silvergoldmagazine.ca
TRAVEL
GRANDPARENTING: FLORIDA!
So you want to have an unforgettable trip to Florida with
your grandchildren... It IS possible! With careful planning and
a lot of patience, this will be a vacation you will all remember
for many years to come.
Prepare
After you’ve sorted out all the permission letters from both
parents and had them notarized, you’re ready to go! There’s
just a few things you need to consider:
Where to stay
The best city to stay in Florida is Kissimmee. It’s a great
city with easy access to Disney attractions (10-15 minute
drive), Universal Studios (1/2 hour away), SeaWorld (about
the same), and under and hour drive to Tampa Bay, where
you can visit Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park
Zoo, Adventure Island and more. www.visittampabay.com
Highly recommended, to rent a full home (townhouse) in
Florida as this will be more cost-effective than just staying at
Disney resorts, and will give you more freedom to come and
go as you please. Check out online sites like Flipkey.com and
Vacationrentals.com. Most 3-bedroom rentals will be about
$700 CAN for a whole week. In the evening, kids will be
able to watch TV and chill, make a sandwich or have a bowl
of cereal, or swim in the complex’s pool, while you enjoy the
warm Florida weather watching and playing with them. Great
experience opportunity!
Kissimmee also has a number of visitor centres to get
discounted tickets, souvenirs, and an unimaginable number
of restaurants – from the best BBQ, Italian, fast-food and
great diners, to the fanciest, and most delicious seafood and
Mexican spots. It’s the best place to stay while in Florida!
www.experiencekissimmee.com
Snacks, snacks, snacks
Aside from all the typical packing items like sunblock,
special stuffies and iPhone chargers (for older kids), remember
to pack plenty of snacks. Kids eat at the airport, on the
plane, on the car-ride to the accommodations, when you’re
unpacking, and before bedtime. Kids expel a lot of energy,
so pack snacks galore.
38
Connect with us on Facebook!
Water bottle
While at the airport and once you’ve gone through customs
checks, you’ll be able to refill your bottles prior to boarding
the plane. Plus, regardless of where you go, most attractions in
Florida will charge you $5 for a water bottle. Bring a reusable
water bottle and refill it at any Wawa gas station. There, you
can almost always get the best coffee, no-fee cash withdrawal,
and stock up on fresh fruit and freshly-made breakfasts prior
to your attraction visit.
Bring a backpack
Kids like to carry ‘stuff’. Backpacks come in very handy to
throw in all the kids’ items while visiting attractions, plus any
snacks you bring in. Bags are checked upon check-in, but it’s
a very speedy process nowadays.
Share and share alike
Whether you’re traveling with your spouse or with your
grandchildren, learn to share meals. Florida restaurants have a
way with serving PLENTY of food, and it’s all so delicious, but
it will leave you gaining 10 lb. by the time you return home.
Kids eat often but not often do they have large quantities, so
share wherever you go and wait til your return back ‘home to
the rental’ to enjoy some further snacks. Your waistline and
wallet will thank you!
Cirque is a MUST!
The shows that Cirque du Soleil put on at Disney Springs
in Florida are a perfect way to share special moment with the
whole family. Their current show “La Nouba”, is suited to
all ages and a huge crowd pleaser. It’s a wonderful, inspiring
shock to the senses! Make sure to include that in your plans.
Patience... Lots and lots of patience...
Kids have way too much energy for us older folks. But if you
plan your trip carefully, you should be fine. Plan to visit only
ONE attraction per two-day visit. Stick to your schedule. And
learn that when it comes to kids – you’ll remember – it’s OK
to say NO sometimes. It won’t make you the bad guy, and
will ensure your trip is as amazing as you wanted it to be! •
For more information and to plan your visit right, check out:
www.visitflorida.com