly recommend visiting this place. Be sure to bring lots of fluids and a stroller or a cart if you got small children. You’re going to be walking a lot. 😁
SOBI's Hobbies — Google review
Went today for my son's birthday. He absolutely loved it. It is definitely a cute place. There were these ducks that followed us for a second patiently waiting for fish food. It was a great time with the family. Highly recommend
Stephanie Schwiebert — Google review
If you're in the area, it's a must-see. It's definitely a family orrinted activity. Dress accordingly, most of the exhibits are located outside. The gift shop is very neat. The staff is very helpful. The ticket is very affordable.
Rolando De la Selva — Google review
Great place to visit and take family. Love the winding paths that you can travel down at your own pace. Beautiful setting. They do not have a place to eat and while the large gift shop carries water, you are welcome to bring your own cooler and the local pizza place delivers here. They are more then happy to invite you to eat in the lovely picnic area with whatever food you bring in. Very helpful and nice staff. Easy to get to right off of I-4 and plenty of parking.
Mrs Dani — Google review
Military get in free!
I’ve driven by this place for years and thought it would be a bunch of chipped-paint-cheap-small plastic dinosaurs around a lake.
My three and one year old LOVED it. Perfect place to take children under 5. It’s divided up into two chunks—there is a playground as soon as you walk in (yes!!) followed by a walking trail of dinosaur species in the back. Dinosaurs are clearly well cared for (no chipped paint!) and they feature ones that I’ve never heard of…so that was kinda fun to learn new things.
There is an option to “upgrade” your ticket and do a rock discovery activity in the middle of the park. We purchased that but it was SO busy with people and the kids wanted to hit the trail right away so I do regret doing that upgrade because we never did it. If you have kids over 5, it would be worth it to do that extra activity.
Could you make a day out of this? Absolutely. It’s also a mile away from Keel & Curley winery which often has strawberries and u-pick options. I am surprisingly pleased and excited to go back.
Rachel Hery — Google review
Loved visiting this hidden gem! If you have a Dino obsessed little one, I’d definitely recommend taking them here. They have what seems like hundreds of different Dino sculptures with descriptions of each dinosaur. Some I’ve never even heard of! I was pleasantly surprised with how many different activities there is to do here. Seems like there is something to do or look at no matter where you looked, which we all enjoyed so much. Especially some of the more “hidden” dinosaurs. I love that there are multiple playgrounds for multiple age groups. Was really excited to see that they were adding a splash pad, but unfortunately it was not in working order when we visited. Overall, it’s a great little place to explore for a few hours with your littles! **Please call ahead if you plan on using military discount because their online and in person discount is very different**
Ctine Doza — Google review
Dinosaur World is a really amazing place. My kid loves it a lot. you can spend around 2 hours there. escavation pass doesn't mean much for adults. it would be better if you could provide some more interactive activities with dinos for kids.
Chamika Sandamal — Google review
Took my five yr old grandson, who is very knowledgeable about dinosaurs. We had a blast. Worth every penny. We only spent a few hours, but could easily have made it 5 hours.
Debbie Kimbril — Google review
It is best to think of this place as a nature park with dinosaur statues and a few activities for the kids. It is a good place to go when the weather is nice and you just want a relaxing few hours. You can bring a picnic basket, walk around the trails, read the placards about various dinosaurs, and enjoy your lunch. It has some activities for young children such as a kids train ride, playground, and mini golf.
Lee — Google review
We enjoyed the Cave City KY location and saw the Florida one was close to our Spring Break trip so we HAD to go! We had a blast! Everyone was nice, it was very clean, and we just had a blast. We enjoyed the quarter smasher and the automated cotton candy machine. We all need to support places like this. So, if you're in the area, check out this super fun place!
Jake Kammerer — Google review
This out in the open dinosaur world of a gem was absolutely fantastic. Really a great place to take the kids they do need more drink and food options while there but all in all a really great facility. My daughter had a great time in the playgrounds and really enjoyed walking the yard looking at the full size dinosaurs this was a great family treat.
Oran Allen — Google review
This park is very nice and simple. My 3 year old had fun here. We did the fossil digging and gem panning. The playground is nice too. Just make sure to bring snacks and drinks especially during summer time as it tends to get really hot. But there are shaded areas where you can rest and have picnics. Interesting place for dinosaur lovers out there!
Maricris Belisario — Google review
We have always wanted to stop at dinosaur world and finally had the chance. It was a really neat experience for everyone. I had doubts that the older kids wouldn’t like it but even the adults enjoyed everything. It wasn’t too crowded and it was nice being outdoors. The only complaint was they didn’t have any options for food or even snacks.
Melissa Wine — Google review
This is a big playground. Like any playground at any park. Its picnic style they do not sell food. A bit expensive for what it is. THE STAFF is really nice. I love the souvenir store. Its more for babies than big kids. Definitely not for teenagers
Wendy BoriDomi — Google review
Took my son for his 3rd birthday (should have went a day early for a free ticket).
Dinosaurs are cool to look at but a lot costs extra. I wish everything would be included in the price, since it's already pretty pricey.
My son had a good time but was disappointed we didn't have a train ticket (we thought we purchased one at the front)
Did enjoy it was dog friendly, so our pups got to join for the day.
Pretty much a one and done deal, no desire to go back again.
Bring your own water and bring plenty, NO water bottle filing stations at the restrooms.
Was cool they had it decorated for Halloween.
Jessica Dale — Google review
Very nice!! Mom, daughter and 4 grandchildren aged 9 years to 10 1/2 months!! Rode the train, played in the fossil dig, fun on the good sized playground, took a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, chips, snacks... you can take a stroller or wagon for kiddos, lots of entertainment for everyone, mini golf...... great gift shop nicely priced... a very good bargain! The store says 2 hours but we could easily stayed for 4 hours!
Deborah Knowles — Google review
Surprisingly well laid out and clean. Great for families with smaller kids. Nice paths.... short and simple train ride.... reasonably price compared to others these days. Most of all, my children loved it. They have a dinosaur themed playground that the kids enjoyed thoroughly. How is this place not better known?
Snarffel McGarlock — Google review
The past is a mysterious and exotic place. Dinosaur world took me to this place and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Me and my best buddy spent 2 hours journeying the park and observing these representations of beautiful beasts. All the reviews say it is for small kids but in reality it is for anyone who appreciates prehistoric animals. Would definitely recommend!
Aaron Lower — Google review
Really cute park to take the young dino enthusiasts. We were there for about 5 hours. Spent time with 2 Paleontologists, learned some interesting facts we didn't know. Prospected for gems (crystals and stones), dug for some little fossils (mostly little teeth and mini bone fragments). The dinosaurs throughout the park are very well done and maintained. They look fantastic in photos. There are real fossils in the museum and the Exhibition Cave. Plus real Dino skeletons in the Doom Exhibit. Fun Dino toys for purchase in the gift shop. Bring your own cooler and snacks. Lots of picnic areas to take a break and eat your food. The playground was a great spot for my 6 year old to finish using up his energy for the ride home.
Amy Beliveau — Google review
Fun and cool looking place, whole family had fun! Definitely another great option to bigger theme parks, as it's cheaper and less crowded. (I prefer this.) Beautiful plants as well, it really felt like we were in a jungle.
Lasha Butler — Google review
Thank you for being dog friendly! Gibson felt so welcome from start to finish. We love the shade and reading through all the education signs.
We also couldn't help but notice how clean the dinosaurs were. This park is clearly loved by the on-site team and it shows!
This sizable tract of public land offers opportunities for camping, nature viewing, fishing & more.
Beautiful. No expectations. The vibe was excellent. Paths were tended to and people we crossed paths were friendly. Perfect golden hour spot. Bathrooms were clean. Nice place and great nature. Seemed big and hope to explore more. The gate closes strictly at 6 PM it seems from the signage so make sure you don't accidentally force yourself to camp by not leaving in time.
D M — Google review
Visited here for the first time on a late Saturday afternoon for a 2-hour hike. Very nice park with lots of bike and hiking trails. Although the park was pretty busy, we were able to have plenty of time to ourselves on the trails as we only ran into a few people. Parking seemed adequate and the restrooms were surprisingly clean and well-maintained.
The reason I took off a star is because it seems with this park, you need to know where to park and how to find the trail you want before you get there. Meaning that signs and maps in this place are lacking. There are no clear signs off the road showing where to park for hiking trails. The maps they have posted are not like what you would expect at a park; they look like hand drawn maps with no trail names or labels, only lines. We’ve been hiking extensively through state and national parks and am pretty good with directions, but the lack of available (good) maps makes it difficult to get around. More importantly, the hiking trail we were on had very little signage. We passed several intersections with no signs indicating what trail it was and missed a turn that we apparently were supposed to know to make. We found a few other people backtracking on the trail for the same reason. Now that I know that we can’t rely on the park to provide direction, I’ll make sure to have a better plan next time. All in all it’s a beautiful park work visiting, just find a map online before you go if you plan on hiking. I found that the bike trails were better labeled.
EJB 3 — Google review
This is a beautiful park. Generally very peaceful atmosphere here. Playground areas for the kids. Many shelters and parking lots. Very spacious park in the middle of everything yet seems very remote. Also, camping cabins and the Starkey bike trail starts here. This trail is paved and is a wonderful relaxing ride. I personaly love this park and it is definitely one of my favorites!
Ronald Lindsey — Google review
I just moved here from South Florida and read reviews on this park. In the very beginning you’ll find mountain bike trails. Nothing aggressive. Beginner friendly. I rode all the dirt trails and didn’t see not one other rider on these trails. It was a very nice ride. Not many roots. And here’s my only issue with this park. These trails lacked directional signs and several spots where I was hoping I was riding in the right direction. Trail took be as a whole about 30 minutes. There were also a few trees that had fallen on the trails that needed to be picked up. Once I ended that ride I stick to straight pavement. It’s very wide and smooth. I was riding around noon and saw about 60% e bikers. Many elderly riders. Great views, lots of trees, trail was clear and clean of any debris. I only rode about 10 miles. There is a rest area with a rest room. There’s also water at a couple of locations so you could refill and take a rest or snack break in the shade. I spoke with a few locals there. Apparently at the end of the trail you can make a right and ride about 40 more miles or go left and do 60 miles. I was stunned!!! This park is higa and amazing. Very beautiful and very light flow of people. I would of given it 5 stars if the mountain bike trails were maintained a bit more.
Chef Ernesto — Google review
Now that the bike path is paved Starkey went from a 3 to a 5 star trail. New bathroom and water fountain around the Suncoast trail was a perfect addition! Great scenery and extremely quiet.
Nathan S — Google review
Starkey is great for it's variety of bike trails. Love off-road biking? They got it! Love the concrete biking? No worries they have that too! Full of lakes, swamps, and fields this beautiful and vast park is a great get away into nature. No matter what season you go, there are always some form plant life to be seen. One of the very few places you don't have to spend a dime to go to!
Jeremy Pinero — Google review
Wow! How relaxing is this beautiful Park! Miles and Miles of trails! I really like and enjoy this a lot. My first time actually on the Bike trail here. Very nice! Road 6 miles one way and 6 Miles another way! Very nice, and the air and trees are beautiful and the wildlife was amazing! I took some pictures of the Wilderness Park and some wildlife as well.
Demetrios Mina (Jimmy Mina) — Google review
Very nice trails throughout the park. Went for a on the 7 mile loop trail, overall it was in good shape. There was one section that was a bit grown up, but not so much that it was a bother to cover. Definitely long portions of the trail have light to no shade, so be prepared. But overall the trails were very pretty.
Matt Rodeghero — Google review
This is a beautiful and peaceful park. It's very big too with bike and running paths all the way around. There are picnic shelters and bathrooms and playgrounds scattered throughout. The shelters are all far enough apart that they feel private and secluded. Here you get to be immersed in true Florida nature. Bring your walking shoes and your dog and plenty of water and have a tranquil day at a great Florida park!
Jay Wilson — Google review
We are lucky to have a place like this for there aren't many wild places left as we leaf hop from suburb to suburb. 19,000 acres of well-maintained forest, marshland, and river tracts make this park so phenomenal to visit. I'm not a bicyclist but the 7-mile paved trail makes the walk to get to some small rivers and swamp vistas easy to get to. And once out there seeing the cypress domes and diverse environments is so worth the walk or ride. I've seen deer, boar, hawks, and owls all in one stroll then a quick ride through the day-use loop to take in a little more of the park and could off before I call it and head out is always welcome.
rex donahough — Google review
My favorite spot to camp in Central Florida.
Great campsites for tent camping, free firewood at the coral, shower room and restrooms were kept very clean.
Great staff, $15 a night tent camping, worth every penny
Michael Anzalone — Google review
Me and my boys and that includes all there friend. We have been going to Starkey Park Camping since we moved here in 2016 always a great time.
There's always wildlife around never a dull moment I remember one night I stepped out of cabin to use the restroom to see a bobcat on top of my car what a site! 😳 Not phone ready of course 😭 missed that picture. You can also ⛺ so many options. great Park! No fishing tho😔.
mariep101 Pichette — Google review
Let’s first start with the downside of my experience and save the best for last. Cabins are rustic, I had to thoroughly sweep, scrub and disinfect (Cabin #3). Bathrooms are filled with cobwebs and dead bugs, shower drains has cigarette butts and hair in there too. The place needs a good power wash and clean up crew.
Also I had an emergency and left for couple hours, upon returning I was locked out of my cabin, it wasn’t even near my check out time nor did I CHECKED OUT. It’s not fair that I lost a few hours of my stay.
Besides that, my kids and I had a great experience. Visiting this park was to take my mind away from my up coming heart surgery. Staying at this park did just that. The park is beautiful! Lots of birds, great for bird watching. Lots of bikers and joggers during the day time. We made the best of it. Will I return? Of course I will! Will I recommend this park? Indeed I will! However, I would love to see improvements whenever I do return.
Kaé Goddess — Google review
4.7
(1453)
•
4.5
(363)
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655, USA
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African themed amusement park with thrilling rides, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. It is one of the top attractions in Tampa for guests all year round.
A really nice park to visit for a day. Some of the rides are a little rough, but all in all a lot of fun.
The Sesame Street kids area was wonderfully themed and had some great things for my son to do.
Security took a little while to get through but I think that is my biggest complaint. The food and beverages around the park were delicious.
Corey Alukonis — Google review
Our visit was on Groundhog Day, lucky us, six more weeks of cooler weather. Great day to stroll this amazing theme park. Animals appeared to be more active today than in the heat of summer.
Wonderful wildlife (caged or fenced in) viewing areas throughout the park. Many thrill rides and children areas. A very nice train ride where you can see many different animals. Train has wheelchair access on board. A variety of dining options; somewhat pricey. Lunch for two, Chicken Tenders / Fries / two drinks can set you back over $30. There is 10% off food, 20% off merchandise with annual pass. Check web site as prices and offers may change.
Many of the attraction and shows were closed due to maintenance or health concerns. Just the same, a very enjoyable day out with family.
Park is clean and staff are polite and pleasant.
Recommended checking website for prices, events, and times before showing up in the parking lot.
El Keith — Google review
Overall wasn’t the best experience, some rides are really fun, train ride was good as well, however most animals on the train ride can’t be seen. Lines are fast moving and organized. Layout is cute. Some misters around the park to cool off was much needed, more would have been perfect. Customer service is basically non existent in the restaurant and cafe we went in. Would we go again not sure 🤔
Rima Alkhalili — Google review
We arrived shortly before 9am and there were cars already waiting in line. The park opens at 10am, however, they opened the lines for parking at 930am. You can either walk to the gates or take the tram. If you have purchased tickets online, you can go directly to the self-ticketing kiosk, and scan your printout and you will receive your tickets. The park is nice, loved being able to see the animals. It was cold, so going on the roller coasters was interesting 🥶 the best ride for me was Cobra's Curse. Loved going backwards and spinning in the coater cart 💯 but it was a short ride! The longest waiting ride, is Cheetah Hunt. You will want to ride this one as soon as you get in! Definitely lots to see and do. I suggest more spots for purchasing coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Too cold for ice cold beer! LOL!
C Rod — Google review
Great rides staff is rude and acts like they hate their job . Don't get me started on the waste of money on the highest season passes we paid for . No preferred parking we are always told and there is always plenty of spots open , extremely rude parking people at the pay booths saying they have security and I'm not allowed to even look to see if they have any spots open when that was a lie . Aside from that the park is dirty and they choose to do yearly maintenance on rides when it gets warm outside and not in off season . Now keep in mind aside from that they have a lot of nice rides and it's beautiful and peaceful there at night time so don't not go cause of a few issues . If you like coasters then it's a great place
Chris Dezlo — Google review
Great roller-coasters and good food. No shows during the week, so plan on walking around seeing animals, which is nice until it gets hot they tend to hide in the shade. Definitely get the meal package, worth it! Waits are not bad during the week.
D. — Google review
We went to Busch Gardens for a day when it got a bit chilly for beach fun. It was Monday, December, 3rd, the last day of Christmas break and it wasn’t very crowded. Quick queue passes and all day dining made our day really easy and stress free. These triple the cost of your ticket but are well worth it, if don’t want to spend all the time in lines and have several teenagers in the family who eat a lot like we do. All day dining includes an entrée, a side or desert and a fountain drink in any of 5 main restaurants every hour. It doesn’t include any snacks or other food vendors. Mind: you still have to wait in lines to get food in restaurants, so we didn’t even go to a BBQ place that smelled so good, the line was probably more than an hour long there and we didn’t want to waste time. We also went on Serengeti safari tour and loved it: got to feed the giraffes and see all the animals up close. The rides are awesome, me and our youngest kid 9y.o. did some family friendly rides, which were too much for me anyways (I just can’t do any roller coasters). My husband with older kids had a blast on all the crazy rides. Everyone loved our day in Busch Gardens, we’ll definitely be back.
Eva Volf — Google review
Went on a Tuesday mid July. Park was fairly busy but literally everything was shut down. It rained for a bit but other than that it was just cloudy but they kept the rides and games closed anyways. I was there for 4 hours and got to ride 1 ride and play 1 game, the rest of the time was us walking around the park trying to find something to do. The animal exhibits were cool though, animals were very active. Don’t get the all day dining. It only works for certain restaurants and their food is sub par at best since it seems it’s not very organized in terms of making it and getting it out. I got chicken tenders and fries and it made me almost puke (I hate saying this because I know it’s an amusement park, but this was just bad). The one ride I rode was fun though, it was the new iron coaster and was a lot of fun. Line went by at a decent pace and the ride itself was fun. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed it. Honestly, just save your money and go to universal or somewhere else. $300 to waste that I can’t get a refund on!
Bre Catanese — Google review
A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)
Emilia Rydzewska-Smaza — Google review
The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.
Richard Nance — Google review
I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.
David P — Google review
Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.
Buffet Day — Google review
I recently visited Busch Gardens in Tampa, and it was an incredible experience! The park is a perfect blend of thrilling rides and amazing animal encounters. The roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt were a blast, and the animal exhibits were both educational and entertaining.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the park was clean and well-maintained. The food options were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the dining experience at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant. The landscaping and scenery throughout the park are stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a day outdoors.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family day out, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. I can't wait to return for more adventures and excitement. Highly recommended!
Jennifer Eastburn, Realtor — Google review
Amazing park in Tampa. Lot of
Rides and fun activities inside along with animals. Loved this place. Enjoyed till last moment. DON’T miss any rides. Has good amount of rides for toddlers as well.. Sure I am gonna visit this place again..
Sam K — Google review
This place is a hidden gem. Not too crowded. Get here early and the lines for rides are not bad at all. The later you stay, the longer the lines get for the rides.
The staff are helpful and friendly. The animals are worth the trip. So many to see. Gorgeous representation of their species. The park is clean. They do an outstanding job of keeping it presentable.
Cost of food here is like you would expect at an amusement park. Quality of food is subpar at the locations we did try.
Overall, my visit was amazing. It was well worth the visit. One FULL day is all that's needed to do everything you need to do here. Two FULL days will allow you to get your complete fill of the amusement park.
Jonathan Winchester — Google review
Great park with a mix of big coasters and smaller rides. A fair number of rides and restaurants were closed. We were definitely there on a slow day, barely a wait for anything except lunch. The Sesame area is really fun for the little kids. The tree house was a favorite.
Suzanne Armitstead Aguiar — Google review
Fantastic day out with the family.
Easily accessible parking (albeit a little expensive) with a short connecting land train to the park. We had purchased tickets via an agent and they were really easy to collect from the self service machines.
The food options were great. We took advantage of the all day dining option and despite reading some pretty damning reviews, I felt it offered excellent value for money - we each had five drinks throughout the day and two meals which were great portions and very tasty. The food at Zambia Smokehouse in particular was really nice.
The rides are brilliant and there are a great selection for all ages. We visited on a weekday and in general the lines for all rides were short and I think the longest wait was around 30 minutes.
The animal element of the park is great and our kids loved seeing Flamingos, Giraffes, a Rhino, Gators and Elephants as well as loads more. The staff all really seem to genuinely care about the animals too and it was lovely to see them caring for them throughout the day. The environments in which they are kept seem to be as close to natural as they can be and none of the animals at any point looked like they were sad to be 'on show'.
In summary, a great day. A completely different experience to the other theme parks in Florida and well with a visit if you haven't been before.
David Hunt — Google review
Just AMAZING.
I payed for the safari tour, Sloth tour and Penguin tour and it was amazing ❤️ such a wonderful experience! I honestly love the fact that they explain to you so many things about how to help the conservation, how to save the wildlife and how their bodies work and such. I learned so much and I was just amazed by the greatness of every single animal I saw. ❤️
The park is great, clean and had wonderful workers.
Luisa S.M. — Google review
This is my first time at this location. I was very surprised to find that not only does the park have rides and attractions but it also has a grief focus on wild animals. There is an Animal Care Center that you can enter and at times there will be a veterinarian taking care of an animal. There are exam rooms that have clear glass in front of them so that you can observe what the doctor does with the animals. The park seems to be well-designed for families. I would recommend this place if you want thrill rides animals and family fun!
Michael Siracusa — Google review
I love Busch gardens. I used to go to the one in Virginia. I felt it was much better in the terms of maintenance. May be the Tampa bay park isn’t that well maintained probably due to they just opening to public after Covid. I had gone to this park in the late summer of last year.
This location also has a small zoo. The roller coasters are pretty good, the park has something for everyone. They also have shows.
Would definitely come back here.
Sindu — Google review
Been a Florida resident my whole life and Busch Gardens never disappoints. It is a fantastic park! The animals, the rides, the attractions... they even have up close animal encounters which are amazing. I would definitely recommend everyone go spend the day. As the rides are exciting, the park itself is relaxing and caters to everyone... whether you are a ride enthusiast, park lover, admirer of animals... everyone will have a great day.
Ashley Hepsen — Google review
We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!
Jennielle Potter — Google review
First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.
Mohammed Akhtar — Google review
This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.
Becca L'pz — Google review
We had a lot of fun here. I grew up going to Six Flags in Georgia and the rides and everything here were so much better. My favorite was the cheetah coaster. I love how everything in the park is themed and decorated and all the foliage everywhere helped keep it cooler along with all the fans. They had some Halloween decorations up as well, that was cool to see. We already want to come back again.
Jennifer Scott — Google review
Had an amazing time. Best theme park. Roller coasters are awesome. Safari experience is a one of a kind. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of fun! Glad I'm a newly season ticket holder!
Erik Nieman — Google review
Love this place and the events they throw throughout the year. Definitely the type of amusement park where you get the best of both worlds: thrilling rollercoasters and viewing animals!
Definitely being a local, it’s worth it to get an annual pass for the perks and discounts. My friends and I love coming for the special events each month and seeing new shows and performances that come in or eat during their food-festival events. We are big fans of the regular foods available all-year, too, where this park definitely is above other theme parks in the state for food quality and cost.
The animals look well cared for. The staff in the animal’s spaces can answer a lot of questions about them. You can also see that they have buildings dedicated to animal rehabilitation (like surgeries) and conservation efforts.
Of course this is Florida and the weather can be nasty at times, they will close down rides due to weather issues in the area. This is when my friends and I would catch a show or go walk by the animal areas if it’s lightly drizzling. All the rides are outdoors, so it’s likely when the weather reports say it’s raining that all of the rides are down for that time.
Parking is $30, if you are a silver or gold annual pass member, it’s free.
Ana — Google review
Busch Gardens Tampa is an amazing place! This place doesn't really have as many roller coasters as other major parks do. but I think that all of the other rides makeup for that. The coaster collection is very strong and has some of the best in the world. The flat rides in the park are also very good. The quality of the park is in very good shape after over 50 years of operation. The one complaint that I have is how there are too little kid rides and family oriented attractions. The food here in my opinion is like any other theme park food. Overall, this place is worth visiting for anyone.
Jonathan C — Google review
I love Bush Gardens! They have a wide variety of coasters plus lots of other rides for all ages and thrill seeking levels. The shows I have seen are fantastic, especially Turn it Up Remix (ice skating show). They have many animals there, including the Serengeti Savannah which you can do a safari or take the train through. There is so much to do and it is a beautiful park!
It can get crowded with long lines, so you might want to pay for the quick queue.
Will Gausman — Google review
Had a blast here. Went on a Thursday and lines were fairly short was able to ride most the rides multiple times and even getting front seats. I would suggest the food and drink day pass and share it. You can get food and a drink every 90 minutes. We really enjoyed the safari ride and feeding the Giraffes. It was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed the amount of animals to see mixed in to the amusement park and rides. The Iron Gwazi was awesome and would absolutely suggest the front seat for the 91 degree drop.
Bradford Lindberg — Google review
Great number of animals to see on the train tour. Roller coasters are awesome, but be careful if you are 6 foot or taller. You won't be able to fit on a few of them. Had a great time.
Edward Wright — Google review
This place offers the best of both worlds, a zoo and a theme park. We started off with a train ride which brought us on a safari like tour across the plains. Being a parent with two young kids, we were definitely pleased to see the large playground with rides suited kids below the age of six. We ended the day with the ice skating show at the theatre which showcases exceptional ice skating talent. Definitely a day well spent.
Henry Lau — Google review
My first time and it was fantastic.
Was in the park from about 11-9 and saw pretty much everything it has to offer and could even enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls doing a show while we walked around that side of the park. Wonderful views from the restaurant/bar overlooking their safari.
Ashley and Taylor were wonderful as our Safari guides and I can't think of a place you can get closer to the giraffes.
Multiple shuttles to & from the parking lot, easy access and a nice friendly layout.
Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.
Joshua Tam — Google review
The Food and Wine Festival had great options! We purchased the stamp card and it was perfect. They do have a few vegan and vegetarian options at a few of the stands. The rides had short lines today, but we also purchased the fast pass. We waited maybe 2 minutes for one of the rides. All the rollercoasters were awesome! We had a great experience today and will be back in the future. Also, they actually had a decent amount of stuff for kids to do.
Chris — Google review
We had so much fun. I visited 25 years ago as a kid, it was very nostalgic to ride the roller coasters I enjoyed then all these years later. The new additions were great, we will definitely be coming back.
Scott Coon — Google review
My first time going and we had a blast! Plenty to do, we were there for 8 hours. There are animals, kids park and shows, great restaurants. I recommend you buy the all you can eat bracelet for $50. You can eat and drink all day every 90 minutes. There's a BBQ smoke house that's amazing. I had an amazing time!! Can't wait to go again 😍
Ginger Carter — Google review
My family had annual passes so we go to Busch Gardens often. It is worth looking at the website and planning if it will be your first time. The park is very big and you will not have time to do everything in one single visit, but by planning you are able to make the most of your time there.
The train is one of the best rides there if you want to see the animals, and it is better to do it in the morning.
The sesame street area is very cute for children, my nephew enjoys it a lot and we get to do a lot of rides with him there.
The food and drinks are great, but there are some not great options. So research and consider what you like before buying anything. I would recommend Dragon Fire Grill where there is a lot of choices to maybe please the entire family.
The shows are amazing, especially the ice skating shows. Definitely worth the time and you do get to sit in the AC for a while which is great for the hot summer months.
This is one of our favorite parks in FL, and will definitely continue to visit!
Cristina Theis — Google review
This place is so fun. The cheetah ride is a blast and so fast! My daughter loved the river ride.
The food was really good and I loved that all the animals had nice enclosure and they were very clean and wide open. We will definitely go back. Perfect place for people of all ages. Lots of fun things to do for very small children as well. I appreciate all the shade they provide as Florida heat can be miserable at times.
Located in Tampa, ZooTampa features exhibits like the Asian Gardens, Safari Africa and the Primate World. Educational programs are also offered, including opportunities to feed a giraffe and learn about other animals. There is also a water play area for kids.
Such a fun place, my kids love it every-time we go. You buy a ticket once and it’s good for as many times back in the year that you want to come. It’s the perfect size park for kids to be able to do everything and see everything there without being too much. A nice fun day trip. There’s also two splash pads for when it gets hot, which is perfect ! Easy to navigate and the staff is always helpful when you need assistance. They have several rides. Some for little kids and some for bigger, as well as face painting & jungle gyms for the kids to play on as well. My family loves it.
Kira D — Google review
It was a hot summer day, so we took the kids to the zoo! Everything went well, but one observation was that some of the animals were not out, and the kids did not get to see them and experience them. The water activities kept the kids cool and refreshed as we walked around, and the rides were easily accessible (no major lines or wait times). We got the yearly pass for less than the day pass, so we will be going more often for sure!
Yara Gutierrez — Google review
Loved this zoo!! Well kept/ maintained/ organized! Such a large assortment of animals. Bought the one day ticket that is good for free entry for the rest of the year, so I will be back! Highly recommend. Skip the restaurant, though, high prices, not the best food, and they overcharged us for 3 drinks/ sodas when we only ordered 2. Didn't realize until we got home, and they were $6 each.
Great gift shop!
Janette Badia — Google review
It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!
David The Apple Tech Guy — Google review
This place was a lot of fun. They have a lot of neat exhibits in there are very interesting animals there. I also really like the Safari ride. It's not as big as a Busch gardens, but it's still very nice suit to visit. It is also very family friendly for young kids.
Scott — Google review
Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!
Elliott laplant — Google review
We love this zoo. My daughter started watching their show on Disney and became obsessed with the African "Panda" dog, aka African painted dog. We did a road trip just to visit the dogs. Now, we have been back multiple times. The park has a perfect combination of animals and extra fun kid activities. The Manatee exhibit is my personal favorite. There are so many cool ways to see them up close and realize how much personality those manatees have. Seeing a Florida Panther up close was also neat. The carousel, safari ride, face painting, and log flume ride all break up the day to add an extra layer of fun. My daughter got one of their junior zookeeper vests and wears it constantly. Overall, we had a really good experience at this zoo and have already come back and plan to go more. My only negative is that the lunch options are not very healthy. We ended up doing pizza the first visit, and it was very greasy. That is where I could see room for improvement.
Laura Garcia, Realtor — Google review
Was a fun day trip. We have been talking about going for awhile, and now we are talking about heading back. The Zoo is clean, enjoyable, well laid out and the amenities are perfect. Fans and misters for hot days, lots of beverage and food options, and of course fun gift shops.
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to actually enjoy their time there. Great family trip or just two adults like us looking for something fun to do.
Chris Jagodzinski — Google review
We had a blast at this place. My boys were mesmerized by the the range of animals. Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie enjoyed the numerous beverages carts around the zoo. I give this place 5 stars but many of the animals were inside due to the chilly weather. Not the Zoo's fault but we didn't see the whole park. It's still deserves 5 stars based off what we saw.
Mike Paolini — Google review
Absolutely loved it here. Great experience and was well worth the money. You can spend many hours here. We spent about 3 hours here. Tons of different animals here and you can tell the zookeepers love their jobs and the animals. They have many backstage experiences as well for an additional cost. Tons of different shows to go see as well in the different regions of the world. Tons of food and beverage spots around the park so if you are in need of something they have it. Parking is free and overall we had a great time here!
Nick G — Google review
The entrance fee was quite pricey - right around $45. The grounds were nicely maintained, and the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. Had wonderful service from Ryan at the gift shop where we picked up our electric carts for the day. They were also prepared to store our walkers for us in a secure area and were very quick to retrieve them when we arrived back. Food prices were more reasonable than I anticipated, I suggest purchasing their refillable beverage cups when you get there - you can skip the lines and refill the cup as often as you like with soda or icees.
Lisa Brown — Google review
We got a membership a few months ago and have been four times. It is small enough to see everything, but big enough to have some very cool animals. I love the talks they give about being good stewards of our incredible animals and their efforts towards conservation. When we lived here 25 years ago, my little ones loved going, and now taking them as adults is just as much fun.
Melinda Geskey — Google review
Visited a few times in different years, and it's always a great experience. The animals are well cared for, and their conservation is very extensive and impressionable. My son loves seeing the animals, the staff are always on hand for questions and the food on site is really good 👍 will be going here again for years to come no doubt.
Victoria D'Agostino — Google review
Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!
Stefanie White — Google review
The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.
Monarch Serenity — Google review
Such a nice zoo with so many interesting animals! My boys just loved the zoo and all it had to offer. The whole family really enjoyed the Macaw exhibition as soon as we entered the main entrance. The fly overs were amazing to watch! The manatee viewing areas were amazing and were the highlight of our trip to the zoo!!! Tampa City Pass made for an easy entry into the park with no wait lines at all! Highly recommend for a fun family day out.
Sarah Buck — Google review
Very impressed. Great layout. All the animals were active. Love the new addition of Australia.
This zoo has it all. Animals, shows, and rides! Rides are geared mainly for the littles, but we had a blast watching them have so much fun. It's definitely a must do when visiting Tampa. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and bars scattered across the zoo.
S G — Google review
We had a really nice day at the zoo today. They have a lot of nice exhibits, experiences and even rides! The tickets were approximately $49 per adult, which seemed reasonable. It took us a little over 4 hours to get through everything and that included waiting 30 minutes for the safari ride. I recommend getting there when they open because parking is limited.
Will Gausman — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous zoo. Most of the animal exhibits are very large and well created for the animals. Great layout. Lots of unique animals with great descriptions at the exhibit. I would highly recommend. The only issue we faced was finding parking. We arrived late on a Thursday morning and it took more than 20 minutes to find a parking space
Scott Johnson — Google review
This Zoo has some of the best natural habitats for their animals that we've seen. The staff is also great. The safari is worth the wait as well. We spent most of the day here and still didn't make all of the exhibits. The manatees are great to see up close. The water ride was such a blast for the kids that they went twice! We can't wait to come back again soon.
R S — Google review
Great zoo experience
User
Create a 25-line review, talking about the excellent experience at the Tampa Zoo, variety of animals, attractions, quality, affordable price, environment, family program, great experience, parking, security and recommend it to everyone.
ChatGPT
Tampa Zoo Review: A Great Experience for the Whole Family
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tampa Zoo and was blown away by my experience. This zoo offers an incredible variety of animals and attractions that captivate people of all ages.
Upon entry, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who gave me information about the different areas of the zoo. The variety of animals present is impressive - from the majestic African elephants to the adorable meerkats, there is something for everyone.
One of the things that most impressed me was the quality of the facilities. The animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, providing a natural environment for the animals to live. In addition, the zoo offers regular lectures and demonstrations, where you can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviors.
A positive point that I must highlight is the affordable price of the ticket. Compared to other zoos, the amount charged is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience offered. The zoo also offers discount options for families and groups, which makes visiting even more affordable.
The zoo environment is very pleasant. There are shaded areas to rest and many food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The well-signposted trails and lush vegetation make the ride even more enjoyable, providing a sense of immersion in nature.
Another highlight is the program for families. The zoo offers interactive activities, such as feeding animals and encounters with caretakers, which make a visit even more memorable for children. There is also a children's play area with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.
The parking issue was also resolved. There is ample space available, with many vacancies, which makes it very easy for visitors. In addition, security is taken seriously, with staff and surveillance cameras ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
In summary, my visit to the Tampa Zoo was an excellent experience. The variety of animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the pleasant environment, the program for families, parking and security were aspects that impressed me positively. I recommend this zoo to anyone looking for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
Jairo Da JCD — Google review
I visited ZooTampa at Lowry Park back in 2021. The place is very big, so I suggest you give yourself some time to explore. I really enjoyed their selection of birds. The monkey exhibit is really cute. You can watch them swing around on ropes and climb towers. If you like hands on experiences- there is an area where the birds are very friendly and sometimes they come so close that they touch you, for myself it was a very pleasant experience. I definitely recommend this Zoo.
Katelyn Gelormino — Google review
This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.
Jeffrey Pennell Sr. — Google review
Went for creatures of the night. Great experience for our 3 yr old great granddaughter. Not to scary. Actors were very considerate to the little ones and did not scare or chase them, but they did the older kids.
Sandra Hutchings — Google review
My son had such an amazing time here. He was able to see his favorite animals and more. We had a really good time. The pictures they take of the family are a really fun memory to have.
Xiomara Lopez — Google review
Beautiful, well-kept zoo with happy, healthy animals. You could easily come back every day in a week and see something different. When I visited in January their special exhibit was animatronic dinosaurs. I am a Dino freak so this made me very happy! That was just an added bonus, but a good one.
I'm also a birder so seeing all the lorikeets, flamingos, pelicans and more up close was a real treat.
Ellen Boucher — Google review
I quite liked this zoo. It was very busy but the crowds seemed to flow nicely. Parking was free but took a while to find a spot. More food options inside the park would be nice, even snack carts here and there could work out. Most of the animals seemed happy and well looked after. The tiger seemed quite stressed out, pacing back and forth in a habitat far too small for it so thay was kind of sad. The special limited dinosaur exhibit was neat, had a small wait to get in as to keep people sort of spaced out once inside.
etch250 — Google review
Really really fun and educational. It's been a long time since I've been to "the zoo" and I'm so happy I went to ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently. This place is a full-blown theme park with an incredible amount of animals, activities and education if you're looking for it. We saw some amazing things and I am very content with our day long trip. That said, I got us annual passes and can't wait to go back!
Josh Hummel — Google review
Me and my family had a blast here. Loved being able to see all the different types of animals. The prehistoric predators exhibit was amazing too. Great price for everything that’s included. Only thing that I didn’t like was the adults who were drunk and being loud and saying stuff that shouldn’t be said in front of children.
Dianna Welker — Google review
A very nice zoo with lots of species. Areas are well-marked and the exhibits are laid out so that you do no wandering and searching like I've done at other zoos. Only 4 stars because a number of enclosures are needing work. (No water in hippo, enclosure, water features in other enclosures no running.) Feb 20 and there were lots of elementary school children swarming from enclosure to enclosure but otherwise, it was surprisingly uncrowded. A few food spots were closed making me suspect this is the slow season. I thought the food was reasonably-priced. Entry fee was on par with other zoos.
Is it better than that other Tampa place that has roller coasters and animals? I depends on what you want. I am not big on thrill rides and love animals so I would choose Zoo Tampa. The other place is more of a walk along the back of the park safari path and is cool too. If I had to choose one I would choose Zoo Tampa. If my family had to choose one it would go with the thrill ride park.
Scott Linscott — Google review
You know it’s a great zoo when all the animals were thriving and active throughout our entire time at the zoo. It was quite empty when we went, but it was perfect, not too crowded great visibility on all the animals. Got to see a Macaw training session too!
Highly recommend! The ticket was also quite affordable, we bought it at the gate and they had a deal for returning to the zoo throughout 2024.
LeDan Pham — Google review
This is a lovely zoo!
We were able to leave our luggage at the front desk. The safari ride, for no extra cost, was a fun experience. Everyone who works here was super friendly and helpful. They had a good variety of animals. The zoo is quite shaded with misting stations, too. They also have dietary restriction friendly options. While the price is high, they're running a promotion so you can get in as many times as you'd like through 2024 for the price of one ticket.
dana h — Google review
We had a blast here. Being able to walk into a place where you can join the birds was an experience. Please do not pass up the chance to see the flying macaw birds. The animals were all out!
If you can make it before April, they have a great dinosaur exhibit.
Brace yourself, it is expensive. The food, however, was very good. The portions were generous.
The cost for a family of 4 was just shy of $200 for tickets, so for a bit more, we went ahead and grabbed season tickets.
Ybor City, located northeast of downtown Tampa, is a lively and historic Cuban district known for its boutiques, vintage shops and Latin American eateries. The area was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and drew many immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Germany and Italy. The Ybor City State Museum showcases exhibits on the cigar industry and immigrant communities while the GaYBOR district attracts a diverse crowd to its bars and clubs.
The Manatee Viewing Center features a 50-foot observation tower, trails, a boardwalk and butterfly gardens. This nature preserve is perfect for viewing manatees in their natural environment. The center also offers educational opportunities about manatees and their ecology.
This was a really cool (free!) place to visit on a Saturday. The close parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow which ended being great because there is a little center over there with energy games and activities. Bathrooms as well. Then we took a leisurely stroll to the center. There were several manatees in the water and a stingray petting area. Lots of boardwalks and it's kind of cool to see the power plant up close. Lots of activities for young kids scattered about as well as informational signs. Staff were friendly and we had a great visit!
Justine Vild — Google review
Shout out to the lady who said there was another boardwalk, or I would have completely missed my chance to see the manatees. Great place, very friendly staff. Observator, stingray center, food, manatees, trails. What could you not like about this place.
ZRinaldi — Google review
Lovely place. Great for the kids. Nice nature trails, boardwalks, and observation tower. Come in the winter to see the manatees but there is plenty of other wildlife to see year round. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Theodore Reese — Google review
This place is amazing, and free!! Parking filled up fast, but they have an overflow parking lot. There were at least thirty manatees in the area when we came, and it’s still pretty warm right now. The observation tower was worth the walk, lots of schools of fish to see and watch them jump. The learning area is geared towards smaller children but was still interesting. Cute gift shop. We didn’t eat onsite, but they did have a place for food and the prices seemed very reasonable.
Lisa Meminger — Google review
During my visit to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, I was truly impressed by the exceptional level of maintenance and care evident throughout the facility. The staff's extensive knowledge of marine life, particularly their expertise on manatees, greatly enriched my visit. Furthermore, I was delighted to see the commitment to sustainable energy, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. The fact that the majority of the facility operates on solar energy is a commendable feat, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility.
The day of my visit was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable number of manatees, as well as encountering some sharks and tarpon. This diverse marine life added an extra layer of fascination to the experience. Overall, the Manatee Viewing Center left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Florida's marine ecosystems.
Jace Knockout — Google review
This place is huge. Lots of walking. Unfortunately we came the day a.big storm was coming in and a few days before the viewing area closes for the summer.The water was very muddy. Still got to see a couple sharks and tarpons. We could tell where the manatees were. Still we enjoyed the area. The butterfly area was very nice. We will comeback this winter
Scott Remy — Google review
Yesterday was the second time that I got to experience and enjoy the Manatee Viewing center. The first time in February I got to see tons of manatees because they were kind of wintering there. Yesterday in April 2020 we took the time to walk the many nature trails there and go to the 50 foot high look-out observation tower! It was beautiful and worth the walk. I would suggest though taking a trail map if there is one because there are multiple trails and things to see. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend seeing this. Especially in the winter months, but really anytime. The educational center was really nice and great for children also the butterfly garden and other exhibits there as well!
Rebecca Jackson — Google review
We went on a very warm day so we saw 3 manatee and many fish. Touch tank open but educational center closed. Arrive early due to parking
Joann Godin — Google review
The Manatee viewing center is a great place to visit. Many things are outstanding here and the fact in the day and age is it's free, yes I said free. Colder days are better to visit as your chances of seeing manatees increases greatly. We did see 7 when we went on a 80 degree day though. Find a park representative and ask them about the park all of them are more than happy to educate anyone willing to lessen. They also have a tank with several stingrays in them that anybody can touch. I would visit this place again when we are in Florida and I would recommend others to do so.
Michael Marcum — Google review
Well kept center that brings you closer to nature. Great walking areas and tons of wildlife. The touch pool for the rays was amazing. Wish the center was opened all the time instead of seasonally.
Brenda Broussard — Google review
This place was amazing. I'm so glad that they give back to the community like they do as it is free. There is a gift shop, two peirs to walk out onto. They had a petting area for sting rays. They had several beautifully landscaped gardens. These are all just extra perks as far as I'm concerned. The manatees were so very cool!!!
Kayla B — Google review
What an awesome experience for people of all ages, and at no cost!!! Everything is set up perfectly. The gift shop was amazing and prices were great! Employees/volunteers were phenomenal. We definitely will be back. Visit on a cooler day to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Also, consider adopting a manatee to help save these gentle giants!!
Sunshine Mumford — Google review
This is a really nice facility and fits nicely into the surrounding environment. There is no guarantee that you will see any manatees, although we did see several, and they were impressive. There is plenty of parking and includes many for handicapped as well. For those with electric vehicles, there are charging stations available. There is no cost for parking or to enter the facility, which is fantastic.
If you found this review helpful, please tap the thumbs up. Thanks!
pmw — Google review
A must visit in the area! Beautiful and one of a kind experience. Manatees and Sting Ray up close for photos and experiencing. Great bird watching and plant life viewing also. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. The parking lot was crowded but easy to find. Handicap accessible throughout the center. We did not visit the gift shop due to the very long line to enter. Restrooms are available on site. Highly recommend for guests of all ages and interests!
ArtsyPhotos LLC Professional Photography — Google review
Love free adventures! Entry is free and plenty of parking is free. The manatee viewing is always a thrill. Touch tanks are fun as well. You can walk out to a tower or walk the decking along the water. Restrooms are clean. There is a small gift shop and a snack area. I would check their live cam to be sure the manatees are there before you head over. We've seen them in Jan, Feb and March. Excellent place for kids!
Dr. Carole Gadomski — Google review
We had an amazing experience at the Manatee Viewing Center! Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are many beautiful walking trails. We pretty much walked the entire property (about 5 miles). There is a shuttle on site if needed. I recommend getting there at opening as the place tends to get crowded and the parking area closest to the entrance fills up fast (there is over flow parking in the back). Definitely put on your walking shoes as the roads are paved with seashells throughout the trails. Maybe even pack some snack if you have toddlers/infants and definitely stay hydrated! Sunscreen is a good idea too.
This is a well maintained property with lots to offer. The viewing pier gets a bit crowded but luckily manatees gather on all sides so everyone has a chance to see them. There is also a fishing pier as you get further into the property. We also visited the Aquarium where they have rescued turtles. There is also an education building that offers lots of FREE brochures/booklets on wildlife and sea life as well as interactive things for the kiddos while in there!
Staff at the gift shop was very helpful and friendly. Restrooms are kept clean and stocked. You have the option to donate and support via CHECK only. I wish this was something I knew ahead of time but I will definitely be ready on the next visit. And get this, the Manatee Viewing Center is FREE to the public!! Overall, I think this is a great place to check out and we will definitely be visiting again at the end of the year.
grlenamored — Google review
Went here on December 26, 2022. This is a Nature Preserve where manatees in Tampa Bay are attracted to the warm waters of industrial canals. There was a wait time for cars to park at the Manatee Viewing Center, but we got patient and decided to wait. It was a busy day, but was still enjoyable. This experience is free!
All the boardwalks and gravel paths are clean and maintained, but bathroom cleanliness can be improved. All the staff were volunteers and were very friendly. During our experience, we saw hundreds of manatees! It was a delight to see these manatees huddle together in a man made habitat. There are various signs educating people about the behavior of manatees and clean energy on the walking trails to the Observation Tower and Overflow Parking. Overall, is definitely worth the wait. Is great to see an organization that sincerely cares about our local wildlife and not looking for our money!
Landon Bellamy — Google review
The Manatee Viewing Center was wonderful! I definitely didn't expect to see so many manatees but boy was I wrong. We saw black-tipped sharks, Atlantic Tarpon, Redfin Needlefish, and stingrays! What a wonderful and free experience available to the public! The gift shop has so many cute and affordable keepsakes or gifts to choose from. There is a stingray pool where you can watch and touch the rays as they swim by. So much fun! We can't wait to return!
Monica Mullins — Google review
Super nice place. They have a few trails to walk, a viewing tower, manatee viewing, a stingray pool, and a gift shop. The trails went to places that talked about solar energy and other sustainable energy sources. They had some interactive activities at the stops. They had a little pool with stingrays you could touch where the volunteers were really kind. The manatee viewing spot was perfect. There were so many! Overall great experience considering all the activities were free!
Samantha Brown — Google review
Great facility! It's free and free parking. There is a gift shop, you can also get food and drinks there. They have a touch tank with stingrays. We got to see so many manatees and sharks. If you park in the overflow lot the walk to the area is not bad it's pretty. They do have a golf cart shuttle. I will go here again.
Melissa Witt — Google review
Love this place. A nice bit of walking, since we had to park in the overflow parking lot. Thankfully they have a trolley service which we took after getting our steps in🤣. Plenty of manatee huddle up trying to keep warm. The souvenir shop is small, but we managed to get the perfect pin we were looking for. The turtle hospital was worth the trolley ride. Totally recommend going, it's very educational. It's totally free to get in.
Javier Ortega — Google review
So fun, clean, and it's FREE!!! This place is great! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. First time touching a sting ray! The walkways are large, everything was clean (even the bathrooms). While the manatee weren't close, you can definitely see them there. It's amazing the entire facility is free. It needs to be on your bucket list!
Cindy sh63 — Google review
I absolutely love visiting here, its my 3rd time and I never tire of seeing these beautiful creatures. Parking was easy... and if there is not space in the main parking lot, there is remote parking with a shuttle, free. I always enjoy walking on the boardwalks and there is plenty of railing space to get a good view in. The signs are helpful to identify the birds and fish. The gift shop is very reasonable priced.
Sarah Taylor — Google review
I have to rate this place 5 stars not least because it’s totally free! It’s a fabulous way to see these gorgeous creatures and enjoy watching all their cute habits. Plus there are so many other exhibits and fun things for adults and kids to watch and take part in. The little cafe has good food and drink options at really reasonable prices. It was well worth the trip and we will most likely go again when we have friends and family in town. We went over the weekend and did not have to wait even though it was popular. We did not have to buy tickets in advance.
Mari-Ann Kucharek — Google review
A fun, unique, and free experience! It was cool to see the manatees, but also the variety of fish and birds, as well as the occasional shark! There was a neat educational area in the basement with stingrays. We visited in the middle of March so there weren't as many manatees visible, but it was still a great experience.
Anne Gibbs — Google review
Best time to go is during colder weather months as Manatees hang out here due to the warm water. Mostly gone by March. But they do have an interactive ray tank and you can take a free tram to the turtle conservation center any time and both are wonderful.
The Weedon Island Preserve is a large nature preserve with hiking paths, birdwatching, a paddling trail & canoe/kayak rentals. It is located in Pinellas County, near Tampa Bay.
Absolutely worth coming here. I went about 2 hours before a storm and had to cut my visit short because there is just so much trailing to do. The views, the trails, the wildlife, everything is amazing. The observation decks and towers are great, and the Cultural Center is impressive for what I've seen in other parks. A great experience, would recommend heavily. Its free too, and you can donate in the center.
ZRinaldi — Google review
Great trails and boardwalk. However I went over the holiday so the main center was closed, meaning they had no bathrooms available at all, and I only saw 1 trashcan. The park is free and parking seemed easy enough. It's definitely big stroller friendly just watch out for the wasps on the board walk.
Lilu Powell — Google review
Welcome to the Kayakers paradise. Unfortunately, I was there just to take in the land scenery. Beautiful boardwalks, a huge observation tower, and a fishing pier with a kayak drop zone. There are plenty of scenic views and tons of mangroves. Wildlife was a little scarce, but that could have been an off day. It's worth the drive for a peaceful place to visit, at least once.
William Hannan (TheZooManLife) — Google review
This is a local gem. Lots of walking trails, there is also a visitor center/ museum type of place you can visit during certain hours. It’s very nice to come here for peace and quiet. See some local wildlife such as gopher tortoises, armadillos, many local birds to watch. There is also a kayak launching and rental within Weedon Island. I am so lucky to live so close to this beautiful place.
John Golden — Google review
A great place to kayak! Make sure to follow the white numbers; it will take you through the mangrove tunnels. There are about 45 or so points for kayaking. Also a huge lookout tower with many bridges connected. Great spot to fish as well. This place is so stunningly beautiful!
Jennifer Foster — Google review
Great place to visit. Nice trails with decent t distances for a couple hour visit. Good nature watching, and some nice kayak paths.
Seth Gilland — Google review
Stunning preserve! My daughter and I drove out to St. Pete for the day and this was the first stop. Grounds are pristine, boardwalks are clear from low lying limbs, paved areas are free from overgrowth. Although I am an animal lover I was pleased to see no pets were allowed. The towers are perfect for viewing all that Mother Nature has to offer. We stopped in the education building, very well set up, cute activities for smaller children. Perfect place for a quiet walk to clear your mind, become one with nature, have a picnic and just relax.
Sandra M — Google review
Absolutely beautiful trails! Some have very nice boardwalks and one leads to a GREAT lookout tower too! There is soooo much to be seen there, so many lookout points too! Definitely a great place kayakers, hikers, picnics, family walks. There is also a gift shop with friendly staff inside full of knowledge and willing to share what they know.
Ben Slater — Google review
An amazing place to come enjoy a walk, some walks can be more quiet than others as it’s also a great place for kids. Lots of birds, and beautiful mangroves to see. Really great options of boardwalks or sand/dirt trails to be a little more adventurous.
Madeline Hattman — Google review
I love coming here and walking the trails. It’s clean and quiet. The boardwalk gives the best views! You can spend an entire day here exploring, the trails are pretty extensive. I love that they have a little gift shop with water, snacks, gifts and restrooms. It’s a nice break from the heat and the staff is really helpful. You can see all kinds of animals here as well. We saw quite a few turtles in the wooded areas, lots of different birds. It would be nice to come here and bird watch. The parking is convenient too, you can park really close to the trails so that works out well. I love here I’d highly recommend coming here.
Ally — Google review
Paddle boarding through the mangroves, magical. Open water and views, spectacular. Chilling with friends at the sandbar, priceless. Enjoy!!
Chad Putman — Google review
This is a very beautiful nature preserve. The trails are very nice and well maintained. There was not much wildlife to see here, maybe just a few birds. But the scenery is very nice and it is a peaceful place. The major highlight of this nature preserve was the observation tower. The views are amazing.
Nicole — Google review
I absolutely love this place. No highway or traffic noise. Free to enter. Well maintained trails and walkways. Both deck walkways and dirt trails. An observation deck that has a view of 3 cities.
Beautiful kayaking that's easy to access at the boat/kayak launch. It takes a couple hours to complete the marked kayak trails. Be sure to check when high tide is- the kayak trails are only passable during high tide. Kayak rentals are available daily, though they can be expensive and add an extra 30-60 minutes to the trails. Rentals close around 4pm. Picnic area is accessible by dirt trail and kayak trail.
Bathrooms always open by the pier.
Fishing pier is popular. I recommend going early in the morning during low tide to collect mangrove crabs under the pier- they make great bait.
Allison Hughes — Google review
Great for kayaking and fishing
Kayaking trail is well maintained keep. Between sign 36 and Start/End there is plenty of space to paddle freely. Several sand bars to get out and swim.
Low tide is passable.
Ben Nordaas — Google review
Thickets of red mangroves, fields of fern, open water, birds, fish, reptiles, and enough trails to stretch your legs. A great place to explore the edge of the bay.
Gottfried Kibelka — Google review
Only place I know of that has a numbered trail you can follow. It meanders around mangroves, through mangrove tunnels and along the sides of the bay. It's one of my favorite places because of the numbered paddle trail and beautiful mangrove tunnels. #1-36 pretty easy to follow. 36-37 is a long leap...don't go into the mangroves stay out along the side of the bay. Same for 37-38 stay out of the mangrove islands. Once you get to 38 you can start to head in. The next sign you see will be #2 in the distance to your right. Don't go that way unless you want to paddle it all over again. Head to the left instead and soon you will see the fishing dock. Good idea to have Google maps on or an app that records your paddle so you can see exactly the spot you left from.
Cher Cleveland — Google review
Best paddling trail I've been to in my life. (possibly only paddling trail with signs you follow). Leaving from the boat dock you follow white and black signs numbered 1-38. The trails weave through open sunny pond like areas connected by long beautiful mangrove tunnels where lil crabs climb up the trees. At the end you are out in a more open bay area (but still calm waters). To be honest the 36-37 is a super far stretch and you kind of need binoculars to see the number. You stay in the bay but along the outside edge of the mangrove islands.
We see lots of jumping fish, birds of all sorts and lil crabs. It's a nice mix of sun and shade. I think it's the perfect length paddle trip.
Park your car at the dock to unload your Kayak or sup (or rent one there) and then park in a nearby parking lot.
Cher Cleveland — Google review
Love walking the boardwalk and trails here, especially when it is cooler out side. Beautiful views. Good amount of birds to see. Occasional gopher tortoises are around. Cultural and history center is a good spot to check out as well. And it's all free!!!
Basic group campground with fire rings, water & benches in a riverside 58-sq.-mi. state park.
it is an incredible park many things to do and visit and enjoy the wildlife
Alejandro Brito — Google review
Amazing way to spend Mother's Day...any day really! Enjoyed the narrated boat tour...galloping gators, feral hogs, and fauna galore...something for everyone!
Kimberlei Goodnow Taylor — Google review
beautiful place for enjoy the nature and the real Florida landscape and animals!
luca di michele — Google review
Wonderful campground with plenty of space.
Tim Russon — Google review
Excellent camp ground for youth scout camping and to the looks of it great for family camping. Gas stations within 15 min drive for ice and other things along with a Walmart about 20 minutes away. Great roads for bike rides and also plenty of good views with alot of alligator sitings. Make the 1 hr trip to peace river if you can and dig for some fossils when the water is low!
Raymond Trombley — Google review
Great for kids! Airboat tour with gators, birds, wild pigs in sight. Tram ride with excellent description of flora, fauna, and history. Great restaurant and gift shop. Camping facilities look nice and we'll kept. Many opportunities for walks and bicycle rides.
H Frederick — Google review
The campsite was huge and well cleared with plenty of flat spots for tents; the water out of the spigot was delicious and clean and didn't have that standard Florida sulfur taste; the state park staff was extremely accommodating and helpful; and the site was secluded from other campers. Overall, a fantastic experience!
Chris Grover — Google review
Its better just putting anything modern away and imagine it being 90 years ago. Get the real feel for the real Florida
The Ringling Museum of Art is one of the most iconic and well-known art museums in the United States. The museum houses a spectacular collection of art and cultural objects, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces from around the world. It's also home to one of the best circus museums in the world.
Amazing must experience museum. We took hundreds of beautiful photos and spent a good 3-4 hours here, lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are gorgeous and well kept. The restaurant food was quite delicious and convenient as we were starving after our 1.5 hour drive. I would definitely return especially during the different seasons. The place was decorated so nicely for Christmas. There was a lot to do and see.
Desyre Arnold — Google review
Haven’t been here in many years since I was younger. New buildings, everything even nicer than I remember. Took the family for the day when the weather was nice, had a playground in the center in the park and the kiddo loved that. I loved the dioramas of the old circus setups. The grounds are as beautiful as ever and it was a great day to walk the grounds and see the many beautiful types of plants and flowers. As every time I’ve ever been always need more time, just means we will be back soon. There is so much to see, the grounds are worth the trip alone and then the museum for circus items and the art collection. You could easily fill several days or many trips to see it all.
Erroll Ends — Google review
A nice chance to walk around a Franco-Italian piazza from 100 years ago, managed and maintained very nicely. One ticket gets you into almost the entire grounds usually, and my little nephews (7 & 8) and I really enjoyed the Summer Circus Spectacular before making the most of our day. The show was excellent. It’s very intimate in a small theater, no three-ring circus. This is so much the better! The clowns draw you in and make you feel they’ve prepared the show for you alone. The woman from Ethiopia is an incredible juggler, and we also loved seeing the balancing act, acrobats from Ukraine on the double swings, and the acrobat on the long silk rope. We had cheesy macaroni and fish tacos respectively for lunch, but the museum and playground, and we walked through the mansion turned art museum. Fantastic day even in 100 degrees. A great place to talk a walk-and-talk!
We bought tickets when we walked up, but we got there exactly at 10AM.
Jessica Carr — Google review
Mondays are "free museum day" to enter the art galleries. Huge tapestry size paintings and nice collection of art. The Center of the U-shaped museum has a large outdoor courtyard with statues, greenery, and shaded walking areas on the building's inner edges. Restoration efforts have preserved the original charm of this building and surrounding gardens. Many sights to see on the Ringling estate in addition to the art. Visitor's entrance to the museum grounds includes a gift shop and sit-down restaurant.
Karen Cusey (KarenQZ) — Google review
The John and Mable Ringling Museum is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a sense of wonder and excitement. The stunning water views add a touch of magic to the whole experience, making it truly unforgettable. Walking through the museum, you can feel the passion and dedication that went into creating such a beautiful place. Every exhibit is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a rich tapestry of art and history that captivates the imagination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a delightful day out, this museum has something for everyone. It’s not just a museum; it’s a journey through creativity and inspiration. Highly recommended!
The Queen Made to clean — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place we visited it in the middle of December. Natural setting with beautiful art galleries and mansion which looks like piece of Europe. There are art gallery, botanical garden and the circus museum in one place. For extra cost you can see the first floor of Ringling’s mansion which I found very interesting. The Circus museum has miniature model of the circus from the beginning to the end. I really liked the Glass exhibition.
Tatiana S — Google review
Gardens are amazing! Went late in the afternoon, so I didn't have time for a full visit. Will definitely be back to see the museum and mansion. Free admission to gardens and museum on Mondays.
Dawn Easparro — Google review
This place is much bigger than it looks. It was clean, nice and cool. Lots of great art to look at and the circus to learn about. It will take a few hours to get through this property. Beautiful gardens and property.
You are not allowed to take photos inside so I took a few outside.
Day — Google review
Worth it!
The garden and three museums are wonderful. The view for the Sarasota Bay is stunning. For the exhibition, I love the art museum section, lots of paintings and well maintained for the whole area.
Parking is super easy, with plenty of space.
Just make sure you are hydrated enough since Florida is always hot!
陳亮彣 — Google review
I lived in Sarasota for 5 years and I never went to this place. However after having move away I always come back every year to visit, and this year I made sure to visit to John and Mabel Ringling aren't museum. Just so you know, admission is free on Mondays so we decided to go on a Monday. Even though there were a lot of people there, the place is so massive that you never really feel crowded. I was able to leisurely view the entire grounds without feeling rushed or crowded. The inside of this place is just as beautiful as the outside. Be sure to hit up all of the wings of the museum. If you're facing the courtyard they are both to the right and left. The house is also gorgeous (Ca d' Zan), But we did not pay to actually tour it. Despite this you can still walk out on the back porch of the home and enjoy the beautiful views. Definitely would recommend!
Casey Nicole — Google review
I thoroughly enjoy taking day trips to the museum. The restaurant is a true delight, with an incredible chef who never fails to impress. The bar offers a wide variety of options to choose from. And I always find great joy in exploring the stunning art and landscaping on display.
Samantha Everett — Google review
Loved the gardens and the employees art! Really enjoyed the new glass gallery. Overall, most paintings didn't appeal to me. They have too dark or violent themes for me. I personally like uplifting artwork! I found enough to enjoy to make it a nice visit. I'm glad, however, that I hadn't paid to view the art. The rest of the complex is awesome!
Joan Sheehy — Google review
Wonderful collection of circus memories and modern art and other items collected by John and Mabel Ringling. Great incite into their lives as well as the lives of some of the performers in their circuses. The park is large, well kept and beautiful. Plan to spend an entire day here. We arrived as soon as they opened and stayed till close. Still didn't get to see everything tho, so the art museum is a two day trip if you want to experience all of it.
JAE D'FIVE — Google review
I’m glad to visit this museum during our stay in Sarasota. I learned a lot of interesting facts about cirques industry back in the beginning of 20 century. I couldn’t imagine how big was the scale of running cirques for just one day performance for public. Amazing!!
The only sad fact is that the cirques king died completely broke having having such a huge and beautiful collection of art.
Double K — Google review
This place is awesome. There are multiple museums on the grounds, along with the mansion and beautiful gardens. You can easily spend a full day here in order to be able to see everything. The coffee shop above the gift shop has really good coffee.
Ileanna Wright — Google review
We only went to the art museum ✨️ It was huge and wow, what a selection 👏. We are members of the Bishop and it has a reciprocal admission with The Ringling so it was free. We plan to go back to see the other buildings. There is a ton of cool things to see. Very well done and worth going to. Free parking, and they have a nice Cafe above the visitor center and gift shop. There are many ponds, gardens, and statues(art) outside as well. It is right on Sarasota Bay with beautiful views 😍
Joe Watson (Joe Cool) — Google review
Beautiful gardens to walk through! atmosphere amazing ! art museum amazing painting specially the ones John Ringling requested! We where there 10am to 430pm make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Michelle Glassman-Sprachman — Google review
Very beautiful place. It really is like being temporarily transported to Europe. The gardens are nice but the best part for me was the art gallery. Incredible paintings with some descriptions on their origin. Some paintings are so large they take up a whole wall.
Wonderful place to visit!
There was a moderate amount of people there on the day we went, though the area is so big it almost feels like you’re the only person there
Dominga Allende — Google review
I didn't think I would like this place but...Wow! The miniature model of a working circus (at least 1500 square ft), and the incredible detail, was worth the price of admission alone. Very interesting place with beautiful gardens/grounds to walk around and relax. Nice little restaurant overlooking a pond that has pretty good food too.
Dan G — Google review
Absolutely 😍 loved the Ringling Museum. This was an experience for the entire family (including my 19 year old son who Never hangs out). We had a blast, from the miniature circus recreation to the galleries to the garden to the Grill. It's just wonderful. You could visit this place two to three times and discover something new each time.
Kimerly Christie — Google review
Such a great place to visit. Art museum has a lot of old paintings mostly with Biblical references. The inner garden is tranquil and beautiful. They always have different exhibitions that show the artworks from world around. If you like the history of circus the museum will definitely your place. But the most lovely place for me is a house of Ringlings. Castle… Nest.. I don’t know how to name it. It’s amazing. Till today. If you are nearby, you have to visit it. Read the history of John Ringling before to visit this place.
Nonna Pidvalna — Google review
Went to Ringling for the first time, I was very impressed with the entire complex. There are so many different ways to spend your time, from the art museum, circus museums, gardens and walking through the Mansion. I thought it was very unexpected to have such a nice restaurant at that location. The Ringling Grill room overlooks the pond and has a fabulous menu to choose from. Sitting on the terrace with a cocktail and a delicious lunch is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. What is so unique is that you could spend a few hours or an entire day at this location, it is all dependent on your whims.
LOParadise — Google review
The Ringling museum was very interesting. The House "Ca' d'zan was really cool. The museum had a ton of painting and other art.
We wanted to do the 40 minute tour with the upstairs of the house, but it was sold out. The house is right on the water. It was $35 for the museums and the first floor of the house self tour. I guess you can buy them online if you want to do a tour.
Roger Potter — Google review
What a fabulous experience! Easy and plentiful parking! There used to be so much to see. Very short wait for ticket purchase. On Monday, the art gallery is free and the outdoor gardens are spectacular, with nature mixed with art and sculpture. There used to be something to entice your eyes from every view. Great art, interesting mix of cloth art, sculpture and paintings.
Naomi Sprung — Google review
100% worth the visit! The entire place is gorgeous and massive so it doesn’t feel crowded. We went on a Monday when entrance to the art museum and the gardens are free. The art museum is wonderful-my partner and I like vastly different styles of art, but this museum had both the styles we love. The view of the water and the gardens was beyond beautiful, just walking around and spotting the turtles and watching for dolphins was amazing. I would suggest spending about 5 hours here if you want to see and do everything. We will definitely be returning to do the circus museum and the house tour at some point.
Sheena P — Google review
Wonderful first visit! Miniature circus display was amazing!!! Actual circus museum less so... Beautiful house tour with audio. Take a guided tour for upper floor access. Excellent fine art museum, special exhibits and sculpture garden. Bistro was very good as well. So much to see!
The Ringling Museum is a large and unique museum in Sarasota, Florida that was first built by John and Mable Ringling. This museum has collections of art, circus paraphernalia, beautiful gardens facing the bay, and their own 56-room mansion.
Take a walk through opulent history. Ca' d'Zan (house of John) has been restored to its former glory. One can picture the A-list crowd dancing the tango to live music or dining at the magnificent table laden with imported bone china, crystal, and sterling which could be stored in the hallway vault. Around the corner is the bar room with leaded glass windows where guests probably found a fully stocked bar of top shelf liquor even during prohibition.
Although the second floor is not open to the public there are pictures in a room at the exit to the immense patio overlooking Sarasota Bay.
L B — Google review
Opulent Gilded Age Mediterranean Revival mansion built for a famous circus mogul. It is self-guided and includes an audio tour accessible via QR code. Only the 1st floor and outside are accessible but it is still impressive and there are photos of the other levels at the end. The estate overlooks the Sarasota Bay and the terrace has steps that lead down close to the water - a nice place to take a break and relax. If you’re into architecture, you may find it interesting to see the eclectic array of styles that influenced this house.
LP Turner — Google review
I have been to italy and this home is of beautiful italian design. Loved the house and grounds. Beautiful tile patio. Want to come back when more roses are blooming. Check out the roof and the outside walk way to the top bedroom
Cathy Stark — Google review
The weather was perfect! 86 and the constant breeze was great. There are golf carts that can drive you to the house if you don't want to walk. The grounds are beautiful. We went on Monday when the gallery and grounds were free to see.
Anna Holmberg — Google review
The walk through of this place is absolutely stunning. It makes me think of a more tropical Great Gatsby, from looks and time period! The staff is also very knowledgeable on the specific rooms and decor that inhabit it. You can also sit out on the patio and look out at the ocean (reaching toward a green light if you wish) I will definitely be coming back here, it’s too stunning not to!
Ally Russell — Google review
The home is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and well preserved. Stunning views from the bay and stained glass windows. Truly an awesome experience touring through this. However, the staff at the entrance could use some polishing skills. They come off as rude and unwelcoming. I walked in with my backpack and instead of politely asking me to carry it by the handle. They were very rude to be and even raised their voices. Their tone of voice was condescending and not polite at all. Will definitely not be returning due to those older female employees. They need to be retrained they seem to be out of touch with reality.
Elise Slaine — Google review
Stunningly beautiful a must see every room marble crystal intricately decorated from the hand painted ceiling to the inlaid marble walls and floors Loads of History
Paula Ramsay — Google review
On Mondays, gardens are free, plus outside mansion. The rose garden is beautiful, plus over 200 types of trees!
We packed a picnic, no issues. Lots of places for picnic.
I did read that museum of art is free Mondays as well, but I'm not sure. Expansive art. Before going to Ringling, look up history, very interesting.
Christine Condette — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous. They offer audio tours you can get through a qr code inside the house. You do have to buy a dual ticket to see the home. It is breath taking and completely worth any extra cost. Will come again.
Allison Setchel — Google review
April 2023
Very nice beautiful place. The only first floor open to view. To visit all floors you need to buy tour, which own schedule.
The Ca' d'Zan looks amazing outside and inside. It's worth to visit. Next to it there are benches, where you can seat and enjoy Sarasota Bay view. You need to pay $10 addition at the entrance of the park if you would like to view it inside.
Vlad Bezden — Google review
monday is partly free. we are the on road trip and it's a good place to stop by. take one to two hour to tour the museum and take a look around outside of Ca' d'Zan. impressive pink print and nice sea view.
Lisa chen — Google review
Visited Thursday after 5pm. ($15 ticket). we did the museum and the gardens . They had an event where you can buy drinks and hear a live band. The sunset from that place is amazing, I think you can have beautiful pictures from that place and have a nice walk around green areas. The place is beautiful.
Lula — Google review
gorgeous venetian style mansion that was the home of john ringling. we did not purchase tickets to tour the interior, but the the exterior was absolutely stunning. right on the waterfront with ornate details on every inch of the home.
amanda — Google review
Amazing views indoors and outside on the bay side of the building. This historic building has been well maintained and is glamorous! The yards around Ca' d'Zan are filled with lush trees and shaded paths for walking, or you can catch a free golf cart ride from the visitor center to the residence and back. Self guided tour of first floor, or longer guided tours with additional areas to see in the house. If you love architecture, this (the largest home in Sarasota) is a must see!
Karen Cusey (KarenQZ) — Google review
There are not enough words to describe the beauty of this place!! A trip back to the Great Gatsby era: with furnishings that were meant to astound d you, and each room a roof of excess! The surroundings are beyond compare! The peaceful waters of the Sarasota Bay, and pathways filled with greenery, sculptures and an art deco pool. This place was meant to amaze their friends and be a showplace of money and grandeur. It was like walking back through time.
Naomi Sprung — Google review
We were on a short timeline, so don't think that is a deterrent.
We started at the "summer home" and worked our way back. The architecture of the building is eclectic inside and out.
We've been in other historic homes: Biltmore Estate (NC) and Hearst Castle (CA), so the elaborate (dare I say gaudy) interior is not surprising or necessarily unique.
The most beautiful part of this home is the back veranda. Right on the water and stunning!
After the home we went through the two museums. In our opinion, these are far more fascinating than the home.
The history of circuses (in general) I fascinating and enlightening.
The scale model of the circus "village" is unbelievable!!! These people were logistics geniuses.
With more time, we would have spent more time in the museums and strolling the gardens.
Go and enjoy!!
Steven Vaughn — Google review
The beautiful historic Asolo Theater is magical. It boasts a cozy feel with a grandeur experience. The 4 tier theater has a bird's eye view from every angle. Such a treat.
Sophia Powell — Google review
The house has been impressively restored. The Tap Room is impressive. The entire estate is breathtaking. The views are spectacular from the terrace looking out to the bay. We took the guided tour the upstairs bedrooms are spectacular.
Bernice Stubbs — Google review
Love this place, so beautiful and the views are breathtaking. Nice for a walk or just to sit down and enjoy the area. A water view and a park make this place my number one in the area. There are two options to see the inside but you need to pay extra for it. The place offers a military discount.
Kaja SWIEB — Google review
In a league of its own for historic homes. Only similar properties I have experienced were those built by guilded age robber barons in NY tri-state area. Ringling museum itself is also In league of its own for non major city museums and collections and artifacts reflect that.
Clifford D. Mallory — Google review
Amazing mansion, I highly recommend doing the whole tour and viewing all the museums. Expect to spend a full day from open to close to see it all. It's well worth the money!
Joseph — Google review
Interesting home with fascinating history. Nice views of the water and the surrounding ground are beautiful. Worth the trip.
If you're looking for a botanical oasis in the heart of Sarasota, look no further than Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This downtown campus features 15 acres of lush tropical plants, making it the only such garden on the planet devoted to epiphytic plants. Highlights include an orchid garden and a rainforest for children.
This place is a gem. Low key, like the rest of Sarasota, but there is a lot of heart in their staging. The variety of plants is wonderful, but the arrangement of scenes and sitting benches is inspired. Many great places to sit and reflect or read. Restaurant has lots of yummy choices, and today there was a food truck, too. Docents are very helpful and engaging. Mapplethorpe show was well done, and helped rehabilitate him for me.
Barry Demchak — Google review
Beautiful & peaceful. Easily accessible. Has a great kids area! We were there at the end of April when had a Tiffany collection display; lamps & vases were so neat to see.
There were large artist creations, like Tiffany, through out the garden. We spent 5 hrs enjoying this great place! The water view was incredible.
Volunteers were friendly & helpful!
Tracey Alverson — Google review
Very nice botanical garden, definitely worth a visit. They have some epiphytes I have not seen in other botanical gardens. You can spend about 3 hours there and see everything in depth. They have free parking and it is 26 bucks a person. There are good ocean views and good walking trails. The mansion houses a mask exhibit and when I went they were auctioning the masks. The workers are very ready to answer questions and look like they are enjoying themselves.
Dan Saxman — Google review
Selby Gardens is a fantastic botanical jewel. En extremely interesting venue that has options for every nature lover. Winding paths with banyon and other trees overhead, colorful flowering plants, exhibits, a tropical greenhouse, fantastic vistas and so much more. There's a children's play area (more like a huge tree house city) that is elevated and has interactive exhibits that frankly, adults can enjoy as well. Selby Gardens also has several restaurants to dine in. The Orchid is very good, but know that it's expensive and may not be your best option for your dollar. If you're Sarasota and looking for a location to spend a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon at, check this place out.
Ken Hutson — Google review
Beautiful gardens of all different types with beautiful trails right on the Sarasota Bay. Had multiple bathrooms with easy access and all different places to explore. Cute little gift shop full of nice souvenirs Only trouble was parking as they are doing construction and the parking lot was fenced off and rock. My first time going and it was great! Beautiful!
Alexa — Google review
What a delightful place to visit, brought my mom with me and when I asked if teachers got a discount,the person working the counter was eager and happy to tell us that teachers are free. They had free valet parking due to construction in their typical parking area, I had a little snack and a drink at the café. Although it was 93° out the breeze from off the water and the shaded areas provide much comfort from the heat. I was a little disappointed to find the greenhouse was closed, even though I had looked on the website I did not know this in advance. But I enjoyed it so much I’ll definitely make the two hour trip to visit again.
Mary Schu — Google review
Fun day at the gardens with the family. Lots of really fun things to see if you like plants! Kids might have a bit of a tough time here but they still had a good time and enjoyed the koi fish pond. The butterfly gardens were also neat to see. Definitely recommend an afternoon here.
Dmitry Choukline — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. There are so many plants to explore. Tiffany exhibit was educational and beautiful. Property is huge so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. On the water, so the breeze is appreciated. Different places to sit and take a moment to soak it all it. You can purchase food and drinks on the property in the adorable house cafe. Seating inside if you need to cool off and plenty outside. A very peaceful relaxing time ❣️
Christine — Google review
The garden is nice but quite a bit of mosquitoes and bugs. My arms and legs got bitten even with spread on.
Most of the volunteers were very nice and friendly.
The Garden's cafe Michael's was a surprise with excellent sandwiches and choices.
Michael Lee — Google review
Attending Matt and Maggie Dorn's wedding at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota was an unforgettable experience. The venue, a picturesque garden overlooking tranquil waters, was breathtaking, especially as the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The atmosphere was magical, almost surreal, and Annemarie and I were spellbound by the beauty of it all.
The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, with every detail meticulously planned. Matt and Maggie, surrounded by the love of their family and friends, exchanged vows against the backdrop of the setting sun, making the moment even more special. The air was filled with emotions, joy, and laughter, creating an ambiance of pure happiness.
As the evening progressed, the celebration moved into a beautifully decorated area, where tables were adorned with elegant centerpieces and soft, ambient lighting. The dinner was a culinary delight, each dish more exquisite than the last, complementing the upscale yet intimate theme of the wedding.
The music was a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, setting the tone for a night of dancing and merriment. Annemarie and I shared dances under the starlit sky, the melodies creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. We chatted with old friends and made new ones, reveling in the joyous occasion.
The entire night was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The combination of the stunning setting, the delicious food, the wonderful music, and the great company made it a truly epic celebration. It was a night to remember, not just for Matt and Maggie, but for every guest who had the privilege of being a part of their special day.
Zack Schneider — Google review
I was thrilled to return to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens long absence of 10 years. This place held a special significance for me and my husband as it was where he proposed to me. We were filled with excitement as we embarked on this journey down memory lane.
To our delight, we discovered that the garden had undergone significant transformations and welcomed several remarkable additions to its property. The abundance of beautiful plants and trees was a sight to behold. The meticulous care and attention to detail were evident in every corner of the garden.
One particular highlight was the introduction of stunning boardwalks that enhanced the overall experience. These pathways offered a sense of tranquility and serenity, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. It was a truly rejuvenating experience to wander along these paths, basking in the natural beauty that surrounded us.
The exceptional staff at Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens further enhanced our experience. Their friendliness and warmth made us feel truly welcome, and their dedication to maintaining the garden was evident. We appreciated their efforts in ensuring that every visitor had a memorable and enjoyable time.
I highly recommend a visit to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens. Whether you are seeking a romantic afternoon or simply desire a moment of quiet contemplation amidst nature, this garden will exceed your expectations. Its remarkable transformations and stunning additions make it a sanctuary worth exploring.
Veronica Gordon — Google review
Such a beautiful place to enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers of FL! You can walk out and get a wonderful view of Sarasota Bay as well. Don’t miss it if your visiting.
Tracy Anderson — Google review
Wonderful, lush garden that’s surrounded with exotic plants, the ocean, and kind people. The Shelby Gardens is a great place to visit if you’re from out of town, want to spend a day with the kids and family, or just enjoy plants itself. The facility is clean and well managed. When you come into the gardens, you’ll have your car valeted and returned at the end. We just happened to come the day after their newest exhibit opened which included these colorful Costa Rican masks. Plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the landscape. Definitely check it out!
maryroselol — Google review
Very nice. We were there during Tiffany Exhibit which was great. Not sure if special large stained glass decor throughout park was there because of Tiffany or they are standard displays, but loved them. Great that it sits along the bay. Orchid section was wonderful. I highly recommend it mostly for adults, not small children though there is a small kids section.
Kim H — Google review
Beautiful gardens. There is an awesome area for kids to play. They have concerts for members and an amazing greenhouse. I love how they always have a revolving collection of artwork that they incorporate into the gardens.
Emily Boulger — Google review
Nice quiet stroll through beautiful gardens. Make sure you take your camera or have your phone ready - lots to capture.
Kids area has lots to climb on and nooks for them to explore.
Cafe has cold drinks and food.
Brst way to spend the day.
Celeste Acevedo — Google review
Wonderful garden. The Orchids were fabulous. We took our time and strolled through everything and it took about 2.5 hours. Worth every penny.
Alex Buchanan — Google review
This place is a must see! If you like orchids you especially need to come see their orchid exhibit. They have an outdoor botanical garden that is beautifully maintained and raised wooden paths that give you a sense of adventure. The view of the ocean is particularly stunning and I’m sure must be wonderful at sunset (although we were there at midday). They have left the natural mangroves along most of the sea’s edge so it’s a great place to see that type of habitat as well. I was particularly fascinated be some of the really old mangrove trees with their roots so big that I didn’t think that still existed except maybe in the Everglades or abandoned islands. There is a cafeteria, and a visitor center which is all being replaced with a huge building across the street which is also part of the compound (probably the new visitor complex). I can’t wait to come back as my wife bought us a membership.
Waldo Carbo Jr — Google review
First time going to night in Bloom at the gardens. We did buy advanced tickets and included the parking which was super helpful. Really enjoyed the experience in the atmosphere. The lights, the music, and the garden itself was all beautiful. Lots of different areas to walk through and enjoy, they had games to play for the young ones. It was nice that they had the ability to buy cocktails in food while you walk through the garden. Highly recommend as a family Christmas activity.
LOParadise — Google review
An Amazing place to spend the whole day. Beautiful. Like a whole different world. Educational. Amazing orchids. Plants from many contents. I have 250 I wish I could share. They also have a flower shop. Should be on your bucket list good.
Cam T. — Google review
Absolutely spectacular! Right in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the Selby gardens is a lovely asset to the city. Beautiful gardens and unmatched views of the bay. I can visit again and again and it’s different every time. We went for the holiday light event this year and i was blown away! It will absolutely be a yearly visit to see the lights from now on! I do recommend buying tickets ahead of time as they sell out, especially right around Christmas. Great for families, people of all ages and interests!
Lauren Victor — Google review
A beautiful afternoon at the botanical gardens. Be prepared to walk thru all the gardens and special exhibits overlooking the beautiful beaches and surrounding areas of beautiful plants and trees and landscapes. It was an awesome afternoon of casually strolling the magnificent grounds and witnessing mother nature in her finest. Kudos to the expansion project, which seems to be complete. Such a beautiful peaceful date with mother nature.
Maria S Nasca — Google review
We haven’t been in almost 10 years and was pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed walking around the gardens and the interactive exhibits. Impressed with the number of volunteers and many are so friendly and willing to share their knowledge.
Nice, parking garage (free)
Laura Duplain — Google review
The new and extended Gardens are just wonderful! The added space really has made such a difference, and the new restaurant is marvellous. Light, airy, welcoming and friendly, the food is sublime. Can't wait to go again!
Alison Love — Google review
Spent a lovely afternoon roaming around the gardens. Extensive tropical garden indoors with water trickling over the stone walls.
Waterfront along the estuary with views of Sarasota have extensive mangroves.
They close at 430. Allow a couple of hours.
There's a restaurant in one of the buildings. The mansion has a small tour inside.
It's 26 dollars for adults, admission.
It's definitely a great way to spend a day
N Fornaro — Google review
What an oasis! To think all of this beauty, diversity, art and natural tranquility is minutes from downtown Sarasota is staggering. The parking is incredibly convenient. The volunteers were beyond helpful. And our visit was free because we’re members of another Florida garden — Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Such a gem.
Jeff Houck — Google review
Parking was a little confusing. It wasn't evident to me that the ramp was for the garden. It is. They don't allow outside food which was a shame because we packed a picnic lunch that we had to enjoy on a bench right outside the park instead of in the magnificent gardens. Even if you buy tickets online you still have to stop at the main entrance to get your sticker.
John Ridley — Google review
Really enjoyed this garden. It was beautiful! Wonderful display of orchids and all sorts of beautiful flora. Very well put together, the kids section is super interactive and my niece and nephew loved it! We got to explore nearly every part except for the education center/museum which I'll have to check out next time. They also had a great little bonsai display and I enjoyed the cactus garden too. They had a beautiful Christmas display up and whole array of lights that must look amazing at night. Really enjoyed it!