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Family Friendly

January 1st, 2007 · No Comments · Payless Car Rental Monthly Blogs

Hard to decide where to take the family on the next vacation? Well… there are plenty of choices! Maybe I am biased because I live only hours from the front doorstep, but my personal favorite family destination is the Disney theme parks in Orlando, FL. For me, Disney is truly the happiest place on earth! There is so much to do at Disney, both for adults and children, that it makes it the ideal destination for almost any family.

Here are a few points of interest:

1.) Magic Kingdom: This is the most visited of the parks, with the ever famous Cinderella’s castle as the backdrop. As you enter you a greeted by Main Street USA, which is a beautifully designed replica of the American main streets of old. Many people make the mistake of perusing through the shops before heading into the park, but I recommend you save this until last. This area is opened after the rides are closed, and can be the last on your list to do for the day.

Directly past and framed by Main Street is the landmark Cinderella’s castle, using the circular courtyard as a meeting place if someone in your party gets lost is a very good idea. It is best to make a circular pass of the park, if you are trying to get everything in one day. If you go counterclockwise you’ll hit Tomorrowland first, with rides such as Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain this area has rides both for the adults and children.

Moving past, you’ll find Mickey’s Toontown Fair, which have rides for Toddlers and younger children. You might completely miss it if you’re not paying attention, just remember that as you leave Tomorrowland take a right past the Tea Party ride!
If you continue on, you come to Fantasyland. This is probably the best area if you have both toddlers and young children, as all of the rides are geared for this age group. It’s quite fun to jump on to the Peter Pan ride and fly to Neverland, or sing the unending tune of It’s a Small World!

 

Passing the Small World ride you’ll find Liberty Square, which has the Haunted Mansion, Riverboat rides, and the Hall of Presidents. The Haunted Mansion is a slow ride, but may not be suitable for very young children.

The final area is Frontierland and Adventureland, which is popular with the rollercoaster buffs! You’ll find Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean! One of my favorite rides (though a little hokey) is the River Boat tour! This ride is suitable for all in the family, and depending on the tour guide, can be one of the most entertaining rides you’ll have all day.

There are several places to eat at the park, but if you’re looking to save money, I would recommend that you eat a hearty breakfast before heading to the park. Then you just spend money on drinks and snacks until dinner. All-in-all, the Magic Kingdom is one of the best parks on Disney property, and it continues to inspire children year after year.

2.) Downtown Disney:

After you’ve hit the theme parks, you may want to take a day off from the lines. Downtown Disney is a great place to head to, and the best part is there is no ticket to pay for! Downtown Disney is a mix of shops and restaurants created with the magic of Disney.
Start by perusing the shops, and relaxing at the small cafés in the afternoon. The children can have fun at the Lego store with the playground and Legos that will give mom and dad a needed break. Don’t forget to stop by the magic shop for their free shows, and the Witch’s Cauldron brews up some great candied apples!

 

In the evening you have plenty to choose from. I recommend Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, this show is a unique mixture of art and circus which both parents and children can enjoy. If you’re more into interactive fun try DisneyQuest, an arcade-like experience in true Disney style. For dinner, my favorite place is the Rainforest Café. If you have never been, it is a dining experience like no other. Just think of eating in a rainforest with giant butterflies, gorillas and elephants; and a monsoon every twenty minutes!
For the adults there is Pleasure Island, and the name says it all! At night this island comes to life, with lights, live bands, and music. Choose from the many dance clubs, and dance the night away. You don’t want to miss the night life that Pleasure Island has to offer!

 

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