A trip to Orlando is a fun experience for the whole family, and sure to be a vacation your kids will remember. But there’s no doubt that it can also be stressful and a little overwhelming. If you’re considering taking the family to Orlando in 2019, here are some top tips to make it go as smoothly as possible:
Rent a car
Public transport isn’t great in Orlando, which is why it’s a good idea to rent a car in the airport. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on either public transport or a hotel shuttle to get you to and from the airport and the theme parks when you visit. If one of your kids needs a nap in the middle of the day, you and your partner can easily split up and quickly get back to the hotel for a nap before returning nice and refreshed later on. Otherwise, you’ll be at the mercy of a hotel shuttle schedule, which can quickly mean your tired child becomes overtired and distraught.
Plan in advance
If you do one thing, to prepare for this trip, make sure you purchase your theme park tickets in advance. You can do this online, and you’ll be thanking yourself on the day you arrive when you don’t need to line up in a long line with your excited kids. You should also consider other attractions in the area, and decide which theme parks are a must-visit, and which are simply ‘it would be nice if we got there.’
Ditch the parks
Sure, the theme parks are one of the main reasons to visit Orlando- especially if you’ve got kids. But they’re not the only attractions in the area. Orlando is a cool city with great weather and excellent food. Not to mention, if you rent a car you can take a road trip, which is a great option if you need a break from the theme parks one day. Consider taking a trip down to Miami for a day or two, or head all the way to Key West for a complete change of pace.
If you have enough time, there are a number of different cruises which leave from Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale which range from just a couple of days to a week or longer. This can be a great way to squeeze in some adult relaxation- most cruise ships will have a kids club so you can relax by the pool while at sea.