By Nick Worley
On this trip we wanted to discover all the Fun Filled Holidays In Orlando For Families offered, and we uncovered more than we imagined.
There are so many exciting attractions, entertainment, dining options and exciting events that families can try something new on each trip and still not see everything.
Check the comments section to view our favorites:
Tags: Family vacations, Florida, Islands of Adventure, Orlando, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, WonderWorks
December 19, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Explore The World At WonderWorks
Inside WonderWorks you’ll find a exciting exhibit that as the story goes was once top-secret laboratory was located in the Bermuda Triangle. Then a horrific tornado ripped from its foundation and carried it thousands of miles away to International Drive, Orlando Florida. Remarkably, all of the experiments remained intact and functional and are found inside the 1st and 2nd levels of WonderWorks. Okay, the boys did not believe the story either, but it’s fun to pretend. And that is what WonderWorks is all about – discover new ideas and letting your imagination run wild.
Whether you land the Discovery Space Shuttle on the airstrip or play Lazer Tag, there’s something fun to explore around every corner at WonderWorks. There’s a state of the art video arcade area and huge prize redemption counter, a great café with freshly hand tossed New York style pizza and other delicious items, and a fascinating collection of souvenirs, including postcards, t-shirts, old fashion rock candy, and much more. There’s so much to do and see at WonderWorks it’s hard to see everything, so we’ll defiantly bring the kids back on our next trip to Orlando.
To find out more about WonderWorks and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Show visit http://www.wonderworksonline.com.
December 19, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Imaginations Soar At SeaWorld Orlando
The boys love animals and SeaWorld Orlando was the perfect place to go below the surface, above the waves to experience up-close animal encounters. There are also thrilling attractions and lavish performances that fascinated the boys. They came face-to-face with Shamu, petted dolphins, counted the teeth on a shark and so much more.
And located just across the street from SeaWorld is Aquatica, a all new, one-of-a-kind water park only SeaWorld could create. Aquatica blends up close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches. Amidst lush landscape inspired by the South Sea islands, Aquatica’s signature attraction plunges riders in clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins. The addition of Aquatica, and all the amazing exhibits, shows, and hands-on animal activities at SeaWorld Orlando is a memorable trip every family member will love!
SeaWorld also host a amazing Christmas celebration called “Christmas at SeaWorld,” which features festive decorations, snowfalls at The Waterfront and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers.
Visit http://www.seaworld.com or call 407/351-3600 for details on others special events or to purchase tickets and vacation packages.
December 19, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Universal Orlando Is A Adventure For The Whole Family
We visited both parks, Island of Adventures and Universal Orlando, and the boys loved each. We met the mischievous Grinch and laughed ourselves silly at the Grinchmas, a live stage show at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. There are a assortment of rides, including roller coasters, rides that spin, or get you soaked for small children and older children alike. We tried almost all of them!
Between Island of Adventures and Universal Orlando the boys also meet many of their favorite cartoon characters like Scooby-Doo, Spiderman, and Wolverine. Another exciting part of visiting Island of Adventures and Universal Orlando are the 3-D and 4-D shows that are especially fun for families. Two of the kids favorites were the 4-D adventures of Donkey and his friends, and Jimmy Newtron’s Blast that make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the scenes.
After a thrilling time in the parks we headed back to City Walk, Universal’s entertainment complex that features themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and more. Nearby to City Walk are many of Universal’s beautiful resorts that would make a great place to stay during one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties on December 31. The evening features live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs, including the groove, an electrifying dance club; CityJazz, a hip jazz venue; Jimmy Buffett’s Magaritaville and others.
Universal offers a variety of great packages that include tickets to parks and events, and you easily plan your next family vacation by visiting http://www.universalorlando.com.
December 19, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Families Celebrate The At Walt Disney World Orlando
One of our favorite holidays is Halloween and this year we were thrilled to be able to join Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom on the boys first trip to Orlando. Just after entering the park we found everything decorated in a festive Halloween theme with friendly pumpkins and Disney host waving as we passed. This is one Halloween event where the whole family can get dressed up and trick or treat and then ride all the fun rides! Throughout the park there were special characters and entertaining performers that surprised the kids.
If you plan to be in Orlando during December plan to visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, also at the Magic Kingdom. During this event there’s plenty of great holiday magic to share with family and friends! During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade there‘s spectacular fireworks, and special events which celebrate the Spirit of the Season. Both of these events require special tickets.
As we walked down Main Street toward Cinderella’s Castle the boys were wide-eyed with excitement. We took them for a spin in the Tea Cups, found some friendly ghost in the Haunted Mansion, screamed for delight as we zipped down Splash Mountain, rode a magic carpet with Aladdin, played with Pirates of the Caribbean, and defeated aliens with Buzz Lightyear!
Our next stop was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We arrived early so we could take the Safari Ride. It was such a wonderful experience for the boys to see all these majestic animals. Afterwards we strolled through Pangani’s Forest Exploration Trail, and around every corner the boys pointed out all the animals. Then they joined a group of other children playing bongos and drums and met Lilo and Stitch, and Tigger too.
Our stop was a ride on the Kali River Rapids that spun us about as we traveled down the rapids, it was a refreshing ride in the heat! After the thrill of riding the raging rapids we headed to Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama where we rode a dinosaur and played dino-themed arcade games before we found a spot for Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade.
New Year’s Celebrations At Disney
The Walt Disney World Resort parks come alive to say farewell to 2008 on December 31.
Epcot celebrates the New Year “around the world” with DJs and evening dance parties located throughout World Showcase and lasting late into the evening, as well as a special presentation of the “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” lights, lasers and fireworks display.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates New Year’s Eve with multiple presentations of “Fantasmic!” a spectacular of Disney movies and music, a special “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks spectacular and a DJ dance party around the Sorcerer Hat Stage.
Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the “SpectroMagic” parade and multiple nighttime fireworks displays. “Holiday Wishes” lights up the sky early in the evening and guests who make it to midnight can see “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, which begin just before the New Year kicks off.
With Disney’s new ticket options and vacation packages there are plenty of ways to create a magical getaway for your family. And next year, everyone get’s into their favorite theme park for FREE on their Birthday during Disney’s Celebrations Vacations!
Find out more about Disney Tickets, Vacation Packages, and special celebrations by visiting http://www.disneyworld.com.
December 19, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Planning A Festive Orlando Vacation
As you can tell there’s plenty of Festive Fun for Families in Orlando, and one way to save up to $1,000 is with an Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard. This card offers year-round discounts through the Orlando CVB. It is valid at 97 area establishments including everything from attractions and accommodations to restaurants and golf courses.
You can download the card at http://www.orlandoinfo.com/magicard or order one by calling 1-800-551-0181. To learn more about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official Web site at http://www.VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872.