Cheap  Florida Vacations

  Most families head to the beaches, mountains, or one of the many theme parks throughout the country.  There are many, many other locations that a family can enjoy. Don't want Florida?   Locations you may choose from.

If you've been looking for "Cheap Hotels in Orlando, Florida" or a "Cheap Orlando Vacation Package"...look no further.   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 flights, 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.

Save  Money!!   Buy  Tickets  Discounted  Before  You  Go!
Cheaper  than at the  Gate... PLUS...Don't  Stand  In  Line!

 
 

  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. 

                                                        
                                                        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.