It’s almost summer again and now is the time to start thinking about your vacation plans while the kids are out of school.  The first spot that comes to mind is Orlando, Florida (the theme park capital of the world). What is great about Orlando is that the attractions appeal to both children and adults.  My first trip to Orlando was almost 10 years ago and since that time, we have been back 4 times.  Each time back, we find new parks and features that make us want to return many more times in the future.

Most families visit the most obvious family theme parks in the Orlando area like Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Epcot Center, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (my favorite), Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Sea World Orlando.   However there is a lot to see at one of the less famous attractions such as Downtown Disney, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and many smaller parks.  A great idea for summer travel is to visit one of the water parks during the heat of the day such as Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Wet’n Wild Florida,  If this does not keep you busy, you can make just a short drive and find Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens and Silver Springs.

Downtown Disney is a fun place for adults to kick back and enjoy themselves. It is divided into 3 sections: Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. Pleasure Island used to have several nightclubs and restaurants but now has only 1 restaurant open at this time, Fulton’s Crab House, which is a riverboat restaurant. Some familiar tenants are Cirque du Soleil’s, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Wolf Gang Puck Café, Rainforest Café (my personal favorite) and AMC 24 screen Movie Theater. Downtown Disney does not have an entrance fee and offers free parking and free shuttle bus service to other Disney Parks and all of the Disney Hotels and many other hotels located close to the park. 

Below are the hotels, motels and resorts that are next to or near Downtown Disney.

• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel

• Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa

• Doubletree Guest Suites

• Hilton Orlando Resort

• Regal Sun Resort

• Royal Plaza Resort

More hotels, motels, resorts, villas and lodges near all Walt Disney World Resorts Click Here!