No one would dare go within 200 miles of Orlando with the kids without doing Disney. There is the Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure , WonderWorks, Mount Dora Scenic Railway, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review, and a ton of other things the kids will never forget. I suggest the outstanding book by Fodor's, Around Orlando With Kids (60 Great Things To Do Together).

Now, here is the side that unfortunately many fail to visit when in Orlando. A tragic loss of opportunity! It is like going into the finest food and wine festival and eating only at the dessert bar! The Orlando area is a remarkable and unforgettable Arts and Culture opportunity. When in convention at Orlando, stay at the exquisite Peabody Hotel (my personal choice, but if you are on a tight budget there are hundreds of places to stay), visit the museums, art galleries, opera, ballet, theater, Maitland Holocaust Memorial Center, and certainly don't fail to encounter the memorable experience of the Orange County Regional History Center !

Where to start? Just to be certain you do not miss it, I recommend you start with the History Center! Oddly enough, this is one place in the list that the kids will enjoy! It is a true fun history experience for them as well as mom and dad!  It is easy to find, located at One Heritage Square, 65 East Central Boulevard in Orlando. Call for directions: (407) 836-8500.

Personally, when the Disney trip is long forgotten, the trip to the History Center will be fresh in your mind. For a preview go to www.thehistorycenter.org .  There are four exciting floors of exhibits that you will long remember and wil l forever etch in your memory, the history of Central Florida . It is truly a journey through time experience. Don't dare miss the multi-sensory Orientation Theater where you sit in a rocker on the back porch and the screens before you, transport you back into “old Florida.” You should encounter this on your entry. If the presentation is in progress, wait until it re-starts and see it from the first!

You can see the First Peoples (Paleo-Indians) of 1,2000 years ago in their daily life, a Timucuan village, experience the coming of the Spanish, as you move from exhibit to exhibit. You will move from room to room visiting the 1800's, the 1920's (see a Tin Can Tourist Camp), see the artifacts of WWII and NASA astronauts, visit a restored Orange County Courtroom where famous legal battles were fought, and the ever-changing special exhibits that are sure to thrill and capture the imagination of the young and the old. It is my personal promise, the kids will not be bored here! Neither will you!

These facilities can be rented for convention groups to tour in private (which I highly recommend). Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday-Sunday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.) Free validation parking at the nearby Public Library garage on Central Blvd. Admission is $7 general, $6.50 for seniors and students, and $3.50 for children. This is one of those “top” historical interest places in America that I give my personal endorsement . “Old Central Florida” will come alive right before your eyes!

If you are interested in flying, some of the best discount rates in America are to Orlando at the present!

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling.
“To The Ends Of The Earth And Then Some”
You may contact me for travel information or questions @
jones@photoandtravel.com