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 ;)

In the big tree in liberty square you can find 13 lanterns representing the 13 colonies. Come by in the evening and watch them glow.

It's hard not to get a tear at this touching ceremony. Every day at 5 pm, the marching band plays and a random guest is presented with the flag.

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.

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.

Laugh and sing along with Anna and Elsa. You become part of the frozen experience in this amazing retelling.

The new Whole Foods is a great place to buy healthy, organic produce and products.

During the holidays, the entire castle has so many lights that they look like frosting or glowing streams of (magic) water.

One of the park's most popular parades, Festival of Fantasy is a celebration of all the amazing characters that make Disney what it is.

You'll see a parade with Mickey as a Jedi Knight, tons of fans dressed as characters, and celebrity guests. It runs every weekend from mid-May to mid-June.

Every night, thousands of lights decorate Disney floats at this Magic Kingdom parade.

Every night, fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella's Castle, while "When You Wish Upon a Star" plays triumphantly in the background.

Pyrotechnics and music combine in a spectacular battle between good and evil.

Nightly fireworks erupt on the lake at Epcot and a laser light show mixes themes from the cultures of the world.

Mickey and his friends have some serious dance moves. This afternoon dance party rolls down the track on Main Street USA.

Fireworks light up Cinderella's Castle, while you finish off the night with a dessert party over the lake in Tomorrowland.

Equal to the thrill of taking off in a jet plane without a windshield, this riveting ride takes you from zero to 40 MPH in about two seconds.

You get to pick a song to listen to as you fly down 17 stories on the world's first non-inverting loop.

Drop down 185 feet and you'll feel weightless. Then you jolt upwards at the speed of a space shuttle.

Two rides in one, you can pick one of two dragons to race on intertwining loops. It's worth trying both, and with two coasters, the line goes faster.

Embark on a whirlwind adventure with Harry and his friends as you fly through the classrooms and halls of Hogwarts Castle.

This is how wizards use the ATM. Zoom through the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank in a multi-dimensional 3-D thrill ride.

What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely jungle cruise in Jurassic Park? Well, the raptors get loose, and now you have to escape by plunging down an 85-foot waterfall.

Fire lights up the ceiling and scarab beetles cover the walls. Then everything goes pitch black and you don't know whether to hold your breath or scream.

This classic log flume sends you flying over a 75-foot drop with a cool story beforehand that will have kids laughing.

You may be on the ground, but it sure feels like you're flying across the skyscrapers of Manhattan in this 3-D ride with stunning effects.

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.

With something for all ages, they have 8 unique ropes courses and one zipline.

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.

Recognized as one of the best free art events in the country, you can walk the streets of beautiful Winter Park and see (and buy!) hundreds of works by local artists.

You can buy crafts by local artisans and fresh produce in a shaded grove by Lake Eola.

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

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.

Gather round the main stage on summer nights for this family-friendly concert series.

Storytellers from around the world describe their holiday customs and stories.

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.

Fly through a Star Wars battle in a 3D moving theater that makes you feel like you're zipping around the Deathstar. You may just make the Kessel run in 12 parsecs.

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.

Hop aboard Steven Tyler's limo and ride through the freeways of Los Angeles with the music of Aerosmith on the radio. It's a roller coaster race to the concert.

You ride up 13 stories in a creepy abandoned hotel from 1939. Then, suddenly, you drop down to the bottom, and shoot back up again.

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.

They're getting away! Stunt cars, jet skis, and motorcycles go into hot pursuit in this live action stunt show. Keep your eyes peeled for Lightening McQueen.

Tour sets out of famous films from romances, gangster flicks, and westerns.

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.

Talented performers re-enact scenes from Finding Nemo with giant puppets. It's an entertaining and air-conditioned break from the heat.

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.

It's a fun roller coaster with backwards motion on the tallest mountain in the world. Keep an eye out for the Yeti!

This Broadway-style show uses singing, dancing, and acrobatics to bring the story of The Lion King to life.

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

What little kid doesn't love stepping back into the prehistoric times 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.

This brand new, grand concert hall hosts musicals, ballets, and other shows by Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

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.

If you're a fan, this is the time to visit. It's a celebration of Harry Potter with Q&A discussions featuring popular cast members and a costume expo.

It's the best of a Mardi Gras parade, but without the mayhem and debauchery. So dawn your shiny beads and try some Cajun-style food.

Geared for teens and adults, it's not for the faint of heart. Haunted houses and Scare Zones will scare the living bejeezus out of you.

Seuss Landing becomes a winter wonderland at Christmas time. And what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with the anti-Claus.

It's one of the of the most magical events at Disney World. The park is decorated with snow and millions of lights, and Christmas parties happen almost every night.

It's an amazing event to say the least, but be advised, the park can get extremely crowded on New Year's Eve and New Years Day.

September and October, Magic Kingdom is decorated with hundreds of jack-o-lanterns, and Disney characters are dressed in their finest costumes.

Dozens of topiary sculptures recreate Disney characters in greenery. You'll also see elegant flower displays and a number of farm-to-table food stands.

Mother's and Father's Day is a magical way for parents and lovers of Disney to spend their special day. Crowds also tend to be less.

After a patriotic ceremony, pyrotechnics erupt in beautiful sparks all throughout the park.

All around World Showcase you'll find 25 to 30 booths with food and drink from parts of the world not normally featured in Epcot.

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.

You fly like a Manta Ray, hanging from the coaster above. It feels a lot like how you might imagine hang gliding to be.

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!

From June 20 to Aug 9, the park is open late and hosts nightly shows and fireworks. On weekends they throw the "Celebrating America" concert series.

Perfect for kids 12 and under, the park is filled with face painting, trick or treating, and other fun games and activities.

"O Wondrous Night," is a SeaWorld tradition which tells the story of Christmas from the perspective of 30 live animals.

How often can you say you've dined with a whale? This unique dinner show offers a buffet of organic food hosted by the orcas and their trainers.

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.

Though smaller than the other outlets, it's home to Calvin Klein, American Eagle, Reebok, and Skechers. Sometimes fewer options can make shopping easier.

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.

From Liberty Square to Splash Mountain is a nice shaded walkway with plenty of benches where you can relax and watch the riverboat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is one of the few non-Disney resorts located inside the gates of Disney World. It’s an action-packed vacation palace that surrounds a gorgeous lake in the middle.

Surrounded by the emerald green fairways of Grande Pines Golf Club, Parc Corniche is a peaceful family resort right next to SeaWorld.

The Mediterranean architecture of this low-key resort graces the edge of a beautiful lake. Its townhome-style residences are much more mellow than the other larger resorts in the area. SeaWo...

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...