So, you’re headed to Orlando, but you aren’t a Disney Adult or your kids are too old to go to Disney. Thankfully, Orlando has so much more to offer than just Disney World. We are frequent travelers to Central Florida, so I want to share some of the fun things it has to offer other than the big mouse.
If you have bigger kids, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay are great options. Your family can be fully immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, enjoy a 70-degree fall through a drop door or 125 feet of a water slide. Universal Studios Orlando is great for thrill seekers!
LEGOLAND Florida is built for kids! There you’ll find LEGO inspired rides and attractions. Your children can ride in a life-sized LEGO dinosaur, become a ninja and blast fireballs at the Great Devourer, adventure into a pirate’s LEGO quest, find themselves in a 4-D movie, and more. You can also find LEGO exclusive sets and bricks, and you can enjoy the LEGO store at the Heartlake Mall.
Legoland’s newest addition is the Peppa Pig Theme Park. Your child can ride their very first roller coaster with Daddy Pig, soar to the sky in a hot air balloon with Peppa Pig and sail to Pirate Island with Grandad Dog. Your children will come to life when they see the most recognizable sights from Peppa Pig, including the Fun Fair, Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena and even a “Muddy Puddles” Splash Pad.
Discovery Cove is great for animal lovers or those who want to swim with the dolphins, but for whom a Caribbean vacation may not be in the family vacation plans. At Discovery Cove, activities include swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, hand-feeding tropical birds, mingling with a Flamingo, and swimming with sharks…and did I mention that the price includes unlimited food and beverages?! With your Discovery Cove tickets you will have a freshly prepared breakfast, gourmet lunch, and endless snacks and drinks, including beer and wine.
The Crayola Experience is fun for the whole family. You will be able to create a ring, animal, or even a special character out of crayon wax at Melt & Mold for a great souvenir. Personalize and print an authentic Crayola crayon label and wrap it around a crayon of your choosing to create your own unique crayon! This experience will leave your family laughing for hours.
Choosing a hotel in Orlando can be a little overwhelming.
If you visit Universal Studios, staying on property will be most cost effective and convenient. Traveling with more than two kids can be a headache at times due to room configurations. Thankfully, the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace can fit six people to a room — amazing right? Coco Key Hotel & Water Park has exactly what’s in the hotel name: a water park! Another great water park hotel option is the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites & Waterpark; they have a great two-bedroom suite option for families of six. If you plan on visiting LEGOLAND, they offer their own accommodations: Beach Retreat, Pirate Island or the LEGOLAND Hotel.
