The Orbitz Family Travel Guide
Meet the new Orbitz Parent Panel, a group of Orbitz moms and dads coming together to share experiences and advice to help you plan an affordable, stress-free family vacation.
Our focus is on Disney World Orlando this month:
- Survival tips: Two dads share their advice
- Maximizing your time at the parks
- Renting a car: Hassle or helpful?
- Disney hotel offers
- Disney cruises
We went looking for travel experts who were also doting parents and found them right under our nose. These Orbitz parents have plenty of experience traveling to a variety of destinations with children of all ages. Join them as they share their vacation adventures, mistakes and successes -- as well as personal strategies, tips, and opinions.
Jim Cohn is a dad to a 5-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl in suburban Chicago. Having lived in Orlando for nearly a decade, Jim has had the opportunity to visit almost everything Disney on numerous occasions.
There are a lot of things that being an Orlando local -- and frequent park visitor -- taught me about navigating the Disney landscape, keeping the kids from meltdowns, and even saving money on what can become an expensive trip if you’re not careful. More
posted by Parent Panel | March 2008
Mark Michelon is the father of twin 5-year-old boys and a third boy who is 3 but thinks he’s 5. While his wife is surrounded by men, she is able to keep her sanity by assisting Mark in planning fun family vacations to any location with plenty of activities to wear out their sons.
With three kids under 6, we did some extra up-front research for our Disney vacation. We figured out when to time our trips to the park; which rides we’d be able to experience based on height requirements; and how we could eat with Mickey, Goofy and the rest of the Disney gang. Our preparation paid off. More
posted by Parent Panel | March 2008
- Time your trip during September and October, the least crowded months.
- Arrive when the park opens, before crowds have time to build. Crowds thin out again after dinner.
- Stay on property and get special guest-only access to the parks aka "Magic Hours." Each park has its own "Magic Hours" based on the day of week.
- Head to a FASTPASS booth to make a free reservation for a popular ride. Arrive during the designated hour on your FASTPASS ticket, and you won’t have to stand in line.
- If you get to a line that splits in two, head to the left (tends to be shorter).
- Mondays are the busiest day in the Magic Kingdom® Park, so consider exploring another park.
- Main Street shops in Magic Kingdom® Park are most crowded at the end of the day. Shop in the early afternoon instead or at night, on those days that park is open late.
- Avoid Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park during lunch. That’s when the animals tend to eat and sleep.
If you're looking to squeeze in a meal between attractions, look for healthy substitutes at the restaurants offering counter service: carrot sticks vs. fries, or milk or water vs. soda. Keep your eyes peeled for stands offering fresh fruit in the Magic Kingdom® Park. Disney doesn’t allow coolers, but you can stick a few small snacks, like granola bars and dried fruit in your bag.
"Convenient with Young Ones"
"The challenge of folding up a stroller, gathering the kids and your belongings, while trying to jump on a bus can be very frustrating.
Being able to park the car and pop out the strollers out, as you do at home, is much easier.
Also, being able to leave anytime you want and go directly to your hotel, while your kids pass out from a busy day at Disney is a blessing."
Mark Michelon
"Too Much Expense and Hassle"
"Rental car lines can be long. There have been times I've waited 40 minutes, and then had to haul my bags over to the remote lot only to be dripping sweat by the time I got to my car.
Besides, it's more fun to jump on a free boat or bus than to have to pay for parking at each park, if you’re not staying on property. Another big seller: No car seats to lug!
I’ve found I always spend more than I plan to, and the rental car is just another expense."
Jim Cohn
Orbitz parents rated these family-friendly hotels hotels on a scale of 1 to 5, based on:
- Service
- Amenities
- Comfort
- Location
- Value
Read their reviews to get first-hand observations, as well as practical tips on what to do, where to eat and how to get around.
Family getaways and reunions
With lots of onboard activities, tons of shore excursions and plenty of meal options to choose from, cruising is a fun and affordable family vacation.
Explore Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico. You and your family will see it all, and unpack only once!