It’s 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.

Universal Studios Orlando – This is a theme park that turns fantasy to reality with it’s 3-D and 4-D movies, which makes you feel that you are really a part of the action.  For those people who have never experienced a good quality 3-D experience, it is unbelievable how realistic Universal Studios makes you a part of the movie experience.

In addition, Universal Studios Orlando offers a great theme park experience for the entire family.  Here are some of the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando.

Production Central Attractions
Shrek 4-D
Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast

New York Attractions

Revenge of the Mummy The Ride
Twister…Ride It Out
The Blues Brothers

Hollywood Attractions

Terminator 2: 3-D
Universal Horror Make-Up Show
Lucy – A Tribute

World Expo Attractions
The Simpsons Ride
Men In Black – Alien Attack

San Francisco / Amity Attractions

Jaws
Fear Factor Live
Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue
Distaster

Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone Attractions

Animal Actors On Location
E.T. Adventure
A Day In The Park With Barney
Curious George Goes To Town
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Fievel’s Playground

Below is a list of the hotels and motels near Universal Studios Orlando.

· Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
· Hard Rock Hotel· Loews Royal Pacific Resort
· Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance of Universal Studios Orlando
· Hilton Garden Inn Near Universal Studios
· Hyatt Place
· Homewood Suites Orlando Nearest to Universal Studios
· Hawthorn Suites Universal Studios· Holiday Inn Express Universal Studios

Search for more hotels near Universal Studios Orlando Florida!

Note:  When we went in July, the temperature during the day was close to 100 degrees with very high humidity.  We quickly learned to take a nap in the afternoon or visit a water park in the middle of the day and visit the major parks in the morning and night.  In all of the Orlando theme parks, the lines for one ride can take over two hours during peak seasonal periods.  The general rule of thumb is that if the children are out of school, it is peak season.