March 23, 2012
Orlando 101: tips for first-timers

Dear family travelers:

You've been planning for months. The kids are beside themselves with excitement.

But you're worried too. It's your first trip to Orlando and it's overwhelming. So much to do! Theme parks cost so much!

Relax! You can do Orlando on a budget. And you will have a good time-as long as you know going in you can't see and do it all. (That would take at least 67 days, Visit Orlando says. Check out my blog on what's new this spring. Walt Disney World's official Birnbaum Guides are very useful as is The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida.

Here are 13 tips to make the most of your time:

1. If you can, wait until after the busy Spring Break season (mid March-mid April) to visit but come before the summer.

2. Visit Orlando can tell you the latest deals, how to get a free Magicard that offers savings on everything from restaurants to shopping. Mousesavers is a good resource for discounts at Walt Disney World, as is www.Disboards.com for everything Disney.

3. Prioritize the attractions! Take virtual tours of the parks with the kids- Walt Disney World SeaWorld,Universal Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida before you visit and decide the "must-see" attractions. Make sure each of you has at least one pick for each day.

4. Book reservations ahead-well ahead-if there are certain activities (a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a meal with the Characters, a dolphin interaction at SeaWorld or lunch with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center.

5. If you are spending all of your time in Walt Disney World, consider a meal plan. Families tell us they save big on food-even on character meals. You also can get complimentary transportation to and from the airport with Disney's Magical Express. You don't even have to wait for your bags-they are delivered to your hotel!

6. Consider what kind of tickets you really need. Will you use the more expensive Disney World park hopper ticket?

7. To avoid crowds, head into the parks as soon as they open (if you stay on Disney property, there are extra early morning and evening hours). Use Disney's FastPass system to avoid long waits on popular rides. If you absolutely can't stand lines, consider a VIP tour at UniversalOrlando or spring for one of their hotel rooms-your key guarantees you front of the line access. There are also VIP tours at SeaWorld Orlando.

8. Divide and conquer with each adult going with one or more kids, even back to the hotel for a nap! If you have teens old enough to head off on their own, make sure you establish a meeting place, time and that everyone's cell phones are charged.

9. Bring your own stroller. That will save you $15 or more a day in rentals.

10. Got the ponchos? You'll want to keep going if it rains-especially because the lines are likely to be shorter.

11. Plot a souvenir strategy. Discuss how much the kids can spend. Hold off till the last day to shop (except if they want attraction-specific souvenirs). One parent I know gives the kids gift cards with the amount they can spend on souvenirs. That helps from giving in to impulse buys.

12. Make a place to meet in the event you get separated and remind the kids each morning where that place will be. Give each child a card with your names, cell numbers, the hotel where you are staying and that phone number. When you enter the park, point out employees in uniform. Do the same if you are staying at a big resort-it's easy to get lost there too! Make sure the kids know to seek out someone in a uniform who is working should they get lost. Practice with little ones what they should say. "Hi, my name is .....and I can't find my daddy!"