Need Thoughts On Family Trip to Orlando

[SDMomChef]

O.K., as mentioned in another thread awhile ago, I haven't taken a vacation for almost 5 years and I'm getting burned out. So, I can't say that I have definitely decided that this year is the year, but I am looking at taking the family to Orlando over winter break. My twin DSs will be 9 then and my DD will be close to 8.

My kids never have had an interest in any Disney movies, so we would not be going to DisneyWorld. We would go to Seaworld...maybe Animal Kingdom and the Kennedy Space Center. My mom thought that the kids would enjoy the trip more next year when they would be older and could go on more rides. I never really thought that the rides would be a central component of the trip....any thoughts???

[donleyk]

Do you mean the rides at Disney? I'm a little confused. And a little slow today.

[SDMomChef]

Yes - I meant amusement rides. :)

[Chelle D]

DH, DS(age 2), and I drove from Michigan to Orlando a couple weeks ago and spent a week less than a mile from Sea World. We were going to meet a business associate of DH's who gave us a nice timeshare resort for the week and we did not decide what to do until we got there. We ended up choosing to go to Sea World and I think it was a great choice for us. DS loved looking at everything. There are a few rides there, including a very large coaster, but it's mostly about the shows. DH's business associate's children (10, 8, 6) really enjoyed it all too. I think your kids would like it.

I went to Disneyworld as a young adult (23) and LOVED it. We stayed at Disney and loved every bit of it. But I do think I like the idea of doing a totally Disney trip in a few years better than picking one park and that's it.

Animal Kingdom only had a few rides when I was there. I remember the Safari being the highlight and your kids would love that. Sea World has a nice kids area with more small rides in it that your kids may be a little old for, but liek I said, Sea World is not really about the rides.

I say pick what your kids are into. If they will not miss Disney if they don't go, maybe forget it, though I think you would all love it. Sea World has a great promotion going right now where you can buy a ticet that lasts all of 2007 for the same price as a 1-Day pass (we bought tickets at the park). Because of this, we went to Sea World on two different days and liked not having to cram all the shows into one day, especially with a two year old.

Orlando seems to be all about the tourists though and there is a TON to see, even if you don't do all the big parks. Have fun!

[donleyk]

I don't think liking Disney movies = DisneyWorld. I think they're at the right age to ride rides at Disney. If you don't or they don't have any interest in them though then I wouldn't bring it up and save the $$. I think what you already have planned sounds like plenty. The kids probably would like a couple of days at the pool as well.

[misskitty100]

I admit I am a Disney fanatic - DS is 4 yrs old and we are planning his 3rd trip to Disneyland right now. Being that close to DW and not going would be very hard for me!!

I do love Seaworld and had a great time at Kennedy Space Center - I though that place was totally fascinating. You might also set aside some time to take them to the beach. I love the beaches in FL.

[misskitty100]

I just re-read your post. Is your question "will my kids at their current ages, enjoy going on the rides at Disney?" If so, Yes, they definitely would. They are not too young at all.

[sassysu3]

Downtown Disney has a great game place called Disney Quest. (You don't have to enter the park to go to Downtown Disney.) It's a place that's 5 floors and has loads of interactive games for all ages. We lived just around the corner from Disney and that was a frequent place for us to go. Plus Downtown Disney has many other things to do and see.

[MISSINDI]

I think your kids are definitely old enough to enjoy any of the attractions. We went in April, taking our 4-year-old son (and our neighbors with their 3-year-old daughter) for the first time, and both kids had a blast. Interestingly enough, the highlight for my son was eating lunch with Cinderella. :D

[Puppylove]

I agree, an 8 and 9 yr old would probably love the rides, but remember to find out what the average height restriction is for the standard (non-kiddie) rides. I've had friends take their kids to DW just to find that one of their children was too small (about the same age as yours, just small for her age) to ride the standard rides. The poor thing! :(
Also, Busch gardens is only and hour or so away from Orlando (if I remember correctly) and that was lots of fun.

[misskitty100]

I agree, an 8 and 9 yr old would probably love the rides, but remember to find out what the average height restriction is for the standard (non-kiddie) rides. I've had friends take their kids to DW just to find that one of their children was too small (about the same age as yours, just small for her age) to ride the standard rides. The poor thing! :(
Also, Busch gardens is only and hour or so away from Orlando (if I remember correctly) and that was lots of fun.

I can tell you that the majority of the rides at Disneyland don't have height restrictions. Thost that do are usually 42 inches or less. I believe Indianan Jones is 48 inches but not sure they have that at DW. For more info on height restrictions you can check disney.com and click on the park link.

[Kristilyn1]

Neither of my children have ever shown any interest in any Disney character....period. However what is not to like at Disney? Though I wonder at a whole week spent at the Disney parks exclusively (just not my thing) I would consider it a real shame if you didn't go to Magic Kingdom and ride all the cool rides. MGM and Universal I found more for older kids---as in fairly brave. They tend to be the fast, slightly scarier rides. Great for my 8 year old, too fast and loud for my 11 year old, it's just the way he is. So depends on your kids.

SeaWorld was not our cup of tea, though I know most people ADORE the place. I'd rather pay a LOT less money and go to a regular aquarium. I was shocked at the price and it only had 2 rides. I would never suggest people not go there as I realize not everyone is like us in this regard.

However, go to Disney even if it's just for the rides. Your kids are the perfect age. In my experience---no one does the ride "experience" like Disney.

Kristi

[ChristineVA]

Disney movie fan or not, your kids will LOVE Disney. You don't have to be "into" the movies at all.

Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot are WONDERFUL parks. I agree with another poster about MGM--just not that spectacular (but my 12 and 16 year old like it well enough).

As for Sea World--I've been there many times. I used to get in for free because my friend worked there in the mammal section. It's great when it's free. I don't like it well enough to pay the admission (which is very close to Disney prices for a daily ticket). The shows are neat and it is a very relaxed low-key park. But my kids have NEVER asked to go back and I'd be fine if I never saw the place again. Not a bad place by any means--we were just underwhelmed. If I had paid full price admission, I might feel worse about it.

Your kids are the perfect ages for most of the stuff at Animal Kingdom. They will be able to ride everything. Not sure of the height restrictions on Expedition Everest (the new coaster) but I did see many kids younger than my son (who was 12) going on it. Even my 63 year old mother went on it. So while it looks "imposing" it is definitely very much the "family" coaster. The "Dinosaur" ride in Animal Kingdom can be very intense. Some kids love it and some kids come out scared witless.

If I were you, I'd REALLY re-think the Disney portion of the trip. I'm betting your kids will love it.

[BucknellAlum]

Here is my comment, and I hope you take it in the spirit it is intended, as I remember your earlier post about being burned out. . .

We have done Disney/Orlando with kids once and while it was great, it was not what I would call a rejuvenating vacation. We planned our schedule and packed with great efficiency, kept to a certain itinerary and that all made it a worthwhile experience.

However, we normally go on a week or 2 vacation at the beach every year, plus a couple of long weekends. THOSE vacations are essential for our family's happiness and the health of our relationships.

On those vacations, I get a chance to read a book with the kids (they are older than yours, and of course read on their own, but there is something special about reading a book together). We can explore the beach town on a cloudy day with no special agenda. We can go to the market together and pick out ingredients for a new dish and then cook it together and eat a leisurely meal as a family.

If you are needing some time to reacquaint yourselves as a family, I don't necessarily think Disney et al is the best choice of places for you. We honestly felt more tired at the end of the trip, and it was a big combo of great things (watching the kids watch the parades, finally getting on Space Mt after a long wait, etc.) and stressful things ("we have to get up now so we can get to the park before the lines!!!", buying an ice cream just to appease the tired kiddies since we had a long walk back to the bus, etc.)

Just my 2 cents!

[mikesmom]

I want to start by saying I love Disney World.

I really think your children would enjoy what Disney World has to offer. It's just a really fun atmosphere for adults and children. Some of our most treasured family memories are from our trips to Walt Disney World. We take our time, do what we want. We don't have a real agenda. Parks in the morning and then pool and relaxing in the afternoon. Nice restaurants for dinner.

We usually go for four or five nights - that's our limit. Now that our son is grown, we like to go at off times - like the second week of January. Low crowds, no heat or humidity.

I don't think you'll be sorry if you combine Disney World with your plan to visit Sea World. As a matter of fact, I think you'll be glad you did :)

Have fun!

[ChristineVA]

Here is my comment, and I hope you take it in the spirit it is intended, as I remember your earlier post about being burned out. . .

We have done Disney/Orlando with kids once and while it was great, it was not what I would call a rejuvenating vacation. We planned our schedule and packed with great efficiency, kept to a certain itinerary and that all made it a worthwhile experience.

However, we normally go on a week or 2 vacation at the beach every year, plus a couple of long weekends. THOSE vacations are essential for our family's happiness and the health of our relationships.

On those vacations, I get a chance to read a book with the kids (they are older than yours, and of course read on their own, but there is something special about reading a book together). We can explore the beach town on a cloudy day with no special agenda. We can go to the market together and pick out ingredients for a new dish and then cook it together and eat a leisurely meal as a family.

If you are needing some time to reacquaint yourselves as a family, I don't necessarily think Disney et al is the best choice of places for you. We honestly felt more tired at the end of the trip, and it was a big combo of great things (watching the kids watch the parades, finally getting on Space Mt after a long wait, etc.) and stressful things ("we have to get up now so we can get to the park before the lines!!!", buying an ice cream just to appease the tired kiddies since we had a long walk back to the bus, etc.)

Just my 2 cents!

Your information is soooo true.

I've been to Disney/Orlando area about 6 times now. The first few times I went, it was VERY important to me to get my "money's worth." I mean, it is not a cheap vacation. I planned, planned, planned and I had an extremely efficient, well-run vacation. Got to do things in the most expedient manner. Had everything well-timed. I swear, when I got back, it took me 3 weeks to recover!:eek:

I don't do that anymore. Now that I've "been there, done that", Disney has become one of my more relaxing vacations. We go to the parks for just a few hours, ride the rides we want to ride, leave, swim, come back, eat wonderful meals, sleep in, etc.

But, you are right, especially for a first-timer, it can be a somewhat stress (yet extremely fun) vacation.

Funny thing is, regarding the beach, I used to LOVE beach vacations (prior to kids). Now, I hate them because I go away to the beach, still have some beach house to maintain, I have to prepare meals, etc. I find that I'm working at the beach as much as I do at home and it just isn't fun like when I went pre-kids.

[SDMomChef]

Here is my comment, and I hope you take it in the spirit it is intended, as I remember your earlier post about being burned out. . .

We have done Disney/Orlando with kids once and while it was great, it was not what I would call a rejuvenating vacation. We planned our schedule and packed with great efficiency, kept to a certain itinerary and that all made it a worthwhile experience.

However, we normally go on a week or 2 vacation at the beach every year, plus a couple of long weekends. THOSE vacations are essential for our family's happiness and the health of our relationships.

On those vacations, I get a chance to read a book with the kids (they are older than yours, and of course read on their own, but there is something special about reading a book together). We can explore the beach town on a cloudy day with no special agenda. We can go to the market together and pick out ingredients for a new dish and then cook it together and eat a leisurely meal as a family.

If you are needing some time to reacquaint yourselves as a family, I don't necessarily think Disney et al is the best choice of places for you. We honestly felt more tired at the end of the trip, and it was a big combo of great things (watching the kids watch the parades, finally getting on Space Mt after a long wait, etc.) and stressful things ("we have to get up now so we can get to the park before the lines!!!", buying an ice cream just to appease the tired kiddies since we had a long walk back to the bus, etc.)

Just my 2 cents!


I appreciate your comments! At this point, it feels like ANY vacation will be rejuvinating.

A significant reason for choosing Orlando has to do with my one DS who is going through a phase where he wants to be an astronaut and is obsessed with all things space. He tells people he will live in Florida. I thought he would especially enjoy a trip to Florida and to the Kennedy Space Center. My DH & I went to Seaworld many, many years ago when we were dating and he was stationed near there. We had a blast there, and we talked about how when we had kids, we would want to take them to Seaworld. So, it just seemed like the right thing for us for this 1st family vacation, and if we actually take a vacation again next year, we can look at doing something different. I think it helps that both DH & I like to do things/stay busy, so we have the same "vacation style" (if there is such a thing!)

I also appreciate the feedback on the rides and Disney World. So, it sounds like the key may be to adjust my expectations - and realize that if the lines are long and the kids are tired, just leave - even if the tickets were expensive.