The Orlando Awards 2024 Results are in!

Best Theme Park

Magic Kingdom Park

Runner up: Universal Islands of Adventure

Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida took the top spot with 21.4% of the total votes. This iconic theme park stands out with its immersive classic attractions, multiple character meet-and-greets, and delicious snacks. Very close behind, with 21.2% of the votes, was Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort, renowned for its thrilling rides and diverse attractions.

Best New Attraction

TRON Lightcycle / Run, Magic Kingdom Park

Runner up: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park

Both of the top new attractions are located in Magic Kingdom Park, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by beloved movies! TRON Lightcycle / Run opened in April 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite, earning a whopping 42.2% of the total votes. Meanwhile, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a more recent addition to the park, opening in June 2024 and gaining 16.7% of the votes!

Best Classic Attraction

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, Universal Islands of Adventure

Runner up: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ delivers thrills at every turn, making this a favourite for the whole family. This coaster has everything you could imagine and more, earning 13.8% of the votes. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind came second, an intergalactic sensation in EPCOT which won 10.1% of the votes! Strap in and journey through space to the iconic playlist from the hit movie series. This category was very closely contested, with Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Universal Islands of Adventure and Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park also receiving significant recognition.

Best Theme Park Water Ride

Jurassic Park River Adventure, Universal Islands of Adventure

Runner up: Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges®, Universal Islands of Adventure

The winner of best theme park water ride is an absolute classic, capturing 23.2% of the votes. Step into Jurassic Park and encounter some of the most incredible dinosaurs known to man, but watch out for the T-Rex! In second place, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges® earned 18% of the votes. All we can say for this ride is: prepare to get very, very, VERY wet!

Favourite Water Park 

Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park 

Runner up: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

The winner for this category offers an impressive array of waterslides, perfect for both families and thrill-seekers who are looking to cool down from the Orlando sun. Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park captured an impressive 42% of the votes. Runner up, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park earned 39.4% of the votes.

Best Non-Theme Park Attraction 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Runner up: Discovery Cove

Orlando offers so many impressive experiences beyond the theme parks, but the top choice was Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which received 31.4% of votes. Become an astronaut for the day and learn all about NASA. Incredibly close behind, with 31.3% of the votes, was Discovery Cove, which explores the underwater world. Swim with incredible marine creatures including dolphins and rays!

Favourite Theme Park Character

Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Resort

Runner up: Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort

The much-beloved character of Mickey Mouse is the most iconic figure in all of Orlando. Since his debut in 1928, he has become a staple of the entertainment world. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida offers guests the opportunity to meet this iconic character or watch him perform in multiple shows, earning 26.2% of the votes. Coming in second was Harry Potter, with 14.9% of the votes.

Best Live Theme Park Show

Fantasmic!, Disney's Hollywood Studios

Runner up: Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom Park

Fantasmic! is an incredible show that combines fireworks, fountains, pyrotechnics, beloved characters and a sprinkle of imagination, earning 17.5% of the votes as the favourite show. In second place, Happily Ever After captivates guests with a stunning display featuring Disney’s top songs alongside mesmerising fireworks.

Favourite Restaurant or Dining Experience

Hard Rock Cafe® Orlando, Universal CityWalk

Runner up: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Magic Kingdom Park

18.5% of respondents agreed that Hard Rock Cafe® is the top restaurant, offering a diverse range of cuisines and delicious dishes. Coming in second place was Be Our Guest restaurant, where guests can enjoy delectable food in the enchanting ambience of Beast’s castle from the famous fairytale of Beauty and the Beast.

Favourite Animal Experience

Dolphin Swim, Discovery Cove

Runner up: Raptor Encounter, Universal Islands of Adventure

Everyone loves animals, and in Orlando, you can get up close with some of your favourites! The Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove is a top pick with 31.1% of people agreeing it’s the best animal experience. In second place, with 16.7% of the votes, is the Raptor Encounter, where you can get close to these fierce creatures and snap a thrilling photo.

Future Orlando Experiences We’re Most Excited For

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe

Runner up: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Epic Universe

Orlando has so many exciting attractions on the horizon, and everyone’s buzzing about the new Universal park opening in May 2025; Universal Epic Universe. Primarily, the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ area which is centred around the Ministry of Magic™. This massive park will feature five new worlds for guests to immerse themselves in. The second most anticipated addition? SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ of course!

And there you have it - the 2024 Orlando Awards! Congratulations to all of the winners, and we hope you agree with this year’s list. If not, be sure to make your voice heard in the future!