We Have 1 Spare Day in Orlando. What Should We Do?

Having gone to Florida for the last 3 years, I can't fathom a trip there without at least 1 beach day. Cocoa Beach is just 45-60min from Orlando (depending on which end of Orlando you're staying in), and I think it's well worth it. You just pack lunches, suits & towels & such and play all day. On the hour drive back, the kids will be fast asleep I promise!

But if it's just too much hassle, I totally agree with the others that suggested a day of hanging by the pool. We always do 1-2 days at a park (Universal, Sea World & Busch Gardens in Tampa last year), then a few days at the beach. Vacation should def allow for a little down time, though it's so tempting to want to jam in all kinds of excursions.

Whatever you decide, you'll have memories to last forever!

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I have loved going to Gatorland in Orlando since I was a child. It is incredible and the shows are fascinating. However, keep in mind that 3 days at the Disney Parks may not be enough. The Magic Kingdom can take 2 days in itself to see it all. But there is also Sea World and Universal Studios. You may want to keep that 4th day flexible and decide how to use it at the end of the 3rd day.

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Renting a car and driving to Cocoa Beach is well worth the drive. We spent the day just relaxing at the beach, a little shopping at Ron Jons and a bite to eat. Very easy drive and very relaxing day. Just a warning: If you are not used to ocean front swimming, do not let your children out far, the tide takes them upbeach or downbeach,the kids (teenagers) don't even notice it, yours are young enough that you wouldn't let them leave your side anyway. We really enjoyed ourselves and it was a nice ending to our vacation.

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Not sure what you should do in Orlando.....maybe Sea World??? I have only ever been to the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida. Which is beautiful by the way! We are head there for a weeks vacation starting this weekend. To answer your DVD player question....we always take ours for our kids to use and they hear just fine with headphones. I suppose you could use it without headphones, but it is kind of a disturbance to the people around you (if they are seated right next to your daughter).

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While we were there, we drove to Homosassa Springs and swam with the manatees. It was an awesome experience and something a lot of people do not do. The manatees were so friendly and just wanted their bellies rubbed. It was only $45 per person which included at least an hour in the water, wet suits, snorkling gear, boat ride, and hot chocolate. It was an hour drive but very much worth it.

Here is a website with some info
http://www.swimwithmanatees.com/

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When we were there last year (with a one year old), we went to Green Meadow's farm. It's a petting zoo that has walking tours and lots of animals to touch and hold. There are coupons (we found a BOGO) in the various fliers around town. Fairly close to Disney (we stayed at the Gaylord Palms hotel and it was about a 5-10 min drive for us).

http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com/rates_times.html

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I would go to Disney for a few days and then use your free day to relax and do nothing but sit by the pool and RELAX! Then go back to Disney one more time then you'd be getting a much needed break in your days spend at Disney.

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Hey M.,

There is a place somewhere in or near Orlando called, 'Downtown Disney'. My inlaws are snowbirds in FL and told me of it last year. I think its either free of really cheap to get in. They have lots of stuff for the whole family to do. I think they have a huge Lego park. Do a search online if you have time before your trip. I am planning on taking my kids there on our next trip.

Have a fun time.

S.

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I agree that you should use that day to relax. Don't have anything scheduled. Just enjoy hanging around the pools. Your 3 days at the parks will be go go go, so I would recommend putting a free day in the middle.

You really need to have head phones on the plane. It would be rude to the other passengers not to use them. Buy some inexpensive ones at Target. For comfort my kids like the ones with the larger foam circles that sit over the ears, not the ones that fit in the ear. I think they were about $10.

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Gatorland is a great experience, also the sanford zoo has a zipline- obstacle course that is great. You can do that without going to the zoo part (not the best zoo). The zipline has one for older kids & adults & also one for younger kids. My six year old daughter loved it. It is reasonably priced, you can google the sanford zoo for more info.

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Don't plan anything for the kids. At that age, Disney can be overwhelming. Just have a day at the pool (every hotel in Orlando has a pool). They will have fun and it won't be stressful for anyone. In fact, I suggest the "off" day be in the middle of the trip. Two days at Disney, off day, one day at Disney.

For the adults, why don't they go to the Kennedy Space Center? That is a cool grown up thing to do that the little ones might not appreciate.

DO NOT bring a portable DVD player without earphones. they won't let you use it and it is incredibly rude to the other passengers. Earphones can be bought quite reasonably at target. Invest in two plus a splitter so both kids can watch at once. Or, bring an iPod/Phone and load it with movies. A laptop. My experience is been that you cannot overpack items for little kids to play on the plane. Expect delays and plan accordingly with food, entertainment, clothes, etc.

Have a great trip

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Protable DVD players can be a life saver... I have a 3 & 6 year old. Radio Shack has head phones that fit both kids & are reasonably priced. We ALWAYS bring a DVD player along. They choose the movies to bring. I bought a 12 disc case to bring with. We took a cruise in Dec 09 and the plane trip went smoothly with the players. (Airport security requires you to open the player case for scanning reasons. FYI) Well worth the hassel IMHO. We travel alot with the kids. Make sure to have plenty of batteries or power cord with rechargable capabilities. For trips we have the KIDS BAG. We include a snack bag, and a "to-do" bag that the kids contribute to: coloring & reading books, Leapster for the older child. (I add a Baby Einstien dvd for the 3 yr old) Without headphones the plane is too noisy for the older child to hear and can disrupt other passengers with the volume needed. The younger doesn't mind that she can't always hear... The expense of purchasing 2 dvd players (or one to share) is well worth the $$$$.

Me: Mom to 2 on Earth, 6 in Heaven and ONE GREAT HUSBAND

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When we were in Orlando - we went to the Disney Shopping Area - I can't think of the exact name or location - but it was outdoors. It had statues of all the characters, perfect for pictures - outside stores, a movie theater, merry go round, train rides, lego statues and much more. The kids LOVED it. You can get some shopping done if you want. It was very laid back and not nearly as busy as the parks - and best of all - it was free to get in. I don't remember if we had to pay anything for the little rides - but if so - it was very inexpensive.

The beach was probably our favorite day. The kids loved the ocean and we went to Ron Jon Surf Shop and they loved that too. It was so worth the drive.

Regarding the DVD player - we found an amplifier at Radio Shack. You plug it into your laptop or DVD player and it is much easier to hear with the earphones. This may be a lifesaver for you on the plane - I would recommend bringing the DVD player if you can find one to borrow.

Have a GREAT time!

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I agree with spending one day at a hotel pool, relaxing. Disney is very fun but can be exhausting.

Also, you would need headphones for your DVD player on the airplane. (You can use any headphones.) But, to use it without headphones wouldn't be very considerate to others on the airplane. (The airplane actually does get very quiet during a flight and the sound will carry.) With headphones, it will work just fine. We take ours on the airplane frequently. (Just be prepared to pull it out of your bag ...much like a laptop computer...when going through security.)

Have a wonderful vacation!

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Go to Sea World. The shows are amazing, and it's worth every penny. You can just go online to see how much it costs. We have relatives in Orlando, and this is where we end up every year it's so fun for adults and kids alike!

We bring a DVD on the plane every year, and ours you can hear, and we don't leave home without it! And we're just one of many that do! :)

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We visited the Titanic-The Experience when we were last in Orlando a few years ago. Kids were 10 and 3 and both enjoyed it. http://www.titanictheexperience.com/
I also agree with a relaxing day at the pool with maybe a quick side trip.

Regarding the dvd player... they're really nice to have. They can make a long trip seem shorter to children- and adults. I think you should definitely invest in some earphones (not earbuds- they are worse for young ears, I've heard). I don't think it's considerate to play anything audible to others in a confined space.

Have a great time!

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We spent a day at Sea World in Orlando. I thought it was a little overpriced (especially the food), but we did have fun (3 adults).

We have taken a DVD player on the plane. It is a little bit harder to get through security because you have to take it out of your bag like you do a laptop. Our daughter didn't have any trouble hearing without earphones or at least didn't complain that she couldn't hear. Just be sure you have a player that has a rechargable battery. We had to replace replace ours and didn't realize until the night before the trip that the player had to be plugged in. I don't think the new security issues will affect the use of a DVD player but you might want to check with your airline.

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I love Sea World! It does have attraction rides however I loved it before those came. The shows and sea life animals are great and it is just an all around interesting and fun place. Sorry, I don't remember the cost.
I also think the beach is well worth it. It may just be the relaxation you need after 3 days at Disney. Just the gas and maybe parking is the only cost. Great for all ages. Sun, sand castles, shells, swimming, floating etc. Chances are you will see dolphins - we have every time we have been. Also there are usually different activities available if you want (some can be pricey so try bargaining if it is something you want to do) jet ski rental, water bike rental, para sailing, etc.
If it were me I would pick the beach. I have great videos from when my kids were there as toddlers and they loved it. The shells, waves and birds were so facinating to them.
Enjoy!!

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