UNIVERSAL

Rip Ride Rockit is slated to open in early summer at Universal Studios Orlando and is included in the price of park admission. Florida resident discounts are available when purchasing online in advance; a one-day one-park ticket costs $54.99 all ages, a one-day two-park ticket costs $64.99 all ages and a two-day, two-park ticket costs $75. Extra-value special including free dining with a three-night stay apply through June 10; a two-night package including hotel and tickets to both Universal parks for two people begins at $69 per person per night through June 20.

Universal also offers a Saturday night concert series June 13-July 4; featured artists include LL Cool J and Natasha Bedingfield; all are included in regular park admission.

Details: www.universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000.

SEAWORLD

Manta opened in late May at SeaWorld Orlando and is included in the price of park admission.

Regular tickets cost $74.95 for adults, $64.95 ages 3-9; Florida residents pay that same price and get unlimited admission throughout the year. For $79.95, Floridians get one day's admission each in 2009 to their choice of any two of these parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island. Entry to the exclusive Discovery Cove park starts at $199 for Floridians. Buy tickets in advance online for the best deals. www.seaworldorlando.com; 888-800-5447.

BUSCH GARDENS

Similar deals apply at Busch Gardens Tampa, where a one-day Florida resident adult ticket costs $69.95, $59.95 for ages 3-9. The big new thing here, opened last year, is Jungala, featuring a spectacular tiger area and an interactive ape exhibit. Alas, the free beer is a thing of the past. Busch also is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its Summer Nights concert series June 14-Aug. 16. www.buschgardens.com; 888-800-5447.

DISNEY

Characters in Flight hot-air balloon operates 10:30-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10--30 a.m. - midnight Friday-Saturday, weather permitting, at Downtown Disney. (The balloon site is near Planet Hollywood.) Tickets are first-come, first-served; $16 ages 10 and up; $10 ages 3-9.

New vacation villas: You don't need to belong to Disney Vacation Club to rent one its villas, available for as little as one night. New are the Treehouse Villas at Sarasota Springs; they sleep nine and start at $650 per night; July 18 the rate drops to $595 per night.

Also new is Kidani Village, overlooking the savanah at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Studios start at $380 per night; one-bedrooms at $525 per night; two-bedrooms at $835; three-bedrooms at $1,745.

The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Ratatouille/ Chef Remy interaction at Epcot are both included in regular admission to each park. This year, anyone gets free admission to one park on their birthday, but you have to register online in advance. Florida residents get park discounts through Magic Your Way promotions; alas, some are not good during the summer. A one-day, one-park Florida resident ticket costs $67.50 for adults purchased online in advance, $56.70 ages 3-9.

Disney reservations and info: 407-W-DISNEY; //disneyworld.disney.go.com/.

INDY RACING

Located at the Disney Speedway near the Magic Kingdom, the Indy Racing Experience offers a ride-only option in a two-seat car with a pro driver; $109. For a hands-on experience, the driving program, $399, includes instruction and eight turns around the track. 888-357-5002; www.indyracingexperience.com.

FOREVER FLORIDA

Zipline Safari: Safaris are offered several times daily and on most Saturday nights. Zippers must wear close-toed shoes and trousers that reach at least to your knees. The experience lasts about 2 ½ hours. Children must be at least 10 years old and weigh at least 70 pounds; adults must weigh less than 275 pounds. The experience costs $85 per person; Florida resident specials are sometimes offered.

Other options: Two-hour open-air coach safaris are offered twice daily and cost $28 for adults, $22 for ages 6-12; under 5 free.

One, two and three-hour horseback rides are offered for ages 12 and up, 10 and 11-year-olds allowed if they have previous riding experience; maximum weight of 275 pounds. Prices are $40, $60 and $80.

Cafe: A friendly restaurant in the welcome center serves up simple fare and drinks at reasonable prices.

Reservations: Required for all activities; 1-866-85-4EVER; www.floridaecosafaris.com.

Stay in Old Florida: For a longer visit to Old Florida, stay at the motel-style Lakeside Inn in St. Cloud, a 10-minute drive from Forever Florida. Accommodations are simple but fresh and cheery. The inn is set on the edge of the Alligator Chain of Lakes, popular with anglers, and features a cafe. Rates from $59-$89. www.LakesideInnFL.com; 407-892-3195.

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE