Alligators to ziplines: see, soar & more at Orlando's top attractions

Roller coasters are undeniably exciting but let's face it: they're child's play compared to real rockets, and that's precisely what you'll find in spades at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, just over an hour's drive from the Orlando theme-park area. From the incredible scientific evolution illustrated in the oddly artistic Rocket Garden, where you can explore at your own pace or hop onto a free guided tour, to the human side of space exploration on display at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, featuring the largest collection of personal memorabilia anywhere, KSC Visitor Complex is an amalgam of history, science and wonder. Tour the launch pad or the launch control center, take in a fascinating IMAX feature or have lunch with a real astronaut. Colorful theme-park heroes and heroines might capture our imagination, but the real heroes you'll learn about here will move you with inspiration.

Not that it was in any danger of becoming irrelevant, but the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter more or less cemented Islands of Adventures' place amid the list of must-visits for Orlando-bound theme park enthusiasts, adding Harry Potter enthusiasts to their vast marketing segment with aplomb. Of course, each of the park's "islands" - Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and The Lost Continent - has unique appeal in the form of cutting-edge rides and interactive attractions. Between the Incredible Hulk coaster, the truly astonishing Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, debating which ride rules supreme is best slated for some after-park drinks at nearby Universal CityWalk after thoughtful research in the field.

It bills itself as "Orlando's best half-day attraction" and we tend to agree - though increasingly it's upping its game. In a city that often puts people at odds with their budget (time and/or money) with so many amazing parks to visit, Gatorland does the day's schedule for you: half spent exploring a park devoted to Florida's most famous native inhabitants, half spent by the resort pool with a cold beverage. Of course, if you want more gator - have at it. Catch Gatorland's animals and handler shows in the afternoon, hit the splash pad with the kids, then try the Screamin' Gator Zipline, where adventurers soar at speeds approaching 30 m.p.h. over live alligators and crocodiles. There's a nighttime run, as well. Other fun add-ons include the Gator Night Shine and various into-the-swamp jaunts for up-close alligator action. Even with supplemental activities, Gatorland still ranks as a comparative theme-park bargain.

Don't ever count out the classics. Magic Kingdom may be the first of Walt Disney World's theme parks, but it's no less relevant. Plus it's always changing, whether a new ride, a new shop or a new dining venue. But the more things change, the more they stay the same: Cinderella's castle still beckons, the groundbreaking indoor thrills of Space Mountain remain a solid coaster experience, It's A Small World still delights children and the parents and grandparents who remember their first visit decades ago, musical ear worm notwithstanding. Fireworks light up the sky nightly and as always, everyone's favorite characters, from Donald and Goofy to princesses past and present, are on-hand for photo-ops and magically memorable moments.

The numerous eateries, nightclubs, theaters, live entertainment and shopping venues located in this 30-acre complex will reel you in and keep you for the entire afternoon and night. Casual and fine dining establishments such as Antojitos or Emeril's (named after renowned chef Emeril Lagasse) are found throughout CityWalk, offering a wide variety of choices to suit all different preferences. Eat, drink, shop, sing karaoke, enjoy live music or catch a world-class show. Come nighttime, you might choose to dance the night away, catch a movie or hit up the mini-golf course. It's amazing at night! Additionally, free water taxis can transport you to a number of beautiful on-site hotels for exploration, cocktails or elegant meals.

3D movies and planetarium shows, towering dinosaur skeletons and the wonders of space, four floors of interactive science exhibits in the realms of weather and engineering, live animals and hands-on science programming, not to mention limited engagement exhibits of all kinds depending on when you visit make the Orlando Science Center an ideal place to spend a day â€" with or without children. Experience the gale force winds of a Category 1 hurricane firsthand, watch a live gator feeding, discover the real life sea monsters that ruled the prehistoric seas and take in a giant-screen movie or laser show in the Dr. Phillips CineDome . You can even plan an evening SkyWatch at the Crosby Observatory (check the OSC website for this and other special events â€" even those that are 21+!).

This could easily be an entry for Islands of Adventure, as well, because the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans that two-park empire. It's been a few years since the opening of Diagon Alley, serious Potterfans (and those merely charmed by the books and films) are still WILD about Harry. With thrill rides, brilliantly immersive scenery, attractions like Ollivander's Wand Shop and delicious bites (you drink your butterbeer or eat it as a frozen custard, for example!) and more, the Wizarding World is a must for most. Elsewhere, fun flows like Class 4 rapids. From Despicable Me Minion Mayhem to Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, to the all-new Fast & Furious - Supercharged, the rides are thrilling, the entertainment tie-ins first-rate. Pop into Springfield and spend time with the Simpsons, hit up Spiderman in his 3-D immersion digs and be sure to hit all the loops on the park's world-class coasters while you're here.

Few attractions are more hands-on historic than Warbird Adventures, which offers thrill-seekers the unparalleled opportunity to fly like the hero aces of World War II in the North American T-6 Texan (also known as the SNJ or Harvard). Not only is this the aircraft in which most Allied pilots received their training, the entire experience is customized. Whether you have your sights set on a smooth, relaxing sightseeing mission or a flight rife with daring acrobatics, an experienced pilot will hook you up. Flights range from 15 minutes to an hour. A visit to the nearby Kissimmee Air Museum is a wonderful way to round out the experience.

Have you been to Disney Springs lately? If not, you are in for a serious treat. This exciting new offering (formerly known as Downtown Disney has upped its ante considerably, holding onto some of it's gems (T-Rex Cafe, Disney's Days of Christmas and World of Disney to name a couple) while expanding its dining and shopping offerings. A whole new look has made the place pretty stunning, as well. Outdoor entertainment offerings abound and new restaurants, from the magnificent Morimoto Asia to the waterfront allure of the Boathouse, to places like Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar and Dockside Margaritas tempt diners and drinkers with all kinds of delicious fare. Looking to spend? Brand names repped include Havianas, Free People, and Alex & Ani and along with a host of others. And of course, exclusive Disney merchandise runs rampant. New walkways and a state of the art parking lot are making getting in, out and around a breeze.