Though I grew up going to Walt Disney World - and still love it there - these two Orlando theme parks are equally amazing. The excellence of Walt Disney World lies in its theming, attention to detail and its ability to make fairytales come true right in front of you.

Despite my love for Disney, I have to admit that I love Islands of Adventure, too. This Universal-owned theme park focuses more on theming and excitement than storytelling, but the adrenaline rushes you get from major rollercoasters like The Hulk and Dueling Dragons are enough to put it on par with Disney theme parks and leave you shaken with excitement.

My top three “must-ride” attractions are:

1) Spiderman - Though it’s not a rollercoaster, this by far is the most innovative attraction at the theme park. It’s part simulator, part 3-D experience, touched with special effects that include fire, water and wind. There are so many components to this attraction, it’s hard to explain exactly what it is. You just have to experience it!

2) The Hulk - Just out of sheer size and speed, this ride is visually amazing. The way it’s constructed is that the steel frame of the coaster wraps around the boardwalk, so every Islands of Adventure guest is able to walk under it and watch screaming riders whisk around them in circles.

3) Dueling Dragons - Get ready to take your shoes off. This floorless rollercoaster takes off like a bullet and goes through what seems like an endless chain of corkscrew turns. This one always has me screaming my lungs out!

Universal also has great deals for Florida residents. Some of their Florida resident annual passes even give you discounts on merchandise, free parking and admission into CityWalk at night.

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