Eight Last Minute Orlando Vacations to Make this Summer Memorable

For many states the clock is steadily ticking down to where our youth will have to return back to school, and since the summer heat is making it miserable for many throughout our the Northern states now may be a great time to pack up the family and head off on a short summer getaway in Orlando. As we’ve mentioned several times in the past, there are so many desperate businesses within the tourism industry right now that going on vacation has not been this affordable in decades, and Coupon Shack searches around the clock to bring you the best of the best when it comes to discounted travel. Here are eight last minute Orlando vacation ideas that the family will love, and for a limited time they can all be grouped together into one package deal that could be considered a literal steal.

1. Disney World
   There are few places left on Earth that can be referred to as “magical” and Disney World is definitely one of them. If you have never been to the Magic Kingdom or you’re ready for another wonderful adventure, Travelocity is offering steep package discounts to Disney World that include flight, rental car, admission tickets, and hotel rooms all combined into one drastically low price. While staying inside the park is great because it gives you access to the monorail that travels to and from each of the parks, almost every hotel within the local area offers free shuttle service. The area restaurants are also struggling during this weakened economy, so it is also entirely possible to eat out nightly for what you’d spend on cooking. There is literally a month’s worth of entertainment once inside the Magic Kingdom, so take your time while experiencing the world’s greatest theme park.
2. Epcot
   While many would think that Epcot is more of an adult’s type of park, there is actually enough variety to keep the entire family not wanting to leave with a host of different activities. From fast roller coasters and interactive adventures to authentic food from around the world, there is something for everyone and every visit is unique. Although most of the attractions are centered around educational experiences, Epcot is a favorite Orlando destination because of the sheer size of the park and the cultural diversity found within it. The best news is that your weekly Disney pass gains you admission to each of their attractions, so there is absolutely no additional cost for visiting this massive theme park.
3. Downtown Disney
   This is an area of local storefronts and restaurants that simply wouldn’t fit into the Magic Kingdom, and it turned out to be a fantastic idea because no admission is required for any of the festivities. It is the perfect extension of Disney World because the bright lights and colors are a fantastic experience at night, and the area includes many of the top national chain restaurants for your dining pleasure. The kids will love it because of the magical atmosphere, and it is also a popular place for adults to relax once the little ones go to bed. Although you may not book your vacation to attend Downtown Disney, there is absolutely no reason not to check it out once in Orlando.
4. Medieval Times
   While this is only one of two non-Disney attractions on the list, this famous destination may be one of the most fantastic overall experiences available in the Orlando area. Once you step inside this dinner and a show type event, you will almost instantly be swept back to the times of Camelot with hundreds of employees dressed to fit the role and well versed in medieval speech. The main attraction is a full jousting tournament similar to what knights would partake in hundreds of years ago, and don’t be surprised to be caught up in all of the excitement while you cheer on your favorite knight while he partakes in mounted battle. Medieval Times is one of the busiest destinations in North America, so be sure to phone ahead and make reservations since they can often be booked up to a year in advance (1-888-WE-JOUST). If you are fortunate enough to attend, you’re in for a surprise of a lifetime.
5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
   Have you ever wondered what actually goes into making a hit television series? Well, at Hollywood Studios you’ll be able to find that out and possibly run into one of your children’s favorite Disney stars since several of them are taped there in front of a live studio audience. There are also roller coasters, interactive events like The American Idol experience and the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy, and an insight into some of the Hollywood magic with the Journey into Narnia and the Indiana Jones stunt spectacular. Since this is included with your Disney pass, it is definitely worth exploring for an afternoon or two.
6. Disney’s Blizzard Beach/ Typhoon Lagoon
   While these are actually two separate water parks, both of them are an excellent way to beat the Florida heat and they are included in your weekly Disney pass. Some of the more popular attractions within these areas are one of the world’s fastest waterslides, relaxing wade pools, white water rafting experiences, and a whole lot more. While each of these destinations are often overlooked while visiting the Orlando area, many locals with season passes will hit the Magic Kingdom early, rest up during a quick lunch, then hit the water during the hotter afternoon periods of the day. It would be impossible to create such diversity at any other vacation spot in America, which is one reason why Disney is so popular.
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
   If you’ve always wanted to make it to Africa to witness some of the most impressive modern animals in the world on their own terrain, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom will save you the trip while delivering your wish. This park was essentially created as a massive game reserve where you can travel via safari throughout the area on guided tours, and there are well over 250 species spread across five hundred acres. There are also parades and other attractions similar to what you’d find within the Magic Kingdom, so your children will be thoroughly entertained with amazement throughout this adventure.
8. Daytona Beach
   While this technically does not belong in a post talking about Orlando, legendary Daytona Beach is less than forty-five minutes away from Walt Disney World and it would be a shame for your family not to experience it. It is one of the few places in the world where you can drive your vehicle right along the shoreline, and there is always something going on if you get tired of the gorgeous surf. Since Daytona has one of the most popular beaches in the world, I promise that your family will appreciate the short drive once they truly experience it.

On top of the other combination packages Travelocity offers, this link will allow families to save an additional $50 on any hotel booked through their website as long as your stay is three days or more. It can be used on top of almost any other offer, so make sure you apply the promo code at checkout to take advantage of this additional savings. Have a great time in Orlando and make sure you come back to Coupon Shack to tell us about it once you return!

Posted by Keith on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings


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