Trip planning

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm starting to plan a family trip to Orlando for two weeks.

Thinking of going in 2 years time will have to be during school holidays.

Will be 2 Adults and 1 child (how are the seats on the plane we have someone on the larger side) I think u used to be able to book a block of 3 either side with 5 or so in middle of the plane

My son will be about 8 years old at the time. We're planning on staying on International Drive and want to do all the parks.

Has anyone done a similar trip? I'd love to hear your recommendations on:

Which parks are a must-do for an 8-year-old we want him to be able to most rides.

Any tips for staying on International Drive?

Best way to get around was thinking of using the I trolly and local busses, Uber & free shuttles as we won't drive over there

Any specific hotel recommendations on International Drive?

Is it best to get dollars as and when as I can't see the rate changing much?

General tips for a two-week trip with a child that age.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Answer

It sounds like an exciting trip to Orlando is in the works! Planning a two-week family vacation with an 8-year-old is a fantastic idea, and there’s so much to experience. Below are some detailed recommendations and tips to help make your trip smooth and memorable:

1. Which Parks Are a Must-Do for an 8-Year-Old?

At 8 years old, your son will likely enjoy a wide range of rides and attractions. Here are some of the best parks and recommendations for his age:

Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World): This is the classic Disney park and perfect for children. With iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion, as well as character meet-and-greets, it’s a must-do. There’s a mix of thrilling rides and more relaxed attractions, so your son will have plenty to enjoy.
Universal Studios Florida: Universal’s rides, like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, The Simpsons Ride, and Transformers, are fantastic for kids who love action and adventure. Your son will likely enjoy the interactive experiences and themed areas. There are also character encounters with people like the Minions and Transformers.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure: This is another great park for an 8-year-old, especially with the thrilling rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. The Hulk roller coaster and the water rides are popular, and the whole park is very interactive.
Legoland Florida: If your son is into Lego, Legoland will be a hit. It’s designed for kids in this age group, with interactive Lego-based rides, shows, and a large water park. It’s a bit more relaxed and less crowded compared to the larger Disney and Universal parks.
SeaWorld Orlando: This is another great park for kids, with a mix of animal exhibits, water rides, and shows. The Sesame Street area is excellent for younger kids, and there are thrilling roller coasters like Mako that an 8-year-old would love.

2. Tips for Staying on International Drive:

International Drive (I-Drive) is a central location, making it convenient to visit most of the major parks. Here are some tips:

Convenience: Staying on I-Drive puts you close to many attractions like ICON Park, Madame Tussauds, and SeaWorld. It’s also near lots of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The area is busy, but it’s well-connected and has plenty of options for families.
Dining: There are a lot of family-friendly dining options on I-Drive. For a fun experience, you could try places like the Rainforest Cafe or the T-Rex Cafe, which are themed restaurants your son might enjoy.
Crowds: I-Drive can get busy, especially during peak seasons like school holidays. It’s good to plan for some downtime and perhaps enjoy a quieter evening at your hotel or at one of the less crowded attractions nearby.

3. Best Way to Get Around Orlando:

Since you won’t be driving, here are some transportation options to get around Orlando:

I-Ride Trolley: The I-Ride Trolley is a convenient and affordable option for getting around International Drive. It runs along the length of I-Drive and stops at most major hotels, attractions, and shopping centers. It’s a fun, easy way to travel with a child, and it’s very affordable.
Public Buses: Orlando’s Lynx buses are another option, but they may be slower than the trolley. The routes are extensive, and if you want to explore outside of I-Drive, it’s a good choice.
Uber or Lyft: For flexibility, Uber and Lyft are great options. They’re convenient and relatively inexpensive for trips between parks, resorts, and restaurants. You’ll get door-to-door service without having to worry about parking.
Free Shuttles: Many hotels near Disney and Universal offer free shuttle service to the parks. Make sure to check if your hotel provides this service, as it can save time and money on transportation to the major theme parks.

4. Hotel Recommendations on International Drive:

There are many great hotels on International Drive that are family-friendly and cater to visitors heading to the theme parks. Here are a few recommendations:

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark: This hotel has a water park, which will be a hit with your 8-year-old. It’s family-friendly, with spacious suites and an excellent location for visiting the parks.
The Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive: Located near popular attractions, this hotel offers a great mix of comfort and convenience. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and a pool that your son will enjoy.
Rosen Inn International: A great budget-friendly option on I-Drive, it offers free shuttle service to Universal Studios and SeaWorld, along with great amenities like a pool and restaurant. It’s very popular with families.
Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive: This resort offers beautiful grounds, a large pool, and is very close to the theme parks. It’s a great option for families looking for a comfortable, affordable place to stay with lots of amenities.

5. Currency Tips:

When it comes to exchanging money, it’s usually best to exchange dollars as you go, especially if you’re not traveling at a time when the exchange rate is volatile. You can use ATMs in Orlando to withdraw cash at a competitive rate, and many places accept credit or debit cards, so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. However, keep some on hand for smaller purchases or tips.

6. General Tips for a Two-Week Trip with an 8-Year-Old:

Plan Downtime: Two weeks is a long time, so be sure to plan some downtime. The parks can be overwhelming, especially for children, so having a pool day or a visit to a less busy attraction like ICON Park or Disney Springs can help balance the trip.
Stay Hydrated and Snack: Florida can be hot, even in the winter, so make sure to keep water and snacks handy. Many of the parks have designated places to refill water bottles.
Height Requirements: Before heading to the parks, check out the height requirements for the rides to make sure your son can go on the attractions he’ll want to. It’ll help prevent any disappointments once you're in the park.
Bring a Stroller (if needed): Even though your son will be 8, he might still get tired after a full day of walking around the parks. A stroller might be a good idea if he’s prone to needing a rest during the day.
Make Dining Reservations Early: Popular restaurants at the parks and around I-Drive can book up quickly, especially during school holidays. It’s a good idea to make dining reservations well in advance.

I hope these tips help with your planning! With two weeks, you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything Orlando has to offer. Have a fantastic trip!

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