Jul 27, 2007
A few suggestions for planning a successful family trip to Orlando
It all comes down to seven simple rules. 1) Timing is everything. The least expensive times for a visit are from just after Labor Day until just before Christmas, then the first three weeks of January (starting just shortly after New Year's Day), and from late April up to the Memorial Day weekend. Avoid school vacation times and you'll experience smaller crowds and lower hotel prices. 2) Buy air in advance from a cut-rate carrier. Though driving is the most economical way to get there, it's not always practical if you don't live in the northeast. 3) Book the area's modern, low-cost motels. At properties throughout the theme park area and in neighboring Kissimmee, Florida, a family of four can stay for as little as $35 a night, often including free shuttles to theme parks. Check the rates at Wilson World in Kissimmee, Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort Lake Buena Vista, Days Inn on US Highway 192, Comfort Inn at Lake Buena Vista, and Best Western Plaza International on International Drive.
4) Jot down the addresses of all-you-can-eat buffets like the Ponderosa chain on International Drive and Highway 192, or Shoney's. 5) Stock up on passes and cards. Whether before you arrive or once you're here, get the Orlando Magicard from the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau for discounts on lodgings, meals, car rental, and other sundries. 6) Carefully juggle theme park admissions. Spend no more than three days at the Disney properties and assign your remaining time to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Wet 'n Wild. 7) And finally, plan in advance for your meals within the theme parks. Consider bringing sandwiches in a backpack or paper bag (for lunch) and take dinner outside the theme park grounds.
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4) Jot down the addresses of all-you-can-eat buffets like the Ponderosa chain on International Drive and Highway 192, or Shoney's. 5) Stock up on passes and cards. Whether before you arrive or once you're here, get the Orlando Magicard from the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau for discounts on lodgings, meals, car rental, and other sundries. 6) Carefully juggle theme park admissions. Spend no more than three days at the Disney properties and assign your remaining time to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Wet 'n Wild. 7) And finally, plan in advance for your meals within the theme parks. Consider bringing sandwiches in a backpack or paper bag (for lunch) and take dinner outside the theme park grounds.
Write and read comments about this post.
Labels: accommodations, orlando
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
