Orlando Deals, Steals and Dippy Diversions

by Jackie Perrin

Headed to sunny central Florida this Spring season?

You can count on plenty of company. An estimated 600,000 families are expected to visit Orlando during the months of March and April this year.

There’s no disputing – it’s a busy time to visit.

If you’re traveling to a theme park, chances are you’ve already made the majority of your vacation arrangements. That’s great–having a set itinerary and a place to stay are helpful, if not essential, this time of the year.

Aside from grinning and bearing the inevitable lines that go along with peak season, there’s much you can do to make your Orlando Spring Break family escape enjoyable, as well as memorable.

Consider the following splurges, deals and hidden diversions. From dippy good fun to downright delightful, we’ve uncovered the best places to eat and play with your family this year. And just in case you haven’t booked a room at a theme park resort, we’ve included a few places to stay–outside the parks–where last minute reservations might be available.

Theme Park Thrills

Family Bonding Experience/Family Fun: Family Magic Tour
Skip, hop, crawl and cavort with Disney characters on a 2-1/2 hour treasure hunt throughout the Magic Kingdom. Appropriate for kids of all ages. $27 per person, children under 3 are free. Book in advance by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Big Splurge: Cirque du Soleil La Nouba
Are you a repeat Disney guest in search of a memorable family vacation experience? Look no further than La Nouba, the resident show at Cirque du Soleil. The sensational theatrical production, staged at Downtown Disney’s West Side, is one part gyration, one part sensation, and a whole lot of imagination. Tuesday-Saturday nights @ 6 and 9 pm; Book in advance by calling 407-939-7600. $50-$90 ages 3-9; $63-$112 adults.

Small Pint Splurge: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Pamper your little prince or princess with a makeover from a Fairy Godmother in training, at World of Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Packages include hairstyling (boys can get a Beast-like do), shimmering makeup, and an optional costume of your choice and photos of the special day. Ages 3 and up, $35-$175. Book in advance by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (939-7895).

A+ Attraction: Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Match wits with the creatures from Monsters, Inc. at The Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction. During the interactive comedy club show, starring Disney Pixar’s Mike Wazowski, laughs are collected to generate power for the future. Text message jokes using your cell phone, for possible use in the show: Tomorrowland @ Magic Kingdom.

Wild Waters Ahead: Gator Gully Splash Park
On April 21, one of central Florida’s oldest and most beloved attractions –Gatorland- is scheduled to debut a new water park The quarter acre theme park features animal-shaped aquatics, and is appropriate for all ages. $12.95 ages 3-12, $19.95 adults.
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, 32837; 407-855-5496

Family Meal Deals

Chow Down: Cici’s Pizza
7437 International Drive, Orlando; 407-226-9822
Head to the local branch of the Southeastern U.S. pizza chain, located just outside Disney’s main gates, for a quick, affordable all-you-can-eat buffet meal. It’s a sneaky way to make sure the kids get at least one serving of veggies during the week. For $4.79, get your fill of all the pizza, pasta and salad you desire.

Barbecue Best Bet: Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ
5818 Conroy Road, Orlando, 32835; 407-295-1212
As legendary as New York’s own Dinosaur, Orlando’s signature barbecue shack is made for families. Saddle up to a table and dig in to a plate of southern style ‘que, with all the fixins, or pick up a family pack to go.

Shovel and Stomp: Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
8251 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821; 800-443-4943
Shout for the North or root on the South at this high-energy, silverware free dinner-show. Beloved by fans of all ages, it’s a great family outing. $21.99 ages 4-11, $49.99 adults, under 3 free when sitting on a parent’s lap and sharing a meal.

Dip in: Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
Downtown Disney Marketplace, next to World of Disney; 407-934-8855
What’s vacation without an ice cream indulgence? Dip in to a divine chocolate concoction at this downtown Disney shop. Be forewarned: the portions are substantial. One scoop is all it takes–after two, you’ll beg for mercy.

Hotel Insider

Home Base: Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club
7102 Grand Horizons Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-465-6100
Consider this pirate-themed condo resort your Orlando home away from home. Theme-park caliber pools, a children’s activity program and spacious family-friendly accommodations set this Vacation Club resort apart from the rest. Plus, you can pack light. In addition to a full kitchen, dining room, and three TV’s, your fully equipped villa comes complete with a washer and dryer.

Suite Home: Homewood Suites Orlando
5893 American Way, Orlando, Florida 32819; 407-248-2232; 888-697-8745
A nightly Manager’s reception, daily breakfast buffet and proximity to Universal theme parks make this suite property a great family deal.

Real Deal: SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village
8623 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821; 877-682-8552
Get more for your money at this suite style accommodation, one of three Marriott properties in the Little Lake Bryan complex. Conveniently located five miles from Downtown Disney, the kid friendly hotel offers a free buffet breakfast and a pool with a children’s play area.

See the Difference: Residence Inn SeaWorld
11000 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-313-3600; 800-889-9728
Spacious rooms will full kitchens and a zero entry free-form pool highlight this SeaWorld area lodging, decorated in Caribbean style. Enjoy a cocktail al fresco while the kids play basketball and volleyball in the outdoor sports court.

Spread Out: All Star Vacation Homes
800-592-5568
Less than four miles from Walt Disney World, All Star Vacation homes offers spacious family digs, starting at $119 per night. Choose from among two and three bedroom condos and town homes to private, seven-bedroom homes. Many homes have screened-in swimming pools with spas, as well as computers with unlimited Internet access, plasma TVs, game rooms, and cinema-seating home theaters.

Resources

For information on Spring Break in Orlando, call 1-888-ORL-4FUN or visit orlandoinfo.com/springbreak.

For insider information on lodgings, dining and activities in any location, visit www.TripAdvisor.com.

Walt Disney World Resort accommodations may be hard to come by at this time of year, but when planning a visit for the future, be sure to visit www.DisneyWorld.com.

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© 2007, Jackie Perrin

Writer Jackie Perrin is a former Orlando resident and the author of the 2006/07 TripAdvisor Guide: The best places to eat, sleep and play in Orlando