Orlando is surely the globe's biggest draw for families, with Disney World's four theme parks, two waterparks, and thirteen resorts; Universal Orlando's two theme parks and three resorts; plus other parks and attractions all agglomerated in this once-sleepy acreage in mid-Florida.
The winter months-- after the holiday season and before Spring Break-- can be a good time to visit, especially with young kids: these weeks are among the least-crowded in the parks. The theme parks won't be open late, and you'll find fewer parades and special events; but with young kids, the shorter hours may not matter much.
- Top Things to Do in Orlando: suggestions include Universal Studios' Seuss Landing for families with tots, and SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
- Orlando: Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando: On 30 nights, from February until April; parade, costumes, theme cuisine.
- Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn: of course there's no law that you visit a theme park in Orlando; and at this resort, your kids just might want to stay all day on the premises. The new Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn -- aka as "NickHotel"-- is in a class of its own: two waterparks; and theming, pool games, and evening entertainment by Nickelodeon.
-continue to Winter Vacations, p. 7 - Heartland, Southwest, California
*photo (c) Teresa Plowright
