From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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An Orlando vacation can be a costly enterprise, especially as "kids" typically start paying adult rates for theme park admissions at the age of 10. Below you'll find many ways to save.

Disney World: The Mouse is the giant of Orlando vacations: check for current promotions at Disney World.

See also: MouseSavers.com, dedicated to price breaks on Disney holidays; and Affordable Disney, which has a free newsletter as well as an online book for sale.

Universal Orlando: another top choice for a multi-day Orlando vacation, with two theme parks, three resorts, an entertainment zone, and terrific promotions; check out Universal Orlando deals.

Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn: this popular all-suites hotel has two waterparks plus theming, pool games, and entertainment by Nickelodeon. See deals at Nick Hotel.

Ritz-Carlton Orlando: a Family Package runs year-round (based on availability) ; includes two connecting rooms, kids up to 12 eat free with an adult at restaurants, free ice creams too; complimentary Ritz Kids club for up to 2 kids; and other goodies.

United Airlines: check for Orlando vacations packages with airfare, lodging, and more. Disney World packages, Universal, etc.

Southwest Airlines: another airline to check for Orlando vacations, for Disney World, and otherwise.

Dawn's Deals: About's guide to Florida for Visitors has Theme Park Deals, Discounts and Coupons, Contests and Sweepstakes.

More Orlando Vacations Discounts:
About's Guide for Orlando lists discounts for dining and attractions, plus current specials at the major theme parks.

Magicard : get a free "Magicard" from the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau, for discounts at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Gatorland and other attractions, golf, restaurants, lodgings.

FlexTickets: One of many Web sites that sell FlexTickets, which give unlimited admission (for, say, 14 days) to theme park attractions such as Sea World, Wet 'N' Wild water park, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Seasons Pass to Theme Parks: virtually all theme parks offer seasons' passes, and often, the cost isn't much more than the price of two days' admission. Passes often offer other goodies too: discounts on foods and merchandise, free parking, early entrance.

^{*photo © Teresa Plowright}