Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

For the PERFECT Family Vacation, Visit Orlando!

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It’s been exactly one week since the end to our excellent family adventure in Orlando, Florida. In other words, I’ve been dreaming and reminiscing about Orlando for exactly one week now. Sigh.

(I kid you not – I’ve dropped it into every conversation that I’ve been a part of since our return. I’ve even taken to applying bronzer with a heavy hand; lest you forget that I just came back from the Sunshine State, I need to direct your attention to my tan. Ahem. You could say I have a one-track mind, but the truth is, when your family vacation is as awesome as ours was, it’s hard not to sing it from the rooftops. Orlando! Orlando! I love you, Orlando…)

Okay, the truth is that I have a lot of posts coming up – reviews of the majestic Wyndham Grand Orlando, our fabulous experience at the T-REX restaurant, the iconic Universal Studios, the childhood nirvana that is Legoland, and the ever popular SeaWorld. However, I’ll get to that over the next several weeks, because I have simply taken way too many photos to condense the goodness into one post! But before I get to the in-depth reviews, I just wanted to share with you why I think Orlando is the perfect spot for a family vacation – especially for Canadians.

Convenience and Comforts of Home

If you’re flying from Toronto, did you know that Orlando is only 2.5 hours away? Too true! It’s a great short-haul flight and several airlines offer it direct from YYZ. Both times we’ve flown to Orlando, the kids were entertained for the duration of the flight… heck, I’ve spent more time on Highway 401 trying to cross the city than it took us to land in the Sunshine State! One of my biggest pet peeves with family air travel is arriving at your destination exhausted from the trip. NOT an ideal way to start off a vacation – and NOT an issue at all when you Visit Orlando.

Next, while vacationing with young children, it’s nice to have the comforts of home. Simple things – like choosing a destination where the locals speak your language, accept major credit cards and you don’t have to worry about the kids drinking the water – are key when you are travelling with young ones. Plus, in the event of an accident, you’ll want access to quality emergency care (spoken like a true hypochondriac). Now Orlando just happens to offer many of the comforts of home – and much, much more.

Experiences

Family vacations should offer your children experiences they can’t have in their own backyard, and, they should offer an experience for everyone in your family. With so much to do and see in Orlando, it’s no surprise that families – and extended families – flock there every year. Think about it: Walt Disney World, animal interactions and child-friendly restaurants galore for young children. Premium shopping outlets and reknowned spas for Mom, and world-class dining and golf courses for Dad. Got a teen? Well, Orlando answers with Cirque du Soleil, Universal Studios and more. It truly is a one-stop place for family adventures, and, you’re bound to discover a few new activities to bring you all together.

Affordability

The single BEST thing about vacationing Orlando – especially in terms of family travel – is affordability. With so many options for accommodations (did you know that Orlando has the MOST hotels in the United States?), you’re sure to find something that suits your needs and budget. Plus, because everything is in such close proximity (less than 20 minutes from one major attraction to another) it’s easy to plan travel around the city as well.

Thinking of enjoying the theme parks? There’s always ways to save! Purchase tickets in advance online, or as part as a tourism package deal, and you can chip away at the cost. Consult chat forums where members share their best tips for making your dollar stretch.

You can even find amazing deals on air travel: 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.

I’ll be back over the next few weeks with an in depth look at some of the places we visited, and why they helped make for the perfect family vacation. In the meantime, here’s one of my favourite photos from the trip: our only family photo! After forgetting to pose as a family altogether at Disney World last year, I made sure we huddled together for at least one group photo.

Planning your next family vacation? Click here to Visit Orlando.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Lena

      It is! Honestly by the time you settle in on the flight, you’re already beginning your decent. So painless, especially when travelling with young ones!

  3. Victoria Ess

    By the end of all your posts, there is going to be a mass exodus of your Canadian readers to Orlando, I’m sure.

  6. Michelle Chow

    Hello, Lena. Those pictures are amazing so clear with vibrant colours. Great camera you must have. It all sounds like so much fun. I can’t wait to hear more about your experiences around Orlando.

    • Lena

      Love that – windowshopping sunshine :) We just had such an amazing time – your family would love it.

  8. Nicole W.

    Great family photo at the end! Oooh, your posts are making me crave some sunshine! I’m so over winter (even if it is Vancouver Island winter!)

    That first pic is awesome! Wish I was floating in that pool right now!

    • Lena

      I would kill right now for some Vancouver Island winter, ha! The pool at the Wyndham Grand Orlando was something else. We didn’t have a chance to swim :(

  10. Jolee

    I shall live vicariously through you Lena, and perhaps make some plans of my own. Looking forward to your reviews!

  13. Merla Thompson

    SeaWorld was one of the places that my parents took me to when we were in Orlando for the summer. I loved it!

    My sister and her family are currently booked to Orlando, but I cannot join them. Bummer! Maybe next year!

    Thanks for this post! I loved it.

    Merla

  14. Elizabeth

    Aaaw your kids are so cute! Oldest looks just like his Dad! So glad you remembered the family photo! We are taking the kids to Epcot and Universal Sudios this year in August! We are from Barrie so it’s nice to know the trip is under 3hours! :)
    Thanks for the post!

  15. Jessie Coffey

    Lena – you mentioned in your first couple of paragraphs that you were going to review T-REX. Did I miss that blog post? (It’s likely I did as one can’t really read a blog with a toddler hanging off one’s arm). If I did, could you point me to the post?

    If you haven’t written the post yet, could you maybe give the highlights? We are thinking about booking a dinner there in November but I’m wondering if it would be “too much” for a 2.5 year old.

    Thanks! (This blog entry was a big part of convincing me that we should take a Disney vacation this year!)