Amazing Orlando Family Vacations Ever!

Orlando is known globally as the Theme Park Capital of the World, and rightly so. It is home to the largest and most famous theme parks globally, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida. These options make Orlando arguably the world's best destination for family vacations. Your little travelers won't want to go home without experiencing a touch of the magic. But the theme parks are just the beginning. The possibilities for family fun and family-friendly activities in and near Orlando are practically limitless. The kids can enjoy dozens of other world-class attractions, splash around with dolphins in water parks or enjoy the beautiful Florida tropics at one of the many parks and outdoor activities.

Theme Parks - You Came for the Magic

Family vacations to Orlando are all about the magic, for kids of any age, You won't want to visit Orlando without a peek into the magic. No one serves up memories quite like Walt Disney World. Why not add one or two Disney days to your itinerary and then experience the rest of the destination. Disney offers up four theme parks, each with a very different experience. Those who are traveling with younger kids, a visit to The Magic Kingdom may be mandatory. Your animal lovers and adventurers will love Animal Kingdom, while the older set may want to experience some movie magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We always suggest some pre-travel research and a family meeting to avoid the first day of vacation drama. You may find a park hopper pass suits you best. 

The other of the "big two" is, of course, Univeral Studios Orlando. Your adrenaline junkies will go for Islands of Adventure, and the water babies will want to spend the day at Volcano Bay. Your Harry Potter fans will never forgive you for not visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. See you on Diagon Alley! 

Disney and Universal Studios Things That Are Free!

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando both offer a peek at the magic without paying admission. A visit to Disney Springs will give you a touch of the magic with great shopping, dining, and entertainment. The kids will want to stop by the LEGO store to build their masterpieces. You'll see the famous Disney style and vibe. Take the complimentary ferry to Disney's Boardwalk for a step back in time on the turn-of-the-century boardwalk. You'll find free entertainment in the evenings and lots of fun to be had. 

Visit Universal's CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment center that offers free admission, free parking, and access to great shopping, entertainment, and perhaps a Blue Man Group Show or a dance party. 

Best Free things to do on Orlando Florida Family Vacations 

Whether it is the great outdoors, culture and art, window shopping, or winetasting, Orlando offers it all up, and lots of it is Free. Check out our Guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Orlando.

Beyond the Theme Parks and Day Trips 

Adrenaline junkies can still get their high-flying fix with an indoor flying experience at iFLY on International Drive, or take a stab at the TreeTrek Adventure Park for an elevated outdoor obstacle course with zip lines, suspended bridges, nets, and Tarzan swings. Soar above the city in a private capsule at The Wheel at ICON park or have a family go-kart challenge at one of the many kart centers. Hop in the car and take the short trip to one of the many beautiful beaches on either the beautiufl west or east coast of Florida. Visit the legendary Florida Everglades for an airboat ride and to view alligators. Take a trip to Kennedy Space Center with a stop at the world-famous Daytona Beach. There are hundreds of thrilling, educational, or relaxing family-friendly activities in and around the Orlando area. Here some ideas for great things to do in Orlando with kids. 

Cheap Eats In Orlando

When it comes time for dining, there are hundreds of options. International Drive, the equivalent of Las Vegas' famed strip, is home to many family-friendly and familiar chains and fast-food restaurants. They can be budget-friendly kid-pleasers. Plan your day to avoid lunch in the parks if you can for dining savings. Some favorites for cheap eats in Orlando include take-out, fast food, and buffet. Check out a few favorites below. 

Start on Restaurant Row, which is a few minutes from International Drive. Bataco's offerings from Brazil, Uruguay, and southern California include tacos starting at $2.50, with vegetarian offerings. Beth's Burger Bar is close to Universal and is a winner of the "Best Local Burger" awards. How could you go wrong? Check out Mrs. Potato with an average check of $8-$10 or Q-Kenan, close to Disney with many Latin plates priced under $10. Gringosl Locos, Hot Dog Heaven, or Se&en Bites are also sure to please. Affordable but unique and fresh. 

Budget, Moderate, and Deluxe Accommodations

Cut your vacation costs by staying at one of the many inexpensive family-friendly hotels or resorts. You'll find the most affordable rates at the many budget hotels in the Kissimmee area. They are an excellent option for the more budget-conscious families. These resorts are often "no-frills," but with a little shopping around, you may score attraction perks or free breakfast. There are plenty of attractions and restaurants in the area as well. Another place to shop for budget or moderate accommodations is International Drive. It is conveniently located, and you'll find lots of familiar brands and a range of rates. 

Look for familiar moderate and deluxe brands in the Lake Buena Vista area and greater Orlando. Use your memberships and rewards points at Sheraton, Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn, Hilton, Marriot, or other favorite brands. The onsite Walt Disney World or Universal Resorts properties will get you extra perks at the parks but will be one of the pricier options, with less availability. They book up fast. 

Orlando Family Vacations All-Inclusive Packages

For those who want the comfort of knowing and paying most of their costs upfront, an all-inclusive vacation may be just the thing. Discovery Cove offers an all-inclusive plan at their family-friendly resort. Their packages include:

Also included are breakfast, lunch, snacks, swim gear, snorkel gear, towels, and unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica. A vacation made for you water babies! 

Other Orlando family vacations all-inclusive packages are offered at Walt Disney World Swan, Sheratons Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Marriott's Grande Vista, Rosen's Shingle Creek, and more. Shop around! 

Accommodations that are part of the magic!

For the savvy traveler who wants to make this the vacation of a lifetime and still not break the bank, we've got a secret. What if you could rent a luxury rental villa or mansion with all the luxury and amenities of a five-star resort without losing your entire budget on accommodations? You can!! 

Luxury rental villas and mansions located just minutes from the action offer all the comforts of home, plenty of bedrooms to go around, and all-star amenities at an unbelievably affordable rate. 

Luxury vacation rentals are located within beautiful gated luxury resorts, just minutes away from all the action of the theme parks, dining, world-class shopping, golf, and more. The communities like Solterra Resort offer the amenities you expect from a five-star experience - gated community, gorgeous oversized pool with water features like water slides and lazy rivers, Tiki bar for cocktails and snacks at the pool, a modern clubhouse, tennis, volleyball, lots of space for outdoor recreation and walking trails, and much, much more. 

But what about the rental villas? Wow. These beautifully appointed private homes offer space galore, with 5 to 14 bedrooms. Imagine a bedroom and bath for everyone. The kids will be aglow when they see the character-themed bedrooms that make bedtime a treat. And your whole extended family or party will all be under one roof! A full-sized kitchen with the latest appliances will be convenient and significant savings when you're brewing up morning coffee, making lunch snacks, mixing up cocktails to enjoy in the bar or just outside at your private pool. Plenty of living space, arcades, game rooms, private theatre, and more. And that private pool, spillover spa, and outdoor dining just outside the door. 

And what will all this luxury, space, and entertainment cost? Less than a couple of resort rooms! Add up the savings and convenience of no valet or parking costs, coffee and snacks at home, full laundry included, days worth of fun in the resort pool or private pool, and lots more. For the best of Orlando Florida family vacations, Check out these  Best Luxury Vacation Rentals Orlando Florida.