Making Melancholy into Magic

For most Canadian families, the winter vacation to Florida is something of a rite of passage. Escaping to Disney seems almost like a necessity when the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall.

Winter Driving

This year especially seems like an ideal time to pack up the kids and head off to Orlando, as our strong dollar means more sightseeing bangs for your bucks.

Orlando offers a plethora of options of things to do and see that will suit every member of your family regardless of age. Walt Disney World now offers four unique theme parks and two water parks designed with family fun in mind. The Magic Kingdom Park offers a variety of lands, characters and rides. Old favourites such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain offer excitement for everyone, while Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Mickey’s Toontown Fair are perfect for the younger kids in your group. Epcot Centre can bring out the curiosity and wonderment in your family, while MGM allows you to experience the magic of the movies.

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s newest park, Animal Kingdom, offers the opportunity to see wild animals up close with its Kilimanjaro Safari, and you can also see that elusive beast, the yeti, on Expedition Everest, Disney’s newest roller coaster. While at Disney, make sure to take advantage of their Fast Pass system. It’s completely free and will help you cut down on wait times, as the Fast Pass holds your place in line on one ride while you physically wait in line for another. If you have car trouble while at Disney, CAA’s auto club allows for free towing within park grounds so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the parking lot!

If you’re looking for more thrill-based rides, be sure to check out Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It’s possible to buy a pass and experience both parks in the same day. Offering exciting rides such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, it’s easy to believe that you’ve stepped into another world.

Incredible Hulk Rollercoaster, Universal Studios

Of course, Seuss Landing is appropriate for kids of all ages and if you’re there at the right time, it’s possible you can get your picture taken with the Cat in the Hat or with Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Other options for your Florida vacation is to head over to Busch Gardens in Tampa and experience water rides, animal attractions and roller coasters. If you’d like a more aquatic experience, Sea World Orlando offers the best of marine life. There are also other things to do in Orlando aside from going to theme parks. There’s great outlet shopping for the bargain hunter and tons of outdoor activities like parasailing and skydiving for the keen adventurer.

Killer Whale at Sea World

Orlando is the ultimate destination for family vacations as it’s affordable and offers a wide variety of things to do. For Ontario residents, it’s even possible to save money on plane tickets by driving your family instead. If you’re planning a trip to Florida this winter, be sure to check here for the documents required to travel to the United States. Remember, a passport is now necessary for all flights departing to the States and all children need to hold one under their own name. In Florida it’s possible to turn your winter blahs into winter yahs!

One Response to “Making Melancholy into Magic”

1. Jill Says:
   March 21st, 2008 at 8:26 am

   Did you know that Sea World just opened a water park (March ‘08)? I haven’t been there yet, but would be interested in hearing about it from someone who has.

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