by Sara A Broers

Created on: May 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

Your suitcases are packed, airline tickets in hand, Orlando, Florida- Here we come! Your 3-day getaway to the Sunshine State will leave you sun kissed and longing for more. Your visit will be a quick one, but loaded with action. You have booked your reservations at The Polynesian Resort right on Walt Disney World property. You must get a taste of Mickey Mouse while in the Orlando area, and your hotel room will guarantee a magical experience! This will be your base camp for your 3-day getaway.

On day number one, I would recommend that you spend the day at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Be an early riser, take advantage of early entry into the Magic Kingdom, and you will experience many favorite attractions over and over. The lines will be short and the excitement high! Be sure you have booked a character dining experience for a late lunch at the Crystal Palace. This will take care of two meals and Winnie the Pooh will delight everyone in your party! If a parade is your thing- find your "spot" at least an hour ahead of the start of the parade. Take advantage of the whole day, at the end of the day- watch Tinkerbell fly from Cinderella's Castle over to Tomorrowland before one of the largest fireworks display in the Orlando area.

On day number two, arise early and grab breakfast at the Kona Cafe within the Polynesian Resort. Take in the tropical flowers and greenery on your stroll to breakfast. Then, take a cab over to Sea World in Orlando. Sea World will give you another flavor of Orlando. Everyone in your party will enjoy "Kraken," an attraction like no other. You will go to nose to nose with killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Plan to stay from opening to closing. Another full day of fun! Upon returning to The Polynesian Resort, take a stroll on the beach with the beautiful backdrop of the lights from the Magic Kingdom.

On day number three, grab a rental car and head over to Cocoa Beach. Pack up the sun screen, sun hats, binoculars and sand castle building materials. The Beach is around an hour from Orlando and will give you a taste of the sugary fine sand that Florida is known for. If you are traveling with teens, you may want to rent surf boards in a rental shop along the coast. This area is very good for surfing, as the waves are constantly on the go. The beach also provides an excellent opportunity for building the ultimate sand castle. Cocoa Beach is where our boys have always enjoyed watching dolphins from shore, and has always provided the ultimate Florida beach experience.

It is now time to head home and you have spent three fun days in the Orlando, Florida area. You will have taken something in for the theme park lover and the beach goer. Two days of non stop action and one lounging on the beach. There is so much more to do and only so much time. A return getaway will be in order, and memories that will last a lifetime. Hopefully, a few shells washed upon your feet and you were able to capture a photo of your group with Mickey Mouse!

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