Package Deals Can Help You Get More Out of Your Orlando Vacation
Orlando, Florida, is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for families, and for good reason. The city enjoys year-round warm weather and is home to several fun, family-friendly attractions that have a lot to offer to adults and kids of all ages. From the Kennedy Space Center in nearby Cape Canaveral — a definite must-see for science buffs — to SeaWorld Orlando’s marine-themed adventures, Universal Orlando’s movie-centric rides and exhibits, and the city’s four Disney parks, including the Magic Kingdom, the theme park that first put Orlando on the map in 1971, the city seems to have it all.
But with so many attractions and things to do in Orlando, it can be hard to choose what to spend your time doing. Due to this, most families have limited budgets and vacation time, actually planning a family vacation to Orlando can seem like a big task. How do you choose which theme parks to visit and for how long? And how do you know if you’re spending your vacation dollars wisely, or if you’re getting the most out of the precious few days you and your family have to spend together without worrying about real-life responsibilities?
But with so many attractions to choose from, and because most families have limited budgets and vacation time, actually planning a family vacation to Orlando can seem like a big task. How do you choose which theme parks to visit and for how long? And how do you know if you’re spending your vacation dollars wisely, or if you’re getting the most out of the precious few days you and your family have to spend together without worrying about real-life responsibilities?
Think about booking a vacation package.
You could spend weeks poring over guide books and reading reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, but in many cases the work has already been done for you. Vacation packages, like the ones offered by Westgate Resorts in Orlando, can make planning a fun Orlando family vacation easier as well as save you some money.
Vacation packages can include everything from airfare and ground transportation to and from the airport, to resort accommodations, amenities, and meals; car rentals; theme park tickets and parking; and nighttime activities like admission to performances and nightclubs.
Most often, packages can be customized, allowing you to choose where you want to stay, the number of days you want to be there, and what theme parks you want to visit. With many packages, theme park admission is flexible, allowing you to choose which days you want to visit which parks, so you can also allow time for other Florida family activities such as a trip to a water park, a wild airboat ride, or a visit to one of the region’s alligator-themed attractions.
Orlando vacation packages are generally priced on a per person basis and can be booked through a travel agent, resort, theme park or airline, as well as by using travel websites such as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com or Kayak.com. In some cases, packages can also be purchased through the region’s tourism offices, such as at OrlandoVacation.com
Be sure to do your homework before you buy.
With Orlando being such a popular destination, the types of vacation package deals available can seem almost endless.
Before you book a package, it’s a good idea to do a bit of shopping around and some rough math to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Gather information on a few different types of packages to see which ones best suit your family’s interests and vacation style, and make sure you won’t be paying for features that you won’t use. Then try pricing out what all the packages’ inclusions would cost if you purchased them separately.
Remember, too, that in some cases cost is not the only important factor, especially if your vacation time is limited. If a package includes options that can save you a lot of time, or save you the hassle of having to wait in line for theme park rides, it might be worthwhile to purchase it even if it costs you a bit more than a comparable vacation would if you paid for everything separately.
Things to know before you go.
If you’ve never been to Orlando or to Florida, it’s a good idea to read up on what to expect before your vacation starts. While most people know all about the area’s Disney theme parks, they often miss some of the other great things that the region has to offer.
The weather in Orlando tends to be hot and humid for most of the year, so following some basic guidelines about the type of clothing to pack (think cool, comfortable clothes and shoes for walking around at theme parks, beachwear and flip-flops, and a few nicer things for evenings on the town) can also make your stay more enjoyable.
Relax and Have Fun.
Whatever Orlando vacation package you choose, the most important thing to remember is to relax, have fun and enjoy the time you have with your family. Most Americans only get to enjoy one vacation a year, so be sure to get the most out of yours. Want more travel planning tips? Check out 10 Tips for Staying in an All Inclusive Resort!