Orlando, Florida is a top destination for family travel, and for good reason. Families less interested in cultural experience -- and more in entertaining their children at a plethora of theme parks -- will hardly be disappointed by the array of options in Orlando. Like any vacation destination interested in guests returning year after year, Orlando is constantly changing, with frequent updates, new theme park attractions, renovated hotels, and other travel news. A luxury family travel planner may want to consider Orlando for their next vacation destination; these selected new or updated destination details make a theme park themed upscale trip to Florida enticing.
Orlando Summer Attraction News
- The biggest news coming out of Orlando area theme parks this summer is, of course, the new Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter includes three rides, a realistic Hogsmeade Village, and, of course, Hogwarts Castle. This greatly anticipated attraction will be so popular that long lines are almost a guarantee -- however, the queue line for the Forbidden Journey ride (the one in Hogwarts Castle) is itself so entertaining that guests will be enthralled. The restaurants serve English pub fare mentioned in the Harry Potter series, as well as the famous butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and Hog's Head Brew.
- Also in Universal Studios Orlando, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is one of the most thrilling (read: steep, curvey and fast, not for the faint-hearted) newer rides in Florida. It's tall enough to be easily visible from much of the theme park, including the Islands of Adventure side. The loud, thumping music and audio-visual displays are oriented towards teens and young adults. A family with hard-to-please teenagers should expect those teens to be happy with an upscale Orlando vacation that includes a few turns on the Rip Ride Rockit.
- Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios has the American Idol attraction running, and interested guests of the theme park can experience the "thrill" of auditioning, singing on stage for judges, and other aspects of American Idol. At the end of the day, the participants with the highest scores can go head-to-head in the Grand Finale show.
- Seaworld Orlando is now allowing guests to experience the new "Manta." This is a roller coaster that takes SeaWorld visitors through marine animal habitats. For those SeaWorld guests with less of a need for speed (the roller coaster is not a leisure experience; it reaches up to 60 mph), viewing the attraction itself includes observing shark rays, leopard rays, and spotted eagle rays in the floor-to-ceiling tank exhibit.
Orlando Cultural Attraction News
- For parents getting tired of the theme parks, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art may be a welcome respite. Admission is only $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under, a far cry from theme park prices! This art museum houses the world's largest collection of Tiffany works; the Tiffany collection includes not just the famous glass lamps, but also jewelry, art glass, paintings, and the chapel interior that Louis Comfort Tiffany designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Summer at the Morse Museum of American Art has special art demonstrations (including free activities for kids), and family tours.
- Florida Cultural Tours also provides a nice alternative to the all theme park, all the time ethos of so many Orlando family vacations. Central Florida's cultural and historic attractions are highlighted on these tours, which are customizable for alrger groups (at least 22 people). Day tour packages available this summer include a Gardens and Lakes Tour, the Orlando African American History Tour, a Lakeridge Winery Tour (in Lake Buena Vista), and the Winter Park History Tour. Reservations are needed, and all tours are around four hours long.
Orlando Summer Luxury Hotel News
- Hilton Hotels offers two new upscale properties in the Orlando area, ideal for luxury family vacations with a theme park focus. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando, with almost 500 rooms, is the first to expand the luxury brand name outside of New York City. It has a golf course designed by Rees Jones, high-end signature restaurants familiar to the Waldorf Astoria brand such as Bull & Bear Steakhouse and Oscar's, a beautiful luxurious pool, and the Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain. Nearby, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is double in size, with 1,000 rooms. There is also a gorgeous lagoon-style pool with seating all around, guest privileges at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, and a terrific little kids' program, so parents can make appointments to relax at the spa.
A luxury vacation in Orlando this summer can be a very different experience for families that have vacationed there before. Choosing renovated or refurbished upscale accommodations, checking out new theme park attractions, and investigating another side of Orlando via cultural tours are recommended for a fresh take on the city.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer has years of travel writing experience, spoken at several national conferences, and more. See Jendeavor.com for more details.
