Orlando Archives - My Family Travels
A two-bedroom family suite sleeping 6 at the Endless Summer Dockside Inn, one of Universal Orlando's best options for value lodging.
Article
Budget Family Suites Hotels At Universal Orlando Resort

A few years back we reviewed the budget family suites at Universal Orlando. During a recent stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, we toured them again and found...

Read More    6 min read

The lagoon pool makes a day at the Loew's Royal Pacific Resort just as fun as visiting the themeparks. Photo c. Universal Orlando Resort
Article
Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Your Perfect Universal Orlando Hotel

One of the Loews-managed hotels within Universal Orlando, the

Read More    6 min read

The Hard Rock Hotel has an incredible Gift Shop packed with replica and original rock n'roll memorabilia.
Article
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando Resort

"I love Rock n' Roll" might as well be the refrain at this elegant Orlando outpost of the Hard Rock dining and hotel empire. There's loads of rockstar and kid...

Read More    5 min read

The Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando features
Article
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Univeral Orlando, Florida

The Portofino Bay combines a fantasy Italian world with useful perks from the Universal Orlando themepark for a delightful stay. Like other Loews hotels (

Read More    4 min read

Step into gaming at
Article
Surviving Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

Having survived a night of gleeful terror at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights, I can report that #HHN is a blast. Before you die, take just...

Read More    5 min read

Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
Article
51 Summer Trip Ideas – Plan Your Perfect Family Vacation

It’s time for our annual roundup of the 51 best family summer trip ideas! Wave goodbye to work and school stress, and forget about travel hiccups or economic woes. Right now,...

Read More    44 min read

Girl sitting on float on the sand squirts sunblock from a bottle. Photo c. campus for pixels.
Article
Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas

There's still snow and plenty of sun, so get out and choose your best spring break idea from one of our many affordable family vacation deals for 2025.

Read More    18 min read

Sleep in Luxe TeePee Comfort at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo
Article
Giddyup for Upscale, Cowboy Living at Westgate River Ranch Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo will change everything you thought you knew about central Florida. The self-proclaimed "largest dude ranch East of the Mississippi" is the...

Read More    5 min read

Family studies Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach.
Article
Top Holiday Lights Celebrations Across America

We love holiday lights celebrations — the decorations, evergreens, religious displays and multicultural celebrations that light up cities and towns everywhere from November to...

Read More    14 min read

Guests waiting to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy- Cosmic Rewind ride at Epcot, Disney World.
Article
Disney World Hacks: Tips for a Magical Visit

These Disney World hacks, tips, and tricks, picked up during a whirlwind, two-day visit to Walt Disney World during the July 4th week, guarantee success in any high season.

Read More    9 min read

Light saber lessons with a training remote at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World.
Article
Time Travel Aboard Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Editor's Note: We are sad to say that Walt Disney World's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser space resort closed in September 2023. The...

Read More    2 min read

girl holding pumpkin
Article
Haunted Houses, Halloween Ideas and Weekend Breaks

Wondering if our directory of Halloween ideas will help you get your fright on? Across the country, discover the wide variety of haunted houses for kids and other organized Halloween...

Read More    4 min read

Legoland characters greet visitors to the LEGOLAND Florida theme park where Halloween festivities are the top fall attraction.
Article
Orlando Haunted Houses and Spooky Thrills in Orlando

From as early as August through to early November, Orlando at Halloween is one of the most spooktacular destinations in the country. The country's leading theme park designers...

Read More    4 min read

Mom and two kids float along the lazy river at Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace in Orlando.
Article
Disney Springs Hotels Discount Orlando Rates

Many families don't realize that Disney Springs hotels offer discount Orlando room rates for every vacation period. This summer, they also feature free evening entertainment with...

Read More    5 min read

chlldren's play group
Article
Parent’s Day Out In Orlando

Do you have business and want to bring a child along to have their own day out in Orlando? I would recommend something special so you can work stress-free.

Read More    2 min read

The inside of a Smart Coach car on a Brightline train is a very comfortable yet affordable option for family travelers. Photo c. Brightline
Article
Eco-Friendly Brightline Train Is Florida’s Brightest Idea

Florida's brightest idea is the inter-city, eco-friendly Brightline railway, a high-speed train serving the Atlantic coast tourist corridor. The company marked a milestone in September...

Read More    6 min read

Girl inside a theme park holds up a theme park pass for Universal Orlando resort.
Article
Family Travel in Orlando: Tips and Tricks

Florida has an abundance of family-friendly attractions. In Orlando, your family can enjoy energy-packed adventures or simply unwind together by the pool. We’ll help you navigate...

Read More    4 min read

Family enjoying an illuminated Christmas tree and gardens in Orlando.
Article
Celebrate The Holidays In Orlando For 50 Festive Days

This year, expect 50 days of festivities to mark the holidays in Orlando. Orlando, always a destination with too much to see and do, is unwrapping a full lineup of holiday celebrations....

Read More    3 min read

New paint job on Disney Monorail celebrates the 50th anniversary at the WDW resort.
Article
10 Tips To Get The Most Bang for Your Orlando Buck

Families on a budget heading to Florida's theme park capital should heed these money-saving Orlando tips to get the most bang for their vacation buck. Planning ahead with the help...

Read More    5 min read

Father and daughter hold ballooons in front of Cinderella Castle, decorated for Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary. Photo c. Disney
Article
Walt Disney World Turns 50 And Better Than Ever

Read More    5 min read

A cypress forest during low water on Shingle Creek, Shingle Creek Park in Florida.
Article
Orlando Nature Attractions In Central Florida

Orlando nature attractions surround the theme park capital of the world. Yes... it's true. Florida has a natural side that lets visitors spot a baby alligator or stroll through...

Read More    6 min read

Two women and girl walk across a pedestrian bridge carrying beverages
Article
8 Best Resorts for Same Sex Families

Every family, including same sex families, looks for vacations where everyone feels welcomed. Gay couples with kids, however, have an added dilemma. Same sex parents must choose...

Read More    5 min read

Article
An Orlando Village Gives Kids The World

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Florida that provides a special vacation home for children with life-threatening illnesses...

Read More    3 min read

Article
How to Go to Disney for Free and Score Deep Discounts

According to Walt Disney World's website, there's no such thing...

Read More    3 min read

The “Harmonious” fireworks show at Epcot.
Article
50 Reasons to Visit Disney World at 50

Did you ever think you’d be around to see Disney World at 50? I hadn’t even met my spouse when they opened Walt Disney’s second magical theme park, in Florida, in 1971. In...

Read More    8 min read

The Millennium Falcon is a highlight of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.
Article
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, An Epic Adventure

Give in to the gravitational pull of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World because there’s just no resisting it. Whether or not you’re a Star Wars fan, whether...

Read More    6 min read

Soar with Hagrids Magical Creatures and Motorbike Adventure
Article
Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Universal Orlando in Florida has been thrilling theme park goers for more than 25 years. Now three massive theme parks comprise Universal...

Read More    5 min read

Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Article
The Top Disney World Deluxe Resorts

Wondering which of the deluxe Walt Disney World properties is worth the big bucks? It largely depends on style and location; some are built around the Magic Kingdom, some are adjacent to the other theme...

Read More    8 min read

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Article
Blizzard Beach, Orlando’s Cheap Theme Park

Blizzard Beach, a Disney water park, is one my favorite places to take my sons Wyatt, age 10, and Joseph, age 12, as well as my husband. Done up only as Disney can do, a day at Blizzard Beach is all about...

Read More    2 min read

Article
An Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World

Whether you’re a human or a toy, Walt Disney World in Orlando has designed a vacation all about you, with a little sprinkling of PIXAR dust. For humans, there are fresh attractions in all the parks,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Top 10 Orlando Vacation Attractions

Does Orlando equal Disney World? Not completely -- there are so many different and varied experiences to be had.  Here's information for those seeking even more themepark pleasures at Universal Orlando's...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Why Stay at Disney World Hotels And Resorts?

If touring Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios along with the waterparks Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) is your family's next...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Disney Theme Parks Worldwide Expanding

At the annual fan-con #D23, organized by Disney’s most loyal fans in Tokyo this month, the company’s top executives revealed that characters from Pixar, Marvel and classic Disney franchises would...

Read More    5 min read

Article
3 Reasons to Go to Orlando in May

Lucky you, taking the kids to Orlando in May. Maybe your kids are toddlers, or aren’t in school yet, or you’re homeschooling. Maybe you live in a part of the country where the school...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Stay Together in 2 Rooms at Really Big Orlando Resort

It's always a great time to visit Orlando, and the 200-acre World Center Marriott

Read More    2 min read

Article
Disney World Planning Websites

Oh, the Disney vacation! So many things to do, places to eat, new attractions, characters to meet and shows to see. Everyone has an opinion on their favorite park, ride, or restaurant. It can seem a...

Read More    2 min read

Article
Gathering The Clan, Reunions At Florida’s Disney World Resort

There's no easier way to plan a togethering vacation -- what small family reunions are sometimes called -- than at a Disney theme park with grandparents in tow. Let's look at some recent stats. 

Read More    8 min read

Article
Guide To Orlando’s Disney And Universal Theme Parks By Age

Planning a theme park vacation in Orlando can be overwhelming because so many of the newest attractions come from movies, video games or other familiar media, that each family member may clamor for a different...

Read More    11 min read

Article
Disney World: Money-Saving Tips For Maximizing The Fun

By doing some extensive research and talking to lots of traveling families, the FTF staff has come across several ways to save money on your vacation, with these exclusive Walt Disney World...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Summer Vacations At Disney World

There's magic in the air at the world's favorite themepark: Walt Disney World in Orlando and that magic, plus the aliens...

Read More    12 min read

Article
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Illuminates the Imagination

I have a confession to make. I had never been to Disney’s Animal Kingdom until I stepped through the park gates as dusk approached to check-out their new evening initiatives. I was expecting a pleasant...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Rainy Day Activities in Orlando

Hitting the Orlando theme parks may conjure up images of sunshine and blue skies, but especially in summer, families often encounter an overcast and damp day. You can still enjoy everything from Disney...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Disney World Value Hotels And Camping

Disney World offers accommodations in all price ranges, including newer themed resorts for Disney fans on a budget. And even the least expensive lodging carries certain privileges like early admission...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Disney Themeparks Going Where They Haven’t Gone Before

Wondering what's up and coming for the 2017 season at the Disney theme parks? Whether you're heading to Orlando, Hong Kong or a galaxy far, far away, there's a lot new in store.  Disney's...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Top 10 Orlando Vacation Hotels and Resorts

Where to stay in Orlando?  We offer some suggestions on the Universal Orlando campus, as well as some other fun options (Sponge Bob, anyone?), golf resorts, condo rentals and more for your consideration. 1....

Read More    2 min read

Article
Disney World Moderately Priced Resorts

Disney World Resort has a wide range of hotel, room and villa options priced around $80 on up to $500 or more. But this list reflects a level ranging from moderate to less expensive luxury options. At...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Sea World And Discovery Cove Orlando

On a recent trip to Orlando with the team from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we explored SeaWorld Orlando and her sister marinelife park, Discovery Cove. With Orlando vacation attractions that were...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Canada’s Delta Resorts Come To Orlando, Florida

Having welcomed over 62 million visitors in 2015, central Florida needs lots of beds for them to sleep in. Thanks to a new partnership between the Canadian 

Read More    2 min read

Article
5 Multigenerational Vacation Ideas You Can Afford

Multigenerational travel in all combinations is already enjoyed by 42% of American travelers according to MMGY Global, who are...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Top 10 Disney Vacations – Hotels, Resorts And Cruises

Our Top 10 Disney vacation options allow families to choose from great themepark resorts in Florida and California, a Hawai'i resort hotel, and several cruise ships. We know there's never enough "Disney...

Read More    2 min read