Adventure Island, 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, near Busch Gardens (813-987-5660). Features the Aruba Tuba inner tube flume, a wide variety of slides, pools and water activities, including the Spike Zone volleyball park and the Wahoo Run, a slide that features waterfalls and a five-person raft, so the whole family can ride together. Makes ya wet just thinking about it. Admission is $25.95 for adults; $23.95 for ages 3-9; and free for children 2 and under. Season passes for residents are $67.95. Surf and Safari passes, for $114.95, allows unlimited admission to Adventure Island and Busch Gardens for one year. Parking fee is $4. Hours vary.
Animal Kingdom, I-4 East to State Road 536 to Disney property in Orlando (407-824-4321). This Disney attraction is a hybrid zoo theme park running the gamut from wild creatures of southern Asia to gibbons and other exotic animals. The jungle safari offers a Jeep-style tour through the bush. Countdown to Extinction is a journey back to prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled. True adventurers can take the Maharajah Jungle trek through the wild, then cool-down with swift, white-water rafting in the Kali River Rapids. Regular one-day passes cost $50.88 for adults, $40.28 for kids, and free for tots under 3. Other passes are available, including a five-day Park Hopper to all four parks. Hours vary.
Buccaneer Bay Family Water Park, located next to Weeki Wachee Spring, at U.S. 19 and State Road 50, Spring Hill (352-596-2062). This mini-park features naturally cool spring water and snow white beaches nestled in thick vegetation. Test your speed on the twisting 300-foot Pirate's Revenge and the Thunderbolt water flume. Try the Cannonball Flume and plummet down three stories in the dark. Work up a sweat playing volleyball or relax on the Buccaneer River Ride. During the summer, open every day at 10 a.m. (Seasonal March-September). Admission is $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 3-10, and free for ages 2 and under.
Busch Gardens, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa (813-987-5082). This 300-acre African-theme park and zoo has one of the area's best collections of alligators and flamingos, along with a mock Serengeti plain stocked with giraffes. The must-do: Gwazi, a double wooden dueling roller coaster reaching combined speeds of 100 mph. BG's latest attraction, Rhino Rally, is a combination off-road safari and wild river ride aboard customized Land Rovers. Other attractions include the Kumba roller coaster, Myombe Reserve, Great Ape Domain, Tanganyika Tidal Wave, Koala exhibit and Clydesdale Hamlet. The mock-preserve Edge of Africa, featuring hyenas, giraffes and other jungle creatures, offers a guided Jeep tour (Serengeti Safari) for an additional $20 (all ages; $18 for pass holders), that allows guests to feed, observe and learn about giraffes, ostriches and other animals. Admission is $47.98 for adults; $38.95 for children ages 3-9; free for children 2 and under. Parking costs $6. Hours vary.
Cypress Gardens, on State Road 540 West, near Winter Haven (941-324-2111). Look for plenty of new stuff springing up inside this botanical wonderland as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. The new FloraDome, with seasonal horticultural displays, plus an entire water park (read: flume rides!) are both scheduled to open before summer hits. All the old favorites are still around, including ski shows, children's play area, ice shows, bird of prey program, Wings of Wonder butterfly conservatory, Southern Breeze authentic paddle wheel riverboat and 2001 Ski Odyssey. Admission is $32.95 for adults; $16.95 for ages 6-12; and free for kids under 6. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Discovery Cove, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando (877-434-2683). Barely a year old, this reservations-only, man-made aquavaganza features swim areas where visitors can actually splash about with bottlenose dolphins and rays, snorkel among exotic fish in a coral reef lagoon, wade in freshwater pools and rivers, hand feed birds and relax in hammocks. The prefab Tahitian-style day-resort boasts sandy white beaches, thatched huts and a high level of personal attention. The latter obviously due to the hefty admission price: $199, which includes all the cove's adventures, a freshly prepared meal and free access to guest amenities (snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, lockers, beach umbrellas, chairs, hammocks and a personal guide). Admission also includes a seven-day pass to nearby sister park, Sea World. A more reasonable $89 admission includes all of the above, minus the dolphin swim. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Magic Kingdom, I-4 East to State Road 536, Kissimmee (407-824-4321). Visit your old pals Mickey and Minnie and enter the hub of Florida tourism. Get sick on the spinning Mad Tea Party ride, laugh at the Pirates of the Caribbean's animatronic mateys, watch the kiddies ride around in circles on Dumbo and pilot your own star cruiser in the interactive Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. One-day passes cost $50.88 for adults; $40.28 for kids; free for ages 3 and under. Other passes are available, including a five-day Park Hopper to all four parks. Hours vary.
Epcot Center, I-4 East to State Road 536, Kissimmee (407-824-4321). In the land where pigs and carrots sing, this renowned Orlando attraction makes learning fun. Future World features informative displays about technology and science. The park's World Showcase offers quick journeys to faraway countries, sharing some of the culture and lots of the shopping. The Tapestry of Nations promenade begins at dusk each night in the World Showcase section of the park throughout summer. Test Track takes visitors on the longest, fastest ride in the Disney Triumvirate, where guests see and feel the Arctic cold and desert heat, then zip along at 65 mph. Admission is $50.88 for adults, $40.28 for kids, free for ages 3 and under. Hours vary.
Gatorland, U.S. 441 at the Orlando-Kissimmee line in southern Orlando (800-393-JAWS). This place claims to be the alligator capital of the world, and hey, who wants to argue? Take the Swamp walk and watch gators lounge, stroll down a wooden boardwalk through a canopy of trees and enjoy a view of the 10-acre natural habitat from a three-story observation tower, or check out the park via its new train. There's a petting zoo (sorry, no gators), and Lilly's Pad, a water fountain park for kids. After working up an appetite, sample the smoked gator ribs and deep fried gator nuggets at Pearl's Smokehouse. The park is open daily at 9 a.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $17.93 for adults; $8.48 for ages 3-12; and free or ages 3 and under.
Islands of Adventure, on the Universal Studios grounds, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 at Exit 30A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This mega-theme park dazzles visitors of all ages and tastes with six distinct islands in which to indulge. Visit Seuss Land, based on the popular children's books, or check out Marvel Superhero Island. Jurassic Park lets you ride the Dueling Dragons inverted roller coaster with two trains speeding, at times, 12-inches apart. The Triceratops Encounter is a peek at virtual 'saurs — including a 24-foot Triceratops that feels, acts, smells and even defecates like the real prehistoric pets. Admission is $50.88 for adults; $41.34 for ages 3-9; and free for ages 3 and under.
Lowry Park Zoological Society, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Visitors can see red wolves, American bison, black bears and alligators from the safe vantage point of the boardwalk. The manatee rehabilitation facility includes two 25,000-gallon pools, large enough to hold up to 16 of the gentle creatures. A pair of display pools, equipped with underwater windows, lets visitors view West Indian manatees performing slow belly rolls and gentle tail waves without fear of being whacked by propeller blades. Catch live entertainment and special animal encounters on Summer Safari Nights, held on May 11, June 15, July 20 and Aug. 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Summer Safari cost $7 for adults and $5 for children. Regular admission costs $9.50 for adults; $8.50 or seniors; $5.95 for ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and under. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
MGM Studios, I-4 East to State Road 536, Kissimmee (407-824-4321). If you love movies but hate L.A. (and who doesn't?), this park offers a behind-the-scenes look into the film industry. Battle with the evil Empire in Star Tours, a simulated ride inspired by the Star Wars movies. Delight in rock star treatment via MGM's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Admission is $50.88 for adults, $40.28 for kids, free for ages 3 and under. Hours vary.
The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6164). The Pier's inverted pyramid-shape building (hard to miss) is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants and fun stuff for the kids. Catch strolling performers and live music almost any day of the week, not to mention some prime fishing. The Pier Aquarium takes up the second floor, and Great Explorations Hands-On Museum is on the third. Cha Cha Coconuts tropical restaurant gets the prime top floor, complete with observation deck. Other restaurants include Cafe Lido and The Columbia. These eateries and others participate in Taste of Pinellas, June 2-4, and The Pier's also a great place to 'ooh' and 'ahh' over Fourth of July fireworks (oddly enough, on June 3). Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday -Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Sea World, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando (407-363-2613). This aquatic wonderland features live action shows and tanks of exotic marine life. Watch Shamu glide and leap through the water. Let your feet dangle while braving Kraken, a roller coaster that whirls over water and underground at 65 mph. Visit the Intensity water ski show, take a simulated helicopter ride into the Wild Arctic or a travel through Key West, a duplicate of the South Florida paradise, filled with turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Admission is $47.95 for adults; $38.95 for ages 3-9; free for ages 2 and under. Parking is $6. A nightly Polynesian Luau dinner and show, starting at 6:30 p.m., costs an additional $35.95 for adults, $25.95 for ages 8-12, $15.95 for ages 3-7; and free for ages 2 and under. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Silver Springs, State Road 40 East in Ocala/Silver Springs (352-236-2121). This 350-acre nature park features a Lost River Voyage, Jungle Cruise, World of Bears, Panther Prowl, Big Gator Lagoon and Jeep Safari. Admission is $31.95 for adults and $22.95 for kids under 48-inches tall. Twelve-month passes for residents costs $45.95; $35.95 for seniors; and $32.95 for children. Admission to the springs' Wild Waters park costs $22.95 for adults; $19.95 for kids; and season passes are $44.95. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-551-3100). More than 6,000 varieties of plants and hundreds of colorful birds call Sunken Gardens home. A popular Florida roadside attraction since the '30s, the gardens feature a Rainforest Information Center, butterfly garden, guided tours and Wildlife Wonder shows. Admission costs $5 for adults; $3 for seniors; $1 for ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and under. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Universal Studios, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 at Exit 30A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This Hollywood-inspired theme park boasts movie-based rides like Back to the Future, Terminator 2 … 3D, Twister … Ride it out! and Jaws. See the Nickelodeon set and the house used in Psycho. After you've toured the movies, trek over to Citywalk outside the studio park. This 30-acre smorgasbord of shops, nightclubs, movie theaters and restaurants includes The Hard Rock Cafe, NBA Cafe and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Citywalk admission's free, but some clubs may charge a cover. Purchase an All-Club pass for $7.95, or All-Club and movie pass for $11.95. Citywalk's open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Universal Studios admission costs $50.88 for adults; $41.34 for ages 3-9; free for ages 2 and under. Hours vary.
Weeki Wachee Springs, 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill (800-GO-WEEKI). This attraction includes the Little Mermaid Underwater Theater, Mermaid Museum, botanical gardens, Wilderness River cruise bird shows, a petting zoo and the distinction of being able to say Elvis visited once-upon-a-time. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15.95 for adults; $11.95 for ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and under. Season passes cost $34.95 for adults and kids alike.
This article appears in May 17-24, 2001.