Coming to Orlando Florida for a vacation should be a time for relaxing, getting unstressed from normal day activities and a time for creating memories. Know what to prepare for before you get to Orlando Florida will help you to accomplish this.

Ø Orlando hotels, condos, villas or vacation resort rental accommodations
Ø Traveling with children
Ø Fun in the sun
Ø Safety

Orlando accommodations

There are many choices for you and your family for vacation rental accommodations.

þ Hotels
þ Villas
þ Apartments
þ Condos
þ Townhouses
þ Vacation homes and resorts

You will find these vacation accommodations within close proximity of Disney World, Universal and other area attractions. The basic decisions you need to make our:
1. Where is the hotel, villa or vacation resort rental located?
2. What are the accommodations offering for amenities?
3. Will your hotel, villa or accommodations provide any discounts for theme park attractions, dining, etc.?
4. Is there transportation (shuttles) from your vacation rental accommodations (hotel, villa, etc.) to the major theme parks and area attractions?

Traveling with the children – and having fun!

Orlando loves children! Plain and simple, Orlando Florida welcomes children like no other place in the world. Orlando is, of course, attractive because of Disney (and Mickey Mouse!) but there are plenty of small, child-friendly attractions too. Here are a few hints for making travel plans with you and your children allot less stressful.

1. Pick your vacation accommodations that cater to children:
a. Do they have a pool?
b. Is there a playground?
c. Do they offer activities for children?
2. Choose a child sitting service:
a. Many of the local area Orlando hotels and rental accommodations have contracts with child sitting services.
b. Ask what the rates are per hour and if there is a minimum.
c. Make your reservations at least 24 hours in advance.
3. Create ground rules regarding:
a. Bedtime
b. Souvenirs
c. Treats (remember they will already be hyper from being on vacation in Orlando Florida!)
4. Keep track of your children while at the theme parks and attractions:
a. Put name tags on your children for easy identification.
b. Arrange a meeting place in case of getting separated.
5. Look for ride restrictions while at the theme parks:
a. Don’t waste time in lines where there is minimum height restriction.
b. Check each ride’s descriptions before standing in line. Too scary or too wild may upset younger children and spoil everyone’s day.
6. Take a snack along:
a. The time spent in line will go faster if young children have a quick snack.
b. Also saves you on theme park prices.
7. Find the play areas at the theme parks:
a. Take a break periodically so both you and children can rest from long lines.
b. Ask before you begin your day where the play areas are located.
c. Most play areas have water toys or water-related rides. While you rest, the children cool down and have some fun.
8. Ask about parent-swap rides:
a. Many of the theme parks will let one parent ride the “big people” rides while other parent watches children.
b. Parents then switch without having to wait in line again.

Having fun in the sun – and remaining safe!

Florida is justly called the “Sunshine State”. Before you leave your Orlando hotel, villa or vacation resort rental accommodation, don’t forget to apply the waterproof sunscreen!

þ Florida residents know that the sun is the strongest between 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. although you can still burn before or after those times. If you leave your vacation resort rental accommodation and it is overcast, do not be fooled! Ultraviolet rays can burn through fog or haze.
þ Choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. If you will only be out in the Florida sun for a short outing, choose a SPF of at least 15.
þ This includes the children! Don’t forget your faces too!
þ Florida residents know to make sure the sunscreen is waterproof as Walt Disney World and other area Theme Park Attractions have lots of water rides. So you want a sunscreen that will not easily wash off. Re-apply frequently especially if you are going on allot of water rides at Disney or Theme Park Attractions near or close to Disney. If not water proof, the sunscreen will only protect you for a short term.
þ If you leave your vacation resort rental accommodations without the sunscreen, most Theme Park Attraction gift shops will carry it also. Your Orlando Florida rental accommodations may have it available also.
þ Take a hat with you. A hat with at least a 4” brim will protect the most vulnerable part of your body from the sun – your face! Even if you only wear it during the sun’s strongest time of day, it will help protect you! Florida residents know that any escape from the hot, burning sun is a relief!
þ Waiting in line for high tech rides can be long; so be prepared!
þ Remember – have fun in the sun but don’t sacrifice your skin! You don’t want to miserable at night.
þ DRINK - water, sports drinks, juices and non-carbonated drinks are recommended.
· Drink every 15 to 20 minutes if exerting allot of energy while at the area theme parks. Many vendors will provide water for free if you buy the souvenir cup that they sell. Ask them if they will replenish your water bottle for free.
· Dehydration causes weakness, fatigue and if it continues on, heat stroke as a result of the body’s inability to regulate its temperature. If you feel any of these symptoms, especially after a high tech ride, find a first-aid station at Disney or other Theme Park Attractions for help.

Your trip to Orlando Florida can be fun times in the Florida sun. A few basic tips about traveling before leaving home will ensure a memorable and magical experience. Orlando Florida is the perfect vacation spot for you and your family! Whether you stay in an Orlando hotel, villa or vacation resort rental accommodation, be prepared so you can make the most of your Florida vacation.