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For those that have been to Orlando....

I

isuno1fan

Well-Known Member
Mar 30, 2006
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Clive, Iowa
My wife, myself, and our 5 year old daughter will be vacationing in Orlando in early June. We already have our accomodations (no suggestions needed), but I was wondering what everyone else thinks are the best places to visit?

I have tickets already for Sea World and we will definitely go to the Magic Kingdom park, but what else should we do given my daughter's age?

Disney has 3 other parks, there is Universal Studios (but I'm not sure how much a 5 year old will enjoy that). Lots of water parks, etc, but I am looking for other things that may not be so mainstream.

Appreciate any ideas....Thanks!
 
The space center(s) are a can't miss although I'm not sure how cool that is for a 5 yr old. Little over an hour away.
 
Yeah, they have tours. You can take a bus onto the base and see the VAB where they mate the shuttle to the boosters. They also have a museum that houses a Saturn V, which gives you a good feel for the size of that rocket.

I don't see the excitement or interest in the space center tours, but it may be because I go there for work and can't see the fun in it anymore.

Depending on the weekend in June, you may be able to see an Atlas V or a Delta 2 launch. The dates of each will slip a little but right now they're targeting a few launches around that time frame. You may get lucky.
 
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Not sure if you are getting a rental car or not but we've heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is fun. They also have a couple water parks that are fun down there if she likes to swim, I think the one I went to was Wet n Wild in Orlando.

Mrs.
 
You could spend two days at the Magic Kingdom easy. Don't forget the Animal Kingdom (and the Rainforest Cafe located at the Animal Kingdom).
 
Mrs.ISUFan22 said:
Not sure if you are getting a rental car or not but we've heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is fun. They also have a couple water parks that are fun down there if she likes to swim, I think the one I went to was Wet n Wild in Orlando.

Mrs.
Click to expand...

Busch Gardens is great, but like Universal may not be the place for a 5 year old. Lots of roller coasters and what not.
 
My younger kids loved Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios and Epcot (in that order). If your daughter likes Disney movies or Disney Channel TV she'll love MGM and all the shows there for younger kids. See the fireworks display at Epcot at closing time. Take the boat ride after dark from Disney Boardwalk (ESPNZone for Dad!) to Epcot. Blizzard Beach is a great waterpark for kids -- just remember sunscreen and sandals. Magic Kingdom was not as interesting for them since it is more of a typical amusement park. See the parades with all the Disney characters -- preferably from the comfort of a pre-chosen restaurant table outside with a cold beverage so you don't have to fight for a spot.

Another option is to head to Cocoa Beach (by Cape Kennedy Space Center). Lots of beaches and space to play. The Space Center may be a little boring for a 5 year old.

Universal Studios is fun too, but may not be as appealing for a 5 year old compared to Disney.

Have fun!
 
I've been to O-town a few times, but never to any of the big theme parks. I despise flying down there simply because the airport experience and flights in and out are chock full of loud, whiny kids.

At any rate, the space center is on my list, but I don't know how a 5 year old would take to it. Most of the rest of my advice would be centered around places to drink, so I doubt that will be much help to you
 
I hit NASA last spring and am not in a hurry to get back. It is cool...but very pricey! I would suggest spending a day at Cocoa Beach. Just south of the NASA site.
 
If you're staying on Disney property you can ride the shuttles to all of the Disney areas. I wouldn't recommend driving and trying to park everytime you want to go somewhere new.

You can get the Disney passes that allow you to go to any Disney park. Makes it a lot easier to "wing it", especially with a young child. Head to a water park when it's hot and head to the shows when it cools down.
 
I only want to spend at most 2 days in the Disney parks. I know we are doing Magic Kingdom. Debating between MGM and Animal Kingdom for the other day. Leaning toward Animal Kingdom though.
 
My wife says I act like a five year old... I think anything in Orlando can be fun for a five year old, even Universal has Nickelodean Studios. If you are staying on the Disney Compound I wouldn't bother leaving though, there is plenty to do. Take advantage of their babysitting service and go to Pleasure Island one night too!
 
Without a doubt you need to go to Animal Kingdom. You 5-YO will love it and you will too. I would bypass the alligator farms. JMO.

I would say.....

Sea World
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom (call now and see if you can reserve a "Character Breakfast" at the AK)
beach (not Daytona -- New Smyrna for a family)
Blizzard Beach
 
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