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.
- Disney Character Breakfast at Watercress Café, Buena Vista Palace
- Disney Character Breakfast at Covington Mill at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort
- Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Woody Woodpecker, Shrek & Fiona Character Appearances at Trattoria del Porto at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and The Kitchen at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
- Character Breakfast with Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and more Nickelodeon Family Suites
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
