Three-Day Getaway
Day one--SeaWorld. Whet your appetite for the larger parks at this compact one. Schedule activities around the shows: Don't miss Shamu, the dolphins, the sea lions, and the waterskiing stunt performances. Fill the time between with shark, penguin, manatee, and Clydesdale encounters. Budget a few bucks to feed the animals.

Day two--Universal's Islands of Adventure. Thrills abound here with some of the best coasters in the world. Blast off on The Incredible Hulk (0 to 60 m.p.h. in two seconds); then test the side-by-side Dueling Dragons to see which you prefer. Mornings in Seuss Landing delight young and old with a colorful carousel and Cat in the Hat ride. (The area lacks shade, making it hot later in the day.) Walk through a circle of spinning water at Poseidon's Fury for a one-of-a-kind experience. Save The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man for last. We think it's one of the best rides ever, combining 3-D graphics on a motion simulator with live special effects bursting around you. Squeeze in as much as you can; no other park is as exciting as this one.

Day three--Disney-MGM Studios. If you have only one day in a Disney park, opt for this venue that combines the best of Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and Universal Studios. Grab a FastPass (see "Disney Tips" on page 5 of this article) at the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and line up for the nearby Tower of Terror. Suspense builds as screams peal from each carful of Tower of Terror riders. Pick up the next FastPass at Who Wants To Be a Millionaire--Play It!, and catch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular for a shady wait. The Fantasmic! show tops off a long weekend you'll remember for years.