Some people visit the family cottage every weekend. Others pack their backpacks for an outdoor camping adventure. My family? Well, friends like to joke that Orlando is our home away from home.
They’re not incorrect! Looking back, we’ve visited Orlando 12 times over the past three years – most recently, courtesy of my friends at Expedia.ca as part of their #BigWorldExplorer program. (Were you following my tweets?) And there’s a reason – actually several – we keep going back.
Proximity. 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 option and several airlines offer a direct flight from YYZ (or BUF, if you’ve found a less expensive flight via JetBlue or Southwest). The proximity makes it perfect for families with young children – I like to say that the flight is one-and-a-half Disney movies away!
Comforts of Home. While vacationing with 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. And if you desire, you can actually stay in a home – in addition to hotels, there’s no shortage of villas, rental homes and condos available for your vacation. However, we love the Wyndham Grand Orlando, and if you stay tuned, I promise to tell you exactly why!
Something for Everyone. It’s a popular misconception that Orlando vacations are only tailored towards kids. While there is no doubt that children will be thoroughly entertained when they visit Orlando, there is truly something for everyone in the family! Moms can enjoy premium outlet shopping and relaxing, world-class spas. Dads can take in a round of golf on some of the most stunning courses in North America, or even soar over swamp waters with an airboat ride!
And, of course, kids will love the magic of Walt Disney World and the wet and wild thrills of Aquatica water park.
Affordability. I like to say that vacationing in Orlando is a “choose your own adventure” holiday. You can splurge on a 5-star hotel or team up with extended family to rent a vacation house. Maybe you’ll want to visit all the theme parks, or get a smaller dose of the action by selecting just one or two to experience. (It’s an excuse to return!)
In any case, bundling your flights, hotel, car rental and even attraction passes is easy with Expedia.ca and you’ll save money, too! Just so you don’t have to stress about shopping around, Expedia.ca’s price guarantee assures that if you find a cheaper identical trip within 24 hours of making your reservation, they’ll refund the difference – and give you an Expedia.ca travel coupon worth $50.
Now it’s obvious that there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando, so I’ll be back with my top Orlando attractions for families. In the meantime, check out VisitOrlando.ca to start planning your dream vacation to Orlando… and Expedia.ca to book it!
Awe to see the smiles on those faces,you know it was a great time !
Lucky you to be able to visit Orlando so often. It has been 14 years since our last trip there, time to go again soon I would think.
My hubby and I went to Orlando recently and were quite shocked at how cheap the flights were from toronto.. well worth the get away.
it’s not just the flight, it’s the getting to the flight, the hotel and food once to the location all adds up. it’s nice and all I guess but we just have different priorities. I would rather spend my money locally
I am so glad you had a wonderful time. It is such a great place to visit.
Looks awesome! Can’t wait to visit Orlando with my family someday :-)
We’ve only been to Orlando once but we loved it, so I’m not surprised you guys keep going back! It must be such a nice getaway with a pretty short flight too – it takes us (in Vancouver) about 8 hours to get there!
Ooo is that a dole whip in the last photo :) Haven’t had one of those in forever.
Visiting Orlando is on my bucket list!
I shared this with my sister who is leaving with the boys on Friday,this if their first trip so they are quite excited.
Wow to visit so often to Orlando I’m sure each visit was different then the previous one.
Wow, you’ve been so often that’s incredible. I’ve been a couple of times, the kids loved it and couldn’t get enough. Two have now returned with their own children and no doubt are dying for the next trip there.
I have never been to Orlando but it sure looks like a wonderful time , lots of awesome things to explore and do :)
So glad to hear you had a great time. And I love the something for everyone! That is so important in a family vacation.
Looks wonderful! Maybe someday I will get to go, but only if the hubby ever decides to take vacay
sounds like such a fun place to go. somewhere id take my family
I would love to go golfing in Florida, I’m sure there are beautiful courses there to play on.
It sounds like you had an awesome time and showing Dole Whip is just bragging. lol
Looks amazing!
It must be wonderful to visit this amazing place,i have never been there but i do enjoy reading about your adventures and looking at the fantastic photos.Thanks for sharing with us !
sounds great
Thanks so much for this. I am torn between trying to plan out everything for 2018 and waiting to see what comes.
I can not even imagine how cool Orlando is! The Aquatica water park would bring the most joy to my kids. What an amazing experience.. I can see why you keep going back!
Orlando is fun, so many great things to see and do.
It’s been way too long since I’ve been to Orlando and I’ve got a 6 year old who desperately wants to go!
Orlando looks incredible! As someone without kids I’ve never really considered it for a vacation but it sounds really fun for adults too!
I have added Orlando to my wishlist,the photos are so inviting and the colors are amazing !
I’d love to go back to Orlando. It’s been over 20 years since I visited.
Wow! Orlando just went on my wishlist for travel.That is a most beautiful place to visit.I love your pictures.