Family fun is what it is all about in the International Drive Resort Area! And there is always something new for families to explore.

 

Even the parents get to be a kid again! Visit the attractions with the kids and then check into a spa, play a round of golf, have a relaxing dinner or an evening of entertainment. For an endless choice of activities, visit www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

 

Six of the world’s most famous theme parks are conveniently located here: SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica-SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Wet 'n Wild, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Plus 17 attractions, two mega entertainment complexes, three stadium-style cinemas, more than 150 restaurants, at least 550 shops and outlets to keep you busy…and it is all easily accessible on the convenient and fun I-Ride Trolley Service!

 

At the world’s most popular tourist destination, there are endless activities for every member of the family. Spa treatments, golfing, the latest thrill rides, dining and non-stop entertainment. Tweens and teens are not forgotten with non-stop entertainment tailored to their tastes. Many hotels and resorts have day programs for the younger visitors.

 

CSI: The Experience has opened a new Orlando location of the popular attraction on International Drive. CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests play the role of crime scene investigators and solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crime-scene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs. The exhibit is planned to run in Orlando through the end of the year.

 

 

At SeaWorld Orlando 

At Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark, experience Omaka Rocka, an all-new water thrill ride featuring high-speed tubes and half-pipe funnels that'll have the kids splashing and sliding frontward and backward, and climbing the walls.  Also, Manata, a new flying coaster, swoops over sea and sky, with underwater animal habitats, then thrills with a face-down, one-of-a-kind roller coaster experience. 

 

Universal Studios Florida

Now open, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal's Islands of Adventure® provides the whole family with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. Universal also unveiled Hollywood Rip Ride RockitSM, a new high-tech, multi-sensory roller coaster. On this adrenaline-filled thrill ride, you can create your own unique roller coaster with soundtrack, lighting and special effects.

 

Coco Key Water Resort

Located in the hub of I-Drive’s action, the CoCo Key Orlando Hotel and Water Resort is an adventure with 391 newly renovated guest rooms, tropical garden pool, thrill ride and multiple water slides the new property offers nonstop family fun.

 

Also at Universal…Shrek and his crew take families on a wild adventure in Shrek 4-D. Meanwhile, there is more film-based fantasy in Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster is a wild ride for coaster novices and it’s a free-for-all with sponge-ball cannons and lots of water at the Curious George Goes to Town play area. Kids take aim at weird and wacky extraterrestrials at Men in Black: Alien Attack (height requirement: 42”)

 

SeaWorld Orlando - Kids enjoy six rides at Shamu’s Happy Harbor play area including a Shamu-themed roller coaster and Sea Carousel. “Blue Horizons” entertains kids with breathtaking stunts from acrobats, dolphins, false killer whales and exotic birds. And Shamu, the killer whale, shows off his grace and agility in the show, “Believe.”

 

Discovery Cove – Who doesn’t love dolphins? At this all-inclusive, reservations only tropical island oasis, kids and their parents interact with and learn about dolphins, as well as snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, hand-feeding exotic birds and sun bathing on a white sand beach. A delicious meal is also included in admission.

 

WonderWorks – Science was never this much fun in school! Families voluntarily sit through an earthquake, ride a virtual glider above the Grand Canyon and play a keyboard with their feet. LazerWorks on the third floor offers super-sized laser-tag fun. Families enjoy the all-you-can eat pizza at the The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, which is presented twice each evening.

 

Pirates Dinner Adventure – This pirate-themed dinner and show includes sword-play, aerial artistry and dynamic duels blend with comedy and romance to create a memorable evening for the whole family. Fun Spot Action Park – Bumper cars and boats, arcade games and parent-driven go-karts keep the action flowing in an indoor-outdoor fair-like atmosphere. Eight-year-olds who are 50 inches or taller can even drive their own go-kart on the beginner track. Also try its sister park, Fun Spot USA or Magical Midway.

 

Putting Edge Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Festival Bay – Miniature golf is a whole new experience at this indoor putt-putt arena, where psychedelic neon landscapes light the way and pumping tunes set the mood for fun.

 

 

It’s a sleepover for the entire family. Beginning at 6 p.m. and going through 9 a.m. the next morning, the family will spend the night near an animal habitat: manatee, dolphin, beluga whales and more! Pizza, dinner, fun activities and continental breakfast. This is a sleepover to remember. For details on this sand other family fun, call 1-866-4SW-CAMP or visit:

 

http://www.swbg-animals.org/adventure-camps/swf/sleepover/camps/family.htm

 

Checkout these fun-filled family activities that will provide lifetime memories!

 

Many resorts have programs for kids. A sampling includes:

 

Kids Swamp Camp at Rosen Shingle Creek offers youth friendly supervised activities including computer games, group games, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts and much more while Mom and Dad enjoy a quiet night out. Campers must be between the ages of 4-14. Hours are 5-11 p.m. on Thursdays and 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made by calling 407-996-9939.

 

At Hilton Grand Vacation Club on International Drive and at Hilton Grand Vacation Club at SeaWorld, it is all about kids and teens with a weekly activities schedule that is filled with fun. Supervised recreation programs at both properties provide nonstop action for the 5-12 age group and programs for teens ages 13-19. Kid’s Night out and Teen Night Out programs take the kids off property to local attractions. Dive In movies take place once each week. New schedules are posted weekly and special activities take place for all major holidays!

 

At Camp ‘Lil Rock at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, kids ages 4-14 can take a break from the grown-ups in a contemporary clubhouse featuring a big screen TV, an outside play area and a host of activities including karaoke, electric keyboard, arts and crafts, board games, video games, movies, computers and more in a safe and monitored environment. Cost is $12 per hour, per child and dinner is available for an additional $12. Program is offered from 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Advance registration is recommended, but not required and can be made by calling 407-503-2236.

 

Campo Portofino at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is decorated with a nautical beach theme. It features ping pong, arts and crafts, board games, watercolor paints, computers, TV with PlayStation2 and many other activities. It also features an outdoor recreation area where kids can build sandcastles on the sandy beach or race remote-controlled boats in the Villa Pool. Cost is $12 per hour, per child ages 4-14 and dinner is available for an additional $12. Program is offered from 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Advance registration is recommended, but not required, and can be made by calling 407-503-1200.

 

The Mariner’s Club is decorated with a South Pacific theme to reflect the nature of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. The camp offers ping pong, foosball, arts and crafts, computers, videogames, movies, board games and more. Cost is $12 per hour, per child ages 4-14 and dinner is available for an additional $12. Program is offered from 5-11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Advance registration is recommended, but not required and can be made by calling 407-503-3235.

  

When planning a family vacation to Orlando be sure to ask about:

 

I-Drive Official Visitors Guide: With map, Trolley information and more than $500 in coupons. Call toll free at 866-243-7483 or visit www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

 

Transportation: Take the I-Ride Trolley Service: It's the exclusive transportation mode for the International Drive Resort Area. Service operates 14 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. And with the increasing price of gas and other rising costs of travel, taking the Trolley will save families dollars while traveling around the I-Drive Resort area.

 

Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, $0.25 per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (14-day pass, $17.00 per person).

 

Check out “hot deals” on this web site. Area accommodations, attractions and restaurants list their current hot deals at www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

 

Ask about special room rates. When calling a hotel for reservations, ask about the property’s “best” rates for the season, AARP, AAA.

 

Family dining without going broke. It can be done! Have the largest meal at lunch. Prices are less. Then go light on dinner. Check for coupons that allow kids to eat free, two for one meals and other deals. When looking for a restaurant, ask about special offers that might be available. More: When booking your hotel, select one that offers free breakfast. Have a hearty start to the day, snack for lunch and use a coupon for dinner. Make sure the room has a refrigerator for storing drinks and snacks! Tip: Check out a meal at the world’s largest McDonald’s PlayPlace! Yes, the largest in the world. It’s an attraction in itself!

 

Tickets: Be sure to ask about special tours/prices and programs for kids at all attractions.

 

For information on planning a family vacation in the International Drive Resort Area, visit www.internationaldriveorlando.com. For information on the I-Ride Trolley and downloadable maps, visit www.IRideTrolley.com.

04/2012