By Sandy Klim

Classic Disney
A Walt Disney World Vacation is a magical experience. You see it in the eyes of the children, noses pressed against windows as cars roll into the Magic Kingdom. Each step brings them closer to the fantasy - to Tinker Bell, Dumbo and Mickey Mouse. The littlest guests can be seen sneaking shy glances at a costumed Cinderella near her castle entrance. Girls sport sparkling princess crowns while boys wield magical swords.

Disney has discovered ways to entertain kids of all ages with its four theme parks, waterparks, extensive lodging options and more. The key capturing your share of the Disney Magic is picking a vacation that’s right for you and your family. Multi-day passes allow you to experience one or all of the parks while at Disney.

First-time Disney visitors and those with young children probably want to start with the ultimate classic park, The Magic Kingdom. You’ll save time and energy if you stay in one of Disney’s numerous resorts that offer free transportation throughout the day to all of the theme parks. For sheer convenience, Disney’s Contemporary Resort can’t be beat. The monorail literally runs through the center of the hotel and provides transportation to the Magic Kingdom in the blink of an eye.

The Magic Kingdom is home to Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. A perennial favorite for all Disney-loving kids is Mickey’s Toontown Fair, a colorfully designed town full of cartoon-inspired props, rides and play areas.

In Tomorrowland you’ll find what’s considered one of the first classic sci-fi-inspired roller coasters-Space Mountain. It’s a tumbling, twisting ride set in the dark, with just a few twinkling stars to light your path. It’s still considered one of the best roller coasters around.

At Epcot, you can touch the future and travel the world-all in one day. Stroll the World Showcase for traditional music, performances and food from such faraway lands as China, Norway, Italy and Morocco. The settings and architecture representing each country change along the way. The folks who work in each of these world settings are actual natives of the countries represented.

Epcot is host to some terrific shows including the 3-D experience, Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Watch out for the dog’s sneezing at the end of the show-it’s an added sensory experience that kids love. For thrill rides, GM and Disney team up for Test Track, one of the longest, fastest rides at Disney World.

At MGM studios another roller coaster is making (air)waves. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith takes you on a screeching, turning, upside down limo ride through Hollywood. It’s one of the most popular roller coasters in Orlando. MGM presents several entertaining shows, including the Indiana Jones (tm) Epic Stunt Spectacular, Beauty & the Beast LIVE and the Studios Backlot Tour.

If you love animals, don’t miss Disney’s newest park, Animal Kingdom. Start your day with the Kilimanjaro Safari. Oversized, open-air jeeps explore the wilderness, splashing through rain-soaked swamps and creaking over rickety bridges. African animals roam freely through acres of rivers and rocky hills. Don’t be surprised to see giraffes, gazelles, elephants, rhinos and lions...oh, my!

Disney’s “The Tree of Life” from the Lion King is a magnificent work of art that’s the centerpiece for Animal Kingdom. At Camp Minnie-Mickey, the Broadway-style show, The Lion King, is a captivating experience for kids of all ages. Also popular after a day in the sun is the Kali River Rapids ride. You’re sure to get soaked on a white-water raft ride through the rain forest.

A great new feature at Walt Disney World is the fast-pass. It lets you “get in line” electronically. You’re scheduled to return at a certain time for almost immediate seating. It’s a great way to make sure you ride everything you want at each Disney park.

Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando now has two star-studded and amazing theme parks to choose from Universal Studios (r) and Islands of Adventure. Two world-class hotels are now on-site and within easy walking distance of the parks. There’s also CityWalk, an entertainment complex with nonstop nightlife and terrific dining.

At Islands of Adventure you’ll find some of the world’s most high-tech rides and attractions that bring your favorite stories, myths, legends, children’s books and cartoons to life. It’s five islands of fun and adventure. The Marvel Super Hero Island offers up unique thrill rides including the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. It’s the first 3-D ride of its kind and it’s, well amazing, just as the name implies. Not to be outdone is the Incredible Hulk Coaster. You’re launched from zero to 40 mph in two seconds flat and it’s become one of the most talked about roller coasters at Universal.

For kids, there are two great islands: Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon. Seuss Landing is an incredibly fun, playfully designed area just for kids (okay, adults love it too). Dr. Seuss lovers will be enthralled with the One Fish, Two Fish ride, the Green Eggs & Ham Café, and the Caro-Seuss-el Carousel, which bring the Seuss characters to life.

Toon Lagoon features some of our most beloved and nostalgic cartoon characters. Brave white-water rapids as you help Popeye save Olive Oyl (tm) from the clutches of Bluto. Eat at the Comic Strip CafÈ and visit Blondie & Dagwoods diner. That dastardly Snidely Whiplash (tm) is up to no good again. Rescue Nell Fenwick (tm) at Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.

At Jurassic Park, this blockbuster movie comes alive with a cool 3-D play area, rides and enormous dinosaurs.

On the Lost Continent, you’ll discover an enchanted forest, unicorns, magicians and thrills of epic proportions.

Within walking distance Of Islands of Adventure is Universal Studios, Hollywood. Movies and television shows come alive at this real working motion picture studio and theme park. Weekdays, kids can become part of the Nickelodeon Studios Slimetime audience and may even get “slimed” if chosen to appear on the show.

The Hollywood theme continues with the rides Back to the Future and the new Men in Black, where aliens are your enemy. One of the best film and stage shows around is the Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time experience. The stage show uses a unique combination of live actors, film and 3-D effects with great results. It’s a must see at Universal Studios, though it may be a bit too “real” for young children.

For the little ones, head over to Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone (sm). At Fievel’s Playland you’ll want to kick off your shoes and become a kid again. (Don’t worry, you’ll have lots of adult company.)

You’ll also find that Barney is alive and well - and has his own show at Universal! The show is dangerously cute, and kids love it.

Be sure to check out the Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show for some great ol’ time special effects and stunts.

While visiting Universal, be sure to consider staying at the Portifino Hotel with its Italian flair or the ultra-hip Hard Rock Hotel. Universal also has a fast-pass system, but takes it a step further. If you show your hotel room key, you’re immediately sent to the front of the line at designated rides and shows. This is a great program and definitely makes staying on site extremely appealing.

SeaWorld Orlando & Discovery Cove
SeaWorld and SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove are both family-friendly theme parks, which have the added appeal of animals and an environmentally friendly philosophy.

The Discovery Cove experience starts with an extraordinary opportunity to swim and play with bottlenose dolphins. In addition, guests may snorkel through a colorful reef with exotic fish, wade with large rays, get up close with hundreds of tropical birds and float down a river with waterfalls. Discovery Cove is beautifully designed with lush tropical vegetation, hammocks and white sandy beaches.

It’s a peaceful and relaxing respite from traditional theme park vacations. One price includes everything including your dolphin swim, lunch, snorkel gear, lockers and towels. Your Discovery Cove admission price also includes a seven-day pass into SeaWorld. You’ll want to plan ahead for Discovery Cove since only a limited number of guests may visit each day to accommodate the dolphin swim for everyone. (Reservations are strongly recommended.)

At SeaWorld, the animal tradition continues with cool shows featuring Shamu and other killer whales, dolphins and sea lions. There are also roller coasters for those who need a thrill fix on their vacation.

Kraken is the longest, tallest and fastest “floorless” thrill ride in Central Florida. On Journey to Atlantis, you’re sure to get soaked as you take the plunge through a mythological city.

If you’re in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned fun-filled vacation, consider Orlando. It’s a holiday you won’t soon forget. Talk to your local AAA Travel Agent for great vacation deals and special member-only offers.