Cheap Florida Vacations
A 5-Day Getaway
3 Days 2 Nights Resort/Hotel in Orlando, and
3 Days 2 Nights Resort/Hotel in Daytona Beach
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$199.00
(2 Adults- 2 Children)
BONUS:
$100 Gas Coupon |
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Florida is the perfect place for a family vacation. Car travel's usually
cheaper than taking a plane once you have a couple of kids. And, bonus:
no security line-ups, delayed f
lights,
missed connections, etc. The combination of fantastic weather and
action-packed excitement is what continues to bring families in by the scores
to Florida's theme parks.
Say what you will about the
high price of gas and the low moments of "are- we- there-yet?",
car trips are a great, cherished form of family vacations, the source of
many fond -- or at
least unforgettable-- family memories, and and they do have some advantages
over plane trips these days.
Florida has
everything you need to show your family the time of their lives. Orlando is a theme park heaven., and has become
synonymous with Mickey Mouse and the rest of the gang. Wet and wild water
parks, special effects-laden movie stunts, 3-D megaplexes and a life
-sized
fantasy castle that pierces the clouds are just a few of the things your
family can enjoy during a well-planned family vacation in Florida.
Disney
World is a giant park the size of Boston; take time to plan so you'll
get the most from your trip. The good news is, the theme parks are not only
fun they're beautifully realized; those who don't like Magic Kingdom may
love the international pavilions around the Epcot lagoon, or the safari in
Animal Kingdom, the beautiful resorts, the
Broadway-quality stage shows... Universal Studios has one of the best theme
parks. Here you can "ride the movies"...Back to The Future etc.
Daytona Beach is a place for people of all ages. It is particularly loved by
families because it offers the beach itself, along with both indoor and
outdoor attractions which are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained
throughout the entire vacation. In
recent years Daytona Beach has made a huge effort to change its image
from
spring-break party-goers to a family resort.. This is evident in the
multi-million dollar clean-up and renovation of the beachfront area which
includes Ocean Walk Village. This exclusive development of hotels, restaurants
and shops boasts its own Caribbean-themed water park. In addition, a number of
child-oriented museums and theme parks have opened, drawing more families to
the area. A hot spot for racing enthusiasts, the Daytona International
Speedway is home to NASCAR and hosts the Daytona 500, the Pepsi 400 and other
well-known
events. Golf, fishing, strolling the boardwalk and relaxing on the
beach with a good book are also
popular Daytona pastimes.
Another type of amusement park enjoyed by families is Daytona USA. This interactive motorsports complex offers kids of
all ages the chance to experience NASCAR fun. They
can race at Acceleration
Alley, simulation race at Daytona Dream Laps, play video games at Daytona SpeedPlay or watch interactive movies at the Pepsi IMAX theaters.
For beachgoers, the Beach at Daytona Beach is the place to spend the day.
Kids can build sandcastles, buy ice cream cones on the boardwalk or engage in
age-appropriate water sports along the twenty three miles of beach.
For families who like to include a bit of
education in their vacations, visits to the Halifax
History Museum, Marine
Science Center, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences should fit the bill.
Also make sure to take the factory tour at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory.
Some of the theme parks in Orlando are:
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The Magic Kingdom (Disney World)
Universal Studios
Island of Adventure
Busch Gardens
Wet n Wild
Medieval Times Dinner
Theatre
Arabian Nights Dinner
Theatre |
Epcot Center
MGM Studios
Sea World
Animal Kingdom
Pleasure Island
Church Street Station |
Amusement Park Guide
(How to Save Money and Time)
Buy your tickets before you go.
You usually get a better deal than buying them at the gate. You can
enter the park immediately without standing in lines, and get a jump ahead of
others for your favorite rides and attractions.
Don't buy more ticket than you need. There are "park-hopper" and multi-day tickets.
Unless you're absolutely sure you're going to use these tickets, it could be
over-kill and wasted money. Many of the rides will be off-limits to very small
children, making one day at the park enough.
Get Organized before you go.
If you can get a map of the park ahead of time, study it and map out your
favorite rides and attractions. This will save you from waiting in long
lines. Let each child choose their favorite rides and attractions ahead of
times.
Check to find out where the first aid
stations are located. Accidents do happen. Most of the first aid
stations will have band-aids for feet that have become blistered,
Go early in the week.
The earlier in the week you go, the less crowded it will be. If your
vacation time can be arranged, avoid going during holidays. The lines (if any)
will be shorter the first two hours of the day.
Travel after peak season.
This might not be an option if you have school-age children. But families with
infants and toddlers can take advantage of discounted rates by traveling in the
fall.
Wear comfortable walking or athletic
shoes
- Wearing comfortable shoes is essential when spending hours of
vacation time on your feet. Comfortable shoes can help to alleviate the
discomfort caused by corns and calluses and help to prevent blisters. If
shoes do not have enough padding or support, improve the performance of your
shoes by adding inserts. There are a variety of over-the-counter inserts
that provide additional cushioning and support. Wear shoes that won't fall
off on the rides if your feet hang down.
Wear lightweight layered clothes.
By dressing in layers you can add or remove clothing items for comfort.
A hat that keeps the sun off your face is advisable. A light-weight
jacket may be needed for nighttime and may be stored in a back pack. Wear
clean, dry socks. Take along an extra pair of socks to change into
in the middle of your day. This will refresh your feet. After all,
you're probably walking several miles a day.
Don't forget to use sunscreen- even
if you go in winter. It may need to be reapplied several times a day,
especially of you're perspiring a lot. If you're going on a ride where you
get soaking wet, bring a plastic rain cape that folds up small and flat.
They're usually available at the $1.00 Store.
If families get separated, make sure
Children know what to do. Create a meeting place immediately.
Tell them to stay where they are, or ask a park staff member to be taken to lost
and found. With older children pick a time and place to meet if they are
enjoying the park on their own.
Dress children in bright colors so
they can be seen easily. Make sure every member of the family has some
sort of identification. Even the smallest child can have a card pinned
inside their clothing with their name, phone number and address. (Make sure it's
inside and not outside where any "stranger"- or the wrong person could know the
child's name.)
A stroller is essential if you
have a small child. Bring your own or rent one at the park (most parks
have them). If you don't have a small child, a stroller is good to
carry souvenirs and other items to keep your hands free. A back-pack is an
ideal method to keep your hands free, but make sure it is securely closed- to
prevent theft.
Drink Plenty of water while
you're at the park. Choose water over juice and carbonated drinks
whenever you get thirsty to avoid dehydration. Don't drink alcohol
until you are done with rides for the day. Water fountains and
refreshment stands are scattered around most parks. Bottled water is
sold in most parts, but you'll save money if you bring your own.
Take a break.
Kids get tired. Young children can't keep up the pace of adults. Tired
kids make parents even more tired. Plan a mid-day break, perhaps a swim
back at the hotel, to avoid mid-day heat and crowds. You'll be much more
refreshed to enjoy the evening entertainment the park has to offer.
What's Included:
2
adults 25-69 or older and 2 children under age 18 to enjoy 3 fun-filled days
and 2 exciting nights of beachside resort/hotel accommodations in Daytona
Beach; and 3 days 2 nights hotel/resort accommodations in Orlando.
Accommodations may include Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn by
Marriott, Ramada Inn, Howard Johnson, and Days Inn in addition to other
brands.
Resort/Hotel accommodations are available year round, subject to
availability. At the time of
booking your reservations with the travel center, a US
$29 reservation/processing fee is required to guarantee your room accommodations. Reservations
require at least 30 days advance notice.
Transportation to
the Daytona/Orlando, Florida area, hotel taxes, meals, and gratuities are
the
responsibility of the passengers traveling.
Additional occupants may travel for a surcharge, subject to availability.