For those that have been to Orlando....

[isuno1fan]

My wife, myself, and our 5 year old daughter will be vacationing in Orlando in early June. We already have our accomodations (no suggestions needed), but I was wondering what everyone else thinks are the best places to visit?

I have tickets already for Sea World and we will definitely go to the Magic Kingdom park, but what else should we do given my daughter's age?

Disney has 3 other parks, there is Universal Studios (but I'm not sure how much a 5 year old will enjoy that). Lots of water parks, etc, but I am looking for other things that may not be so mainstream.

Appreciate any ideas....Thanks!

 

[SpokaneCY]

The space center(s) are a can't miss although I'm not sure how cool that is for a 5 yr old. Little over an hour away.

 

[isuno1fan]

I thought about those, but would like to know more. Do they have tours or what?

 

[DMBclone]

You can get a tour if you wanted here is a website with more information

NASA - Tour Kennedy

 

[ColoradoClone]

Yeah, they have tours. You can take a bus onto the base and see the VAB where they mate the shuttle to the boosters. They also have a museum that houses a Saturn V, which gives you a good feel for the size of that rocket.

I don't see the excitement or interest in the space center tours, but it may be because I go there for work and can't see the fun in it anymore.

Depending on the weekend in June, you may be able to see an Atlas V or a Delta 2 launch. The dates of each will slip a little but right now they're targeting a few launches around that time frame. You may get lucky.

 

[isuno1fan]

What about something like an alligator farm? Anyone check one of those out?

 

[Mrs.ISUFan22]

Not sure if you are getting a rental car or not but we've heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is fun. They also have a couple water parks that are fun down there if she likes to swim, I think the one I went to was Wet n Wild in Orlando.

Mrs.

 

[CYKXBUT]

You could spend two days at the Magic Kingdom easy. Don't forget the Animal Kingdom (and the Rainforest Cafe located at the Animal Kingdom).

 

[cloneu]

Not sure if you are getting a rental car or not but we've heard that Busch Gardens in Tampa is fun. They also have a couple water parks that are fun down there if she likes to swim, I think the one I went to was Wet n Wild in Orlando.

Mrs.

Busch Gardens is great, but like Universal may not be the place for a 5 year old. Lots of roller coasters and what not.

 

[zumbro clones]

My younger kids loved Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios and Epcot (in that order). If your daughter likes Disney movies or Disney Channel TV she'll love MGM and all the shows there for younger kids. See the fireworks display at Epcot at closing time. Take the boat ride after dark from Disney Boardwalk (ESPNZone for Dad!) to Epcot. Blizzard Beach is a great waterpark for kids -- just remember sunscreen and sandals. Magic Kingdom was not as interesting for them since it is more of a typical amusement park. See the parades with all the Disney characters -- preferably from the comfort of a pre-chosen restaurant table outside with a cold beverage so you don't have to fight for a spot.

Another option is to head to Cocoa Beach (by Cape Kennedy Space Center). Lots of beaches and space to play. The Space Center may be a little boring for a 5 year old.

Universal Studios is fun too, but may not be as appealing for a 5 year old compared to Disney.

Have fun!

 

[zumbro clones]

I've been to some of the alligator farms and found that the kids liked Animal Kingdom better. More to do for the kids and parents.

 

[jumbopackage]

I've been to O-town a few times, but never to any of the big theme parks. I despise flying down there simply because the airport experience and flights in and out are chock full of loud, whiny kids.

At any rate, the space center is on my list, but I don't know how a 5 year old would take to it. Most of the rest of my advice would be centered around places to drink, so I doubt that will be much help to you

 

[cyfanatic]

I hit NASA last spring and am not in a hurry to get back. It is cool...but very pricey! I would suggest spending a day at Cocoa Beach. Just south of the NASA site.

 

[isufbcurt]

Isn't Daytona close to Orlando?

 

[zumbro clones]

If you're staying on Disney property you can ride the shuttles to all of the Disney areas. I wouldn't recommend driving and trying to park everytime you want to go somewhere new.

You can get the Disney passes that allow you to go to any Disney park. Makes it a lot easier to "wing it", especially with a young child. Head to a water park when it's hot and head to the shows when it cools down.

 

[isuno1fan]

We planned a day at the ocean. Is Cocoa Beach the best spot?

 

[isuno1fan]

I only want to spend at most 2 days in the Disney parks. I know we are doing Magic Kingdom. Debating between MGM and Animal Kingdom for the other day. Leaning toward Animal Kingdom though.

 

[cybsball20]

My wife says I act like a five year old... I think anything in Orlando can be fun for a five year old, even Universal has Nickelodean Studios. If you are staying on the Disney Compound I wouldn't bother leaving though, there is plenty to do. Take advantage of their babysitting service and go to Pleasure Island one night too!

 

[ColoradoClone]

We planned a day at the ocean. Is Cocoa Beach the best spot?

Cocoa is probably the closest nice beach. It's small and should be pretty quiet in June. I definitely like it better than Daytona.

 

[CyPlainsDrifter]

Without a doubt you need to go to Animal Kingdom. You 5-YO will love it and you will too. I would bypass the alligator farms. JMO.

I would say.....

Sea World
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom (call now and see if you can reserve a "Character Breakfast" at the AK)
beach (not Daytona -- New Smyrna for a family)
Blizzard Beach