Orlando Florida reaches into millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world for family’s. I found that there are thousands of articles online that you can spend hours and hours reading on when to go, where to visit, where to stay, and the truth is, is that it’s not rocket science even for first time visitors.
If you enjoy the hot weather then go in the summer, and yes this is one of the busiest and hottest times of the year and you will queue for the attractions.
Disney World at Christmas and new year is another busy period along with Easter break when millions of visitors flock to see the festivals and other great attractions on offer, but this is what it’s all about. It’s that magical atmosphere that Disney World and other attractions create that we go for.
If for some reason you don’t like the heat, the queues and the atmosphere then I would recommend going in the not to busy periods, like September or January. These are the periods where you won’t get that tan, you won’t get the queues and you certainly won’t get that magical atmosphere.
Visiting Orlando Florida in the not to busy periods does have its up’s and downside’s to it. For instance villa rentals or hotels, its probably half the price, or they will have some kind of special deal on, but this is because they need to fill the rooms or rentals they have available. The only up side we see is that there are no queues in the park, however they do shut earlier than in the busy months.
Having being a rental owner myself for the past 5-6 years and visiting Orlando Florida for the past 10 years i can honestly say whether your visiting for the first time or not, don’t be let down by the parks shutting early,the weather and the emptiness of Disney World spoil your vacation. As i mentioned earlier it’s that magical atmosphere that we ALL go for.
Where Should We Stay? Where Should We Visit?
Now here’s another story in which I will try and save you hours of reading, many articles online will have you sit there and read through a full page or more on where to visit, and where to stay in Orlando Florida. Now most people who visit Orlando Florida are visiting for one thing and one thing only “Disney World”.
So where should you stay? if you are visiting for Disney World and the other attractions like Sea World, Universal Studios, Blizzard beach, as long as you stay either around the 192 area including highway 27 (the 192 is a main road area surrounded by villa rentals and Disney attractions) or international drive. You will never be more than a short drive away from the main attractions. Hotel or villa, this is your preference. However I will tell you that staying in a hotel is a lot more expensive than renting a vacation home for your family.
So where to visit? There are plenty of places to visit, so much that you would have to return again to see some more. Attractions like Sea World, Universal Studios, Blizzard Beach, Magic Kingdom, Pleasure Island, Busch Gardens and lots more, and for you who like relaxing on beaches the famous cocoa beach is on an hour away.
Verdict:
When Should We Go? Go for the atmosphere, it’s hot and it’s busy but it’s well worth it.
Where Should We Stay? Hotel or villa in the area’s mentioned. Remember that renting a villa is a lot more cost effective,
Where Should We Visit? You will probably have to return to see everything. Our favourites include Sea World and Universal, but there are plenty more.
Here’s what it’s like to ride the rollercoaster Dueling Dragons (Fire) at Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL. Sorry it’s so shaky, but it’s hard to hold a camera still while on this coaster!
Who says that you have to spend big bucks to get a good meal? If you are vacationing in Orlando you can try out a number of local restaurants that serve good food at prices that won’t break your budget. Here is an introduction to some of my favorite budget restaurants in the Orlando area.
Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern (Many Locations)
Bennnigan’s boasts of offering 100 types of beer and other drinks as well, making its alcoholic menu greater than its food menu. The food is served in a loud, lively atmosphere. Some specialties include the fire-roasted salsa shrimp, charbroiled and basted in a smoky sauce, the Monte Cristo, combining ham, turkey, and Swiss and American cheeses on wheat bread that has been dipped in batter and deep fried. If you are watching your weight there are several healthy, low calorie “Health Club” dishes.
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Cue
5818 Conroy Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Bubbalou’s is considered by local residents to be one of the best rib restaurants in the area. You can order at the counter, get a drink and then sit down at a picnic table. You can try the chopped pork sandwiches and the “Texas caviar,” cold black-eyed peas in a spicy vinaigrette. In addition to the ribs you can choose from the chicken, lamb and smoked turkey. All of these cooked over an open-pit fire. Be careful for their “killer” sauce, it can destroy your taste-buds! The restaurant has been voted Central Florida and Orlando’s Favorite BBQ Restaurant and BBQ Catering Service by the readers of the Orlando Sentinel
IHOP (Many Locations)
This chain has been serving mouth watering breakfasts for over 40 years. They’ve got a wide variety of pancakes to choose from, including Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Banana Nut Pancakes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Country Griddle CakesSM, and fruit-topped pancakes. They also serve a selection of Crepe Style International Pancakes and French Toast.
Thai Thani
This restaurant is known for its authentic Thai cuisine and the Thai Thani Restaurant is a must-visit destination for lovers of Thai food. In addition to the authentic food, it has a décor to match. Thai artwork and furniture contribute to an ambience that makes you feel like you are dining at a palace in Bangkok.
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Located at Universal Studios Orlando in the CityWalk entertainment complex, this Hard Rock Cafe is the biggest HRC in the world and boasts more pieces of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia than any other location.
These are just some of the places in Orlando where you can eat to your heart’s content and still stay within your budget. Try them out when you come to Orlando.
See how two people react when they experience the “JAWS” ride in Universal Studios Orlando for the first time! This video shows some very cool footage of the ride and is edited with different angles so that you don’t miss anything! WARNING: don’t watch this video if you never have been in this JAWS ride before but are planning to in the near future because it will spoil every surprise for you.
What is it about Halloween that transforms ordinary people into seekers of anything dark and unknown? Cemeteries at night, horror films by the dozen or one of the most popular and oldest traditions – the haunted house!
A haunted house is defined as a building that is the center for supernatural occurrences or paranormal phenomena. A house is said to be “possessed” or “haunted” when Satan or ghosts take up residence. Some cases involve otherwise normal people hearing strange noises or having visions of dead people or of objects moving with no visible means of locomotion. That is the type of illusion that most actors, animatronics, sound, lighting and other special effects bring to today’s haunted house making them such excellent scary venues. It is estimated that there are over 3,000 haunted houses operating every year in North America alone.
A haunted house should terrify, mystify, shock and disorient its patrons and then let them laugh at their own fears upon exiting. Fear is one of the strongest emotions a human being can experience. There are two basic types of fear a good haunted house can generate; first, the “boo” scare. This is the cheapest but most sought after fright. In the human psyche, there are no lingering effects from this threat. It is accomplished by simply introducing a shocking element by surprise. While causing a scream and a jump in blood pressure, the effects wear off quickly when the person realizes there is no real threat. Chainsaws are typically the favorite for invoking this type of fright. Second is the “lingering” fear. This type of fear is actually a deep sense of dread of what is to come. Approximately 70% of the population is afraid of the dark and their imagination goes into overdrive for what they perceive might happen. The boo scare is the release of this dread. Without the release, the lingering fear can bother guests even after they have left the haunted house.
According to The Haunted American Tours in 2007, the top 10 best most haunted, scariest and creepiest Spook Houses are:
1. Universal Horror Nights, Orlando, FL
2. Shocktoberfest, Reading, Pennsylvania
3. Bennett’s Curse-House of the Vampyres
4. Netherworld… Atlanta, Georgia
5. Headless Horseman… Ulster Park, New York
6. Thrillvania, Dallas, TX
7. Frightfest, St. Louis, MO
8. Terror on the Fox, Green Bay, WI
9. Fright World, Buffalo, New York
10. The Nest, Phoenix, AZ
Whether you’re a fan of haunted houses or not, one thing is for sure … haunted houses are here to stay.
Your family is the best company to have during a Florida vacation because this is one of the most family oriented states in America. If New York is for the urbane, and California is for the fun-loving, Florida is definitely the family state to go to if you wish to enjoy quality time with your family.
Universal Studios – A family can’t call their family Florida vacation complete if they don’t take the time to visit its world famous Universal Studios. Besides having the opportunity to acquaint yourself with your favorite movies and Hollywood actors and actresses, there are also scores of wonderful rides, activities, and presentations offered to make your experience absolutely unforgettable. If and when you visit Universal Studios, make sure that you don’t miss the terribly fun Jaws encounter and the space-oriented E.T. Adventure. Special private tours can also be arranged.
Sea World – Paris may be the world’s definition for romance, but Orlando, Florida definitely symbolizes the essence of theme parks. Make sure that the itinerary list of your family Florida vacation also includes a trip to Sea World, one of the city’s pioneering theme parks and which has been operating for more than three decades already. Going to Sea World is one of the closest ways you can get to living to the sea.
Walt Disney – If your family is having a family Florida vacation this year, one of your reasons no doubt of heading there is to have a magical Disney experience. Orlando’s Disneyworld can be divided into four sections: EPCOT – where your family can transform your Florida vacation into a science adventure; Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, and finally Magic Kingdom, if you wish your family – or more importantly the children – to have an unforgettable Florida vacation. This is the only place where their favorite Disney characters can come alive!
Dry Tortugas National Park – If your kids are clamoring for something more realistic than what Sea World has to offer, then don’t allow your family Florida vacation to end without a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. This tourist attraction is the country’s one and only at-sea national park. Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, or simply catching sight of some of the most beautiful and unique marine creatures.
Busch Gardens – Have your children ever wondered what it would be like if their lives and their pets’ were reversed? If so, then you can give them exactly what they’re asking for at Busch Gardens. Guests have the option of viewing animals as they roam their natural habitat by train, cable car, or monorail. Besides this once in a lifetime opportunity, you can also satiate your kids’ thirst for thrills and excitement by getting them in heart-thumping river rapids. And for a special treat for the adults, you and your partner can also take a sip of the Anheuser Busch brew that’s the main product of this site.
Mallory Square – Life in Key West doesn’t have to be too quiet. You can take your family to Mallory Square where they can shop for lovely and rare items at Carribean Cargo and Shell Warehouse. After an exhausting but fulfilling shopping expedition, you and your family can choose to dine at any of Mallory Square’s restaurants while being wooed and entertained by street musical performers.
Salvador Dali Museum – A family Florida vacation doesn’t have to be about fun only. It can also be educational and with cultural value even if you so wish. For a trip of this ilk, consider taking your family to the Salvador Dali Museum. Give your kids a different outlook to art as they learn to appreciate the wonders of surrealism through the artist’s works. Be sure to take part of the museum’s tours so that you and your kids can gain insight to the man behind all these wonders.
Daytona, USA – If you have a group of rowdy boys in your family, you definitely have to take them to this side of Florida. Just about everything connected to NASCAR can be found here, and your kids are sure to race to your side in gratitude after this.
Those are not the only things that you can do on your famikly Florida vacation, but they’re definitely some of the most important so don’t miss any of them!
Posted on March 10th, 2010 by titanic
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