Family Vacations in Orlando

Orlando has mild weather; thus, there is an influx of family vacationers all-year around. The city is also brimming with choices of entertainment, attractions, accommodations, and dining options to cater to every style and taste. All of that can make planning your first visit a bit overwhelming. Take your time, involve the family, and have fun with it. Let the vacation planning begin.

The range in styles, amenities, location and price are extremely wide and offers something for everyone. With the whole family to entertain and please, the right choice of accommodations is critical. You’ll want to think about the perfect location, and a spot with all the right features and activities for everyone. Most families love options like a pool, game rooms, and kid-friendly restaurants to meet every demanding kids’ needs. Fear not. Orlando boasts hotels with restaurants, pools, childcare services, and all other family-friendly vacation features.

If you’re planning to explore Walt Disney Resorts, you can opt to stay at an Onsite Walt Disney Resort for all the conveniences and perks that they offer.  Booking your stay at onsite resorts like Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Riviera Resort gives you two distinct advantages. One is that you can book for FastPass+ and your Advance Dining Reservation for popular rides and restaurants. There are also other perks to take advantage of like the Magic Band and the Extra Magic Hours that only resort guests can avail. The most significant benefit of staying in onsite Walt Disney Resort is the convenient location, of course!But beware, Onsite Resorts can be very pricey.

Additionally, some other resorts and hotels offer the best deals for the perfect Orlando Family Vacation. Orlando Paradise Palms Resort is located in Kissimmee, just a few minutes' drive from Universal Orlando and the airport. It boasts of a tropical lagoon-style pool, fitness center, and kid-friendly services. Likewise, Days Inn Orlando, located at International Drive, is another top-rated family-friendly accommodation that offers convenient childcare services for vacationers.

If hotel resorts are not your thing or you are traveling with a big group, you can choose to stay at one of Orlando’s fantastic Luxury Villa Rentals. These lush gated communities cater to big families and offer an exciting accommodation experience. Each villa is sure to delight kids with their themed bedrooms, private pools, and all other conveniences that families expect. Plenty of bedrooms and baths, a private pool, the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and lots more. And they are surprisingly affordable. Some of our favorites are Solara Resort, Solterra Resort, Reunion Resort, or Windsor for that posh villa stay.

Orlando has a long line of theme parks, and choosing which one to focus your attention is outright daunting! You’ll wish you could do all of the parks on your vacation, but you can’t! So make sure to do your research to pick out the activities, experiences and rides that are best suited to your whole family.

Avoid over-scheduling your trip. Keep in mind that the little ones tire easily and you have to give a little leeway for them to enjoy the experience fully. Be sure to get tickets in advance or get your FastPass and Advance Dining Reservations. And save time on lesser known attractions. Among Walt Disney World Resorts, you can choose from among these amazing theme parks and destinations:

If you plan to explore Universal Studios Resort, choose from this list of parks and destinations first:

Likewise, you can also explore attractions at ICON Park Orlando. Formerly the IDrive 360 Orlando it is also a popular family destination. Some experiences you should visit here are:

Orlando has so much to offer, more than what any ordinary family can take in during a week or so vacation. It can be overwhelming to plan your vacation with so many attractions, experiences, and amazing destinations in one city. If Disney is at the top of the list, be sure to check out Park Hopper passes if you plan to explore two or more theme parks during your vacation.

During your planning stage, carefully peruse the theme park details to assess whether it has what you want and need during your trip. Ask the group for suggestions and agree before you finalize the booking and ticket purchases.

Exploring Orlando theme parks during the high season will tire everyone one out. There will be lots of other vacationers keen to enjoy the rides, sights, and attractions with you. Consider taking a day trip when you want to break free from the crowds and all that hustle of the city. You can head out west or east to explore one of Florida’s impressive beaches. Our top-rated day trips from Orlando include:

 This exciting destination is a sure winner for motorsports action-loving families. It is home to the Daytona 500, and it is where NASCAR racing started. The beach is lively with plenty of entertainment, attractions and accommodations. You can join a Daytona International Speedway tour or simply visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk to have more family-friendly diversions. 

Located about a two and half hour drive from Orlando, you can find one of Florida’s best beaches and a popular escape for those looking to relax and unwind. Clearwater Beach is a fabulous strip of sugary sand with calm, crystal jade waters. The place offers a relaxing vibe with plenty of souvenir shops, street performers, restaurants and live music amid a gorgeous sunset. Sand Key Park and Busch Gardens Tampa are also easily accessible if you still want more theme park action, live shows or exhibits.

This is another option that is sure to thrill pint-sized travelers and grown ups alike is the Kennedy Space Center. It is about an hour’s drive from Orlando and is one of the most popular family day trips for an out of this world attraction. It is perfect for budding astronauts with lots of rocket exhibits, launch pads, and 3D IMAX films. Featured exhibitions include the Shuttle Launch Experience, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Rocket Garden Tour, and the tour of the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the Kennedy Space Center.

A family vacation in Orlando exploring theme parks in the area will surely dent your budget. Give your budget a break by trying out fun and free things to do around the city. Our top choices include the following:

This loop around Lake Eola is in Downtown Orlando. You can take pictures of swans gliding aimlessly through the lake, take a leisurely stroll, or have a picnic. There are also occasional concerts that you can catch for free at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.

This great spot offers free parking and free admission. Everyone will enjoy live entertainment at the Waterview Park, explore LEGO  Stores Play Tables, or get a freebie at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. 

This happens in the Old Town, Kissimmee, where owners of classic cars show them off at the Trophy Row throughout the day and drive them around the Old Town’s main street in the evening.

This 438-acre preserve is the perfect place to go bird watching in Orlando. If you’re lucky, you can spot tree swallows, belted kingfishers, wood storks and more than 100 other species of birds. You may also check out the Vera Carter Environmental Center for a chance at feeding some feathered friends.

An Orlando Florida family vacation can be your best vacation ever. This once in a lifetime experience should be well planned and well-timed for you to avoid problems during the trip.

Keep in mind that you are traveling with kids, thus be easy on the schedule. Don’t overschedule and fill your itinerary with too many attractions or activities.

Ideally, you prepare your itinerary in advance and make refinements as you come closer to your travel dates.

Involve everyone in planning to ensure to build excitement along the way.

Once you are in Orlando, go to the parks early and take on the most popular rides first.

While you are exploring to your hearts’ content, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Make sure that everyone hydrates as the Florida weather can get a little steamy in the middle of the day.

Lastly, do take it slow. Relax and enjoy the moment of seeing your kids beam in amazement at this extraordinary experience. Orlando family vacations may be costly, but planning can save you lots, and seeing how happy your family is at being there at the moment and living it, is all worth it! Family Vacation Orlando- here you come.