If you’re planning a
family holiday to Florida for the first time, or even if you’ve been before and are already looking forward to your next trip, having a helping hand can be invaluable. From where to stay and how to keep the kids entertained, to the best time to visit and how to make the most of the
Disney World parks - there’s a lot to learn before you go.
Luckily, there are thousands of families out there who have been in the same position, freshly returned from the holiday of a lifetime to Florida or those for whom Florida is a destination they return to again and again - and they can’t wait to share their tips. One of the best platforms to find these tips is
The Dibb, a one-stop hub for all things Florida, Disney and more. Aside from having forums and threads on all kinds of helpful information, it’s updated with tips and advice daily, so you can be sure you’re getting the best information.
So, we’ve rounded up some of the best advice from Dibbers to help you when planning your next family holiday to Florida...
Getting there
Whether your kids are teens and like to occupy themselves, or you have a little one who needs entertainment, surviving the plane ride to Florida is the first step to a perfect holiday. As these helpful parents suggest, things like presents, activities and snacks can make life easier on a long flight. One Dibber also notes that some children might not love inflight meals, making it important to bring non-messy snacks and drinks.
“Take plenty of activities for the plane and even a new activity or present every hour of the flight. These only have to be small things. One of the best things we ever got was a fidget spinner toy with a suction cup for the window, especially for our toddler”
“If you’re taking food that needs to be kept cool for kids on the plane, freeze a pack of baby wipes and place them in a cool bag along with the snacks etc. That way it keeps the food at a decent temperature, and you can use the baby wipes after for any clean ups and don’t need the hassle of freezer blocks”
“I always wrap little gifts in tissue paper for the flight, and always bring activity things that are not messy”
“For travel - I will be taking snacks, as the kids like me are fussy eaters so may not enjoy flight meals. And as others mentioned, take some activities to keep them occupied on a long flight”
Accommodation
“Airport hotels are fantastic for a chilled start to travel days, along with a relaxed arrival in the US. Radisson Blu in Manchester and Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport are our favourites, with Disney and Universal stores, plenty of food options and a rooftop pool - before heading off to your main hotel early the next day!”
This Dibber isn’t the first to suggest that after a long flight, staying close to the airport can take the weight off, before diving into the parks the next day - hotels know many guests are there for Disney and so have lots of fun options for kids.
Food and drink
“Do a shop for little snacks and share meals in theme parks as portions are generous”
It’s widely known that portions can be larger stateside, so this Dibber recommends sharing meals in the parks, which can often save money. You could also satisfy your wallet and avoid hyper-active kids by eating breakfast or dinner outside the parks, and by buying bottomless drinks cups to share which are reusable.
“Never buy park food more than occasionally as it is often overpriced. Have breakfast before entering a park and dinner in a restaurant after leaving. Take a picnic in a backpack in Tupperwares, flanked with frozen juice bottles on either side into the parks”
“Consider buying a bottomless cup (between you) whilst in the parks. It saves plenty as you can then use it throughout your vacation.. and the next one. And always be aware of restaurant Happy Hour deals, times and where they are. It can save a fortune on appetisers and cocktails.”
Disney Parks
Those travelling with mouse-sized park-goers will love these tips about Disney’s baby care centres, how to save money when renting strollers, and how to schedule your park days...
“Disney’s baby care centres (there’s one in all four theme parks) are lifesavers, with an air-conditioned room to take a nap, eat, heat bottles, change etc.”
“Buy a pushchair from Walmart for under 9’s and get it delivered to your resort or rent one, as Disney can be very expensive, although Magic Kingdom Strollers are reasonable.”
“I haven’t done Florida often but did with my stepchildren many moons ago and feedback from them afterwards was that as much as they enjoyed the parks, they liked time to relax too, so we have booked three weeks with 3-4 rest days in Orlando”
Outside Orlando
There’s plenty more to see beyond the parks in Florida, whether you enjoy the bright lights of Orlando, or want to venture further afield as these Dibbers have done...
“Think laterally. Many people go to central Florida for the theme parks and nothing else, but they are within an hour or two of some of the finest beaches in the world. You also have Rainbow River, Crystal River, Airboat Rides, the Keys, Alligator Alley between Naples and Miami and many, many other wonderful things.”
"Florida’s incredible beaches, alternative parks, wildlife and spots like the Everglades means there’s endless things to excite children away from the Disney Parks, and quite a few that adults will love too."
“The best beaches? Pensacola is serene and uncrowded with amazing sugar sand. Fort de Soto is our favourite, with a very long shoreline and never too crowded, and Caspersen is just South of Venice and great for finding fossilised shark teeth.”
“We did Gatorland one afternoon for a change of scenery after a recommendation by a friend. It’s worth a visit on a rest day, especially if you have animal loving kids as they loved feeding the gators and the birds.”
If all these tips have helped clear up your questions and got you ready to book an exciting family holiday to Florida, get in touch to make your dream trip a reality. 
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