Monday, June 14th, 2010
By Maria Mora
A Florida vacation to Walt Disney World isn’t complete without a character breakfast. Trust me, even the hardest of hearts will be melted like butter on pancakes by the sight of little kids hugging Mickey and Pooh. Here’s my top 5 tips for getting the most out of the experience.
1. Do your research. Each dining experience has a unique spin, at locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney’s select Orlando hotels. At Epcot’s Africa exhibit, kids enjoy a safari-themed breakfast with Donald Duck. At Disney’s Polynesian resort, Lilo and Stitch host a traditional breakfast. For the most traditional character breakfast, head to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (and get a Mickey-shaped waffle!)
2. Make reservations well in advance. Despite over a dozen character dining locations spread out between Disney’s Florida theme parks and Orlando hotels, the dining experiences still fill up very quickly. No one wants a disappointed, hungry kid, so call in advance to reserve a character breakfast. Reservations can be made weeks in advance and should be part of your early Florida vacation planning.
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Tags: Disney Character Breakfast
Posted in Disney Vacation, Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Hotels | No Comments »
Friday, July 25th, 2008
By Samantha Chapnick
I haven’t taken a single trip that didn’t give me cause to recall John Lennon’s prophetic words: "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans."
I hope your Orlando vacation goes off without a hitch. But should life throw any surprises your way, here are some insider tips to help deal with unexpected weather, delays, costs or changes of heart.
FOOD
Problem: Disney character dining is sold out.
Solution: Several hotels under the Walt Disney World Resort banner offer character visits. Call them to confirm specific days and times.
Problem: The Disney dinner shows are sold out or too expensive.
Solution: Orlando has many themed dinner shows for kids that are very reasonably priced (most less than $30 per person) with additional discounts available in local tourist magazines or brochures.
- Pirates Dinner Adventure, 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 248-0590, (800) 866-2469
- Capone’s Dinner & Show Guide marker #12-13 4740 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Kissimmee, FL 34746 (407) 2378, (800) 220-8428
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Guide marker #14-15, 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746,(407) 396-1518, (800) 229-8300
- Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show, 508 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-1985, US 800-393-1985 Fax (407) 352-1743
- Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction, Guide marker #8 – Off exit 25A of I-4 onto Highway 192. (407) 239-9223 or (407) 396-7400
KEEPING KIDS BUSY
Problem: It rains and you want to keep the kids busy:
Solution: Try one of these indoor options:
- Orlando Science Center: Forgive their misnomer (it
should have been called the Children’s Museum). This is a multi-floor
nature and art center for kids.
- Monkey Joe’s: Perfect for kids under 8. For about $8, they
get the run of this large space with several bouncy castles, arcade
games, a TV and a concession stand (not included in the price). Adults
get free wireless access.
Problem: The older kids are sick of going to Disney and want some real athletic action.
Solution: Take them to one of the adrenaline-inducing activity centers including:
- Vans Skate Park, 5220 International Drive Orlando FL (407) 351-3881
- Orlando Skate Park, (Outdoor skate park) 400 Festival Way, Orlando 32803
(407) 898-9600
- SkyCoaster & G-Force, 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Kissimmee 34746 407) 397-2509
- SkyVenture Indoor "skydiving", (a powerful wind tunnel) 6805 Visitors Circle, Orlando, 32819 (407) 903-1150
- Epik Paintball,14200 East Colonial Drive, Orlando 32826 (407) 273-6899
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Tags: car rental, Daytona flights, Disney, Disney Character Breakfast, Disney hotels, Disney World, Flights, Orlando activities, Orlando hotels, Orlando theme dinners, Orlando Vacation
Posted in Family Travel, Florida Vacation, Orlando Vacation, Travel Tips | No Comments »
