Eyewitness Travel Family Guide Florida Read online

  Pirates. Not only is there a big sea battle at Pirate’s Shores, but there’s also a Las Vegas version at the Treasure Island Hotel.

  A giant chicken, and men lifting weights in Miami Beach.

  People turning into babies at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine.

  Penguins and parrots in Central Park in New York.

  Brownie points

  Take aim at the cobra in the Lost Kingdom ride in Land of Adventure, and keep shooting to rack up tons of extra points!

  Old, old tree

  Unsuspecting visitors will be astonished by a massive banyan tree – the giant trunk and roots having grown in this spot since 1939. Look out for the tree’s “knobbly knees” for a giggle.

  Lego® mania

  Kids around the world spend 5 billion hours a year playing with LEGO® bricks.

  More than 400 billion LEGO® bricks have been produced since 1949. Stacked on top of each other, this is enough to connect the Earth and the Moon ten times over!

  All the LEGO® bricks sold in one year would circle the world five times.

  * * *

  Where to Stay in Orlando and the Parks

  Orlando and the theme parks have lodgings to suit all tastes. Whether a night under the stars in a tent, or the luxury of a family suite in a tower appeals, there’s no lack of choice, and most places offer pools, in-room entertainment, and more. Rooms range from standard to suites with kid-friendly themes.

  Price Guide

  The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and additional taxes.

  $: Under $150; $$: $150–300; $$$: over $300

  Agency

  All-Star Vacation Homes

  www.allstarvacationhomes.com

  This website connects visitors with the private owners of everything from one-bedroom condos to nine-bedroom vacation homes for holiday rental.

  < Orlando and the Parks

  Downtown Orlando and Winter Park

  Hotels

  Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown

  60 S Ivanhoe Blvd, 32804; 407 425 4455; doubletree1.hilton.com

  Overlooking beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, just north of downtown Orlando, this Hilton hotel offers a heated rooftop pool with whirlpool for adults, children’s activities, and a kids’ menu at the restaurant. Free shuttle service to downtown restaurants.

  $ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  Grand Bohemian

  325 S Orange Ave, 32801; 407 313 9000; www.grandbohemianhotel.com

  The only AAA Four-Diamond hotel in downtown, this splendid building houses a great collection of art. Centrally located, it has a spa, a fitness center, and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the city.

  $$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  Park Plaza Hotel

  307 S Park Ave, Winter Park, 32789; 407 647 1072; parkplazahotel.com

  Overlooking the green space of Central Park, this charming hotel has cast-iron railings on flower-bedecked balconies. Complimentary valet parking available, or simply check out the shops along Park Avenue or walk to the nearby museums. Children under three are not allowed.

  $$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift

  Legoland® Florida Resort

  Hotels

  Lake Roy Beach Inn

  1823 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven 32884; 863 324 6320; www.lakeroybeachinn.com

  Located on an interconnected chain of 14 lakes and canals, this inn offers rooms and suites with kitchenettes, and three-bedroom townhouse suites, which can sleep up to eight people, with screened-in porches and balconies overlooking Lake Roy.

  $–$$ • Wi-Fi • Lift • Swimming pool • Beach • Kitchen facilities

  LEGOLAND Hotel

  1 Legoland Way, 33884; 1 877 350 5346; www.legoland.com/florida/legoland-hotel/overview

  One of two lodging options in the park, this inventive hotel offers its guests themed rooms, and has 2,000 LEGO models across the hotel. There are plenty of activities and amenities for children, and a complimentary breakfast buffet as well.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Swimming pool • Playground

  SeaWorld®

  Resort

  Floridays Resort Orlando

  12562 International Dr, 32821; 407 238 7700; www.floridaysresortorlando.com

  Just 6 miles (10 km) from SeaWorld®, this bright, Mediterranean-themed resort offers suites with separate living and dining rooms, full kitchens, and in-suite grocery delivery. There is a kids' pool area with fountains and dedicated special activities.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Cafe • Swimming pool • Kitchen facilities

  A fully furnished family suite in Floridays Resort Orlando

  Hotels

  Fairfield inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld®

  10815 International Dr, 32821; 407 354 1139; www.marriott.com

  Within walking distance of Aquatica, this 200-room hotel has a game room, a fitness center, shuttles to SeaWorld® and Universal Studios Florida®, and views of the nightly fireworks. Free Quick Queue bracelets for SeaWorld® are available at the front desk, and guest have access to early park openings on some days.

  $$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Swimming pool

  Marriott Harbour Lake

  7102 Grand Horizons Blvd, 32821; 407 465 6100; www.marriott.com

  Minutes away from SeaWorld®, this hotel offers rooms equipped with DVD players and laundry facilities, as well as suites with full kitchens. There is miniature golf, slide pools, water playground, a pirate ship in the pool, and a pirate-themed kids’ camp.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Family rooms • Swimming pool

  Universal Orlando® & The Orlando Eye

  Resort

  Loews Royal Pacific Resort

  6300 Hollywood Way, 32819; 888 464 3617; www.loewshotels.com/royal-pacific-resort

  With its tropical ambience, this 1,000- room resort has a lagoon pool. It provides free Universal Express℠ passes, and early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  Hotels

  The Enclave suites

  6165 Carrier Dr, 32819; 407 351 1155; www.enclavesuites.com

  Directly across from Universal Studios Florida®, this hotel has suites with separate Scooby Doo-themed rooms, with bunk beds. Watch the Universal fireworks from the balcony.

  $ • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool • Playground

  Sonesta ES Suites Orlando

  8480 International Dr, 32819; 407 352 2400

  Located right next to The Orlando Eye, this great-value hotel offers guests a pool, complimentary break- fast, modern rooms with kitchens, and shuttles to Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Studios Florida®.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Cafe • Lift • Swimming pool • Kitchen facilities • Family rooms

  Hard Rock Hotel

  5800 Universal Blvd, 32819; 407 490 1272; www.hardrockhotelorlando.com

  Right on Universal property, this hotel features a pool with an underwater sound system, and supervised kids’ activities at Camp Lil’ Rock. Some suites have attached themed kids’ rooms. Complimentary water taxi and shuttle buses to the parks.

  $$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, with a view of the pool

  Walt Disney World® Resort

  Resorts

  Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration

  2900 Parkway Blvd, Kissimmee, 34747; 407 396 7000; www.radisson.com

  This chain hotel has lovely, spacious rooms with basic amenities. There are activities for children of ages eight years and above, from a game room to sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts.

  $ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Swimming pool

  Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

  1 Grand Cypress Blvd, 32836; 407 239 1234; grandcypress.hyatt.com
>
  This resort offers everything from standard guestrooms to massive VIP suites. There’s a golf course, a huge lake with watersports, and a vast lagoon pool with slides and waterfalls. Kids’ programs are available too.

  $$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Swimming pool • Beach

  Disney’s art of animation resort

  1850 Century Dr, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 938 7000; disneyworld.disney.go.com

  Choose from Nemo-, Cars-, and Lion King-themed family suites that can sleep up to six people. Playgrounds, a jogging trail, in-room pizza delivery, and free Disney movies are some of the further lures at this Disney resort.

  $$–$$$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  Marriott Orlando World Center Resort

  8701 World Center Dr, 32821; 407 239 4200; www.marriott.com

  The world’s largest Marriott, just outside Walt Disney World® Resort, has 2,000 rooms and suites, six pools, waterslides, a video arcade, and a golf course. There are organized arts and crafts programs, and scavenger hunts for kids.

  $$–$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Family rooms

  Swan and Dolphin Resort

  1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 934 3000 (Swan) & 407 934 4000 (Dolphin); www.swandolphin.com

  Located in Walt Disney World® Resort, these adjoining hotels offer a massive pool grotto, complete with a white-sand beach and waterfalls. The Camp Dolphin club offers programs for kids aged 4 to 12.

  $$–$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool • Beach

  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

  2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 938 3000; disneyworld.disney.go.com

  This beautifully designed Disney resort offers views of wild animals grazing on an extensive savanna. Free Continental breakfast, midday snacks, and evening wine and cheese.

  • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool

  Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort

  9560 Via Encinas, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 800 610 9558; www.wyndhambonnetcreek.com

  This all-suite resort has great lodgings, with kitchens and private balconies. Children can enjoy the Play Days activities program.

  $$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool • Playground • Kitchen facilities • Family rooms

  Hotel

  Best Western Lake Buena Vista

  2000 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 828 2424; www.lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com

  This hotel is within walking distance of Disney Springs® restaurants and shops, as well as the Disney transportation system. Rooms above the sixth floor offer splendid views of the Epcot® fireworks. There is a children's pool and a video game parlor for kids.

  $$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool

  Nickelodeon Hotel

  14500 Continental Gateway, Orlando, 32821; 407 387 5437; www.nickhotel.com

  A Nickelodeon Network-themed hotel featuring Jimmy Neutron and SpongeBob SquarePants at every turn, with an amazing water park, and kids’ suites with bunk beds.

  $$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Family rooms • Swimming pool • Playground

  Camping

  Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

  4510 N Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, 32830; 407 939 7429; disneyworld.disney.go.com

  Bring a tent, drive in with an RV, or rent a rustic but comfortable cabin for a stay in these woods, minutes away from the Disney parks. Attractions include horseback-riding, and nightly marshmallow roasts.

  $–$$$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Swimming pool • Playground

  >>Hotels Map

  < Exploring Florida

  The Space Coast

  Ancient home to Native Americans, this part of Florida is where Spanish explorers first landed on American soil – and from where man’s first voyage to the Moon took off. Today, the area’s highlight is the cutting-edge Kennedy Space Center, from where NASA has launched all its space programs since 1968. Here, visitors get a chance to see the shuttles that orbited in space, and meet the astronauts who manned them.

  The spectacular Saturn V shuttle displayed at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Kennedy Space Center

  Highlights

  Kennedy space center

  Become a virtual astronaut and experience what a journey into outer space feels like at this stellar space center, the only one of its kind (see Kennedy Space Center).

  Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

  Step back in time to the area where Florida’s early inhabitants lived, and where native wildlife thrives today (see Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge).

  Canaveral National Seashore

  Bask in the sun on beautiful, soft white sands that are frequented by migrating sea turtles (see Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge).

  Brevard Zoo

  See animals native to Florida, as well as from lands as far away as Africa and Australia, in this 73-acre (30-ha) zoological park (see Brevard Zoo).

  Cocoa Beach and Pier

  Take a break at this famous resort, with a white-sand beach, and a pier with restaurants and souvenir shops (see Cocoa Beach and Pier).

  Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

  Explore this little gem of a museum with exhibits on everything from 7,000-year-old Native American culture to astronauts (see Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science).

  * * *

  The Best of The Space Coast

  Roseate spoonbills in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

  With beaches located very close to Orlando’s major theme parks, the Space Coast is a great destination for families looking for some sand and sun; lively Cocoa Beach is perfect for surfing and swimming. A visit to the Kennedy Space Center offers the thrill of seeing the shuttles that once journeyed into space and learning about astro-history. For a change of pace, visit the region’s tranquil wildlife preserves, rich with flora and fauna.

  Up in the air and higher

  The biggest attraction for sky-gazing visitors is the Kennedy Space Center. From its beginnings in 1969, the center has been the heart of America’s space program. NASA’s Orion program has picked up after a post-shuttle lull in launches, and commercial companies, such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance, have lit up the Space Coast with rocket launches. The interactive exhibits and motion-simulation rides at the Shuttle Launch Experience, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame® provide comprehensive space information for budding astronauts. See rare items from the Moon missions, including the space suit that Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard wore on the Moon, in the Apollo Treasures Gallery in the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Admirers of all things aeronautic may also want to catch the Tico Air Show at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville in March, where vintage jets and old biplanes fly overhead.

  Fun in the sun

  The beaches around Cocoa, Titusville, and Melbourne are a natural draw for families. Some, such as Cocoa Beach, are lined with resort hotels, restaurants, and bars, and are popular with sun-lovers and surfing fanatics. By contrast, Playalinda Beach, on the Canaveral National Seashore, is protected by the Parks Department from development. Visitors here can enjoy pristine nature not far from high-tech rockets pointed at the stars.

  Florida’s wild side

  Between the Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, there is a large expanse of wild, untamed Florida. Saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands are all found here, and are home to a host of plants and animals, including turtles, manatees, and alligators. Combine all this with the Wild Florida habitat at Brevard Zoo, and families can see hundreds of native animals without having to look far.

  Kayaking past giraffes in a re-creation of their natural habitat in Brevard Zoo, Melbourne

  In a week

  Start with the Kennedy Space Center. Che
ck out the Shuttle Launch Experience first, and then take a guided tour before catching an IMAX® movie. Visit Heroes and Legends (see p144) to virtually experience the dangers of early space flight. The next day, take bathing suits to Playalinda Beach for an undisturbed afternoon in the sun. On the third day, follow the Black Point Wildlife Drive at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, enjoy a picnic lunch under the cypress trees, then take a free walking tour of the lagoon with a guide from the Visitor Center. Next, head to Brevard Zoo to let the kids feed giraffes in the Expedition Africa habitat. An early dinner on the Pier at Cocoa Beach is a good way to wrap up the day. The next day, watch the sunrise over the 24 miles (38 km) of Canaveral National Seashore beach. Stop at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science for a look at prehistoric Florida’s inhabitants and a run around the Imagination Center.