Orlando is one of the most popular vacations spots. People travel here from all parts of the world all year round. What attract people to Orlando are the theme parks and the fact that it is in Central Florida which makes it easier for them to visit the beaches while they are here.
Many may think this is mostly for families, not true. Orlando has so much to offer for all ages, young and old, families or couples. It’s true that most visit this area mainly for the theme parks but others visit for other reasons.
You have the Daytona 500, NASCAR, bike week and of course spring break. Throughout the year there are different events or functions going on. Many travel here for a week vacation but really, to see and enjoy it all, you would need more time. To be honest a week is not enough time to enjoy everything there is but at least you can have as much fun as possible. This may not sound like fun but you should plan your trip carefully.
Figure out in advance what you want to do once you arrive here. Set days aside for the theme parks, water parks, beaches, etc. There is plenty to do for all, including a great nightlife for those that want to do a little more than visit the parks. Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for your trip to Orlando.
WEATHER
The weather in Florida is truly unpredictable. It’s either very hot, cold or extremely wet. It will go from one extreme to the other. When scheduling your vacation make sure to check the weather. January and February are the coolest and the temperature will fluctuate. There are times that at night it can go as low as the 30’s and during the day as high as the 60’s.
During the summer it can be a scorcher, the sun will make you feel as though you are being cooked alive, and the hottest month is July. Then there is the hurricane season which runs from June 1st to November 30th. During the hurricane season it can be extremely wet. There are days it will rain continuously.
OFF PEAK
During peak season it will be extremely crowded at the theme parks, even the beaches. Busiest times are during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Then there is spring break and the summer. If you want to enjoy as much as possible of your trip in Florida, you might want to consider visiting during the off peak season. Best times to visit are mid January to mid March, late April to the end of May and mid September to mid November. By doing this, you will be able to take in more of the theme parks and enjoy the beaches without huge crowds.
THINGS TO AVOID
Avoid I-4 during rush hour, the traffic will be awful and it could take over an hour to get somewhere where it normally takes 15 to 20 minutes. When you visit the theme parks, try to avoid big meals in the parks, they can be extremely expensive. Since the park allows you to return, get your hand stamped and eat outside of the park. Skip the early park admission, all this will do is make you and your family exhausted and you will be ready to leave by 3 pm.
ACCOMODATIONS
There are plenty of resorts to choose from, near the theme parks and in the theme park area. What you have to decide is how much you willing to spend on these accommodations. What you should look for when choosing a resort is location, transportation and amenities. Many hotels will have transportation to the theme parks, so if you’re not renting a car this will be perfect for you. Space is also important, you want to be able to move around and have enough bedding for all. Also, some resorts will let children stay for free and offer free breakfast. You want to take advantage of all you can and save a little money on your trip for other goodies.
SAFETY
While visiting Central Florida, you want to have fun but you also want to be safe. Stay in well populated and lit areas. Avoid certain areas such as Downtown’s Westside, South Colonial Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. Keep your cars locked at all times and when someone knocks on your door if you don’t know who they are, don’t open it. When it comes to valuables, it’s best that you leave them at home. If you choose to travel with them, make sure to place them in the hotel safe.
ESSENTIALS
Whether at the beach or the theme parks, make sure to use sun block. The sun can be extremely brutal here and you can easily sunburn. In addition to that, you can get dehydrated and fast. Make sure to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and whenever possible get out of the sun to cool off. Always wear comfortable shoes; you will be standing in line for over an hour for a 3 minute ride. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and appropriate for the time of year you are visiting Central Florida.
If it’s in the early part of the year, you might want to consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.
There are various websites and books that you can read when planning your vacation in Central Florida. Check them out and find all the information you will need. There are helpful hints to make the most of your time there and at times you can find great offers. They can help you find low rate accommodations, coupons for meals, low airfare or an all inclusive package. You can have everything ready before you even arrive making every minute of your vacation count.
These websites can also help you avoid tourist traps and time by avoiding certain attractions. While you are visiting Orlando, if you find you can’t make it to the beach, don’t forget the great water parks in those areas. Walt Disney World has two, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Sea World has Aquatica and you can also visit Wet n’ Wild. Enjoy your vacation in Orlando and make it a memorable one.