WonderWorks is easy to spot on International Drive thanks to its outrageous appearance. The exterior makes it look like the entire building has been uprooted and replaced upside down. Before entering the main part of the museum, you’ll pass through an inverting hallway that purportedly turns you upside down, too – the better to experience the wacky exhibits inside.
1. Explore the exhibits
WonderWorks has six distinct exhibits to explore, each with something different to offer. In the Natural Disasters WonderZone, you can place your hand inside a steel glove while 100,000 volts of electricity pass through it or experience high speed winds of up to 71 miles an hour in the hurricane shack. Dip your hand into water the same temperature as the Atlantic when the Titanic sank, or make a stop through the Earthquake Café to feel a 5.3 on the Richter scale.
The Physical Challenge WonderZone lets you test your strength both mental and physical. Calm your mind to complete the MINDBALL challenge, or put your muscles to work playing virtual sports. Head to the Light and Sound WonderZone to race the speed of light in an interactive game. Test your musical genius on the giant piano that you play not with your hands, but with your feet.
The Space Discovery WonderZone includes a two-person gyroscope you can ride and replica space shuttles to climb in. The Imagination Lab is ideal for small children with activities like the Alien Stomper game, coloring on the computer, and a giant Lite-Brite. Finally, you’ll pass through the Far Out Gallery. Though not the most engaging of the museum’s exhibits, it’s worth a brief stroll through to complete the day.
2. Burn off some energy
If the general museum exhibits aren’t enough for your energy level, head to the Ropes Challenge. This indoor ropes course sets brightly colored glow-in-the-dark challenges against a stark black backdrop for a thrilling experience that almost makes you feel like you’re stepping right into a video game. Tackle swinging bridges, moving beams, small stepping pads, and more in the three-story course.
Access to the ropes course is included with general admission. For children who have a lot of energy to burn, the admission price is worth it for this attraction alone. You must be between 42” and 80” tall and weigh less than 300 pounds to participate in the ropes course.
If you upgrade your WonderWorks ticket, you can also play on the Lazer-Tag course. Admission to the WonderWorks Orlando Lazer-Tag gets you into the Lazer-Tag game as well as the video game arcade. Participants must be 40 inches tall for this experience. You can’t buy a ticket for the Lazer-Tag alone, but it is available in a package with your WonderWorks museum ticket.
3. Catch a movie like no other
If you’re on the other end of the spectrum and looking for a chance to kick back and sit down for a bit in this busy museum, don’t miss the 4D XD Theater. This gives you the chance to experience a short movie in a whole new way. Not only is the screen 3D, but your seats will move along with the action as well.
The theater shows three movies on a rotating schedule so frequent visitors can catch something new every time they’re in town. This attraction is included with the price of admission.
4. Enjoy dinner and a show
The WonderWorks Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show is an experience that can stand alone, meaning you don’t have to purchase tickets to WonderWorks to experience it. The show includes magic, comedy, and lots of audience interaction. The experience lasts 90 minutes and includes unlimited food and drinks. You’ll get table-service pizza, salad, popcorn, and even dessert. Beverage choices include beer, wine, and soda. If you’re ready for a really busy day, you can package WonderWorks tickets with this dinner show.
If you’re looking for a family friendly experience that will fill your day at a fraction of what Orlando theme parks cost, WonderWorks and its associated experiences are a great option. Everything inside is appropriate for guests ranging from small children to adults. The dinner show in particular is a great pick for a kid-friendly meal with entertainment. Just make sure you’re ready for lots of hands-on experiences and interaction.
