There is definitely no shortage of fun in Orlando, but if you want something different from a typical theme park or just need an activity inside out of the hot Florida sun, WonderWorks is a great option!
WonderWorks is a science-focused over-the-top indoor amusement park. It does a great job of mixing education and entertainment and you will easily find something unique and challenging for all ages. We have been there as a family when the kids were various ages and all four of us have always had a great time! Yes, the adults can play and learn too.
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You will be wowed from the moment you approach the facility as the WonderWorks is completely turned upside down. The story is that there was a tornado unleashed in the laboratory of Professor Wonder during an experiment gone terribly wrong and the building uprooted and was carried hundreds of miles of way where it landed upside down.
Exhibits
WonderWorks is divided into different areas of exploration including Natural Disasters, Space Discovery, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab, Physical Challenges, and my personal favorite Far Out Art Gallery.
Each of these areas has hand-on exhibits in these areas of exploration. There are over 100 hands-on exhibits in all.
You can feel the power of 71mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack, lie on the death-defying Bed of Nails, or off to the Astronaut Training Gyro where you will experience zero gravity.
One of our favorite activities is the Bubble Lab where you can make huge, life-sized bubbles. The kids always have a fun time trying to fit each other and themselves in the giant bubbles. They even put me in a bubble!
After you have visited all of the amazing hands-on exhibits, head up to the third floor known as The Basement where the fun doesn’t stop. Here you will find the ropes course, 4D Theater, Laser Tag and Arcade.
Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course
Yesterday was our first opportunity to do the Ropes Course. The last time I was there with the kids I was wearing flip flops and this attraction requires close-toed shoes. You also need to be sure to wear pants or shorts and there is a height requirement of 42″ in height.
The ropes course is three stories high and has over 20 different obstacles. The level of difficulty is clearly marked with bright signs. Green is easy, yellow is medium and red is hard.
It is Glow-in-the-dark, which added an element of excitement and a little fear with it not being well lit. My husband’s worst fear was that he was going to slip and be hanging from the beams and have to wait on someone to rescue him. Of course, that didn’t happen.
Although our kids could’ve gone on this attraction without parental guidance, it was a lot of fun to do it as a family! Having a parent with each child gave this mom peace of mind and the children the confidence to try obstacles outside of their comfort zone. Of course, they always sent mom across the obstacles first to test it out and make sure it was safe.
You are able to do the ropes course as many times as you would like, however, our 12 minutes on the attraction was plenty for us.
Arcade
The Arcade at WonderWorks which is located in The Basement underneath parts of the Ropes Course and is not included in your ticket purchase. You can purchase refillable game cards which can be used on the various games in this area.
4D XD Motion Theater
This extreme motion simulated thrill ride was skipped by Eden and I after riding the WonderCoaster earlier in the day. However, the boys had a great time.
This experience combines a 3D film with special effects and full motion seating, ranging from subtle sensations to intense vibrations.
They have multiple featured films that rotate on a schedule so you can catch a couple of different movies. The boys had the opportunity to experience The Canyon Coaster and Dinosaur Experience. Xen’s favorite was the Dinosaurs of course.
Laser-Tag
Depending on your ticket, a game of laser tag may be included. You can purchase additional games as well if you desire. The goal of this solo-play adventure is to out-shoot your opponents. There are a few places to hide but eventually, you will be found. The kids had a great time chasing us around to try to beat us. Another great activity for the entire family.
Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show has daily showings in the evening. This experience can be done as a stand-alone ticket or you can purchase the VIP ticket experience and make an entire day of being at WonderWorks.
The dinner show is interactive, entertaining and hilariously funny. The crowds don’t just watch the show, they become part of it. Dinner includes unlimited fresh hand-tossed cheese and pepperoni pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda, and dessert.
Birthday Parties
There are so many awesome places locally for children’s birthday parties. I have previously included WonderWorks in a post I wrote about 30 Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in Central Florida. You can check out the entire list here.
WonderWorks offers various party options from an all-access party to WonderWorks and the Basement and an hour rental of the party room. The party room includes balloons, decorations, unlimited cheese pizza, and unlimited fruit punch.
There is also a Magic Show party option. You can also purchase party add ons like meeting Professor Wonder or the Mad Science, a 30-minute interactive crazy chemistry presentation.
Each birthday package includes complimentary parking in the Pointe Orlando parking garage for the birthday child’s family.
Important things to know before you go
- Parking is available at Pointe Orlando. The cost will vary based on time. If you eat at one of the establishments at Pointe Orlando, parking may be validated.
- No outside food or drink.
- Your ticket is good for all day. You can exit and return at your leisure, just be sure you get your hand stamped.
- Wear closed-toe shoes if you want to do the ropes course.
- There are height and weight requirements on many of the attractions. You can check the WonderWorks site prior to going if you would like to be prepared in advance.
- Expect to spend 2-4 hours exploring the exhibits and attractions.
- There is a diner where you can purchase pizza and beverages.
And as always, have fun!
Love your blog. My husband and I are recent retirees to Orlando. Our kids are grown but we will be entertaining 10 grandkids throughout the year. Please check out my blog at http://www.retiredandreadytoroll.com
Hi Didi! Thank you and welcome to Orlando!! Lucky grandkids! I am sure you will have so many fun adventures with them. I always tell my kids how blessed they are to live in such a fun place with so much to do.