Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Rollercoaster at Legoland Florida Resort.

Florida’s Legoland and Walt Disney World resorts require little introduction. These Orlando heavyweights come with significant boasts. Did you know, for example, that Legoland Florida is, at 145 acres, the second-largest Legoland on the planet (beaten only marginally by Legoland Windsor in the UK)? Or that Walt Disney World frankly dwarfs it (and every other theme park in the world for that matter), weighing in at a whopping 27,000 acres? Well, now you do. Read on for our comparison of this entertainment equivalent of David and Goliath as we put Legoland and Walt Disney World through their paces...

Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Legoland

Image of Child, Female, Girl, Person, Water, Lifejacket, Vest,

Name: Legoland. Or, if we must be pedantic about it: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Age: A mere whippersnapper next to Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida opened to the general public in October, 2011.

Legoland in a nutshell: This epic interactive theme park is a firm family favorite, with 150 acres in which to let kids young and old run riot. We’re talking Lego-themed rollercoaster rides, 4D movie theaters, water shows and more. Heck, there’s even a standalone Peppa Pig theme park, a water park and a botanical garden here. Add to that several restaurants and gift shops and you have all the ingredients for a great day out. Though technically aimed at kids aged 2-12, it’s also pretty great fun for grown-ups too! There’s easily enough to do here to justify a couple of days. Maybe even three.

Legoland: Vital Statistics

Image of Person,
  • Size: 145 acres
  • Number of zones: there are a whopping 12 themed zones to explore, and we’re not even including the Cypress Gardens, Peppa Pig Theme Park or Legoland Water Park in that count.
  • Number of attractions: there are somewhere in the region of 50 fun rides, theaters and other attractions in the main park.
  • Number of hotels: three.
  • Number of Lego bricks: 4m+
  • Visitors: around 1.5 million annually.

Unmissable Highlights at Legoland Florida

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman,

Adrenaline heads will want to hit up the coasters in Lego Kingdoms and the Land of Adventure in which, respectively, The Dragon and traditional wooden Coastersaurus are among the most hair-raising. Meanwhile, fans of Lego Ninjago will find much to enjoy on the interactive Ninjago-themed dark ride. Kids can earn their Legoland driving licenses in Lego City, play video games and build Lego Mindstorms robots in the Imagination Zone, and meet Lego friends including Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma in Heartlake City.

For something a little bit... weirder, mosey on down to Pirates’ Cove, where the daily live action water-ski stunt show on Lake Eloise sees Captain Brickbeard, Calico Jade and the rest of the scurvy pirate crew put through their paces on wakeboards, flying boards and more. Meanwhile, over in the Land of Adventure, there’s a safari trek that takes in life-size lego lions, tigers and elephants. And in Lego Movie World you can get involved in the Battle of Bricksburg, in which participants spray down evil Duplo invaders and, well, get royally drenched in the process.

Legoland Florida: Information for Visitors

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person,

Opening hours: Standard opening hours are 10AM-5PM daily, but these vary by season and on weekends and holidays. The Water Park tends to open a little later and close a little earlier than Legoland. Check the Legoland website for the latest opening hours.

Tickets: There are various options available direct, from multi-day tickets to VIP and annual passes. You’ll need separate tickets in addition to your Legoland ticket if you want to visit the Legoland Water Park. Alternatively, an Orlando attraction pass from Go City includes one-day entry to Legoland Florida, plus admission to dozens more top Orlando attractions for one money-saving price.

Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Walt Disney World Florida

Image of

Name: Walt Disney World Florida, to give it its full name. Initially just plain old Disney World, Walt’s first name was added posthumously in recognition that the whole project had been his idea.

Age: This stalwart of the theme park scene first opened its gates way back in October 1971, a shade under five years after Walt’s death.

Walt Disney World in a nutshell: Walt Disney World is a monster entertainment complex that’s truly worthy of its founder’s name. What was once a vast tract of Florida swampland now contains – deep breath – four separate theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, several shopping complexes and multiple hotels. Frankly it’s more of a Disney city than a mere theme park: to give you some idea of scale, it’s approximately the same size as San Francisco. However, it is the theme parks here that are the main event, running the gamut from the classic Magic Kingdom to Epcot (a celebration of human technological innovation and achievement), Hollywood Studios and the vast Animal Kingdom – the world’s largest theme park at a humongous 580 acres, fact fans. With that in mind, you may find that one or even two weeks isn’t quite enough time to take it all in.

Walt Disney World: Vital Statistics

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Mountain, Rock, Bridge,
  • Size: 27,000 acres or thereabouts, around half of which has been developed to date.
  • Number of parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom makes four. There are also two water parks and several dozen additional satellite zones and attractions.
  • Number of attractions: there are around 170 rides across the four main parks.
  • Number of hotels: 32, of which 22 are owned and operated by Disney.
  • Visitors: around 58 million annually, making Walt Disney World the world’s most visited vacation resort.

Unmissable Highlights at Walt Disney World

Image of Lighting, City, Metropolis, Urban, Road, Street, Neighborhood, Nature, Night, Outdoors, Potted Plant, Cathedral, Church, Bench, Furniture, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Landscape,

I mean... where to start? Can you even say you’ve been to the Magic Kingdom if you fail to grab a selfie at the iconic Cinderella Castle, ride the original Space Mountain rollercoaster or shake hands with Mickey, Minnie and the gang? Then there’s Epcot (or EPCOT, if you insist), where the Mission: Space thrill ride comes with complimentary motion-sickness bags and the World Showcase neighborhood contains pavilions representing the cultures, cuisines and architecture of 11 nations including Norway, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Get a taste of the golden age of cinema at Hollywood Studios, where highlights include the Muppet-themed Grand Avenue, several Star Wars rides and the 11-acre Toy Story Land. And hit up the Animal Kingdom which is, in effect, one of the world’s biggest zoos. Go on an African safari, ride the Wildlife Express Train, catch a show at the Tree of Life Theater, and say hey to the resident anteaters, macaws, gorillas, hippos, crocodiles and other critters. Word has it you might even bump into the occasional overgrown mouse or duck...

Walt Disney World: Information for Visitors

Image of Brunch, Food, Food Presentation, Cutlery, Fork,

Opening hours: Hollywood Studios and Epcot generally open from 9AM-9PM; Magic Kingdom is 9AM-10PM and Animal Kingdom 8AM-7PM. However, timings will vary a little by season. Check the Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Tickets: Several options are available direct via the Walt Disney World website.

Save on attractions in Florida

Save on admission to Orlando attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

Blog

Where to Stay in Orlando

Blessed by year-round beautiful weather and sunny skies, Orlando is best known for its major attractions like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. For anyone making their way to the City Beautiful for the first time, choosing a place to stay can be a little overwhelming. Still, we’re here to tell you that there’s no single winning spot to make your roots – rather, you should choose somewhere to suit your vacation plans and reasons for visiting. If you’re looking to hit the theme parks, then International Drive is where you’ll want to be. For nightlife and culture, you couldn’t do much better than downtown Orlando. Or, to live like the locals, check out Eatonville. Wherever you choose to stay in the city, you’ll have a great time. Check out our list for further guidance on which area would be right for you. International Drive Whilst there’s much to see and do everywhere in the city, International Drive remains a popular tourist hotspot for its proximity to the city’s most famous attractions. Stay here, and you’ll be well within reach of top theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Aquatica. Though its theme parks are the area’s main draw, if you conduct a little research you’ll find ample reason to love this vibrant area of the city. Not unlike the ‘Vegas Strip’, the area offers clusters of hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions to choose from. From great entertainment districts to fun shopping opportunities, International Drive really has it all. Serving as a major tourist corridor since 1972, this area provides accommodation choices for all types of travellers. No matter what price range or style you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Travelling is made easy in this part of the city, with excellent bus services and even some hotels offering free shuttles to the main amusement parks. Whether you’re travelling with family or going solo, we recommend this spot for those who like to be in the center of all the action. Kissimmee Another great option for tourists is of course Kissimmee. A little further out from all the hustle and bustle, this area presents a great mix of nature and urban attractions to keep everybody happy. Whilst the area is still very close to Orlando’s most famous theme parks, you’ll find that there’s so much more to love about Kissimmee. From Fun Spot America to the Monument of States, there’s a lot to see here. Most visitors rent out condos or villas in gated communities, creating a relaxed vibe that is ideal for families and big groups. If you decide to go down this route, you’ll have access to the community park, clubhouse, and a common pool. A tried-and-true classic, there’s no going wrong when you stay in Kissimmee. Winter Park For those looking to explore a different side of the city, Winter Park may be your best bet. Once considered a winter resort, this charming area presents much to do for culture vultures and art lovers. For those with a thirst for knowledge, the area has the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum amongst many others. It doesn’t stop there though – Winter Park is also a prime destination for nature lovers, with over 70 parks in the vicinity which host various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or catch a late-night movie under the stars, you’ll never be bored in Winter Park. Staying in this area also means that you’ll still be super close to all those quintessential Orlando attractions, without feeling overwhelmed by them. Win-win! Eatonville If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit more relaxed, why try Eatonville? Located just a few miles north of the city, this area is often recognized for its unique history, as it was one of the first all-black self-governing municipalities in the United States. Today, this thriving cultural gem is a great place to stay in the city, offering something a little different from your typical Orlando vacation. Here, you’ll find fantastic one-of-kind cultural amenities, including the Zora Neale Hurston Museum and the Moseley House which are well worth the visit. Its dining and drinking scenes boast killer bars and restaurants – try southern-style fried fish at Soul Food Fantasy, or for something a little sweet, head over to DaJen Eats Café & Creamery. Offering a laidback ‘’live like the locals’’ experience, we love this spot because it allows us to see more of the area. Downtown Last but most certainly not least, we recommend downtown Orlando for those traveling without kids. Matching the vibrant energy of Winter Park, the city’s historic center is known as a total hub of cultural activity. Daytime attractions are definitely not far and few between; with the Amway Center, Lake Eola Park, and Wells’ Built Museum just a stone's throw away, there’s a lot to see here. Come nightfall, the area is fun and bustling with life. If you’re wondering about dining options (and let’s be real, why wouldn’t you be?) don’t worry – the area presents some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Getting around the area is pretty simple – you can hail down passing cabs, check out the city’s metropolitan bus system, or just walk it. Never one to disappoint, we particularly love this area to stay in because it’s always reforming itself, coming up with cool and interesting new things to do. Crammed with iconic sites and bursting with fun, Orlando is well-recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A trip to the City Beautiful is a dream come true for many, so putting the right amount of research into where you stay is key. Whether you’re looking to hit the theme parks, visit the area’s best museums, or just relax, your chosen location will play heavily into your vacation. Of course, there isn’t one spot that is truly best for everyone – just one that is right for you. Wherever you choose to stay, just remember – the city is what you make of it. See the sites, discover new things, and most importantly, have fun! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Things to do in Kissimmee

A popular tourist destination for families and solo travellers alike, Kissimmee quite often conjures the image of famous theme parks and outdoor adventures. Though the area is perhaps best known for Disney World, you may be surprised by the myriad of fantastic attractions and points of exploration on offer. Trust us when we say, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Whether you’re looking to visit Magic Kingdom, make a splash at Island H20 Water Park, or spend a relaxing day ambling through the Disney Wilderness Preserve, there’s a little something for everybody here. If you’re planning to make the visit, you’ll need a good trip plan – but that’s where we come in! Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Hit the Theme Parks Those travelling with family might want to check out the next item on our list. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, Magic Kingdom is amongst the most popular theme parks in the world. With over 50 rides, attractions, and shopping locations to choose from, you’ll never be bored here – rather, you’re more likely to struggle to fit it all in! Test your limits on Space Mountain, if you prefer to play it safe, take a turn on It’s a Small World, and definitely don’t forget to take a picture outside of the iconic Cinderella Castle. Whatever you choose to go for, there’s no going wrong here! Another one of our favorite things to do in Kissimmee is visit Fun Spot America. Though it isn’t quite as famous as some of the area’s other amusement parks, this place more than holds its own with a wide variety of unique rides and games to choose from. With over 20 exciting attractions, the fun just keeps on coming. For thrillseekers, excitement awaits you as you drop from 300 feet on the world’s tallest rollercoaster. This spot is also great for kids, offering old-time classics like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. Bringing the charm and nostalgia to the theme park, this place is sure to put a smile on your face. Kissimmee is known as a total hub of fun and entertainment – and it sure doesn’t disappoint! As the area’s most popular entertainment district, Old Town provides the ultimate amusement park experience. Boasting everything from killer dining and shopping experiences to live music events and car shows, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Still, what’s perhaps most charming about this place is that it seeks to offer a classic recreation of Old-Florida town; walking through the area, you’ll be able to notice the historic architecture and distinctive storefronts. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, this spot is not to be missed! Try Something Different Sure, we know that Kissimmee has a lot to offer in the amusement park department. Still, if you want to get to know the area a little better, there are plenty of interesting hidden gems and points of exploration to be uncovered. Completed in 1943, the Monument of States serves as a mark of American unity following the attack on Pearl Harbour. This creative outdoor installation is made up of 1, 500 stones from all over the United States, with messages inscribed into them – it even includes one from Franklin D. Roosevelt himself! This makes for a quick stop, meaning that you’ll have some time to explore the local area. Since Florida is well-known for its beautiful weather, it may come as no surprise to you that the area is home to some of America’s most wondrous green spaces. If you’re looking to spend some downtime in nature, the Disney Wilderness Preserve provides the perfect refuge from the city. Just a short stop from Disney World, this place offers plenty of space and fresh air, as well as one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. On the premises, you’ll be able to admire over 1,000 species of plants and animals. This fantastic hidden gem is a total must-see for all nature lovers. Have a Blast For those looking for a little bit of a challenge, why not check out the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park? Perfect for all adventurous types, the park provides an unforgettable outdoor experience set right up against the stunning natural pine forests of Kissimmee. At the park, you'll be able to test your limits through around 100 different aerial obstacle course challenges. Fly through the trees on Tarzan ropes. Test your bravery on a zip line. Navigate through swinging logs. A little different and a whole lot of fun, this one should be right at the top of the itinerary! If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Kissimmee’s most popular water park, Island H2O, is the perfect place to spend time with friends or family. Perfect for big groups, this place offers more than 20 exciting experiences catering to all ages, including drop slides, a wave pool, and a children’s area – so basically, everyone’s happy! As if that wasn’t enough, this aquatic attraction is the first of its kind to offer customizable interactive experiences that are fun for all the family. Thoroughly invigorating and 100 per cent unique, we couldn’t possibly think of a better day to spend a sunny Florida’s afternoon! There’s no doubt about it: Kissimmee is a city built for exploration. Set just south of Orlando, this vibrant area has much to offer for the avid explorer. Whilst visiting, you might be surprised by the many different things this place has in store - you just know where to look! Kissimmee’s adventure parks are an absolute must - whether you’re looking to visit Disney World or something a little different like Old Town, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. If the outdoors are more your thing, the area has a number of fantastic experiences to be enjoyed. All in all, Kissimmee is an incredible place to explore for all types of travellers. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Your Guide to Orlando Airport

Everybody loves a good vacation to Orlando. From museums and other cultural institutions to beaches and the Everglades National Park, there’s no end of things to do. In fact, whether you’re a theme park junkie or the type who loves to explore the great outdoors, Central Florida has you covered. Of course, getting to Orlando is the first step in that amazing Florida vacation you’ve been planning. As a busy airport, Orlando (MCO) can be a bit challenging to navigate—especially for first-time visitors to the area and those traveling with little ones. Check out our handy guide to Orlando International Airport, including tips for how to navigate the airport with kids and basic info on how to get around... Orlando Airport Overview Orlando Airport serves 39 different airlines with both domestic and international destinations. Depending upon your airline, you will fly in and out of one of two terminals, A or B. If you need to know which terminal you’ll be in, you can consult the official airport website. Your ticket should also have this information clearly indicated. To help you navigate the airport and find your gate, we recommend consulting the terminal map. You will also need to use a monorail to get to your gate once you’re past security, but this can be a fun experience for the whole family—especially train-loving little kids! Orlando Airport Main Hub & Shopping There’s a main hub between the two terminals that can be a fruitful resource for gifts, toys, and a way to entertain antsy kids. There’s even an arcade (next to the kid magnet Natalie’s Candy Jar) that features both new and classic games. It can be a fun way for the kids to burn off steam, or for you all to play together. There are plenty of places to shop if you have time to kill or souvenirs left to collect, including a SeaWorld store, two Kennedy Space Center stores, two Universal stores with loads of Harry Potter merchandise, and two different Disney stores that have everything you could want. Disney’s Earport is located in the East Hall, and has a pin station where you can trade collectible Disney pins—a popular practice with Disney fanatics. The second store, Magic of Disney, is on the South Walk and boasts large themed screens that serve as great photo backdrops. This is the main place for shopping, and comes before the security gates, so keep that in mind when arriving or departing. If you’re leaving on a departing flight, you’ll need to fit all of your purchases into your luggage before going through security and boarding your flight. However, feel free to load up on separate bags if you’re heading out the front doors! Orlando Airport Security Like all airports, MCO employs standard security procedures as implemented by the TSA. That means you’ll need to make sure you have the right size toiletries, bring no liquids through with you except for medicine or breast milk, and remove all large electronics from your bags. One less common thing the Orlando Airport also requires is that you remove all food items from your non-checked bags. You can bring them through, just make sure they are accessible to take out when going through the line. If you are traveling with little ones, remember that the TSA does not require kids 12 and under to take off their shoes, light jackets, or hats. Babies must be taken out of their strollers and carried through the metal detector, although they can also be carried in a sling. For more information on getting through TSA screening procedures with your kids, check out their official guide to traveling with children. As one of the busiest airports in the country, Orlando Airport also often has tremendously long security lines. Please arrive well in advance of your flight time to make sure that you have time to get through. It can also help to be aware of carry-on restrictions and other policies before you travel to make sure that your time through to the other side isn’t an age and a half. Orlando Airport Dining Options If you arrive early enough at the airport before your departure and need to work in a meal or snack, rest assured—dining options of all stripes abound at MCO. Looking for something fast and inexpensive in the main terminal? Moe’s Southwest Grill and McDonald’s are easy choices at the Main Terminal Food Court. There are three restaurants at the attached Hyatt Regency, as well as a delicious Macaroni Grill, all of which provide more options than fast food. Sports fans may also want to check out the new City Pub, which features local beer and tasty food. It’s also an official supporting bar for the Orlando City Soccer Club, so it’s perfect for sports fans. Fortunately, City Pub is also a relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for kids. The dining options are more diverse once you get past security, including a Chipotle, Cibo Express, Wendy’s, Nathan’s, and an Outback Steakhouse, among several others. There are also some fun adult-friendly options like the upscale Cask & Larder, which brings a farm-to-table sensibility to MCO. If you’d like to review all of your dining options before your visit to see which would be the best for your family—especially those of you with any food allergies or specific diets—the Orlando Airport has conveniently provided a dining directory. Orlando Car Rentals, Shuttles, and Ride Share When arriving in Orlando and needing to find your way from the airport to your hotel or resort, you have multiple options. The most common option is to rent a car, especially if you are doing more than just Disney. Keep in mind that a high-traffic airport like Orlando will often run out of cars later in the day, so be sure to make your rental reservation in advance. Car rental companies are located on both A and B sides of the terminal on Level 1. For those of you who are headed to Disney, the Disney Magical Express is a shuttle that escorts arriving guests to their Disney resort. You’ll need to have your MagicBands ready to be scanned, but the trip is other a pretty painless way to get to your resort or hotel in the Disney-verse. If you’re looking for a taxi or ride share like Uber or Lyft, go to the Ground Transportation area on Level 1. Please note that there is a small fee charged for airport pick-ups that will be added onto your total bill. A good idea can be to look for coupons or deals before arriving to help you save, as the Orlando Airport isn’t very close to downtown and your fare could be quite high.   Orlando Airport Insider Tips The Orlando Airport has an official app—available for Android or Apple—that can be a smart choice for frequent flyers or anyone who likes the extra guidance. Don’t have a smartphone, or prefer not to download the app? There are plenty of interactive kiosks around the airport with the same helpful information. Arrive two to three hours before your flight departs to allow time to go through security and take advantage of the shopping and dining. If your flight arrives late and you have tired and grumpy kids, it may be easier and most cost-effective to stay at a hotel near or in the airport. The Hyatt Regency is an easy choice, as it’s located right in the center of the airport and offers good deals. Important: Once past security, you’ll need to choose one of the monorails to get you to your gate. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll have to take it back and go through security again, so be sure you know which one will head to your gate! Save on Orlando Attraction Tickets Once you’ve successfully made it through the Orlando Airport, it’s time to get down to exploring. If you’re interested in checking what Orlando has to offer beyond the major theme parks, a Go Orlando pass is a smart choice. You can save up to 50% on combined admission to top attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and many I-Drive activities. It’s a convenient digital pass that you get instant access to upon purchase, so whether you plan ahead or opt-in last minute, you can enjoy big savings. Happy travels! So grab an Orlando pass and make the most of your trip!
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.