Kissimmee, Florida - the vacation land of America - was made for children, but accompanying adults need a few pointers from a class like "Kid Tourism 101" before they tackle the area best known as home to Walt Disney World. A few tips go a long way in Kissimmee when dealing with small children, so take note!
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Always have a small backpack for each day's adventure. Pack band-aids, sun block, bug spray, camera, wet wipes, and some light snacks. Always have some water bottles or juice. Kissimmee's hot sun makes for thirsty tourists of all ages.
- If traveling with children still in diapers, pack more diapers than a usual day's needs would require.
- When entering theme parks, make sure the children have a note tucked in a pocket with the child' name, adult's cell phone, lodging information, license plate with make and color of car, and any medical information. Lost children happen and this info will speed up unification!
- Kids three through five years old might balk at the thought of riding in a stroller, but by 2:00 pm wherever you are in Kissimmee, a stroller will be welcome!
- If you have traveled from another time zone, remember a child takes longer to adjust to the time difference. Be patient. Also, remember the need for naps never takes a vacation. Allow down time for children each afternoon.
- Theme parks are not all there is to do in Kissimmee! Most non-Florida children would love to see an alligator or two. Take them to Scenic Eco Tours for an hour long boat tour of Lake Tohopekaliga. This natural wonder is full of alligators, herons, bald eagles, and more. Boat rides cost $25 for adults, $15 for ages 6 -12, and free for kids under five. On the northern end of the lake is Mackinson Island which is great hiking territory. The island is only accessible by boat.
- If your kids are orange juice lovers, let them see and taste the real thing by visiting Ivey Groves Fresh Citrus off Boggy Creek Road just off the Florida Turnpike. A tram ride through the groves is followed by samples of Florida's best known export: orange juice!
- Kids of all ages love Downtown Disney. From seeing the Lego creations in the lake to getting misted at the Rainforest Cafe, the kids will enjoy the sights and sounds. There is no fee to walk around, but some of the restaurants have long wait times. Early dinners are advised. The parking is free.
- Don't forget about spending time at the pool. Sometimes two hours in the pool with mom or dad are really the vacation moments that children will remember long after they leave the land of theme parks.
- If the resort community where you are staying is quite large, take the kids for a walking tour. The best Kissimmee vacation memories are often closer than you think!
Above all, your children are going to have fun in Kissimmee, Florida. So, smile. Snap some photos. Hug those kids. And say "yes"" when they make you promise to bring them back to Kissimmee next year, too!
These practical pointers for parents traveling with kids was contributed by Jan Vroegin.
The perfect family vacation to Disneyworld starts with deciding where to stay in Kissimmee, Florida. For the best value, choose a condo rental or vacation villa in Kissimmee, in one of the area's resort communities. Multiple rooms in one unit area always better than paying for multiple hotel rooms. After tiring of tired children, mom and dad will also thank themselves for the separate sleeping quarters, additional space to spread out, and enjoy added savings by cooking family meals. As an added bonus, many rentals have a private pool and hot tub, or enjoy the shared recreation facilities at many of the Kissimmee vacation home resort communities.
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