When it comes to action, adventure and entertainment, there's no match for the extraordinary package that Orlando offers for families. From dazzling parades and interactive dinner shows to thrilling rides and close encounters with endearing characters, Orlando attractions present a multitude of exciting moments that add up to create a treasured collection of magical vacation memories.
Seven major theme parks and five water playgrounds keep visitors occupied for days on end, but within an hour's drive, there's a genuine side of central Florida that families often miss: a Showcase of Citrus Fruit, Airboat Excursions in alligator country and a Spring-Fed Swimming Hole that's maintained at a cool 73 degrees 365 days a year. When you take some time to explore the possibilities, you'll find that central Florida isn't all manufactured amusement -- it's a natural attraction, too.
Mickey Mouse may be Orlando's most famous resident, but did you know the area is also home to the NBA's Orlando Magic, The Florida Citrus Bowl and a host of top golfers, from Tiger Woods to Annika Sorenstam? Central Florida's sunny skies and pleasant, year-round temperatures make it an ideal spot for vacationers, as well as resident athletes. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen!
Whatever you decide to do on your next Central Florida adventure, you can be fairly certain that kids are welcome. After all, Orlando is family vacation central, and in this town, the name of the game is hospitality. With more than 450 hotels and 5,300 restaurants vying for your vacation dollars, expect to find facilities, services and amenities designed with parents and children in mind. In any case, you'll likely need to schedule a return visit before deciding what your personal family favorites are. In order to experience all of Orlando's more than 100 attractions, it would take an average visitor 67 eight-hour days!
With regard to family-friendly services, the array is truly impressive. Expect to find everything from in-room baby-sitting and theme-park escorts to store-to-door delivery of rental strollers, groceries, diapers and supplies. In addition, each theme park provides stroller rentals, as well as special spots dedicated to helping you care for little ones. Orlando area suppliers have virtually every need covered. All you need to do is arrive.
For more information, planning and tips you may also want to see our Disney Family Vacations section.
Orlando Family Vacations
Families will love:
- Action, adventure and entertainment
- Dazzling parades and interactive dinner shows
- Family vacation central
Written by Jackie Perrin
Read more about Orlando Attractions
Latest Orlando Trip Report
by Dclaud3
I traveled with family and we were so lucky to have been able to safe up for this magical vacation. I was so happy and the kids were too. This place ...
Read more Orlando Trip Reports
Best Orlando Family Hotels
© Copyright 2013. The Independent Traveler, Inc.
All rights reserved. This file may be downloaded for personal
use only. Other copying or reproduction is expressly prohibited.
All rights reserved. This file may be downloaded for personal
use only. Other copying or reproduction is expressly prohibited.
- Independent Traveler independenttraveler.com
- Cruise Critic cruisecritic.com
-
FREE Family Travel Newsletter -
Family Travel Tips (10 New)
– Family Planning and Tips
- OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips All About the Extras Sail & Sign Card Carnival ships feature Sail & Sign cards, which make life so much easier. All you do is link a debit card or credit card to your Sail & Sign Card at Guest Relations or a kiosk on the ship. You'll then use your Sai...
- OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips Carnival is known for its plethora of onboard activities, and the Miracle is no exception to this. Listed in the Fun Times, the ship's daily newsletter, activities include beanbag tosses, trivia, bingo, games, dance classes (including a "Thriller" class) ...
- OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips During the cruise, I quickly learned that cruise food is every bit as big of a deal as the cruise itself. And when it comes to dining, the Carnival Miracle does not disappoint. Bacchus Restaurant Thousands of purple, bubble-like lights embellish Bacc...
- OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips Carnival Miracle's rooms are simple, yet comfortable and clean, with flat-screen TV's, phones, complimentary bathrobes and stocked mini-bars. Anything consumed from the mini bars, which offer alcohol, sodas and energy drinks, will cost you an extra fee. ...
In what seems like the blink of an eye, the kids you've raised are all grown up and off to college. As parents, you're worried. More importantly, you're anxious to visit them!
Lucky for you, we here at Family Vacation Critic know what it means to be concerned parents. With that, we've taken the t...- OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips One of four Spirit class ships, Carnival Miracle made its magical debut in 2004. While it's certainly not Carnival's grandest ship, it's definitely something of a "miracle" for families, who find an ample amount of amenities and activities on board. Amid ...
With a state (New York) that offers more ski resorts than any other place in the country and the entire region of New England to boot, the East Coast hardly lacks for quality ski resorts, making the task of listing the best areas a difficult one. Nevertheless, these are our favorites, in no particul...
You've unpacked your boxes full of gloves, ski masks and snowsuits. You've repaired your ski poles and sharpened your skis. Now, where should you go? More importantly, where will you find a good deal, preferably one that packages lodging and lift tickets? We've uncovered the best early (and even win...
So, you've got one day to see the most popular theme park in Walt Disney World. Twenty-four hours to conquer The Kingdom, the holy grail of family entertainment, all 107 jam-packed acres. Can it be done? Should it be done? I've read a lot of articles on how to see the Magic Kingdom in one day, m...- No doubt about it: Walt Disney World puts Orlando on the tourism map. Additional major theme parks, like Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND, Florida have only added to the region's lure as a family vacation destination. But there's more to see in Central Florida, both in Orland...