Best themeparks
 

We will shortly be visiting Orlando with 4 children - 2 boys aged 16 and 10, 2 girls aged 12 and 7. Can anyone suggest the best attractions to keep everyone happy?

I've heard very good things about Universal Studios. You might also consider Magic Kingdom. I would avoid Epcot, I think children this age would be very bored. Anyway, have a great trip.

Went with two nieces,12 and 19,last year. Everyone, including adults, thought SeaWorld was the most relaxing/fun ambling around. Shows AND rides available. (Kumba roller coaster/Antlantis water ride).Universal Parks (Home of Hard Rock Cafe/NascarCafe,etc) and Disney's Magic Kingdom/MGM were favorites for rides; "actionpacked fun".(suitable for all ages). Nieces didn't care as much for Epcot (only liked Nascar ride) or Animal Kingdom (liked BugsLife,river tube ride). Try Universal/SeaWorld/Disney searches.

I think it depends on whether or not they have ever had the Disney experience. If not, then Disney World. If so, I would try Islands of Adventure. They have a variety of rides and cool themed areas.

I suggest you assign the older kids to do online research - start wih wdwig.com - and go to the library with the younger ones, get a few Orlando/ Disney/ Fla guidebooks out and let them do some research and tell you what they think they will like the most. I love WDW so of course all the parks there, use a park hopper pass and start at Animal Kingdom (opens first), then as it gets hotter go to another park. In Downtown disney area DISNEYQUEST will be a BIG hit, there may be one or two things your youngest is not tall enough to do, but all the kids will like it! Separate tickets, it is an enclosed building full of "virtual reality" attractions. It is safe and secure enough that the older ones can take off and meet up with you at the gift shop (the exit) later on. Sea World is fun- the older ones might act bored, but they will like the animals too! Islands of Adventure is my favorite of the two universal parks, you can do it all easily in one day. If you go to Pleasure Island, Adventurer's Club is my favorite club, the shows are corny but funny and the cast members do their best to include kids. A few of the Pleasure Island clubs do NOT allow anyone under 21. Check out the info on wdwig.com for shows, etc. have fun!

I LOVE Islands of Adventure. Go to www.disboards.com for LOADS of into on Disney and scroll down to the Universal Forums for info on Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a blast. There are two really good coasters, a great log flume ride, a fun river tube ride, and a cute Dr Seuss area for the 7 year old. After a full day there, you have your choice of a dozen restuarants in this City Walk area that connects the Universal parks with the parking area. It's sure to please your gang.