Orlando, Florida, is a popular destination for families looking for an unforgettable vacation. Home to some of the world’s largest and most famous theme parks, this state is the perfect place to make magical memories with your loved ones!
But planning a trip to these theme parks can be overwhelming, especially if you are taking your kids for the first time. So, we have created this blog to help you make the most of your family vacation in Orlando’s theme parks.
From booking tickets and things to pack to how to navigate the crowds, you will learn about how to have the best family vacation in Orlando by following these tips!
Include all family members in your plans.
Most likely, you may have selected a destination that offers attractions suitable for all family members. But, as you schedule your park visits, it is wise to divide time to ensure everyone’s happiness—including yours.
To make this possible, you may need to split your day. You can explore Diagon Alley in the morning, enjoy the afternoon at Seuss Landing, and cap the night off at Jurassic Park. The key is to create a schedule that will give time to everyone’s preferences.
If you have teenagers, take advantage of their need for independence! They can venture into the parks alone; set some ground rules. Remember to assign a meeting spot for a family lunch or dinner so you can still check in occasionally.
Get connected on social media.
Theme parks and attractions use social media platforms to provide updates. You can keep track of closures, seasonal promotions, special events, and holiday highlights. Be a part of their online communities by engaging with their social media accounts. Show your support by “liking” them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.
Also, subscribe to their email newsletters during your trip-planning process. By keeping yourself updated, you may even bag a prize or find the perfect timing for a particular attraction your kids like.
Choose a child-friendly hotel.
Many all-inclusive resorts in Orlando provide child-friendly accommodations and activities, like paddle boarding, rock climbing, and scavenger hunts.
One distinctive family-friendly hotel in Orlando is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. It offers many amenities, including enjoyable evening marshmallow roasts and arts and crafts sessions. It even has a fully equipped arcade! Kids will have something to look forward to, beating away the blues after leaving a theme park.
Choose the right passes for your family.
Picking passes that suit your family’s needs and budget can be overwhelming, given the options from which you can choose. For example, consider multi-day or annual passes, park-hopper options, and single-park tickets.
One option worth considering is the two-park ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, especially if family members are Potterheads since this pass lets you experience the iconic Hogwarts Express. You can ride the train from Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios!
At Disney, FastPass+ is a complimentary service with your ticket purchase—something you may want to get if you are on a limited schedule. This pass lets you skip long queues at popular rides. You can reserve up to three FastPass+ attractions per day, up to 30 days in advance.
To make the most of FastPass+, book your choices early and stagger your choices. Also, reserve the busiest attractions for late morning or early afternoon when the lines are the longest.
Buy tickets online.
Avoid higher costs by buying theme park tickets online instead of at the gate. An annual pass might also be more cost-effective than buying individual day tickets on separate occasions. But this only applies if you plan to visit multiple times.
Note that each theme park has its pricing and benefits, typically structured in tiers. Remember to carefully read the details and terms to understand each option’s prices and advantages.
Explore the convenience of the Go Orlando Card.
Discover more excitement in Florida by buying and downloading the Go Orlando Card. You can select the All-Inclusive pass, which grants you access to 34 prominent attractions. The best part is these are cheaper by up to 55% compared to gate prices.
You can also choose the Explorer Pass, a more budget-friendly option. With this, you can choose three to five attractions from 17 options! But making sure the attractions align with your desired places is crucial. Some choices might be farther away than expected, so adjust your itinerary to accommodate these options.
Create a flexible itinerary.
A flexible itinerary is necessary when planning a family vacation to Orlando’s theme parks. While you may have a general idea of what attractions and shows you want to see, prepare for unexpected changes.
One way to create a flexible itinerary is by focusing on attractions and shows. Research the parks ahead of time and list the rides and shows that your family is most excited about. Then, use this list to create a rough schedule that includes the must-see attractions and leaves room for flexibility.
Consider your family’s needs when creating a flexible itinerary. For example, if you are traveling with young children, you may need to take breaks since they tire easily. You must allow time for bathroom breaks and rest, so mark these in your schedule.
If someone in your group has a disability, you may also plan your day around accessible attractions and shows. You must do more research since the options may vary depending on the season and day of your visit.
Consider midweek visits.
It is because weekend crowds are usually heavier. When you go on a weekend, there are longer wait times and crowded pathways. So, you will experience less mobility and efficiency in the parks.
Visiting Orlando’s theme parks on weekdays instead of weekends or holidays is an excellent way to enjoy shorter lines. Less congestion during weekdays also leads to a more relaxed theme park experience. It is easier to maneuver the park, hop on rides, take breaks, and have fun without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
You will also have more time to enjoy the attractions and explore more of what the park offers. Pick up your pace, and you may quickly complete your family’s list of must-see attractions!
If you are concerned about missing the park’s events or shows, you need not worry! Most shows and events run throughout the week, so you can always catch them on a weekday.
Note: Remember that some rides may close during the week for maintenance. Check the park’s schedule beforehand to avoid disappointments.
Make use of Disney’s Rider Switch or Universal’s Child Swap.
Use the Rider Switch and Child Swap programs to accommodate situations where your child does not meet the height requirement. These options are also helpful if they do not like riding a specific attraction.
With Disney’s Rider Switch program, parents can enjoy the attraction separately. One parent stay with the child while the other is on the ride. Afterward, the child remains with one parent while the second parent gets to experience the ride without waiting in line.
Similarly, Universal’s Child Swap program is for families with young children who cannot ride a particular attraction. For example, one parent waits with the child in the designated Child Swap Zone, usually near the attraction’s loading area, while the other is in the regular queue.
Once the first parent finishes riding the attraction, they can swap places. The second parent can then enjoy the ride without queueing up again!
Choose stroller rentals.
Visit the theme park more conveniently by renting a stroller. These are available at a reasonable cost, eliminating the transportation hassle at the park.
You can rent a stroller from any guest service office within the park, typically priced between $15 and $20. Families with several children can also find double strollers available.
Renting a stroller from the theme park saves you the trouble of continuously folding and unfolding your stroller. This is the only way to bring strollers on theme park transportation.
Discuss a designated meeting spot.
When visiting theme parks, expect the possibility of getting separated. Although parks have protocols to manage lost children, taking precautions before entering is wise and reassuring.
As soon as you enter the park, establish a meeting spot. This spot should be recognizable and accessible from various entrances and exits.
Additionally, make sure everyone is familiar with your designated meeting spot. Remind them to meet there if anyone gets lost or separates from the group.
You must also ensure young children understand they can seek help from theme park staff. Teach them about the distinctive uniforms or name tags they can use to recognize these employees.
Attaching a tag to the child’s clothing with the parents’ contact numbers is also a clever idea. Doing this extra step is crucial if your child cannot speak well.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
With large crowds and busy attractions, it is easy for children to get lost. If this happens, it can lead to plenty of panic and distress for everyone! So, tracking your children is crucial, especially in queues, restaurants, and restrooms.
Encourage your children to stay close, not wander off, and hold hands with the younger ones. If you are traveling with older kids, establish a buddy system where they can keep track of each other and check in regularly.
Also, remain vigilant for any suspicious activity or behavior. For example, if you see anything unusual, such as an unattended bag or a person acting strangely, report it immediately to the park or security staff.
Finally, be mindful of your belongings and ensure valuables are always secure. Use lockers to store bags or bulky items that could get in the way during rides and attractions.
Also, avoid leaving your things unattended, hanging them on the back of chairs. Often, bags in these spots can attract pickpockets who take advantage of distracted tourists.
Pack efficiently.
To ensure a hassle-free experience during Florida summers, pack strategically. Given the inevitable rainstorms, pack ponchos for everyone in the family and avoid bulky umbrellas.
Also, bring essential items for the family in a small bag you can carry in the park. Remember to pack hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, bottled water, and diapers. These items are expensive inside theme parks, so bringing these will help you stick to your budget.
Organize each family member’s belongings in small strollers and backpacks. Just tag them for easy identification and access.
Finally, remember to pack comfortable shoes for your trip! Exploring the parks may involve walking up to 9 miles a day before you can retire to your hotel and unwind.
Consider professional babysitting services.
Parents deserve to unwind and enjoy their vacation like the rest of the family. Luckily, Orlando has professional babysitting services like Kids Night Out and The Babysitting Company that cater to this need.
Whether you’re longing for a relaxing spa day or an evening out on the town, you can get in-room babysitting services at your hotel.
All babysitters from these companies undergo a rigorous screening process. They even go through CPR training and thorough background checks! With these, about the safety and well-being of your children.
While you should make reservations for sitters at least 24 hours in advance, they also understand the occasional need for last-minute assistance. Good thing they can often accommodate such requests!
So, professional babysitters have you covered when you need childcare services anytime. Relax! Enjoy quality time to yourself, knowing that your little ones are in capable hands.
Book a Kidmoto Ride
Consider booking a Kidmoto ride for a stress-free transportation experience on your Orlando trip. With car seats that follow safety regulations, you will not have to worry about bringing your own!
With so much excitement and adventure awaiting, it is essential to have a reliable transportation option. That is where Kidmoto comes in! By offering a professional car service with car seats, Kidmoto provides essential travel convenience to families.
Here is why booking a Kidmoto ride should be on every family’s to-do list when visiting Orlando’s theme parks.
Stress-Free Travel: Kidmoto understands the challenges of traveling with young children. That is why they provide car and booster seats that follow local safety regulations. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging around your car seats or worrying about their proper installation! With Kidmoto, your little ones will be comfortably and securely seated, ensuring a stress-free journey from start to finish.
Time-Saving Convenience: Time is of the essence when you are on a family vacation. By booking a Kidmoto ride from the airport to your hotel, you can bypass the parking struggles, long walks, and waiting for shuttles or trams.
Personalized Service: Kidmoto drivers are more than service providers. They are friendly locals with valuable knowledge about the area. Need recommendations for family-friendly dining or tips on navigating the parks? Kidmoto drivers are happy to help! Their personalized service meets your family’s needs, enhancing your overall theme park experience.
Safety First: With Kidmoto, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children’s safety is a top priority. Kidmoto vehicles also have child restraints! This way, you’re confident that the ride is secure for your child.
Booking a Kidmoto ride when visiting Orlando’s theme parks is a decision that will make your family adventure even more enjoyable. Experience stress-free travel, save valuable time, and receive personalized service while focusing on your children’s safety.
Do not let transportation hassles dampen your excitement—let Kidmoto be your trusted partner in creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.
Book Kidmoto Now!
Booking a Kidmoto ride is quick and effortless, so you can focus on making the most of your family trip to the Orlando theme parks. Download the Kidmoto app today and experience the convenience of booking a ride with a few taps. Let Kidmoto take care of your transportation needs so you can create lasting memories with your loved ones!
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