Twin Center Holiday : Orlando & Mexico Help

Question

I am hoping to travel to Orlando this June with my 15 year old son for approx 5 / 6 nights. Spend maybe 3 or 4 days in the parks & also visit the Kennedy Space Centre. After this maybe go to Miami for 2 nights. Following this, we would like a beach holiday, good quality hotel, in a central location where we can walk to places, night time entertainment. I wont be hiring a car. Not interested in a cruise. I have spoken to some travel agents & they are recommending Mexico, so am looking for feedback. Have ye been there following Orlando, what are ye're thoughts on it, can ye recommend good quality hotels ? Did ye get any vaccines going there.

Thanks very much

Answer

Planning a combined Orlando and Mexico trip for you and your 15-year-old son can be a fantastic experience, especially if you want a mix of theme parks, space exploration, and a relaxing beach holiday. Since you’re not hiring a car, staying in central locations with walkability and access to nightlife is key.

Orlando & Kennedy Space Centre:

For Orlando, 3–4 days in the parks is sufficient to enjoy major attractions if you prioritize the rides and shows your son will enjoy. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Walt Disney World are all accessible via Uber/Lyft, though having a car gives more flexibility. The Kennedy Space Centre is about an hour from Orlando, and day trips via tour buses or Uber are possible but can be pricey; some visitors prefer renting a car just for that day.

Miami stay:

South Beach area: Staying here puts you within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Even with a teen, the area has plenty of daytime activities and the iconic beach scene. Hotels such as Loews Miami Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, and 1 Hotel South Beach are family-friendly and centrally located.
Mid-Beach or North Beach: Slightly quieter areas with boutique hotels, less crowded beaches, but still accessible to main attractions via Uber.

Mexico beach holiday:

Given you don’t want a cruise and prefer walkable central areas with nightlife, consider these regions:

Cancún Hotel Zone: A long stretch of beaches with many high-quality resorts. Plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife within walking distance. Family-friendly options include Hyatt Zilara, JW Marriott Cancún, and Fiesta Americana. These resorts often have teen-friendly activities and pools.
Playa del Carmen: Smaller than Cancún, but very walkable, vibrant town with a central beach area, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Good quality resorts include Mahekal Beach Resort, Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, and Rosewood Mayakoba (a short shuttle to downtown).
Riviera Maya (Tulum or Akumal): Quieter, boutique-style luxury resorts. Great for a more relaxed vibe, natural beaches, and snorkeling. Less nightlife, but excellent for quality resorts and teen-friendly activities like eco-parks and cenotes.

Vaccines & Health:

For travel to Mexico, most travelers do not require special vaccines beyond routine ones (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, polio). However, check for updates on:

Hepatitis A and B (often recommended for longer stays or adventurous eating)
Typhoid (if eating outside of resorts frequently)
COVID-19 considerations (depending on current regulations)

Always check your GP or travel clinic 4–6 weeks prior to travel for personalized advice.

Additional tips:

Book hotels in walkable areas for convenience, especially since you won’t have a car.
Consider all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, which provide meals, drinks, and activities in one location — very convenient for families.
In Cancún and Playa del Carmen, nightlife is vibrant, but choose family-friendly areas or resorts to ensure it’s appropriate for teens.
Try to schedule downtime for your son after theme park days; beach resorts are ideal for relaxing and recharging.

In summary, your plan is very doable. Orlando and Miami will provide theme park excitement and city life, while a beach stay in Cancún or Playa del Carmen offers a convenient, high-quality, and walkable base for relaxation and nightlife. Booking reputable family-friendly resorts ensures a comfortable stay for both of you.

Twin Center Holiday : Orlando & Mexico Help

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions