No trip to Miami is complete without visiting a few of the surrounding theme parks! Take a drive outside of Miami’s city limits and you’ll find a plethora of amusement parks that promise to thrill visitors of all ages. After all, Florida is celebrated for being home to the original Walt Disney World amusement park, not to mention Universal Studios’ park and their Islands of Adventure locations.
And these places aren’t just for kids! There’s something for everyone at Florida’s theme parks, whether you’re simply looking for a nostalgic walk through your childhood memories at Disney or are seeking an adrenaline rush from a 90º drop roller coaster.
There are plenty of reasons to head to an amusement park, even if you don’t have any kids in tow. Theme parks are a perfect activity for team building retreats, bachelor(ette) parties, end-of-year field trips, and so much more. If you’re planning a day excursion to a theme park near Miami, the best way to get you and your group there is with a charter bus rental.
Why take a group trip to a theme park, and which bus model do you need?
Corporate event
If you’re planning a company or office retreat in Miami and want to head to a theme park for a day (or three), the best way to transport your colleagues is with a charter coach bus rental. Coach buses typically hold up to 55 passengers at $115/hour, and come well-equipped with additional amenities. Trust us – after a long day riding roller coasters, your whole team will be grateful for the air-conditioning and reclining seats.
Field trip
For student field trips, the best way to get your whole group to the parks is with – you guessed it! – a school bus rental. School buses generally seat up to 47 passengers per vehicle, and pricing starts at $81/hour. Your students will already be used to riding in the big yellow bus, so they’ll feel right at home!
Bachelor(ette) parties
What better way to celebrate the end of your singledom than by organizing your bachelor(ette) extravaganza at one of Florida’s famed theme parks? A mini coach bus will cater to your bridesmaids or groomsmen perfectly, able to seat up to 21 people per vehicle. The price is quite reasonable, ranging from $475–$900 per day; split that cost amongst yourselves and you’ll be laughing. Not to mention, you’ll have access to all amenities on board, from air conditioning to a DVD setup – what better way to get in the mood for Disney World than by watching some of your favourite Disney flicks on your way there?
Group of friends
Taking a trip out to the Florida theme parks with your friends promises to make for unforgettable memories. The best way to get there? In a minibus or passenger van rental.
Minibus rentals will comfortably seat you and all your adrenaline-seeking buddies, with an average capacity of 21 seats. Minibuses generally go for $98/hour, and are perfect for smaller groups.
Theme parks to check out around Miami
Do you crave adventure? Childhood nostalgia? There’s something for everyone with the rich selection of theme parks sprinkled out around the state of Florida. While some may be a bit further away from Miami’s downtown core than others, the bus ride will be worth it!
House of Horror Haunted Carnival
Be warned: this haunted carnival is not for the faint of heart! House of Horror Haunted Carnival will test your limits in this terrifying and thrilling experience. With under an hour’s drive from downtown Miami, this place is a mecca for any horror story buff, and promises to frighten even the toughest of visitors. There are four different attractions to experience: Area 13, Blossom Ln., Scare X Studios: Circus Experience, and Carnival. Choose wisely!
Walt Disney World
Whether you visit simply to experience the magic that Disney is famous for, or you’re up for some wild roller coaster rides, there’s something for everyone at Walt Disney World. Spread out across multiple parks in Orlando, FL, the best way to get the most out of your Disney experience is by buying a Hopper Pass, which allows you to literally hop from park to park over a few days as you please. It’s about a five hour drive from Miami to Orlando, so make sure to book your charter bus rental from downtown Miami to the Disney Parks in advance!
Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Marvel at Cinderella’s iconic castle from miles away as you pull up to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in your charter bus rental. The original Walt Disney theme park, Magic Kingdom was first opened in 1971 and has been attracting millions of people from all over the world ever since. From the Pirates of the Caribbean ride to the Space Mountain roller coaster, there are tons of legendary rides to keep you and your group busy and having a magical time. Running into your favorite Disney characters on Main Street is also entirely common, so be sure to have your autograph book ready!
Epcot
First opened in 1982, Epcot is your fast-track to experiencing cultures from all over the world in just a day or two. Featuring different pavilions each dedicated to a specific country, a walk through Epcot will usher you through Mexico, Germany, and China – all without leaving the USA. Of course, this doesn’t compare to actually visiting the countries in question, but it’s certainly a nice way to introduce kiddos to different cultures!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Welcome to the ciiiiircle of liiiiiife! At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can embark on a real life safari, scavenge for dinosaur bones, and wave hello to Pumbaa and Timon as you stroll past them on your way to the Tree of Life. Oh, and don’t forget to ride the roller coaster atop Mount Everest – just beware of Bigfoot!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings movie and entertainment magic to life through their rides and live attractions. From the infamous Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the Rock ‘N Roller Coaster featuring rock legends Aerosmith, there’s never a dull moment at Hollywood Studios.
Universal Studios
Located in Orlando, FL, the Universal Studios franchise is also spread out among multiple theme parks. From Islands of Adventure, to the original Universal Studios, to Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, book a few days with your charter bus rental to visit all of these unforgettable Universal theme parks.
Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure
Take a ride through Bruce Banner’s laboratory on the Incredible Hulk roller coaster, wander through Jurassic Park and board the River Adventure ride, or cool off on Dudley Doo-Right’s Ripsaw Falls log ride. Islands of Adventure is exactly that: endless activities for the eternal adventurer!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Live out your wildest dreams at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Split between both the original Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure locations, you can take a stroll through the grounds of Hogwarts and stop in at Hogsmeade for a Butterbeer.
Universal Studios’ Volcano Bay
The newest of Universal’s parks, Volcano Bay opened its doors in 2017 and is Universal Studios’ only waterpark. From the thrill of the Krakatau Aqua Coaster to coasting along on the lazy river, Universal’s Volcano Bay is the perfect way to cool off on a hot Floridian day.