How to Plan An Enchanted Family Vacation to Orlando, Florida
By Janet Burrowes – Guest Contributor
Whether you are planning to visit Orlando, Florida to experience all the wonders of Walt Disney World or some other adventure park, I can share with you from experience that this trip will be one you will not forget for a long time. This article will give you some tips and ideas on what to do and see while there.
Since there is so much to see and do in Orlando, any trip to this area requires planning. First, consider the ages of those traveling as the theme parks are, to some extent, designed based on age groups. My group consisted of teenagers and adults. However, there are theme parks for the very young. Each theme park has adventure rides based on age groups and interests.
THINGS TO DO:
VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Most visitors to Orlando go to experience Walt Disney World, which has four theme parks and Disney Springs.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
If you are a Star Wars fan, you must visit this park. Everything Star Wars is included. This park brings the characters alive, and you also get to experience the rides in the theme park. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/#/sort=alpha/
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
We did not get a chance to visit this park, but as the name suggests, lovers of exotic animals and birds should not miss this treat. Here is a link to learn more https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/#/sort=alpha/
- Magic Kingdom Park:
This is where all the magic happens. My family and I spent a whole day in this park. We saw all the Disney characters, visited the Magic Kingdom, and saw a Disney character parade. The night show was excellent; the lights were turned off in the park, and a beautiful illuminating lights presentation was displayed in the Magic Kingdom. That was the icing on the cake for that day. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/50th-anniversary/
- EPCOT Theme Park:
Again, we did not visit this park, but the park focuses on science and technology. Here is a link to learn more about your options for this park. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/epcot/
Disney Springs is the main shopping center for Disney merchandise and souvenirs. There are over one hundred shops, many fine dining restaurants, more attractions, shows, and other events to keep a family busy for the entire day.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Once you have experienced all that Walt Disney World has to offer, make your way over to Universal Studios, a separate amusement park with adventure rides for all ages. This park is not part of Walt Disney World. Universal Studios has three amazing theme parks. You can easily spend the whole day at these parks. Each theme park is unique and full of exotic rides, attractions, and shows.
- Universal Studios Florida, the oldest park at Universal Studios, is known best for its Harry Potter rides and attractions.
- Islands of Adventure is filled with various types of roller-coaster rides. If you want to experience exciting, fast-moving, and thrilling rides, this is the park for you.
- Volcano Bay Water Park, as the name suggests, are rides that are water driven, and you can get wet, putting it mildly. One of our family members got soaked.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Arena
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games arena is another location the family visited. At this arena, you can go go-carting, go bowling, play laser tag or partake in immersive multiplayer virtual reality games. With many boys and men in our group, we took the opportunity to ride on the go-carts. It was fun for all.
SHOPPING:
In Orlando, there are many shopping malls and high-end discount stores to purchase merchandise of your choice. From clothes, bags, name-brand shoes, luggage, and so on. There is a store to buy something for everyone on your list or yourself.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO, FL
A visit to Orlando can be a pricey endeavor for any family. However, there are some free and fun things to see and do while visiting Orlando, Florida. Check out the link below for a list of free activities ties to explore while there. https://www.visitorlando.com/things-to-do/free-things-to-do/.
TIPS:
- Tickets for parks- purchase online before your trip. Depending on your trip length, there are better pricing options for three-day passes to each park.
- Book your place of stay about six months in advance to make sure prices are within reach.
- Time of year- anytime is good. During the year, Florida experiences light showers in the evening, which don’t last long. There is the hurricane season which begins in June and ends in November. This does not mean that Florida experiences hurricanes each year. Our family went during the months – of June to July, and the weather was sunny with some showers in the evening.
- Each theme park has a variety of restaurants. No matter your dietary choices, there are restaurants to satisfy your craving. One member of my family needed gluten-free food, and another required vegetarian.
- Prepare to walk a lot. Although paid parking is available in each theme park, the walk from the parking lot or garage to the main entrance to the theme park can vary. For Walt Disney World, it can take approximately ½ hour to ¾ hour to reach the entrance to the theme park. First, you park, then wait for a shuttle, and next, you board a train that will take you directly to the theme park. You only pay to park; the shuttle and train ride are free. You walk approximately 10 -15 minutes after parking at Universal Studios to reach the main entrance.
I hope these things to do and tips will help as you plan the perfect family adventure to Orlando, Florida.
WHEN TO VISIT: Any time of year.
Coldest Month: January (62°F / 16°C avg.)
Hottest Month: August (83°F / 28° C avg.)
Wettest Month: June (4.13″ avg.)
HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO)