by Catherine Oz

Created on: May 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

Nearly 50 million people visit the Orlando metropolitan area each year, attracted by its balmy temperatures, world-class attractions, and penny-pinching family vacation packages. It's not easy to hit all of the fun things Orlando has to offer in one trip - but you can try.

Get some comfortable shoes, a trusty rent-a-car, and get ready to brave those Orlando highways for some of the best family fun you can have in the sunny South! This itinerary is only for the brave of heart and the fleet of feet - those who can go straight from standing in a theme-park line to dancing on the street. Trust me, you'll sleep all the way home on the plane, cradling a camera full of happy memories for yourself and your family.

Get ready to have fun!

Day 1 & 2 - Disney World

One visit to this entertainment megalopolis is rarely enough; with four large theme parks, two water parks and dozens of areas to relax, shop and eat, a family could spend their entire vacation here and never come up for air anywhere else in Central Florida.

You'll definitely want to visit the place that started it all: the Magic Kingdom, home of the Mouse himself, where Disney magic is concentrated into adventurous "kingdoms" where families can ride Space Mountain, the mother of all in-the-dark roller-coasters; visit with Disney characters as different as Buzz Lightyear and Sleeping Beauty; and wander down Main Street, U.S.A. for some late-afternoon shopping in unique stores found nowhere else on Earth.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is also a fabulous place to visit. The park is half-zoo, half-theme park, and families can ride the Kali River Rapids; see monkeys, tigers and even a komodo dragon; battle a Yeti on one of Disney's newest coasters; and even say hello to dinosaurs. This is especially a fabulous place for families with young children - there's no lack of educational and teachable moments to sit alongside the family-friendly thrill rides and animal shows.

You'll also want to check out Epcot, a fabulous mixture of the futuristic and exotic closer to home - ride a rocket to Mars on Mission: Space, fly over Californian cities on Soarin', and then enjoy a cultural stroll through Great Britain, China, Japan, Morocco and Mexico at the World Showcase. Don't forget to drop by America to hear the Voices of Liberty, an eight-person acapella choir that represents the creme de la creme of Disney performers.

Day 3 - Gatorland and International Drive

A visit to Orlando isn't complete without a morning spent

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