The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Theme park lines occupy – or, really, are – a special place in hell, especially the ones in Central Florida, where standing under the Florida sun usually results in enough back sweat to fill a kiddie pool. One place, though, stops us from Avada Kedavra-ing ourselves – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With meticulous attention to detail and the Harry Potter canon, Universal engineers have created immersive waiting areas that are just as magically engaging as the ride itself. Talk to the castle portraits while you wait for the Forbidden Journey ride, trade dollars with a goblin at Gringotts before exploring the bank's secret passageways, or leave the Muggles behind as you cross a seemingly solid brick wall into Platform 9 3/4 for a journey on the Hogwarts Express.
Sports and Recreation: Orlando's best teams, players, springs, theme parks and more
Disney's giant Woody
Back in April, Disney was very excited to open Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, and in doing so, they announced to everyone that they had erected a giant 20-foot Woody at the entrance of the new land. Though there was no mention of girth, Disney did also tell us the statue had a 7-foot-wide hat and a 4-foot-tall yo-yo. Naturally, the announcement made all stand at attention.
1. Orlando Roller Derby, orlandorollerderby.com
2. Orlando Sport and Social Club, orlandosportandsocialclub.com
3. Orlando Gay Kickball, gaykickball.com
1. Orlando Science Center, osc.org
2. Kennedy Space Center, kennedyspacecenter.com
3. (tie) Topgolf, topgolf.com
3. (tie) Gatorland, gatorland.com
1. New Smyrna Beach, visitnsbfl.com
2. Clearwater Beach, visitclearwaterflorida.com
3. Siesta Key, visitsarasota.com
1. Splitsville, splitsvillelanes.com
2. Aloma Bowl, alomabowlingcenters.com
3. Kings Dining & Entertainment, kings-de.com
Honorable Mention: Colonial Lanes (RIP), coloniallanes.net
1. Wekiwa Springs, floridastateparks.org
2. Wekiva Island, wekivaisland.com
3. Blue Springs, floridastateparks.org
1. Lake Eola Park, cityoforlando.net
2. Central Park, Winter Park, cityofwinterpark.org
3. Dickson Azalea Park, cityoforlando.net
1. Lake Baldwin Park, cityofwinterpark.org
2. Dr. Phillips Dog Park, orangecountyfl.net
3. Downey Dog Park, orangecountyfl.net
1. Escapology, escapology.com
2. The Great Escape Room, thegreatescaperoom.com
3. The Escape Game Orlando, orlandoescapegame.com
