Orlando, USA

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

A prime destination for the ultimate family vacation.
Orlando, USA

Likes: Array of fantastic theme parks
Dislikes: The summer months bring heat and crowds
Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds

Orlando is one of the world’s premier family vacation destinations, mainly because of its proximity to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida. Families come from a very long ways for the experience, and few are disappointed.

Walt Disney World is the world’s largest theme park, and is fantastic fun for kids of all ages, as well as adults who are young at heart. The Magic Kingdom brings Disney characters to life for the younger kids, Disney-MGM Studios has thrilling rides, the Animal Kingdom provides a good look at some interesting animals, and Epcot Theme Park has a few good rides plus pavilions that provide interesting introductions to various international locales.

Also here is Seaworld, which offers the chance to see sharks, penguins, killer whales, and much more, and which also has a few rides. Universal Studios is yet another theme park with rides and shows built around popular movies.

If you get your fill of the theme park scene, there are plenty of other alternatives. Day trips to the Kennedy Space Center are made easily enough, and beach locations are about an hour away for those wanting more relaxation. World class shopping and dining are easily found here as well. Golfers will find plenty of options, and in March the Bayhill Invitational brings golf fans a little closer to legends such as Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. A rental car will be required for any vacation not completely centered around Disney.

Keep in mind that Orlando is very much a tourist town, with most things catering specifically to visitors. Central Florida University, located in northeast Orlando, is the 2nd largest in the state, so this could also be considered a college town. You will find the true face of Orlando hard to find with the many different hats it wears obscuring it and the locals. A lot of the population is young transplants from a multitude of other places. The best place to begin your search would be with a stay downtown, further away from the tourist crowds. Entertainment and accommodation here are not inexpensive and you could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Unless you’re part of the college crowd, you’ll want to avoid the Spring Break period around Easter, as crowds are huge and prices go way up. Other major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Labor Day) also bring in big crowds and big prices. In summer (June-August) it can be uncomfortably hot and humid, and this is also peak season for crowds. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and though that introduces some risk, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid that period.

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