Making memories with your children is one of the many privileges of being a parent. Ensuring that you all have happy times to look back on, away from the usual timetables, busy house schedules, and demands of school and work, is so important for any family. And planning a trip to Orlando with your children is a sure-fire way to make great memories you’ll always remember.
What makes Orlando such a special destination for families? Well, we all know that Orlando is bursting with some of the greatest theme parks in the world, but away from Mickey and his friends, you’ll also find beautiful beaches, an exciting and fun-filled metropolis, great eateries, lakes, hikes, and plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature!
Orlando is certainly an exciting place, but without the right kind of planning, this sprawling city with its bustling crowds, long lines, and often intense heat can leave little ones overwhelmed. To ensure you’re making the right kind of vacation memories, let’s take a look at some simple but effective tips for traveling to Orlando with young children.
Renting a Car is a Great Choice
On a family vacation, you have more than just your kids in tow; you also have all their luggage, day bags, changing bags, strollers, snacks, pool toys, and anything else they want to bring along. Battling with all this stuff is stressful on public transport, and waiting in line for shuttle buses while your toddlers squabble and you’re constantly worrying about your baby overheating isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun family vacation. This is why you might want to consider cheap car rentals at MCO instead.
Hiring a car from Orlando’s airport means you can enjoy convenience and complete flexibility from the moment you land. You can throw all your luggage in the trunk and pack for days out with ease, knowing you have plenty of space for all the essentials. If you’re not bringing your own car seats, then make sure you book these too in advance.
As many of Orlando’s main attractions are spread out across the city, you can enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle to get you and your family from A to B as smoothly as possible without worrying about missing your stop or getting on the wrong bus.
Planning Your Days
As a parent, you’ll know that everything is all about balance, and that shouldn’t change because you’re on vacation. When visiting somewhere like Orlando, a good balance between activities and downtime is the best option. This can help everyone feel fully energized, less stressed and overwhelmed, particularly if you’re heading to theme parks or spending days out in the heat.
We recommend splitting days between high-energy attractions and quieter activities. So this could look like early mornings at attractions, and then afternoons spent in the shade, down by the pool, playgrounds, or even downtime at your air-conditioned hotel. This leaves room for naps and rest for the big kids, too! It’s important not to overschedule your days and ensure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.
Choosing Kid-Friendly Activities
When it comes to kid-friendly activities in Orlando, especially those aimed at younger children, you don’t have to look far. There are so many options to choose from, you might find it difficult to decide! Lean into your children’s interests and maybe even think about letting them choose an activity, even if it’s just something small; it’ll make them feel grown up and part of the planning process. Here are some of our suggestions.
Theme Parks and Attractions: Orlando is a kid’s paradise, you’ve got Disney’s Magic Kingdom, LEGOLAND Florida to explore, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Crayola Experience, to name just a few options! Although don’t overlook the simple joy of a well-equipped playground. There are hundreds of them in Orlando, and some even have splash pads and plenty of shade.
Shows and Parades: One of the biggest issues with taking little ones to theme parks is the wait times. That’s why utilizing apps specifically designed for the parks can help you keep in the loop about current wait times for certain rides and then plan accordingly. This might mean showing them the magic of Universal or Disney and taking them to something interactive like a character breakfast, meet and greet, or even a parade or show.
Be Mindful of the Heat: Florida heat can take its toll on little ones, so consider having a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities across your day. For example, spend the morning enjoying outdoor rides, then head to an indoor attraction, café, or shaded playground in the afternoon. This helps prevent overheating and gives kids (and you!) a chance to recharge.
Meals Out
Orlando is a foodies paradise, and there’s lots for families to choose from – even the pickiest of eaters won’t miss out! When eating with kids on vacation, you need to think about the best course of action, perhaps avoiding eating out on an evening and enjoying an early breakfast together instead, when little ones are less likely to be cranky. Consider quick service options, eating at your hotel, or ordering food to your room for ease.
Remember, just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to feel the pressure of eating out every night. Sometimes you have to do what’s best for you and your family. If you decide to venture out, consider putting together a “busy bag” of things that will keep your little ones busy while they wait. Colouring books, crayons, small toys, stickers, or anything else you think might keep them entertained. And if things don’t go to plan, it’s no big deal, get your food to go and make a swift exit! Just do what’s right for you.
Final Thoughts…
There’s a lot to think about when we go on vacation with our little ones. Ultimately, we want to keep them happy and ensure that we’re making the most of our time away together. Follow the tips above, and everyone is sure to have a vacation they won’t forget.
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