Spring Break Family Vacations – Orlando, Florida

Beset by resorts, miles from the nearest bikini-clad beach, slick with corporate polish, Orlando, Florida is maybe the purest expression of the Spring Break family vacation, efficiently designed to inject G-rated fun into your bloodstream.

I should really rebel. As a proponent of unique, off-the-beaten path travel, I should reject the easy comforts of Orlando in favor of bold, edifying exploration. But as anyone who’s ever “tried something new for Thanksgiving” can tell you, sometimes comfort foods are the best food of all.

Here are our favorite attractions for a family Spring Break in Orlando, Florida: 

• Walt Disney World – The world’s most popular amusement destination by attendance! You could easily plan your entire Spring Break around Walt Disney World’s four amusement parks, two water parks and countless other attractions, and many do. Your wallet can get away from you here, so scope out your packages carefully, and consider finding some smaller local attractions to counter the cost.
• Universal Studios Orlando – Another top choice for Orlando, Florida vacations, Universal Studios is also several attractions in one. The original park brings together two favorites: theme park rides and the movies. Must-dos include the Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D (that’s right, 4-D) and my favorite, Revenge of the Mummy.
• Wet ‘n Wild – An extension of Universal Studios, this year-round water park will blow you away with the gravity-defying Brain Wash. There are also great facilities just for the kiddies.
• Islands of Adventure – More movie and TV-themed fun from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure provides more thrills for the older set than the original park.
• SeaWorld Orlando – Another Orlando staple, SeaWorld combines live water shows with theme park thrills. For first timers, you have to see “Believe”, the flagship show starring world-famous orca, Shamu.
• Wonderworks – I’m just a big kid myself, so it’s no surprise that Wonderworks is my favorite. The moment you see it, looking like an upside-down Smithsonian, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Not quite a science museum, not quite a theme park, Wonderworks hosts over 100 unusual interactive exhibits that even parents can enjoy.
• GatorLand – Boldly declaring itself the “Alligator Capital of the World”, GatorLand is an exciting nature park dedicated to the abundant ecology of Florida and built around a collection of hundreds of alligators. Kids love this one!

There’s many more to consider: CityWalk, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, and International Drive. Please, stop me before I go on!

Wading through all the lodging options around town is about as much fun giving oneself an appendectomy, so for vacation resorts in Orlando might we once again recommend the Holiday Inn Orlando International Drive Hotel. Ideal for kids and families, the hotel is pet-friendly, offers a Kids Eat Free program, provides a free shuttle to SeaWorld and Universal Studios, and they’re even showing off with a SeaWorld Orlando package.

Have a great Spring Break 2009!

Did I miss your favorite Orlando attraction? That’s not surprising! Revel in my negligence and show off your Spring Break skillzzzz in our comments section. Or for more Spring Break family vacations, head over to our Spring Break 2009 Ideas Center.

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