Orlando for Families
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In this section: Orlando's top children's attractions and tips for young children, older children (7-12 yrs) and teens.
Orlando's top children's attractions
These seven attractions are popular with children, though not all will suit every age group:
Mickey's PhilHarmagic
The Magic Kingdom's newest attraction is a 3-D experience featuring characters that children love. It's the only such cinema in Orlando that leaves aside the creepy crawly effects that so often ruin the experience for younger children.
Donald Duck guides you through the 15-minute show, comprising 3-D animation, music and special effects. Presented continuously throughout the day, though once is probably enough for most adults.
Seuss Landing
Perhaps the most imaginative children's play area in Orlando, recreating everything from Seuss's mad landscapes to a helping of Green Eggs and Ham. This loopy, droopy world is in the Islands of Adventure, and is aimed more at young children and nostalgic adults than teenagers.
Discovery Cove
A chance to interact with your own private dolphin, given a trainer's assistance of course. You give it a smooch and it will give you a lift back to the beach. Discovery Cove is part of Sea World (tel: 407-351 3600 or 800-327 2424), which lies to the south of Orlando, off I-4, between Disney World and Universal.
Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone
Universal Studios wisely gives children ample opportunity and space to just simply play, albeit in a brilliantly designed setting. Two interactive play areas ... ok, fancy playgrounds ... give kids plenty of space in which to run, climb, jump and get themselves soaking wet. There are also a couple of shows and two rides.
Peter Pan's Flight
Hop aboard one of the best dark rides in the Magic Kingdom (perhaps in all of Orlando). This beautifully executed ride takes you on a whirlwind tour from London to Never-Never Land, meeting en route such familiar characters as Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Princess Tiger Lily and a certain pirate-munching crocodile.
It's a Small World
The quintessential Magic Kingdom ride with dancing animatronic figures that children love and a theme tune parents loathe. A slow-moving boat floats through chambers representing various corners of the world, each one populated with scores of the chirpy cherubs in folksy costumes. Love it or hate it, you have to experience it, although you run the risk of having the melody seared permanently into your brain.
Trainer for a Day
This is your chance to spend a day at Sea World with dolphins, orcas, and the humans they train. The popular programme pairs visitors and trainers for a full-day's hands-on activities with these magnificent sea mammals. Sea World is the third most popular park in Orlando, situated off I-4 between Disney World and Universal.
While those two parks rely on knock-your-socks-off rides on themed lands and sets, Sea World knows that today's technological wizardry pales next to the enduring appeal of nature's creations. Witness a three-ton orca shooting into the air and beaching itself for a photo op; the flap of a stingray's wings as it brushes your fingers in a touch tank; the gaze of a manatee as it grazes on sea grass; or the clicking sounds of a dolphin as it eats fish right out of your hand.
(We should point out that not everyone approves of the use of wild animals for entertainment, some wildlife conservationists highlight the potential harm to the animals and indeed to humans interacting with them. For more information, visit the website of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society).
Orlando for young children
Theme parks...
The Magic Kingdom in general, and its dark rides, such as Peter Pan's Flight and It's a small world..., are a big hit with the smallest of fans but can be a bit too tedious for those who've out-grown the characters they feature. Said characters are especially entertaining at character dining experiences held at Cinderella's Castle and Crystal Palace, amongst other locations. Check times when entering parks.
Islands of Adventures' Seuss Landing and Universal Studios' Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone are both brilliant jungle gyms by any other name. Unexpectedly, many tots find most of the 3-D attractions in Orlando a bit too terrifying as some sort of bug scampering up your legs is a standard gag. Plus, the graphics are so realistic they may forget that it's just a film. The exception to this is Mickey's PhilHarmagic in the Magic Kingdom, which is just as entertaining as other films, but enjoyable for all ages
...and beyond
If seeing only animatronic animals or those in captivity leaves your child wanting more, the Green Meadows Petting Farm gives kids the chance to milk a cow, ride a pony, go on a hay ride, and get up close to over 200 animals.
Orlando for older kids (7-12 yrs)
Theme parks...
Disney-MGM and Animal Kingdom are the most appealing Disney Parks for those young children who want to relive the adventures of movies and see wildlife, but are still too timid for thrill rides. Don't forget to take along an autograph book and pen to gather lasting memories of character greetings. The compulsion to collect can also be quenched by trading pins at stalls located throughout the Disney resort.
Stunt shows such as the Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show at Universal and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney-MGM are great for those too big to be scared by loud noises but not big enough to see through the stunts. They are performed in shaded pavilions and last long enough for you to get a bit of a rest. It may be impossible to pull kids away from Nickelodeon Studios at Universal. When taping, they can see all their favourite shows (and stars) live.
Discovery Cove, where you get a handshake and a kiss from a dolphin before it swims you back to shore, is something most children could only dream of. It's expensive, but travel agents often offer specials and the memory is irreplaceable.
...and beyond
If you've got a young one who's taste for the disgusting and bizarre seems insatiable, Ripley's Believe or Not Odditorium may be just the place for them. Exhibits include a two-headed calf, among other oddities. Really for all ages, the Orlando Science Center is a must-see, with interactive exhibits covering everything from life in zero gravity to a journey through the human body.
Orlando for teens
Theme parks...
Assuming your teen wants to push the limits of motion sickness, Universal's Islands of Adventure with the Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragons roller coasters, plus the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and other disorientating rides should be top of their list.
Disney-MGM (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster) is the next best stop. Epcot has two fantastic thrill rides in Test Track and Mission: Space, but the other exhibits are likely to bore even the most inquisitive adolescent.
As far as nightlife goes, CityWalk and Downtown Disney both provide a safe environment for teens to mingle (and get away from their parents). Though entrance is expensive, the amusements at DisneyQuest could entertain a teen for the entire day, or evening. There are plenty of places nearby (such as House of Blues just across the street), which give adults the comfort of mind and the relaxing beverages needed after a day at the parks
...and beyond
For those desperate to get behind the wheel of a car, Fun Spot Action Park provides bumper cars and four multilevel tracks for go-cart racing.