6 Smart Travel Hacks for Visiting Orlando with Young Kids
It’s time to start planning your next family vacation, and what better destination to experience fun for all ages than Orlando?
Parents with younger children may be limited on the amount of heart-pounding action they can enjoy while exploring O-Town. However, the right strategy can offer the whole gang magical moments to talk about for years to come.
Planning ahead is key, such as choosing where you will stay, what you’ll need to pack, and what attractions fit the whole group. Orlando will become your kids’ favorite vacation spot, all thanks to you!
Here are six smart travel hacks to use for visiting Orlando with young kids.
Key Takeaways
- A Relaxing and Fun Home Base
- Book in Advance
- Pack the Essentials
- Stay Cool and Fueled
- Theme Park Excitement for All Ages
- Kid-Friendly Fun Beyond the Parks
- An Orlando Adventure for the Whole Family
A Relaxing and Fun Home Base
The adrenaline rushes of Orlando will require a home base that lets you recharge for the next day’s itinerary. That’s where Rosen Inn closest to Universal comes in!
Our deluxe double rooms with two double beds fit up to five guests – perfect for parents stopping by with the little ones. The kids can spend their downtime watching their favorite cartoons on the HDTV. Parents visiting with infants will be happy to know that we offer baby cribs free upon request.
Spend sunny afternoons at the hotel cannonballing and splashing in our seasonally-heated outdoor swimming pools. Young gamers will have a blast showing off their skills in the video arcade room.
Fuel up for the day with a savory and healthy breakfast buffet at The Palms Dining Room. Parents with kids ages 5 and younger looking for extra ways to save money on their trip can use our Kids Eat Free program and enjoy a free child buffet meal with each paid adult buffet meal.
Book in Advance
Now that you know where you’ll be staying, it’s time to book your trip in advance, preferably two months before you hope to visit.
If you’re flying in from another state (or country), we recommend All Rapid Transportation’s airport shuttles to save time on traveling and get your vacation started right away.
Looking for ways to avoid long lines at theme parks? Download their mobile apps to see their schedules and plan your visit around their wait times.
Parents who want to treat their kids to easier weather and smaller crowds should plan visits between March and May or between September and November.
Pack the Essentials
We now move on to the packing phase, starting with essentials for your journey to Orlando. Whether you’re driving or flying, a change of clothes, drinks and snacks for long trips, and tablets for entertainment allow for a pleasant ride for everyone.
Prepare for Florida’s unpredictable weather by packing umbrellas and ponchos for the whole gang for rainy days. When the sun comes out, bring out the light clothing, hats, and sunscreen to end the day sunburn-free.
You will each need comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll do from one attraction to the next. If the kids get tired from walking, a lightweight stroller will come in handy.
Does your child have a favorite toy or blanket that keeps them happy? Let them bring their comfort items to make transitions between different adventures more relaxing for them.
Bring a small backpack with you to hold maps, water bottles, snacks, and small games while keeping your hands free for any souvenirs you may bring home.
Stay Cool and Fueled
Speaking of snacks, flavorful fuel will keep the kids energized for the thrills that lie ahead.
Fruits and nuts should keep kids fueled while venturing through the parks. If you don’t mind the kids having some sugary fuel, crackers, pretzels, trail mix, and granola bars will do the trick. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Theme parks allow guests to bring in water bottles. We highly suggest bringing a bottle for each family member.
The Florida sun can be relentless. Keep family members cool with frequent breaks at shady spots and around indoor shows. A portable fan can also help the gang relax while saving time for the next thrill.
Theme Park Excitement for All Ages
Are the kids too young to take to the sky aboard Orlando’s tallest and fastest rides? Don’t worry, because O-Town’s parks have something for everyone.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to a variety of rides made just for the youngsters, including E.T. Adventure and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida. Parents taking their children to Universal’s Islands of Adventure can hop aboard Flight of the Hippogriff™ and Pteranodon Flyers for more kid-friendly thrills.
The excitement continues at Universal Epic Universe, from flying with dragons along Hiccup’s Wing Gliders to a gamer’s paradise at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
If the aquatic wonders of SeaWorld Orlando call your name, Sesame Street Land is the place to be for young kids. They can join their favorite characters along Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, and the Sunny Day Carousel.
The kids can have a fun cool-off period at Rubber Duckie Water Works and play in the musical wonderland of Rosita’s Harmony Hills.
Families looking for a little Disney magic in their visit can find the most kid-friendly attractions at Walt Disney World® Resort’s Magic Kingdom. Explore different parts of the world along “it’s a small world” before enjoying a gentle ride in the air aboard Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Treat the kids to entertaining animal encounters along The Jungle Cruise. The little ones can channel their inner space hero through the interactive experience of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
We recommend the “child swap” system in case some of the kids don’t meet the height requirements or just don’t want to ride. This will give both parents and kids much-needed breaks while also ensuring that everyone has time for theme park exhilaration.
Kid-Friendly Fun Beyond the Parks
Are you planning a visit that allows time for invigoration beyond iconic theme parks? Rejoice, as Orlando has a unique experience around every corner!
Make education fun for the kids with the experiments and simulators of WonderWorks. If any of the kids show an interest in outer space, a trip to the Kennedy Space Center can awaken the inner astronaut.
Say hello to the reptilian icons who call Florida home at Gatorland. Other days are meant for moments of peace, such as with a family picnic at Lake Eola Park.
An Orlando Adventure for the Whole Family
Now that you have the top travel hacks on hand, it’s time to get packing!
Our rooms, dining experiences, and amenities will help you recharge and unwind before and after your O-Town extravaganzas. With our complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort, and other exciting attractions just a hop away, the fun never ends!
Book your stay at Rosen Inn closest to Universal today and introduce your kids to the exciting adventures of Orlando.
