GRAND Magazine - August 2009 - 43

s p ec i a l a dv e rto r i a l s ec t i o n that reminded grandparents of the treehouse of their childhood; Dr. Seuss Suites at Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Orlando Universal Resort and Nickelodeon Family Suites. Vacation home properties, such as those from All Star Vacation Homes, are great for families looking for some extra space. For budget-conscious grandparents, Orlando offers numerous affordable hotels like Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites and Courtyard by Marriott. The Disney World Resort features four value properties including Pop Century Resort, where we’ve stayed twice and loved the giant icons including the yo-yo and Mickey Mouse phone. Savings tools include the free Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard, featuring up to $1,000 in discounts at accommodations, attractions, dining, shopping and entertainment. Orlando has a wealth of value-priced, fun attractions like Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Old Town, all of which we’ve enjoyed. The Official Orlando Visitor center, 8723 International Drive, has counselors who provide personal advice, sell lower-cost accommodations and discounted attraction tickets. Visitors with flexible schedules can save more by traveling during slow periods like September, October and November when hotel rates are lowest. Seasonal promotions are sometimes available, like Orlando Magical Dining Month, offering value fixedprice menus at participating restaurants in September (perfect for a Grandparents Day getaway with the grandkids). The Orlando Arts Getaway features money-saving packages for lodging, events and dining (visit redchairproject.com). When hunger strikes, Orlando has abundant kidfriendly eats we’ve enjoyed, including character meals at Disney resorts and other restaurants. Other favorites Savings tools include the free Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard, featuring up to $1,000 in discounts at accommodations, attractions, dining, shopping and entertainment. include the T-Rex Café at Downtown Disney, NASCAR Sports Grille at Universal CityWalk, and dinner shows like Medieval Times –where Aidan and Julian were mesmerized—Pirates Dinner Adventure, and Arabian Nights. And we’ve had many bond-building experiences at mini-golf courses such as Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf (when we finished 18 holes, Julian wanted to start over again!), water parks, hot-air balloon rides available from Orlando Balloon Rides or Bob’s Balloon Charters, and indoor skydiving for kids of all ages at SkyVenture Orlando. Grandparents and grandkids can search for gators on Boggy Creek Air Boats rides. Other enrichment opportunities include the Orlando Science Center, WonderWorks, Green Meadows Petting Farm, Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County History Center, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Souvenir shopping is easy in theme parks or at The Mall at Millenia, Orlando Premium Outlets and Prime Outlets Orlando. For information, a free vacation planning kit including the Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard, and to enter (from July 1 Oct. 31) to win a free Orlando getaway for six, log on to VisitOrlando.com or call 1-800-551-0181.

http://www.visitorlando.com/ http://www.redchairproject.com/

GRAND Magazine - August 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - August 2009