Single Parenting and Vacations

    The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., is one of the top vacation destinations in America, and with good reason. Here, you’ll find four major theme parks, more than 32 world-class resort hotels, multiple water parks, a state-of-the-art sports complex, more than 100 restaurants, shopping, daytime and nighttime activities, nightclubs, multiple day spas, plus countless other outdoor recreational activities for people of all ages – all located on the WDW Resort property, which encompasses more than 47 square miles.            

Orlando is a great place to visit anytime of year. According to the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, in 2006 alone, more than 34.5 million people vacationed here. During Spring Break, school vacations, the winter holidays, and throughout June and July, expect crowds. It’ll be necessary to book your airfares, hotel and rental car well in advance for get the best rates during these times.            

What not everyone realizes, is that the Orlando area offers a lot more than just the WDW Resort, including many other theme parks and attractions. If you’ll be traveling to Orlando alone, you’re a single parent visiting with your kids, or you’ll be vacationing with fellow adults, there are literally hundreds of fun and exciting (age-appropriate) activities to experience in and around the Orlando area, but you’ll need a rental car to get to them.  


UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT              

The Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios Hollywood, a large theme park containing thrill rides, family-friendly rides, shows and attractions based on popular movies and television shows. Shrek 4-D, Men In Black: Alien Attack, Terminator 2: 3D, Jaws, Twister…Ride It Out, Fear Factor Live, Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, Disaster, and a new movie ride based on The Simpsons are just a sampling of what you’ll find here.            

Starting in 2009, guests will be able to visit the world of Harry Potter through a series of rides and interactive attractions. “Over the years we’ve received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories,” said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling’s books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films.”            

It’s easy to spend at least one full day experiencing Universal Studios Orlando. A second full day can be spent at Islands of Adventure, an adjoining, but totally separate theme park which is comprised of additional rides, shows and attractions.            

Just some of the more popular rides, shows and attractions within Islands of Adventure are: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Dueling Dragons roller coasters. There’s also an entire area just for kids based on Dr. Seuss books. 

Located in between Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure is Universal CityWalk, a shopping, dining and entertainment area. In addition to numerous themed restaurants, you’ll find several nightclubs (for adults only), a 20-screen AMC movie theater, plus a custom-built theater which is the home to Blue Man Group.

Several themed hotels can also be found within the Universal Orlando Resort complex. “Universal Orlando Resort is a great family destination. Our on-site Loews Hotels guests always receive complimentary Universal Express ride access, which allows them to skip the regular lines at both Universal Orlando theme parks,” said Vince LaRuffa, Vice President of Resort Sales and Marketing for Universal Orlando Resort.