Florida

Holidays by Destination North America USA Florida Theme Parks 

There are books on theme parks in Florida, like A Brit's Guide to Orlando, Florida and Walt Disney World Simon Veness Foulsham, £9.99, now in its 3rd edition. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, Macmillan Co US, £10.99 has been warmly recommended but we have not been able to see a copy. (They also do an Unofficial Guide to Florida with Kids, £10.99). Much slighter is Berlitz Pocket Guide Walt Disney World and Orlando, £4.95.

Small children can turn a day at a theme park into a real endurance test, especially in the crowds and heat of summer. Basic tips are:

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before to get across the huge parking lots for opening time.


• Get a map and walk to the far side of the park and work backwards.


• Pick the rides you definitely don't want to miss and make a plan to fit them in, assuming waiting times per ride of up to one hour.


• Leave shopping till last.


• Use free “pass-outs” so you can leave in the middle of the day for a siesta.


• Pushchairs are generally available free and can make life a lot easier with children whose stamina should not be over-estimated.


• Arrange a potential meeting place in case you get lost. (Uniformed staff will take children to a Lost Kids Area where there is supervision, games and toys.)

Note that entry prices are significant for families and you are not allowed to take your own food. Tickets last only one day but you need to allow at least a day for each of the main parks and one to rest. Tuesdays are apparently busiest, Fridays and Sundays least.

Passes include the Disney 5-Day Park Hopper to four main parks, 7-Day All-in-One Hopper Pass adding the water parks, or 9-Day, even better value. The Orlando FlexTicket covers Universal Studios, Seaworld and Wet ‘n' Wild and a 4-Park Ticket gives 10 days' access with Busch Gardens.

Beware buying more than you need and shop around as prices vary and may be cheaper in Florida. Some Disney passes include elements like a character breakfast, photo session with Mickey, Disney teeshirt, free transport or parking and an hour's start on park opening.