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Shaz
My 5yr old will be on holiday next week and I desperately need some ideas on entertaining her and my 18mth old son together. Because of their age difference my daughter cannot always do what she wants to do (eg: painting) as her bro constantly interrupts her and messes her work. This gets her very annoyed and we land up having to pack away which leads to tantrums and tears. I am home alone with the kids and we do not have transport to get to play centres/parks. It's too cold to let them play outside so we're stuck indoors! HELP!!!
Answer
The simplest things keep my children occupied 1 year old and 4 year old. One day I put a blanket over some chairs and made a fort, I couldn't believe how much my 4 year old loved playing in such a simple thing and it kept her busy for quite some time. Get some leggos the bigger sized ones and spill them out on the floor. Here are some things I found on the internet. You just gotta let them be kids make a mess and have fun....... A nice walk outdoors and exploring things you find (leaves, bugs, rocks) is another good idea or just walking around in your front yard, put some muddie buddies or snow pants on them and boots, warm jacket and let them explore your front yard or a walk around the block, a visit to a relatives house or someone that you could have a play date with. Our daycare takes our kids outside everyday no matter what weather and they have a blast of course they are dressed in the appropriate gear before going out, put on some snow pants or muddy buddies (pants with rain coat material), a hat, boots, and a warm jacket, gloves.
Here is the stuff I found on activities for indoors.
make playdough
Koolaid Claydough
1 package Koolaid (the kind where you add the sugar yourself)
1 cup flour
1/4 cup (yes, CUP) salt
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tbsp alum/cream of tartar
1/2 cup hot water
You can get the hot water by boiling a kettle or by running
your hot tap very hot, which is what I do. Dissolve everything
except the flour in the water. It has to be good and hot to
dissolve all that salt. Then add the flour, mix, and knead.
Resist the temptation to add a little more flour because it's
too sticky just keep kneading.
Have a Picnic in your house:
It's amazing how much your child learns with each activity—even at a Teddy Bear Picnic!
Materials:
• 1 or 2 teddy bears
• Sandwiches, drinks, cookies, and other treats
• Picnic basket
• Picnic blanket
What to do:
1. Have your child find his teddy bears and tell them they're going on a picnic.
2. Prepare sandwiches, snacks, and drinks together.
3. Pack the food into a picnic basket. Be sure to include a picnic blanket.
4. Hike to the park with your teddy bears and basket, and find a nice picnic spot or have one in your living room. Enjoy your lunch together while chatting about all sorts of things, and don't forget to include the bears in the conversation!
Letter Search
Your child will have fun running around the house searching for letter cards you've hidden. Each time he finds a letter he must say it aloud. Once he finds all the letters he can be rewarded with a small prize.
Mystery Box *
Back to top
Kids love a mystery. Create a mystery out of a simple box by hiding something mysterious inside!
Materials:
• Several non-breakable items familiar to your child such as his shoe, toy, doll, special cup, favorite book, and so on
• Paper bag
• Small box such as a shoebox
• Tape
What to do:
1. Collect several familiar items and place them in a paper bag so your child can’t see them.
2. Tell your child to close his eyes, then remove one item from the bag and place it in the box.
3. Close the lid, tape the box shut, and give it to your child to hold.
4. Tell him there’s something mysterious inside.
5. Let him feel the weight, shake the box, and think about it for a while.
6. Give him a clue about what’s inside and let him guess what it is.
7. Continue giving clues until he guesses the item correctly.
8. Open the box, reveal the item, and play again!
Safety: Be sure all items are safe to handle and not breakable.
Finger or sponge painting buy washable finger paints and use white paper plates (a great way to teach the colors too... )
We have snacktime, and then they might help me with some chores sweeping, dusting, etc.
During meal prep times, or whiny times, I have a few solutions...they sit at the table and do puzzles, pull out pots and pans and other kitchen gadgetry.
box of playclothes for dress up
books I took from the library on creative ideas for kids that are filled with simple and fun things to do.
construction paper, tape, scissors. They could play with this stuff for hours
macaroni tubes and string for making necklaces
the paintwithwater coloring books
helping to make bread, playing with the "real" dough
rubber food and play dishes
tape, art paper, scissors
lacing cards
simple puzzles
duplos (not swallowable) or legos
blowing bubbles
playdough
house made out of refrigerator box
playing with sudsy water
Your child will learn about letters and letter shapes when you make easy ABC bread snacks together.
All the senses come into play when you make bread letters with your child. She'll be helping you measure and mix the ingredients, knead the dough, and form the letters, perhaps copying them from a letter chart or letter tiles. While she's enjoying herself, she will also be taking in the delicious aromas that surround her and, when they come out of the oven, finally tasting the yummy results. Say the letters aloud as you shape the dough and you have created a complete sensory experience for your child.
What you need:
1 tbsp. quick-acting yeast
1 cup water
1 tsp. sugar
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. oil
Utensils:
measuring cup
wooden spoon
bowl
plastic knives and forks
craft sticks
wooden board
baking sheet
What to do:
The parent should preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and be in charge of using the oven.
Measure the water, sugar, and yeast into a bowl and mix. Wait two or three minutes for the yeast to soften.
Stir in one cup of flour. Then add the oil, salt and remaining cup of flour.
Sprinkle flour onto the wooden board. Place the dough on the board, and knead for about five minutes. You can add a bit of flour to the dough if it begins to stick to your hands.
Put the dough into the bowl and cover it, letting it rise for about 45 minutes.
Punch the dough down, and work it into a ball. Next, separate the dough into smaller portions.
Using the plastic knives, forks, and craft sticks, shape the dough into letters. You might shape the dough into the letters in your child's name, in the names of other family members, even in the names of family pets.
Place your letter shapes on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
What your child can do:
Help you measure, pour, and mix the ingredients.
Test the yeast with a finger to see if it's soft.
Sprinkle flour onto the board and knead the dough.
Decide what letters shapes to make.
Help you shape the dough into letters, using letter tiles or an alphabet chart as a guide if needed.
Peek at the dough periodically to see how it's rising.
Teaching Tips:
While you're waiting for the dough to rise and the letters to bake, read an alphabet book together and sing the ABC song.
Fill a large plastic bin with different shaped dry pastas dry beans rice whatever you can buy least expensively. Give them cups and "sand" toys and you have a winter alternative to the sandbox. (Spread a sheet under the bin they will get it everywhere then you can just gather up the sheet and dump it back in the bin.)
Books on tape and stuff like that from the library.
Camp in the house. One of our tents can be set up without the stakes so we have camp outs in the living room and make smores in the microwave. You can always drape a blanket over a table.
Make a tower from paper cups as tall as you can. Then remove the bottom piece and watch it tumble.
Subscribe or go to Family Fun's website. They always have a ton of creative ideas to try!
Invite some friends over
Learn something new together.... A foreign language, an instrument, how to sew, candle making, jewelry making, typing, etc.....
Think up 100 things you can do besides watch TV
Ask a question and find the answer
Go to McDonald's playland and get a soda for the morning.
Movie night - a special night a week where we rent a kid-friendly movie and eat popcorn.
Take a nap (you can always try)
Make a teepee
Let them sort your spools of thread or stick pins into your pin cushion (if you think he wouldn't hurt himself).
Write on a white board we all like that!
Make your own word search puzzles
Make a book of favorite animals, trees, bugs, etc.
Kids' Aerobics Video.
Play basketball with the Little Tikes basketball hoop.
Line up cans etc and get a ball and bowl
Go to the local appliance store and get large refrigerator boxes etc and make big forts (similar to McDonald's playland...okay use your imagination). The kids can have hours of fun running through them turning off the lights and using flashlights getting dad to play monster and even sleeping in them. You can also decorate them with paint or turn them into cars etc. My kids love to "invent" stuff out of them. I have even seen playhouses made that include curtains wallpaper etc. Check your local library for "The Great Big Box Book" by Flo Ann Hedley Norvell.
Play chase
Chin up bar we put it in one of the boy's rooms. This also helps to get out energy. - Diane
Set up an obstacle course in the living room or the basement using chairs with pillows over them (kids crawled under) different things to make circles they could step in with different feet a jump rope and a mini-trampoline.
Play racquetball in the garage or cellar (as long as you don't mind ball marks all over your walls)
Have an indoor "snowball" fight. Divide; give each one a stack of newspapers yell go and they have to wad up the sheets of newspaper into "snowballs" and throw them. Great fun! Last part is seeing who can gather the most balls into a trash bag!
Jump on a mini trampoline
Clean out a drawer
Clean the house fold laundry do dishes vacuum the rug... - Hee Hee
Mend
Help a child re-organize or decorate his/her room
Let them sort your canned goods or jello boxes.
Plan a treasure hunt
Do a craft
Use large dry beans (limas etc.) and school glue and let him glue beans onto heavy paper or old folders. (You could dribble out a line of glue in the shape of something fun--a car for example--and then let him press the beans onto it.)
Save boxes and containers then give them a roll of foil and duct tape and let them create.
Make & send a card to someone who needs encouragement
Start a new collection of something (besides dust :o)
Color
Make and color paper dolls
Draw a picture together - take turns adding details
Grab a pencil a notebook and practice drawing as a family
Have him draw a picture and tell a story about it (you write down the story) and send it to Grandma.
Start early to plan homemade gift ideas for Christmas!
If he can cut give him some old magazines glue sticks paper and let him cut out pictures and glue them to paper.
Finger-paint with chocolate pudding on a paper plate then lick the plate clean :-)
Work on family photo album together
Perform an experiment
Play with the globe
Make play dough
Make puppets
Sew
Rubber Stamp
Bake or cook
Bake cookies and invite a neighbor over to help eat them
If you have a fireplace do a hotdog roast and make s'mores.
Have a picnic inside on the floor
Play board & card games!
Make up your own game
Charades
Play ‘How many things can you remember to do?’: Give them a list of activities and make the list longer each time. For example hop to the door knock on it 2 times crawl under the dining room table and do the crab walk back to me. If they successfully complete this then I name 5 things the next time.
Bake some goodies to take to your community's firemen or policemen & attach a card telling them how much you appreciate their work to keep us safe
Make a treat or meal for someone going through a hard time
Write a letter to a relative/friend
Play dress up
Put a blanket on the floor and pretend you are on boat fishing etc...
Play post office
Playing 'restaurant': make the menus set the table take orders serve (& clean up)
Play school: you are the student & kids take turns being the teacher
Play store
Have a tea party
Sing
Worship the Lord sing dance play instruments to God
Grab a pillow and a blanket and lay them in your lap and sing with them. (I just enjoyed this moment with my two-year-old.)
Make music (pots and pans etc)
Write your own praise songs with everyone contributing lines; make your own instruments to play as you sing!
Tell a story (can't use a book).
Listen to a story on tape (we love Adventure in Odyssey!)
Play cars
Give them a wide roll of masking tape and let them go to town making "roads" for Matchbox cars.
Play cars
Yahtzee or Uno
K'nex!
Legos are a major attraction and my kids spend hours creating cars etc...
Puzzles are contagious. Just start one on the table and they won't be able to keep away from it!
Learn to do tricks with a yo yo
Fill the tub or sink w/water & float boats
Long playtime in the bath (I use the baby monitor so I can keep an ear out for any trouble he may have or for if he needs me).
"Washing" dishes at the sink--get a big pan of soapy water some plastic bowls and cups and let him stand on a chair and play. This would keep some of my kids busy for 45 minutes or so.
Write a story
Write postcards or better yet a letter
Make a family "newspaper" of recent events or happenings
The simplest things keep my children occupied 1 year old and 4 year old. One day I put a blanket over some chairs and made a fort, I couldn't believe how much my 4 year old loved playing in such a simple thing and it kept her busy for quite some time. Get some leggos the bigger sized ones and spill them out on the floor. Here are some things I found on the internet. You just gotta let them be kids make a mess and have fun....... A nice walk outdoors and exploring things you find (leaves, bugs, rocks) is another good idea or just walking around in your front yard, put some muddie buddies or snow pants on them and boots, warm jacket and let them explore your front yard or a walk around the block, a visit to a relatives house or someone that you could have a play date with. Our daycare takes our kids outside everyday no matter what weather and they have a blast of course they are dressed in the appropriate gear before going out, put on some snow pants or muddy buddies (pants with rain coat material), a hat, boots, and a warm jacket, gloves.
Here is the stuff I found on activities for indoors.
make playdough
Koolaid Claydough
1 package Koolaid (the kind where you add the sugar yourself)
1 cup flour
1/4 cup (yes, CUP) salt
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tbsp alum/cream of tartar
1/2 cup hot water
You can get the hot water by boiling a kettle or by running
your hot tap very hot, which is what I do. Dissolve everything
except the flour in the water. It has to be good and hot to
dissolve all that salt. Then add the flour, mix, and knead.
Resist the temptation to add a little more flour because it's
too sticky just keep kneading.
Have a Picnic in your house:
It's amazing how much your child learns with each activity—even at a Teddy Bear Picnic!
Materials:
• 1 or 2 teddy bears
• Sandwiches, drinks, cookies, and other treats
• Picnic basket
• Picnic blanket
What to do:
1. Have your child find his teddy bears and tell them they're going on a picnic.
2. Prepare sandwiches, snacks, and drinks together.
3. Pack the food into a picnic basket. Be sure to include a picnic blanket.
4. Hike to the park with your teddy bears and basket, and find a nice picnic spot or have one in your living room. Enjoy your lunch together while chatting about all sorts of things, and don't forget to include the bears in the conversation!
Letter Search
Your child will have fun running around the house searching for letter cards you've hidden. Each time he finds a letter he must say it aloud. Once he finds all the letters he can be rewarded with a small prize.
Mystery Box *
Back to top
Kids love a mystery. Create a mystery out of a simple box by hiding something mysterious inside!
Materials:
• Several non-breakable items familiar to your child such as his shoe, toy, doll, special cup, favorite book, and so on
• Paper bag
• Small box such as a shoebox
• Tape
What to do:
1. Collect several familiar items and place them in a paper bag so your child can’t see them.
2. Tell your child to close his eyes, then remove one item from the bag and place it in the box.
3. Close the lid, tape the box shut, and give it to your child to hold.
4. Tell him there’s something mysterious inside.
5. Let him feel the weight, shake the box, and think about it for a while.
6. Give him a clue about what’s inside and let him guess what it is.
7. Continue giving clues until he guesses the item correctly.
8. Open the box, reveal the item, and play again!
Safety: Be sure all items are safe to handle and not breakable.
Finger or sponge painting buy washable finger paints and use white paper plates (a great way to teach the colors too... )
We have snacktime, and then they might help me with some chores sweeping, dusting, etc.
During meal prep times, or whiny times, I have a few solutions...they sit at the table and do puzzles, pull out pots and pans and other kitchen gadgetry.
box of playclothes for dress up
books I took from the library on creative ideas for kids that are filled with simple and fun things to do.
construction paper, tape, scissors. They could play with this stuff for hours
macaroni tubes and string for making necklaces
the paintwithwater coloring books
helping to make bread, playing with the "real" dough
rubber food and play dishes
tape, art paper, scissors
lacing cards
simple puzzles
duplos (not swallowable) or legos
blowing bubbles
playdough
house made out of refrigerator box
playing with sudsy water
Your child will learn about letters and letter shapes when you make easy ABC bread snacks together.
All the senses come into play when you make bread letters with your child. She'll be helping you measure and mix the ingredients, knead the dough, and form the letters, perhaps copying them from a letter chart or letter tiles. While she's enjoying herself, she will also be taking in the delicious aromas that surround her and, when they come out of the oven, finally tasting the yummy results. Say the letters aloud as you shape the dough and you have created a complete sensory experience for your child.
What you need:
1 tbsp. quick-acting yeast
1 cup water
1 tsp. sugar
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. oil
Utensils:
measuring cup
wooden spoon
bowl
plastic knives and forks
craft sticks
wooden board
baking sheet
What to do:
The parent should preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and be in charge of using the oven.
Measure the water, sugar, and yeast into a bowl and mix. Wait two or three minutes for the yeast to soften.
Stir in one cup of flour. Then add the oil, salt and remaining cup of flour.
Sprinkle flour onto the wooden board. Place the dough on the board, and knead for about five minutes. You can add a bit of flour to the dough if it begins to stick to your hands.
Put the dough into the bowl and cover it, letting it rise for about 45 minutes.
Punch the dough down, and work it into a ball. Next, separate the dough into smaller portions.
Using the plastic knives, forks, and craft sticks, shape the dough into letters. You might shape the dough into the letters in your child's name, in the names of other family members, even in the names of family pets.
Place your letter shapes on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
What your child can do:
Help you measure, pour, and mix the ingredients.
Test the yeast with a finger to see if it's soft.
Sprinkle flour onto the board and knead the dough.
Decide what letters shapes to make.
Help you shape the dough into letters, using letter tiles or an alphabet chart as a guide if needed.
Peek at the dough periodically to see how it's rising.
Teaching Tips:
While you're waiting for the dough to rise and the letters to bake, read an alphabet book together and sing the ABC song.
Fill a large plastic bin with different shaped dry pastas dry beans rice whatever you can buy least expensively. Give them cups and "sand" toys and you have a winter alternative to the sandbox. (Spread a sheet under the bin they will get it everywhere then you can just gather up the sheet and dump it back in the bin.)
Books on tape and stuff like that from the library.
Camp in the house. One of our tents can be set up without the stakes so we have camp outs in the living room and make smores in the microwave. You can always drape a blanket over a table.
Make a tower from paper cups as tall as you can. Then remove the bottom piece and watch it tumble.
Subscribe or go to Family Fun's website. They always have a ton of creative ideas to try!
Invite some friends over
Learn something new together.... A foreign language, an instrument, how to sew, candle making, jewelry making, typing, etc.....
Think up 100 things you can do besides watch TV
Ask a question and find the answer
Go to McDonald's playland and get a soda for the morning.
Movie night - a special night a week where we rent a kid-friendly movie and eat popcorn.
Take a nap (you can always try)
Make a teepee
Let them sort your spools of thread or stick pins into your pin cushion (if you think he wouldn't hurt himself).
Write on a white board we all like that!
Make your own word search puzzles
Make a book of favorite animals, trees, bugs, etc.
Kids' Aerobics Video.
Play basketball with the Little Tikes basketball hoop.
Line up cans etc and get a ball and bowl
Go to the local appliance store and get large refrigerator boxes etc and make big forts (similar to McDonald's playland...okay use your imagination). The kids can have hours of fun running through them turning off the lights and using flashlights getting dad to play monster and even sleeping in them. You can also decorate them with paint or turn them into cars etc. My kids love to "invent" stuff out of them. I have even seen playhouses made that include curtains wallpaper etc. Check your local library for "The Great Big Box Book" by Flo Ann Hedley Norvell.
Play chase
Chin up bar we put it in one of the boy's rooms. This also helps to get out energy. - Diane
Set up an obstacle course in the living room or the basement using chairs with pillows over them (kids crawled under) different things to make circles they could step in with different feet a jump rope and a mini-trampoline.
Play racquetball in the garage or cellar (as long as you don't mind ball marks all over your walls)
Have an indoor "snowball" fight. Divide; give each one a stack of newspapers yell go and they have to wad up the sheets of newspaper into "snowballs" and throw them. Great fun! Last part is seeing who can gather the most balls into a trash bag!
Jump on a mini trampoline
Clean out a drawer
Clean the house fold laundry do dishes vacuum the rug... - Hee Hee
Mend
Help a child re-organize or decorate his/her room
Let them sort your canned goods or jello boxes.
Plan a treasure hunt
Do a craft
Use large dry beans (limas etc.) and school glue and let him glue beans onto heavy paper or old folders. (You could dribble out a line of glue in the shape of something fun--a car for example--and then let him press the beans onto it.)
Save boxes and containers then give them a roll of foil and duct tape and let them create.
Make & send a card to someone who needs encouragement
Start a new collection of something (besides dust :o)
Color
Make and color paper dolls
Draw a picture together - take turns adding details
Grab a pencil a notebook and practice drawing as a family
Have him draw a picture and tell a story about it (you write down the story) and send it to Grandma.
Start early to plan homemade gift ideas for Christmas!
If he can cut give him some old magazines glue sticks paper and let him cut out pictures and glue them to paper.
Finger-paint with chocolate pudding on a paper plate then lick the plate clean :-)
Work on family photo album together
Perform an experiment
Play with the globe
Make play dough
Make puppets
Sew
Rubber Stamp
Bake or cook
Bake cookies and invite a neighbor over to help eat them
If you have a fireplace do a hotdog roast and make s'mores.
Have a picnic inside on the floor
Play board & card games!
Make up your own game
Charades
Play ‘How many things can you remember to do?’: Give them a list of activities and make the list longer each time. For example hop to the door knock on it 2 times crawl under the dining room table and do the crab walk back to me. If they successfully complete this then I name 5 things the next time.
Bake some goodies to take to your community's firemen or policemen & attach a card telling them how much you appreciate their work to keep us safe
Make a treat or meal for someone going through a hard time
Write a letter to a relative/friend
Play dress up
Put a blanket on the floor and pretend you are on boat fishing etc...
Play post office
Playing 'restaurant': make the menus set the table take orders serve (& clean up)
Play school: you are the student & kids take turns being the teacher
Play store
Have a tea party
Sing
Worship the Lord sing dance play instruments to God
Grab a pillow and a blanket and lay them in your lap and sing with them. (I just enjoyed this moment with my two-year-old.)
Make music (pots and pans etc)
Write your own praise songs with everyone contributing lines; make your own instruments to play as you sing!
Tell a story (can't use a book).
Listen to a story on tape (we love Adventure in Odyssey!)
Play cars
Give them a wide roll of masking tape and let them go to town making "roads" for Matchbox cars.
Play cars
Yahtzee or Uno
K'nex!
Legos are a major attraction and my kids spend hours creating cars etc...
Puzzles are contagious. Just start one on the table and they won't be able to keep away from it!
Learn to do tricks with a yo yo
Fill the tub or sink w/water & float boats
Long playtime in the bath (I use the baby monitor so I can keep an ear out for any trouble he may have or for if he needs me).
"Washing" dishes at the sink--get a big pan of soapy water some plastic bowls and cups and let him stand on a chair and play. This would keep some of my kids busy for 45 minutes or so.
Write a story
Write postcards or better yet a letter
Make a family "newspaper" of recent events or happenings
What can you tell me about Disneyworld in Orlando?
Tyra99
Our family of 6 is planning a vacation and if you have been there and have any information, I would love to hear it. What was fun? What was disappointing? Is there any way to purchase discount tickets?
Answer
Ok, I have been three times to Florida and it's better when you have a rough plan of what your going to do on each day. So i'll tell you about all the theme parks which is what orlando is all about and then you can make a decision depending on what you like to do and how long you have. Make a list of the theme parks you definately want to go to and the ones you would like to go to. Go to the must do's straight away incase you get to the end of the holiday and there is a storm for example.
Also I can't reccomend enough to get a villa not a hotel. Sure the Disney hotels have some good extras but nothing can beat your own space in a villa. You have been rushed off your feet all day and it's so relaxing to take a dip in your own pool and have your own space rather than moving around everyone in the single hotel room.
Discount tickets arn't always believable so if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. My advice is to purchase directly from the theme parks online. If your staying for two weeks my best advice is a 14 day hopper pass for disney or magic your way. These will give you unlimited access to all of the theme parks. So you can come and go as you please which is a great idea.
Disney:
The disney parks are often described as just for kids but you can't be more wrong. Disney like most parks in Florida cater for everyone and I mean everyone. So little kids can visit minnie and mickeys house while those who love rides can go on some big rollercoasters.
Magic Kingdom - Unmissable, this is a brilliant experience for anyone and it is not to be missed. The best park if you have small children beacause of all the characters roaming the park and loads of kiddie rides like it's a small world, peter pan, dumbo, snow white and goofys barnstormer. Although do not be fooled there are still some brilliant rides for the older people such as Splash mountain a long water ride which ends in a large almost verticle drop. You will get wet but it is very good and funny. Space mountain is also great. A rollercoaster but in the dark, twists and turns but no big drops and it very mild but still great fun. Also thunder mountain is another rollercoaster in the "wild west". Very fun and again no big drops just very mild. Then there are other rides such as Buzz Lightyear which is great, you get a lazer gun and go through the toy story world and you have to shoot the "baddies" kids and grown-ups alike love this ride and try to get the top score. Then there is Lilo and Stitch which is also really good fun although some kids may find it scary you are in a room sat down and stich escapes getting up to mischeif alot of it on your shoulders. There are many other rides too such as the great attention to detail in pirates of the carribean. So much more like the haunted mansion and the fireworks show on the night is superb.
Epcot - Still a great theme park but not one of my favourites. Not aimed at kids as much, there are a few kids rides such as finding nemo but overall this is more educational. A large world showcase where there are food and drinks from other countries and then there is the three rides here. Mission space, it simulates going into space from a shuttle launch although some people do become sick. Test-track this is a great ride which goes through various car test with you as dummies finishing in a very fast lap. Finally soarin which simulates a hanglide over the golden gate bridge.
MGM studios - This park again is slightly more for teens and adults but kids still love it. Two awesome rides are here, rock n rollercoaster staring aerosmith is disneys only looping rollercoaster in orlando. A super fast start takes you through streets of new york. Also tower of terror, this is one of my favourite rides ever. You enter the old hotel into a service elevator and tower above orlando, it uses a randomizer so it is never the same ride twice, you could go up or down! Also there is the great movie ride a fun ride thorugh loads of different movies and muppets 3D which kids love.
Animal kingdom - Kids love the animal safari through africa and also seeing the animals as they walk round the park. The it's touch to be a bug show is very funny and effective in it's 3D style. Also dinoland USA is almost like a traditional fun fair apart from the brilliant ride Dinosaur. You travel back in time and search for a Dinosaur and alsmost get hit by the asteroid! The finding nemo show is brilliant for young kids which stands below the superb expedition everest. A brilliant rollercoaster which goes backwards and forwards in search of the yeti. One of the best rides ever! Also there is Kali river rapids which you will get soaked on!
Disney Water Parks:
Disney also has two water parks. These are much more relaxing than the theme parks and you can lay on a lounger all day if you wish.
Typhoon lagoon - Not the best for slides but a brand new water coaster is open called Crush n Gusher a great ride where in your innertube you are shot up and down until the splash down. The other slides are rather mild with the exceotion of humunga kowabunga. Three drop slides that are almost verticle. There is also shark reef where you can go snorkling with fish and sharks (safely under a protective screen). But the thing that makes typhoon lagoon so good it the giant wave pool. Every 90 seconds a wave blasts out from the end of the pool that is 6 ft high! It knocks you away. Some people try to swim with it and when you go fast enough you actually swim onto of the wave. Down worry if your not an experienced swimmer though the pool is very long and slowly decreases in depth so theres the right area for everyone. It doesn't get as strong in the shallow area.
Blizzard beach - This is all about the slides, worlds longest raft ride, americas tallest drop slide and so much more. If you prefer big thrills this is the place. Although there are still great areas for kids where you can jump across "icebergs" and some gentler slides are available.
Universal Studios:
Universal studios has two theme parks, universal studios and islands of adventure. Don't let people tell you this is only for people who love rollercoasters. Kids love this place too, I prefer it too Disney! (only 10 minutes from disney)
Universal studios - This is the park where you ride the movies, as you walk in on your right is shrek 4D a brilliant 3D show but goes one better than others in that your seats actually move like your on a horse. There is jimmy neutrons nick toons blast which is a simulator in which you travel through the nick toons world and kids see their favorite characters. Then there is Twister which is really good fun and it feels like your in a twister. Also the brilliant Mummy's revenge, which is a rollercoaster that also goes backward at points. A real thrill but no loops or twists just a great indoor rollercoaster. Next there is jaws a very funny and thrilling boat ride in which you get more than you bargained for. Then Men in Black Alien Attack which is like buzz lightyear but is better in my opinion. Shoot lazers at the aliens and get a score, you battle against another team too. There is also Terminator 2 3D which is also a live show and is very clever. Then there is the woody woodpecker kids zone which has a small rollercoaster for kids and lots of play areas along with the very mild but fun ET ride.
Islands of adventure - Two great rollercoasters here with the fast starting hulk rollercoaster and dueling dragons where it feels like your going to hit the other rollercoaster. My personal favourite though is spiderman. A moving 3D simulator. It throws you right in spiders mans world where you fight the baddies and almost fall off a 40 story building before spiderman catches you in his web. Absoloutly fantastic! Then there are the three water rides, the popeye rafts where you get very very wet, dudley doorights ripsaw falls is very funny and goes below the water level! Though the best is Jurrasic park in which you seemingly travel though the beautiful river and see lifelike harmless dinosuars till your knocked off course and are almost eaten by a T-rex but an almost 90 degree drop saves you. For the kids is Seuss land a brilliant area all about the stories of Dr seuss with carousels and a brilliant sofa ride.
Other parks:
Thoise were the best parks but there are still some others such as sea world which is a little less hetic but still fun and busch gardens which is a little further away but if you love big thrills that is the place although animal kingdom is far better. Wet n wild is another water park though is in the middle of international drive and is rather hectic and is not as good as the disney water parks.
Have a good time.
Remember get to the parks for opening time if you are going at a busy peroid. It really saves you alot of queing.
Ok, I have been three times to Florida and it's better when you have a rough plan of what your going to do on each day. So i'll tell you about all the theme parks which is what orlando is all about and then you can make a decision depending on what you like to do and how long you have. Make a list of the theme parks you definately want to go to and the ones you would like to go to. Go to the must do's straight away incase you get to the end of the holiday and there is a storm for example.
Also I can't reccomend enough to get a villa not a hotel. Sure the Disney hotels have some good extras but nothing can beat your own space in a villa. You have been rushed off your feet all day and it's so relaxing to take a dip in your own pool and have your own space rather than moving around everyone in the single hotel room.
Discount tickets arn't always believable so if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. My advice is to purchase directly from the theme parks online. If your staying for two weeks my best advice is a 14 day hopper pass for disney or magic your way. These will give you unlimited access to all of the theme parks. So you can come and go as you please which is a great idea.
Disney:
The disney parks are often described as just for kids but you can't be more wrong. Disney like most parks in Florida cater for everyone and I mean everyone. So little kids can visit minnie and mickeys house while those who love rides can go on some big rollercoasters.
Magic Kingdom - Unmissable, this is a brilliant experience for anyone and it is not to be missed. The best park if you have small children beacause of all the characters roaming the park and loads of kiddie rides like it's a small world, peter pan, dumbo, snow white and goofys barnstormer. Although do not be fooled there are still some brilliant rides for the older people such as Splash mountain a long water ride which ends in a large almost verticle drop. You will get wet but it is very good and funny. Space mountain is also great. A rollercoaster but in the dark, twists and turns but no big drops and it very mild but still great fun. Also thunder mountain is another rollercoaster in the "wild west". Very fun and again no big drops just very mild. Then there are other rides such as Buzz Lightyear which is great, you get a lazer gun and go through the toy story world and you have to shoot the "baddies" kids and grown-ups alike love this ride and try to get the top score. Then there is Lilo and Stitch which is also really good fun although some kids may find it scary you are in a room sat down and stich escapes getting up to mischeif alot of it on your shoulders. There are many other rides too such as the great attention to detail in pirates of the carribean. So much more like the haunted mansion and the fireworks show on the night is superb.
Epcot - Still a great theme park but not one of my favourites. Not aimed at kids as much, there are a few kids rides such as finding nemo but overall this is more educational. A large world showcase where there are food and drinks from other countries and then there is the three rides here. Mission space, it simulates going into space from a shuttle launch although some people do become sick. Test-track this is a great ride which goes through various car test with you as dummies finishing in a very fast lap. Finally soarin which simulates a hanglide over the golden gate bridge.
MGM studios - This park again is slightly more for teens and adults but kids still love it. Two awesome rides are here, rock n rollercoaster staring aerosmith is disneys only looping rollercoaster in orlando. A super fast start takes you through streets of new york. Also tower of terror, this is one of my favourite rides ever. You enter the old hotel into a service elevator and tower above orlando, it uses a randomizer so it is never the same ride twice, you could go up or down! Also there is the great movie ride a fun ride thorugh loads of different movies and muppets 3D which kids love.
Animal kingdom - Kids love the animal safari through africa and also seeing the animals as they walk round the park. The it's touch to be a bug show is very funny and effective in it's 3D style. Also dinoland USA is almost like a traditional fun fair apart from the brilliant ride Dinosaur. You travel back in time and search for a Dinosaur and alsmost get hit by the asteroid! The finding nemo show is brilliant for young kids which stands below the superb expedition everest. A brilliant rollercoaster which goes backwards and forwards in search of the yeti. One of the best rides ever! Also there is Kali river rapids which you will get soaked on!
Disney Water Parks:
Disney also has two water parks. These are much more relaxing than the theme parks and you can lay on a lounger all day if you wish.
Typhoon lagoon - Not the best for slides but a brand new water coaster is open called Crush n Gusher a great ride where in your innertube you are shot up and down until the splash down. The other slides are rather mild with the exceotion of humunga kowabunga. Three drop slides that are almost verticle. There is also shark reef where you can go snorkling with fish and sharks (safely under a protective screen). But the thing that makes typhoon lagoon so good it the giant wave pool. Every 90 seconds a wave blasts out from the end of the pool that is 6 ft high! It knocks you away. Some people try to swim with it and when you go fast enough you actually swim onto of the wave. Down worry if your not an experienced swimmer though the pool is very long and slowly decreases in depth so theres the right area for everyone. It doesn't get as strong in the shallow area.
Blizzard beach - This is all about the slides, worlds longest raft ride, americas tallest drop slide and so much more. If you prefer big thrills this is the place. Although there are still great areas for kids where you can jump across "icebergs" and some gentler slides are available.
Universal Studios:
Universal studios has two theme parks, universal studios and islands of adventure. Don't let people tell you this is only for people who love rollercoasters. Kids love this place too, I prefer it too Disney! (only 10 minutes from disney)
Universal studios - This is the park where you ride the movies, as you walk in on your right is shrek 4D a brilliant 3D show but goes one better than others in that your seats actually move like your on a horse. There is jimmy neutrons nick toons blast which is a simulator in which you travel through the nick toons world and kids see their favorite characters. Then there is Twister which is really good fun and it feels like your in a twister. Also the brilliant Mummy's revenge, which is a rollercoaster that also goes backward at points. A real thrill but no loops or twists just a great indoor rollercoaster. Next there is jaws a very funny and thrilling boat ride in which you get more than you bargained for. Then Men in Black Alien Attack which is like buzz lightyear but is better in my opinion. Shoot lazers at the aliens and get a score, you battle against another team too. There is also Terminator 2 3D which is also a live show and is very clever. Then there is the woody woodpecker kids zone which has a small rollercoaster for kids and lots of play areas along with the very mild but fun ET ride.
Islands of adventure - Two great rollercoasters here with the fast starting hulk rollercoaster and dueling dragons where it feels like your going to hit the other rollercoaster. My personal favourite though is spiderman. A moving 3D simulator. It throws you right in spiders mans world where you fight the baddies and almost fall off a 40 story building before spiderman catches you in his web. Absoloutly fantastic! Then there are the three water rides, the popeye rafts where you get very very wet, dudley doorights ripsaw falls is very funny and goes below the water level! Though the best is Jurrasic park in which you seemingly travel though the beautiful river and see lifelike harmless dinosuars till your knocked off course and are almost eaten by a T-rex but an almost 90 degree drop saves you. For the kids is Seuss land a brilliant area all about the stories of Dr seuss with carousels and a brilliant sofa ride.
Other parks:
Thoise were the best parks but there are still some others such as sea world which is a little less hetic but still fun and busch gardens which is a little further away but if you love big thrills that is the place although animal kingdom is far better. Wet n wild is another water park though is in the middle of international drive and is rather hectic and is not as good as the disney water parks.
Have a good time.
Remember get to the parks for opening time if you are going at a busy peroid. It really saves you alot of queing.
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