Family Vacation GuideOrlando

This 110-acre wildlife reserve is filled with gators and fun attractions. Zipline over a gator-infested lake, even pose for a wrestling photo.

Home to dozens of shops, restaurants, Cirque du Soleil, and more, it's a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. You get a taste of Disney without the price of park admission.

Hidden in Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant is a secret fairy wish book where you can write down your wildest wishes. The Blue Fairy checks it regularly ;)

This 8-minute ride takes you through pirate battles and the adventures of Jack Sparrow. It's great for all ages, but really young kids might get scared.

Restless ghosts party in the halls of this haunted mansion. It's a delightfully scary ride for all ages. Kids will even love playing with the cooky attractions in the line.

It's one of the best attractions with the shortest wait. You venture inside a Disney movie, and wind hits you as fall, water splashes you, and you even get a whiff of perfume in Aladdin.

This coaster dips and dives, howling through the darkness of space. It's magical, futuristic, and very popular. So be sure to reserve your fastpass+ ahead of time.

You control the spin and blasters on Buzz Lightyear's spaceship. Aim for the evil Emperor Zurg and score points. You may just get the high score.

You spin around in oversized tea cups in this Alice in Wonderland themed ride.

It starts as a calm river ride with animatronic animals, and ends with a huge drop down a waterfall. Sit up front if you want to get wet.

It's like stepping inside a storybook from your childhood. You enter a land of fairy tales, pirates, astronauts, and cowboys. This is Disney World's flagship park.

For younger kids, this roller coaster is a blast. You get to fly on a trusty winged beast and don't have to wait in line too long.

Find the hidden meeting place of evil wizards who practice the Dark Arts. Keep your eyes peeled. It's not marked.

If your daughter is ages 2-10, this meet and greet with Anna and Elsa may just make their vacation. Lines are long! So come early, late, or at lunch time.

This I-Drive attraction is an odd museum filled with all the unbelievable anomalies of the world like six-legged cows, vampires, and giants.

Kids get to learn about science, the fun way, by doing cool interactive experiments. The upside down building is quite a sight too.

This old-timey themed park and shopping mall has bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade, go carts, and haunted house, among stores and restaurants.

Tons of thrilling waterslides will keep you cool on a hot Orlando day. The park will close in Dec. 31, 2016 to make way for another, bigger one: Universal's Volcano Bay.

The water's always cool and clear in this natural spring. Take a scenic walk and then hop on in. Sure beats swimming with the gators.

They've got griddles by your tables where you can make your own pancakes. This 300-year-old mill at De Leon Springs was onced used by Spanish sugar plantations.

In this gorgeous coastal river, you have the opportunity to swim with hundreds of manatees. You can even kiss these loveable Sea Cows.

Sixty minutes from Orlando is a beach park, perfect for picnic. Bring your bathing suit and swim with dolphins and manatees in the warm ocean.

Kayak or paddle through a dense swamp forest at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Take a boat ride on the canals that connect the lakes of Winter Park. You'll pass through a botanical garden and cruise by a sculpture garden. Then go explore the town.

You fly across over a mile of cables on a course of 8 ziplines. Set up as dual racing zips, you can race your friends and family as you go.

Gather for great food, local art vendors, and family activities in this quaint historic town near Orlando.

Head south to downtown Kissimmee for their summer farmers market, held every Tuesday.

Tour 11 countries through their culture and food, as you walk around a lagoon. Then, see the triumphs of human technology and the wonders of the natural world.

Take a realistic aerial tour over California from the beaches of LA to the stunning Yosemite Valley.

It's in almost every photo of Epcot. This 16-story futuristic globe is home to a ride that takes you past breakthroughs in technology.

You start in a rainforest and take a boat past prairies, deserts, and exotic greenhouses.

Probably the best way to energize tired kids on a hot day is this holy combination of Disney Characters and air-conditioning.

Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye "The Science Guy" teach kids about energy from solar and atomic power to prehistoric volcanoes.

Hosted by Coca Cola, this showcase has dozens of sodas, which you can sample for free. Make sure to try the delicious soda called Beverly.

It's a fun little boat ride with the three caballeros. You explore Mexico through animation, superimposed over live-action clips of Acapulco, Chichen Itza, and Mexico City.

It's an animatronic tribute to the big personalities of American history from Mark Twain to Ben Franklin.

Bruce the Shark, Nemo, and friends swim through the coral reef of an actual aquarium.

In this quirky ceremony that takes place entirely in Japanese, you get to select an oyster and have it opened for you to reveal a pearl, which is yours to keep.

Hollywood Studios shows you how movies come to life. See behind the scenes, hair-raising stunts, and movie sets that give the illusion of being in another place.

You compete with family and friends in five different shooting games, as you take aim at moving targets with a shot at the high score.

It's a zany 3D movie starring the Muppets with bubbles that come out from under your seat. This show is a huge hit with the little ones and fun for parents too.

What little kid doesn't love stepping back into the prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Your guide takes you on a Jeep ride that traverses an animal sanctuary. They'll stop along the way to show you giraffes, elephants, and lions.

Walk into the Tree of Life and you turn into a bug. It's an amazing 3D show that takes you into a tiny world where a blade of grass seems like a tree.

This track and motion simulator transports you back in time to save a living dinosaur before the big meteor. If only it were real.

It's a zoo, an animal sanctuary, and an amusement park in one. Go on a safari, explore the Himalayas and venture back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

This 400-foot tall ferris wheel has changed the Orlando skyline forever. Get the best view of the city as you ride the loop.

It's soon to be the most happening spot of I-Drive! When completed, it will host a wax museum, aquarium, skeleton exhibit, and tons of shopping and dining.

It may be their first season, but the Orlando City Lions soccer team have exploded in local popularity. If you ever counted MLS out, think again.

Walk through the home of Gru and his daughters and into the laboratory of an evil genius to see what life is like as minion.

It's more interactive than SeaWorld, next door. You get to swim with dolphins, play with otters, and feed tropical birds.

It's the big show that you think of when you think SeaWorld. Orcas jump high in the air and dolphins do all kinds of crazy tricks.

There's nothing like stepping out of Florida and into Antarctica. This tame motion simulator ride takes you through the world of a penguin colony.

Alright Hamilton! This 20 minute show features sea lions in a fictional high school, performing tricks and wacky antics as they work to earn their diplomas. Come at pre-show for good seats!

It's a cool interactive show, where Crush, the surfer-dude turtle from Finding Nemo talks with guests in the audience. Little ones will love it!

Hop on this elevator that takes you above it all. You'll have a great view of the entire park, and a nice, relaxing moment too.

Earning the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, this is probably one of the best outlet shops in the US. You'll find tons of deals and a large food court.

It might not be as big as Vineland, but this sister property has great savings from designer labels such Coach, Cole Haan, and Michael Kors.

It's geared towards value-minded shoppers and features top brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Guess,

Animatronic versions of all 43 US presidents premier in this 20 minute sit-down performance. It's a great opportunity to relax in an air-conditioned auditorium.

Cool down and rest your feet in this selcom busy attraction. It's a tour of American households through the decades.

It's a 25-minute show with many types of exotic birds. Relax and enjoy the wildlife.

Hop aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad for a 20 minute ride around the entire park. It's a great way to relax, see the whole park, and get around.

This hidden gem is located on the calmer west side of Disney World. You have a gorgeous family pool, fun pool bar, clubhouse, and movie theater screening family films every night.

With a huge pirate ship waterslide and fun pools for kids and adults, this resort makes for a nice family getaway near Disney World and a world-class outlet mall.

Located on Lake Bryan, you have access to jet skiing and other watersports. Or, hang back by the pool and admire the lilly pads.

The resort is tucked away in a calm forest near Disney World's Animal Kingdom. When not at the theme parks, treat yourself to a massage, or head to the sauna.

True to its safari theme, there's a nature path that snakes past chameleons, butterflies, and frogs.

The massive Wakoola Springs water park will keep the kids entertained while you relax on a plush lounge chair.

Located in ChampionsGate, this luxurious family resort is home to three golf course, several delicious restaurants, rooftop pools, and more.

Set on lake Cecile, you can take out a paddle boat and enjoy the water. There's also a spa onsite for a little pampering. You're close to Disney World and the Florida Everglades

The towering 3-story waterslide is the centerpiece of the main pool area. There's also an 18-hole mini golf course and tons of activities like Karaoke Night.

This Polynesian-themed resort features a fun water park – Liki Tiki Lagoon. It's just a quick 7-minute drive to Disney World.

Enjoy two amazing pools, one with lots of action, and another, with a much quieter vibe. Grab a drink at the pool bar while kids make sand castles and play in the water.

You're right next door to Wet n' Wild Water Park. This resort has a lake with swan boats, beach volleyball, and dozens of daily activities.

Tranquil gardens and a nice family pool make for a relaxing resort, just two miles from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You feel like you're in a peaceful forested retreat, away from the hustle, bustle of the theme parks. There’s a nice pool, lakeside lounge, and a golf course surrounding the property.

Steel pan drums play while you watch the little ones climb on the pirate ship pool. There's also a waterslide, fun splash buckets, and a mini golf course at this Key West-themed retreat.

This Orlando resort is basically a mini city unto itself. Plenty of restaurants, several pools, a mini golf course, and tennis courts are all built around a gorgeous lake.

Surrounded by woodlands, you can go boating, fish, or lounge on the lakeside beach. Kids can play at the kids club while you relax with a massage at the full-service spa or by the pool.

This brand new resort has some real state-of-the-art amenities. There's a gorgeous pool, fine wines at the market, and a hi-tech fitness center.

At this intimate resort, it feels like you have a private pool in your backyard. At the same time, you have access to amenities at four other resorts and a great golf course.

It has a family community vibe. Kids can make new friends at the pool and beach volleyball courts, while you relax in the cabanas or play a round of golf.

There's tons to do here, betweeen several pools, mini golf, a clubhouse stocked with games, and a huge lake where you can take out kayaks or zip around on a speed boat.

There are plenty of pools, one with a rock waterfall and another with a pirate ship playground. This fun family resort is styled like an Italian villa and close to Disney World.

You have the best of both worlds: a calm family retreat and access to great dining and a huge pool complex at one of Marriott’s biggest resorts next door.

This low-key resort has a calm, friendly pool and poolside bar, a nice place to hang out when not exploring nearby Universal Studios.

Lounge by the pool, play volleyball on the sandy courts, or challenge your kids to a round of mini golf.

Italian cypress line the gorgeous pool and Jacuzzi. Grab a drink at the Tiki Bar and relax after a long day at Disney, while the kids play.

It's right across the street from the most exciting new attractions in Orlando. The brand new Orlando Eye gives you a stunning view of the entire area.

You can kayak on the lake, play a round of golf, watch the little ones climb on the indoor jungle gym, and even see baby chics at the petting zoo.

Set in the exclusive golfing community of ChampionsGate, this resort is home to two-world class courses and the David Leadbetter Academy. You also have a spa and a great pool for the kids.

There's lots of dining, a day spa, and elegant pools with rock waterfalls. This luxury resort is also super close to Disney.

It’s one of the highest rated resorts in Orlando. Entering the gates, feels like you’ve stepped onto Southern estate, with Spanish moss and ponds, surrounded by a world-class golf course.

This action-packed resort features a deluxe waterpark with a long lazy river that twists through a tropical jungle, a 20-foot slide, and main pool with water volleyball.

You get your own calm pool, volleyball, and tennis, nestled within the larger Westgate Town Center – a mini-city unto itself.

Kids can play on the mini golf course or splash around in the calm winding pools. You can even lay back in the hammock for some much deserved rest.

You can walk across the street to SeaWorld. The resort is designed like an island village out of Bermuda, with gorgeous pools, restaurants, and a calming lake.

An enormous fountain pours out into the stunning main pool. This resort is designed like a village out of the famous lake region of Italy. Except you're in Orlando with Disney down the road.

This Kissimmee resort is great for golfers, couples and families looking for a great place to stay. Take advantage of the Kid’s Club, onsite golf course, 4 pools and distance to the major th...

Situated in one of the best locations in all of Orlando, this resort is a great home base to explore the large (and small) theme parks in the area.

Set along Lake Bryan, Grand Beach is just three miles from Disney World. There are plenty of kids pools, a mini golf course, volleyball, and gorgeous nature trails.

Madame Tussauds wax museum features shockingly life-like sculptures of history's famous icons. The museum is part of the I-Drive 360 area, which is also home to the Orlando Eye.

Located just south of Disney World, this New Orleans-style resort evokes the architecture and festive atmosphere of the French Quarter. Lounge by the pool amid the lush palm gardens and head...