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We’re Off to Visit Orlando!

January 30, 2013 By Lena

I know, I know – right about now you may be having a deja vu moment – Didn’t she just come back from Orlando?

Yes, we did. In fact, memories of our Walt Disney World vacation are still front of mind! But when my family was selected by Mom Central Canada to participate in a Family Travel campaign with Visit Orlando, we just couldn’t refuse. After all –

1) We had a chance to experience Walt Disney World, which in itself is spectacular, but did you know that Orlando also boasts world-class dining, several renowned spas, more than 175 golf courses, a stellar combination of malls, boutiques and outlets (yay!), outdoor adventures like hang gliding and zip lining – and much, much more? After seeing how amazing our last family travel experience was, how could I deny the boys such adventures as LEGOLAND, Universal Studios and SeaWorld?

2) Orlando is THE perfect spot for a family vacation. Several airlines offer direct flights to Orlando and it’s only a 2 ½ hour journey from TO! Quick travel time makes it the perfect location for a long-weekend getaway (especially to escape the cold weather… brrr). You all know that if it’s going to work for my family, it has to be convenient. I love that we can be in a totally different climate – and give my boys totally new experiences – in less than the time it takes to watch two Disney movies.

3) I suppose the main benefit of visiting Orlando is that because there’s so much to do, everyone will find something to meet their vacation needs. From toddlers to grandparents, there’s always a day trip or night-time adventure to pique even the most discerning interests, and, you’re bound to discover a few new activities to bring you all together.

So, although I’d love to stay and chat, I really need to start packing! (The Eternal Procrastinator strikes again!) Here’s a sneak peek into some of the amazing places and attractions that have been built into our itinerary:

Our Home Away from Home – The Wyndham Grand Orlando: Play, relax, dream, escape, and be you. At the all new Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, you will experience a spectacular hotel resort that will captivate your senses.

Our Scheduled Stops – LEGOLAND is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, a breathtaking botanical garden and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park.

Universal Studios – Go behind the scenes and jump right into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios Florida, the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park!

SeaWorld – The iconic attraction that takes families below the surface, immersing guests in the mysteries of the sea from up-close animal experiences and unforgettable performances.

Premium Shopping Outlets – 150 name-brand outlet stores offering everyday savings of 25% to 65%. The impressive list of outlet store names include Banana Republic, Burberry, Coach, CH Carolina Herrera, Fendi, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Zegna and much more.

And now… I’d really better start packing. Be sure to follow my tweets to keep up with our adventure. And, if you’re on Twitter, join us for a #VisitOrlando Twitter Party on Wednesday, January 30th at 9:00pm ET – you’ll have a chance to win AMAZING prizes!

And, if you already love what you see – in celebration of Family Day, Visit Orlando is offering Canadians a special travel package via Thomas Cook Kids First with up to $500 in added value, including:

  • $50 Kids First Visa prepaid card
  • $25 Indigo gift card
  • $25 Shoppers Drug Mart gift card
  • Free seat selection
  • Free airport lounge pass
  • Free kids activity book
  • One year Today’s Parent magazine subscription
  • Park ‘n Fly savings

Some restrictions may apply, but you can find all the details at VisitOrlando.com/FamilyDay.

Bon Vonyage friends!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #LoveFL, Affordable Vacations, family travel, Florida, Visit Orlando

Previous Post: « 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Next Post: My Brush with Fame. Without a Makeup Brush. »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karina

    January 30, 2013 at 9:24 am

    Have fun! Orlando is one of my fave places in the world. I always forget about SeaWorld, thanks for reminding me. It’s now on my list for our next trip!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:32 am

      Thank you so much Karina! I’m looking out the window now, just before we leave, and there’s something so awesome about leaving when there’s snow on the ground… and no snow where you’re heading!!

  2. Tricha Fraser

    January 30, 2013 at 9:25 am

    That’s awesome Lena. Colour me Jealous! Enjoy and post lots of pictures.

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Thanks Tricha! I will do my best to post awesome pics!

  3. Julia

    January 30, 2013 at 10:04 am

    Have an absolute blast! I will be watching for all the Legoland fun as I have an affinity for it.

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:33 am

      :) I’ll try to tweet you the most Legolicious photos!

  4. InezbyDesign

    January 30, 2013 at 10:43 am

    What a great opportunity! Have a wonderful time – can hardly wait to see the pictures.

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Thank you Inez!

  5. Freda Mans

    January 30, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Have a wonderful time!!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Thanks Freda!

  6. Lisa H

    January 30, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    So jealous! Legoland? Lucky boys you have !!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:34 am

      They are very lucky :) Hope they remember their awesome mom when they’re older!

  7. michael

    January 30, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    All packed let’s make like a hockey team and get the puck out of here!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:34 am

      Ha! With 30 minutes to go, I don’t think you’re all packed!

    • Teresa M.

      January 31, 2013 at 9:19 am

      lol

  8. Marissa

    January 30, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Have a wonderful trip with your family Lena and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of awesome pictures soon!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:35 am

      Thank you Marissa! We’re all very excited!

  9. Michelle Chow

    January 30, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    The Wyndham Grand Orlando resort looks amazing; looks like a place I could live in full-time. Beautiful. Sounds like a fun trip. Love the shopping aspect of the trip with everyday savings from 25% and up. Wow. Great pictures. Have a great time, Lena. I hope to make your Twitter party tonight.

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:35 am

      Thanks Michelle! I promise to shop til I drop!

  10. Lee Pearson

    January 30, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Be safe and have a great time! Take lots of pictures so we can enjoy them :)

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:35 am

      :) Thanks so much Lee!

  11. Ashley B

    January 30, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    As nice as the weather was today (+14!) I’d love a getaway. Have a fantastic time!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:36 am

      Thanks Ashley! Actually the weather in Orlando right now is quite pleasant – about 23 degrees and nothing but sun!

  12. Vanda

    January 30, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    Wonderful! Have the best trip ever.

    Cheers, Vanda

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:37 am

      Thank you Vanda!!!

  13. Harvinderks

    January 30, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    I am soooo jealous! I wish I could go some place like that!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:37 am

      :) It’s a great opportunity, we consider ourselves very fortunate!

  14. Nicole W.

    January 30, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    Awesome! Have fun! :) Can’t wait to visit Orlando one day

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:38 am

      Thank you Nicole! I’ll be sure to report back to help you with your vacation planning!

  15. Jennifer Abbott

    January 31, 2013 at 2:06 am

    Is there any room in that suitcase?? lol your so lucky to escape this crazy weather we’ve been having here hope you enjoy your trip have a great time!

    • Lena

      January 31, 2013 at 7:38 am

      Ha! It appears my suitcases are quite jammed, but thank you for the well wishes!

  16. Teresa M.

    January 31, 2013 at 9:18 am

    My first response was to …’OOOHHH, so not fair’!! Do I sound like a 6 year old?? Then ok…take me with you :) Actually, you deserve this and hope that you and your family have a fantastic time!!

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:24 am

      Thank you Teresa :) So far we are having an amazing time!

  17. Tania Smith

    January 31, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Very jealous! Have a lot of fun. Can’t wait to hear all about it!

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:24 am

      Thank you Tania!

  18. Victoria Ess

    January 31, 2013 at 11:43 am

    I’m so happy for you guys! Safe travels and have a blast!

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:26 am

      Thank you Victoria! We were delayed in Toronto because of the snow, so we’re extra happy to be here now!

  19. Debbie Bashford

    January 31, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Have fun!! Lots of pictures please

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:26 am

      Your wish is my command!

  20. @ParentClub

    January 31, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    Bon Voyage! Can’t wait to read about your experience.

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:26 am

      Thank you Caroline! I’ll be sure to post all the details!

  21. angie smith

    January 31, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    i no longer like you. that is all. LOL!

    kidding … just really jealous

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:27 am

      HA! I’m a really nice person, I promise :)

  22. Areta

    January 31, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Have an amazing trip!

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:27 am

      Thank you Areta!

  23. Miranda

    February 1, 2013 at 2:27 am

    that is amazing.. have fun!

    • Lena

      February 1, 2013 at 7:27 am

      Thanks Miranda! Orlando is the perfect place for kids!

  24. RizMi

    February 1, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Great information! thanks

  25. Shirley

    February 1, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Again? Have a wonderful time!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:14 pm

      :) Again! Thanks Shirley, we had a blast!

  26. Joanna

    February 1, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    super jealous right now! i’ve never been to Orlando but it looks amazing over there.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:14 pm

      You have to make your way over some day, Joanna. So much to do, and super affordable if you plan ahead!

  27. Caitlin G-H

    February 2, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    ah, super jealous! that’s an amazing opportunity. enjoy!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      Thanks Caitlin, we had a blast!

  28. NT

    February 2, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Outlet shopping!! The 2nd most favorite place to visit (1st being Disney of course). Have fun, pack light so you can buy lots :)

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      :) I actually didn’t really find anything for myself, but my husband made off like a bandit!

  29. Sophia

    February 3, 2013 at 2:07 am

    So jealous! I’ve been following your trip via Twitter. Thanks for sharing your vacation photos!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      Thank you for following along, Sophia! It means a lot to me!

  30. Soozle

    February 3, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Aww! That’s awesome! Have a great trip, enjoy the weather and take lots of photos for us poor saps stuck in the deep freeze :-)

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      Oh, I’m back to the deep freeze too! Thanks for the well wishes!

  31. Debbie Bashford

    February 5, 2013 at 10:50 am

    legoland!! oh you lucky duck

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      :) It was quite epic!

  32. TW

    February 9, 2013 at 8:13 am

    Wish I could go back to Orlando. It was great last year!

    • Lena

      February 10, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      It’s quite honestly my happy place!

  33. Kim Allmon

    June 24, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    Would love to go back to Orlando…especially Walt Disney World! 2010 was the last time we were down there. We usually spend our time at WDW, but we have done shopping at the Premium Outlets, too. Thanks for sharing!

  34. amy lovell

    October 11, 2013 at 9:58 am

    looks like a wonderful trip!

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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