What to do w/ a 4 year old, & 8 month old? (Orlando: vacation, resort)

[Michelle Boyle]

Hello Everyone,
Just looking for some info on things to do in Orlando. We will be arriving on Saturday, the 19th. We are staying at Orangle Lake Country Club Resort. Just wondering what things to do to get the most out of our vacation w/o spending a fortune on tickets to every park. We would like to do one park. Thinking about Animal Kingdom? My daughter (4) LOVES animals! Would you recommend this park? We also have an 8 month old. How is it getting around with strollers etc. Also, since my Mom is coming with us too, My husband and I will have some "alone" time. What things are there for young couples to do. We like fine dinning. Any good restaurants? My husband is a professional chef, so his standards can be pretty high. Anyhow, any info or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by Michelle Boyle

Hello Everyone,
Just looking for some info on things to do in Orlando. We will be arriving on Saturday, the 19th. We are staying at Orangle Lake Country Club Resort. Just wondering what things to do to get the most out of our vacation w/o spending a fortune on tickets to every park. We would like to do one park. Thinking about Animal Kingdom? My daughter (4) LOVES animals! Would you recommend this park? We also have an 8 month old. How is it getting around with strollers etc. Also, since my Mom is coming with us too, My husband and I will have some "alone" time. What things are there for young couples to do. We like fine dinning. Any good restaurants? My husband is a professional chef, so his standards can be pretty high. Anyhow, any info or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

First question.... Does your daughter like animals MORE than say, the Disney Princesses??? My three year old loves animals too, but would probably pitch a bag of puppies off a bridge to go to Magic Kingdom and see the Princesses instead (okay, maybe not THAT extreme, but you get my point.... Something to think about... ).

Strollers are fairly easy and every ride in Disney parks have stroller parking if you need it. Truth is you're going to be a little restricted on what you can do with an 8-month old either way, but there's two of you so someone can stay with the youngin' while the other takes your older daughter on rides, etc.... (I'm sure you already knew that.. ).

If you do decide on Magic Kingdom instead you can still do animals for a little cheaper at the Sanford Zoo. It's okay and will be sufficient to get the "animal bug" out. Or if you're really adventurous you can try Gatorland, though yes, it's primarily alligators and knowing little girls they tend to like cute fuzzy animals...

As far as things for young adults to do there are literally good restaurants everywhere, just depends what you're in the mood for....

[Prichard]

Animal Kingdom is better for older kids. Small kids can't go on some of the rides. Also, there are very few air conditioned exhibits, shows, rides, etc, and it's starting to get pretty warm here. I had a struggle with my 3 year old when I took here there.

The Magic Kingdom is best for smaller kids. Also, I think Sea World is better than Animal Kingdom, even for smaller kids.

Orlando has some fantastic restaurants, so many good ones that I wouldn't know where to start. There are even some excelent ones in the more touristy areas, not to mention good ones off the beaten path where the locals go. Just depends upon what you like to eat. Personally, I like Le Coq A Vin, Texas De Brazil, Linda's La Cantina, Hemingways... I don't know if any of these are "fine dining", but they do have good food.

Places to go out would be Universal City Walk, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, Winter Park - Park Avenue, possibly Downtown Orlando - depending on what you like.

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by Prichard

Linda's La Cantina.

Great call on Linda's.... I thought about mentioning it but thought it might be too far from where they were staying...

Goes down as the best fillet I've ever had.....

[cmj_fla]

Our favorite place to go (I have a 6,5 and 2 year old and we have been to it all) is Blizzard Beach. It is so much fun and you still get that "Disney magic" feeling and get to see the characters also. There is a great area for little ones - even your 8 month old can get in the water and have fun! Also, you may want to check out Green Meadows Petting Farm here in Kissimmee - my little ones love it! The get to ride a pony, pet all the animals and even milk a cow. Good luck and have fun!

[Michelle Boyle]

Originally Posted by VAFury

First question.... Does your daughter like animals MORE than say, the Disney Princesses??? My three year old loves animals too, but would probably pitch a bag of puppies off a bridge to go to Magic Kingdom and see the Princesses instead (okay, maybe not THAT extreme, but you get my point.... Something to think about... ).

Strollers are fairly easy and every ride in Disney parks have stroller parking if you need it. Truth is you're going to be a little restricted on what you can do with an 8-month old either way, but there's two of you so someone can stay with the youngin' while the other takes your older daughter on rides, etc.... (I'm sure you already knew that.. ).

If you do decide on Magic Kingdom instead you can still do animals for a little cheaper at the Sanford Zoo. It's okay and will be sufficient to get the "animal bug" out. Or if you're really adventurous you can try Gatorland, though yes, it's primarily alligators and knowing little girls they tend to like cute fuzzy animals...

As far as things for young adults to do there are literally good restaurants everywhere, just depends what you're in the mood for....

Actually, my daughter would pitch a bag of puppies at the Disney Princess. And she loves alligators, and Tigers the most. We are going to this place about 30 miles south of Orlando, that has a bunch of tigers, leopards, etc. I can't think of the name of it. But anyhow, you get my drift. There is nothing girly girl about her. Thanks for the tips!

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by Michelle Boyle

Actually, my daughter would pitch a bag of puppies at the Disney Princess. And she loves alligators, and Tigers the most. We are going to this place about 30 miles south of Orlando, that has a bunch of tigers, leopards, etc. I can't think of the name of it. But anyhow, you get my drift. There is nothing girly girl about her. Thanks for the tips!

Just making sure.... Definately recommend Gatorland then...

Have fun..