4 Spots in Florida We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

This is the month to give thanks, and I’m especially thankful for these theme park spots in Florida to reignite my childlike wonder and make me feel like a kid again, without a worry in the world. Every time I leave these theme parks, I feel happier than when I came in. There’s no shortage of fun attractions, thrilling rides, and epic sights across the Sunshine State. Without further ado, hop on board for what I consider some of best places to visit in Florida:

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Perhaps the most famous of them all, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, is where dreams come true. Of course, Walt Disney World is much more than the recognizable Cinderella Castle found in Magic Kingdom. In addition to the fairytale-like Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World boasts three other magical theme parks that include Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios to satisfy any childlike fantasy. When planning my stay, I'm particularly thankful for the myriad of themed resort hotel and campgrounds to choose from, such as Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort in the Animal Kingdom resort area and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in the Wide World of Sports resort area.

A special theme park of note is Toy Story Land, which is located in Hollywood Studios. I especially enjoy going to infinity and beyond by interacting with my favorite characters and feeling the wind in my hair as I ride the Slinky Dog Dash, or going inside Andy’s room for a 4D Toy Story Mania! shootin’ game.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

This year, Universal Orlando Resort recently added its fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, which is an immersion of five different worlds, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe. Especially since I grew up playing these games and watching these movies, these attractions help me to relive my childhood memories.

For a chance to cool off in the sweltering Florida heat and humidity, I love visiting Volcano Bay, a water park centered around the 200-foot volcano called Krakatau, where the ancient fiery spirit named Vol looms. For those like me who love to spend time with their favorite characters and dream of movie sets, visit the Universal Islands of Adventure to walk with the dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, and take a picture with Captain America himself at Marvel Super Hero Island.

3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is for all of the animal enthusiasts out there who want to take a ride on the wild side (literally). Designed with the landscapes of Africa in mind, this animal theme park is home to over 200 animal species as well as world-class entertainment offerings. I love how you can reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour on Iron Gwazi roller coaster and then casually go on a Serengeti Safari to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and more.

Park goers can look forward to new park features in 2026, such as the Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge, which features state-of-the-art habitats to foster up-close animal interactions, as well as more immersive environments and guest entertainment options.

4. Legoland Florida Resort

Located in Lakeland, Legoland is celebrated for its iconic rides and activities centered around the classic Lego building blocks that many of us played with as children. I love exploring the park’s many attractions, including the Legoland Water Park, Lego Ferrari Build & Race, The Lego Movie Masters of Flight, and more Lego-themed adventures. The theme park is even adding a Lego space adventure Galacticoaster in early 2026, which will be the first indoor coaster built inside the main park since its opening in 2011.

It's safe to say that there’s no shortage of fun and rip-roaring adventures to get thrown into with these theme parks, which are some of the best places to visit in Florida. Sometimes as adults we forget what it feels like to experience childlike magic in our everyday lives, but these theme parks bring us back to these feelings, and for that I'm thankful. Want to know about other fantastic theme parks in the U.S.? Thrill seekers, look no further than the best amusement parks around the country, as well as Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary tool.