This year’s Orlando Awards, in partnership with The Sun newspaper, kicked off a long while ago in July, so we’re extremely excited to finally be able to announce the results! We surveyed over 200,000 of our customers to find out what their Orlando highlights were, with some surprise answers among all our old favourites. Drumroll please, as we announce the results…
1. Best Theme Park: Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Magic Kingdom has held the crown of best theme park in Florida according to our customers for the past couple of years. This year, it maintains its crown barely, only just beating Universal Studios Orlando by less than 2% of the votes! Definitely a category to watch for future years.
2. Best New Attraction: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogwarts Express
With over 75% of the votes, the new Hogwarts Express was the runaway winner of the best new attraction category, beating off competition from Falcons Fury at Busch Gardens and The Orlando Eye, among others.
3. Best Attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Another great win for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as it scoops the best attraction prize. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling ride which takes you on an exhilarating ride from the Quidditch pitch and through the darkened forbidden forest!
4. Best Theme Park Soaking: Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Universal’s Islands of Adventure picks up the award for best theme park soaking with its water rapids ride. Prepare to come off drenched as you’re spun in different directions and exposed to giant water cannons and major splashes!
5. Favourite Water Park: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Despite stiff competition from SeaWorld’s Aquatica, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon came out on top as your favourite water park in Orlando, with over a third of the votes!
6. Best Non-Theme Park Attraction: Kennedy Space Centre
Nearly half of you agreed that the Kennedy Space Centre was the best attraction outside of the parks in Orlando. That's pretty impressive! Whether you’re a fan of the space programme or not, you’re sure to enjoy this interactive and educational attraction.
7. Most Entertaining Evening Show: Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba
Because you need something to entertain you in the evenings after the parks close, evening shows are a huge part of your Orlando holiday. Our customers voted the Cirque du Soleil – la Nouba show as their number one must see show in Orlando.
8. Favourite Theme Park Character – Mickey Mouse
We weren’t too surprised by this one, we have to be honest! Although the Minions are in hot pursuit of our beloved Mickey, he’s an Orlando institution which can’t be overthrown…just yet anyway!
9. Best Live Theme Park Show: Fantasmic
We love to hear about all the little things that added happiness to your park experience. Disney’s Hollywood Studios cleaned up in this category, with the winner and next favourite, Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show, both being found in this park.
10. Favourite restaurant or Dining Experience: Hard Rock Café
As we know great food plays a big part in any Orlando holiday we weren’t surprised when the Hard Rock Café at Universal CityWalk came out as your top pick in the restaurant and dining stakes. Yum!
11. Favourite Animal Experience: Dolphin Swim, Discovery Cove
If you’ve ever experienced a magical day at Discovery Cove, you’ll know just how incredible the Dolphin Swim experience can be. There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than swimming with these gorgeous creatures!
Thank you to everyone who voted to make this the biggest orland Awards ever!
