How To Plan Your Orlando Holiday

Planning a family holiday to Orlando is both thrilling and a bit overwhelming.

The city offers a treasure trove of experiences, from world-renowned theme parks to cultural excursions.

Here’s how to ensure your trip is seamless and enjoyable.

1. Prioritize Your Must-Visit Attractions

Orlando is famed for its theme parks, but there’s more to explore. To avoid feeling rushed, list the top attractions your family wants to visit. Popular choices include:

Walt Disney World Resort: Encompassing four theme parks, each with unique themes and attractions. For instance, Magic Kingdom is perfect for younger children, while Epcot appeals to older kids and adults with its mix of technology and world culture. Consider the seasonal events at Disney, such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which can add unique experiences to your trip. Also, take advantage of the My Disney Experience app to manage dining reservations, FastPass+ selections, and more. Think of Walt Disney World as an enormous, magical version of Sydney’s Luna Park, but multiplied by ten and filled with themed lands and endless entertainment options.
Universal Orlando Resort: Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s a must for fans of the series. Early park admission is a perk for on-site hotel guests, allowing you to experience attractions with minimal wait times. Additionally, Universal’s Express Pass can significantly reduce wait times and is often included with premium hotel stays. Imagine Universal as a supersized Dreamworld, but with entire sections devoted to your favorite movies and TV shows.
SeaWorld Orlando: Offers interactive marine life exhibits and exciting water rides. SeaWorld’s Rescue Tour gives a behind-the-scenes look at their animal rescue operations. It’s both educational and inspirational, offering a deeper connection to the park’s mission. If you’ve enjoyed Sea World on the Gold Coast, SeaWorld Orlando will feel like a bigger, more interactive sibling with even more marine life and thrilling rides.

Tip: Booking tickets in advance can save time and money. You can also choose to buy combination tickets, which combine Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld into one ticket, and therefore saving you money – we’ve seen these on Orlando Attractions (link).

2. Plan Your Days Strategically

Balancing high-energy days at theme parks with quieter, relaxing days ensures everyone stays happy and healthy. Consider these strategies:

Early Starts: Arriving at parks early helps you beat the crowds and experience popular rides with shorter wait times. Utilize the park’s mobile apps to check real-time wait times and show schedules. This allows for dynamic adjustments to your plan, ensuring you maximize your time. Florida’s climate is similar to Queensland’s – hot and humid. Early starts can help you avoid the peak heat and crowds, much like visiting the Great Barrier Reef in the morning.
Afternoon Breaks: Florida’s heat can be intense. Plan for midday breaks at your hotel to rest and recharge. Many parks have “cool zones” with misting fans or air-conditioned spaces. Strategically plan these into your route to stay comfortable without having to leave the park. Think of it like a beach day at Noosa; taking a break in the hottest part of the day can keep everyone from getting too tired or sunburned.
Rest Days: Incorporate days to enjoy your hotel’s amenities or visit less crowded attractions like botanical gardens or local museums. Consider activities like the Orlando Science Center or the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. These spots offer educational and interactive exhibits that can be a refreshing change of pace from the theme parks. Just like you might spend a day at the Melbourne Museum or Taronga Zoo to break up a city trip, these quieter days can provide a much-needed rest.

Tip: Many parks offer fast passes or express passes to skip the lines.

3. Accommodation Choices for Families

Choosing the right place to stay is crucial. Family-friendly accommodations offer amenities that make a significant difference:

On-Site Theme Park Hotels: These provide convenience and often early park access. For example, Disney and Universal offer themed hotels that add to the magic of your stay. Some on-site hotels offer exclusive character dining experiences or themed rooms that can enhance the overall experience for children and adults alike. It’s like staying at a hotel within Sea World on the Gold Coast – everything is designed to keep the magic alive, and the convenience is unbeatable.
Vacation Rentals: Opt for a home-like environment with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen to prepare meals. It’s ideal for larger families or longer stays (source). Look for vacation rentals with added perks such as private pools, game rooms, and proximity to grocery stores. These features can significantly improve the quality of your stay. Similar to renting a holiday home in the Blue Mountains or on the Great Ocean Road, you get space, privacy, and the comforts of home.
Resort Hotels: Many feature pools, kids’ clubs, and shuttle services to theme parks. Resorts often have planned activities like movie nights, pool games, and crafts that can keep the kids entertained during downtime. Think of it as staying at a big resort in Port Douglas where the kids are entertained, and parents can relax.

Tip: Booking early can secure better rates and availability.

4. Navigating Transportation

Orlando’s public transportation isn’t extensive, so consider your options:

Rental Car: Offers flexibility, especially for exploring areas outside theme parks. Ensure your rental includes a SunPass for toll roads, which can save time and hassle. Additionally, familiarize yourself with parking fees at the various parks to budget accordingly. Navigating Orlando can feel like driving in Sydney or Brisbane, where a GPS or navigation app is essential for avoiding toll roads and finding the quickest routes.
Shuttle Services: Many hotels provide complimentary shuttles to major attractions. Verify the shuttle schedules as they may not run continuously throughout the day. Planning your park visits around shuttle times can prevent long waits. Similar to using hotel shuttles at the Gold Coast theme parks, it’s convenient but may require some planning to match your schedule.
Rideshares: Convenient for shorter trips and airport transfers. Services like Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up and drop-off points at most parks, which can expedite your entry and exit compared to general parking. It’s like using Uber to get around Sydney – convenient and often more practical than driving yourself.

Tip: Ensure your rental car has GPS to navigate Orlando’s busy roads.

5. Dining for Every Palate

Orlando boasts a diverse food scene catering to all tastes and budgets:

Theme Park Dining: Offers a range of options from quick bites to sit-down meals. Making reservations ahead of time is advisable, especially for character dining experiences. For a unique experience, consider booking dining packages that include reserved seating for nighttime shows and parades. It’s a great way to ensure good views and a relaxed dining experience. Just like booking a special dinner at Sydney’s Darling Harbour during Vivid, planning ahead ensures you get the best experience.
Local Restaurants: Explore Orlando’s culinary landscape with its array of international cuisines, including Cuban, Mexican, and Italian. Use apps like OpenTable to find and reserve local eateries. Venturing to areas like International Drive or Winter Park can reveal hidden gems away from the tourist crowds. Think of it like dining in Melbourne’s diverse food scene – stepping away from the tourist hotspots can lead to delightful culinary discoveries.
Self-Catering: If staying in a vacation rental, a trip to the local grocery store can help manage food costs and cater to dietary preferences. Stores like Publix and Whole Foods offer delivery services, allowing you to have groceries waiting when you arrive. This can be a huge time-saver and stress reliever. Similar to ordering groceries online for a stay in a Byron Bay holiday home, it’s convenient and can cater to your family’s needs.

Tip: Pack snacks and water bottles to keep everyone energized throughout the day.

6. Budgeting Tips

Orlando can be pricey, but smart planning can help manage costs:

Travel Off-Peak: Visiting during school terms or shoulder seasons can result in lower prices and fewer crowds. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track and predict the best times to book flights. Being flexible with your travel dates can yield significant savings. Similar to travelling to Bali during the off-peak season, you’ll find better deals and less congestion.
Package Deals: Look for bundled deals that include flights, accommodation, and park tickets. Check reputable travel websites and agencies for bundle deals. Sometimes, booking directly through the theme park’s website can offer special promotions or added benefits. Think of it like booking a package holiday to Fiji – bundling can save money and simplify planning.
Souvenirs: Set a budget for souvenirs to avoid overspending in the heat of the moment. Encourage children to collect memorable, low-cost items like pressed pennies or autograph books. These can be just as cherished as expensive souvenirs and more budget-friendly. It’s like setting a budget for souvenirs at Australia Zoo – kids can still have memorable items without breaking the bank.

Tip: Use travel reward points or cashback offers to reduce expenses.

7. Health and Safety

Ensuring your family stays healthy and safe is paramount:

Hydration and Sun Protection: Florida’s sun is strong. Carry water bottles and sunscreen, and encourage regular hydration and application of sunscreen. Consider UV-protective clothing and hats for added protection. Cooling towels and portable fans can also help manage the heat. Similar to spending a day at the beach in Cairns – staying hydrated and protected from the sun is key to a comfortable day out.
Health Precautions: Familiarize yourself with local healthcare facilities and travel insurance options. Keep a small first-aid kit handy for minor injuries. Many parks have first aid stations staffed with trained medical personnel. Knowing their locations in advance can save precious time in an emergency. Just like knowing where the first aid stations are at a big event like the Sydney Royal Easter Show, it’s good to be prepared.
Lost Child Protocols: Establish a meeting point and teach children what to do if they get separated from the group. Equip younger children with identification bracelets that include contact information. Taking a photo of your children each morning can help staff quickly identify them if they get lost. Similar to setting a meeting point at the Ekka in Brisbane, having a plan in place can give peace of mind.

Tip: Write your contact information on a card and place it in your child’s pocket.

Enjoying a stress-free holiday in Orlando involves careful planning and a touch of flexibility. With the right preparation, your family can create unforgettable memories in the world’s theme park capital.

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About Jennie McNichol

Jennie McNichol is the Co-Founder and Editor of Seniorocity and Buggybuddys. She lives north of Perth with her husband, 2 children, 2 Ragdoll Cats and 1 Maine Coon

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