Visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins at Discovery Cove. /Discovery Cove photo

Published: Mar/Apr 2001

Orlando’s three big theme parks– Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld–are continually unveiling new thrills. Here’s some of the latest:

DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney offers a ton of virtual fun for the entire family. Activities at this mega-attraction include designing and riding a roller coaster of your own, creating personalized greeting cards using Disney characters, paddling through a virtual jungle and flying on a virtual magic carpet with Aladdin. Call (407) 824-4321 or visit www.disney.com.

Men in Black Alien Attack is the newest attraction at Universal Studios, one of two theme parks at Universal Orlando. Men in Black is a ride-through game in which visitors zap aliens. Call (407) 363-8000 or visit www.universalorlando.com

The highest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando is located, surprisingly, at SeaWorld. The Kraken, unveiled last summer, is a 65-mph, floorless coaster that hurls riders through seven inversions. Call (407) 351-3600 or visit www.seaworld.com.

Across the street from SeaWorld is Discovery Cove, where visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel in a coral reef lagoon, feed birds in an outdoor aviary and relax on the sandy beach. Visit www.discoverycove.com or call 1-877-434-7268.

–Debbie Hemanson