Family Adventures in Orlando & Walt Disney World

Orlando is one of those destinations that keeps drawing you back, and for my family it certainly has. We have visited Walt Disney World and Orlando six times over the years, trying different styles of holidays and staying in different locations. Each trip has given us new memories, from those first magical moments in the parks to lazy afternoons by the pool. In this blog I am sharing a little of my own experience, along with some general information to help you understand the different ways you can enjoy an Orlando holiday.

When my boys were younger, we stayed several times in hotels along International Drive. This is a lively area of Orlando with lots of hotels, restaurants and attractions. Staying there meant we were close to everything, with plenty of places to eat within walking distance or a short drive. On these trips, we would mix days at Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld with time exploring International Drive itself and visiting the outlets and Florida Mall for a bit of shopping. It was a full and fun way to experience Orlando, especially as a first–time visitor or if you like to be right in the middle of things.

On other occasions we chose to stay in a villa. We have done this both as our own family and when travelling with friends and other relatives. The villa holidays felt very different. Having your own space, separate bedrooms, a living area, and of course your own private pool brought a lovely relaxed feel to the trip. After busy days in the parks, coming back to a quiet villa and being able to swim, cook a simple meal or just sit outside in the evening sunshine gave us that all–important downtime. It was especially good when we travelled with a larger group, as we could socialise together yet still have space to unwind.

During our visits we have always included a mix of parks. Walt Disney World has been a big part of our holidays, with its combination of rides, shows, parades and character experiences. We have also spent time at Universal, which is particularly popular with older children and teenagers, and SeaWorld, which adds more variety to your days out. We also visited the water parks for some cooler fun in the sunshine too. Rather than trying to do it all at once, we usually planned a balance: some full park days, some shorter visits, and some quieter days around the pool or at the shops. That balance helped keep everyone happy and gave us the energy to really enjoy the big days.

We have flown into different Florida airports over the years, including Melbourne, Sanford and Orlando International, and we have used various airlines from both Manchester and Newcastle. This mixture has shown us that there are many ways to travel to Orlando, and the “right” choice will depend on where you live, which airports are most convenient, flight times and of course availability and price at the time you book. Once in Florida, we have always hired a car and found it an excellent way to get around. Distances can be quite large between parks, hotels, villas, shops and restaurants, so having a car has given us the flexibility to come and go when it suits us.

Beyond the parks, shopping has been a regular feature of our trips. We like to visit the outlet centres for bargains on clothes, trainers and accessories, and we almost always include a visit to the Florida Mall. Spending a few hours browsing the shops and having a relaxed meal can make a nice change of pace after several days in the parks. For many families, including a couple of “non–park” days like this helps the holiday feel more rounded and less rushed.

More generally, there are several main ways you can structure an Orlando holiday. You might choose to stay in a hotel on International Drive, which puts you close to restaurants and attractions and can work well if you like having plenty going on around you. You might prefer a villa, which offers more space and privacy, your own pool and a home–from–home feel, ideal for families and groups. Some people focus mainly on the parks and you may opt to stay on site at either Universal or Walt Disney World.

You can also turn your trip into a twin–centre Florida holiday. Many families like to combine the excitement of Walt Disney World with a stay somewhere else in Florida. You might head down to the Florida Keys for laid–back island vibes, spend a few nights in Miami or Fort Lauderdale for beaches and city life, or even add on a cruise to the Caribbean. A Disney cruise is another lovely option, carrying the magic from the parks out to sea. This kind of twin–centre or cruise–and–stay holiday can give you the best of both worlds: the thrills of the theme parks and the chance to properly unwind afterwards.

For us, Orlando has always been a great way to make memories as a family: from watching fireworks together at the end of a long day in the parks to simply relaxing in the sun by the pool. Having seen Orlando in different ways, I know that there is no single approach that suits everyone. That is where I come in. If you are thinking about your own Florida adventure, I can help you decide which style of holiday is right for you.