First time back in 15 years.....Please Help

Question

Hello, my husband would like to book a family holiday to Orlando for his 40th in October next year . We have 2 young kids (6 & 5 at the time of travel) we will be planning a week -9 days in Orlando at the parks then head to a beach resort on the west coast. We have both been to Orlando but we haven't been in 15 years, so a lot has changed. I feel very overwhelmed by it all . We will def do both he Universal parks and maybe a 2-3 Disney parks. The whole fast track tickets are new to me, Are they worth getting ? does Disney do something similar. Also any suggestions for beach location on the coast.

thanks in advance

Answer

Planning a trip to Orlando after 15 years can definitely feel overwhelming, especially with young kids and the changes in ticketing systems and attractions. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you organize your family holiday in October next year.

Universal Orlando: Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have introduced the “Express Pass” system, which allows you to skip the regular lines for most rides. This is separate from the standard ticket and can be purchased as an add-on. Many families find it worthwhile, especially during peak seasons, because it can save hours of waiting in line and makes it easier with younger kids.

The Express Pass is optional but highly recommended if you want to maximize time and reduce stress for kids.
There are two main types: the single-ride Express Pass (one-time per ride) and the unlimited Express Pass (can use multiple times per ride).
Children under 3 don’t need tickets, but passes are recommended for all older kids who want to ride popular attractions.

Disney Parks: Disney no longer offers free FastPass. Instead, they have the “Disney Genie+” system. For a fee, you can reserve Lightning Lane access to certain attractions, which lets you skip the main lines. There is also an individual Lightning Lane option for the most popular rides (sold separately from Genie+).

Genie+ is worth it if your goal is to ride multiple attractions in a single day without long waits.
Plan your day in advance using the My Disney Experience app to make reservations as soon as they open (usually 7:00 AM for resort guests).
Since you have young kids, focus on the attractions that are age-appropriate to avoid exhaustion and long waits.

Beach Options on the West Coast of Florida: After your Orlando parks visit, heading to the Gulf Coast is a great choice for calmer waters and soft white sand beaches. Popular family-friendly options include:

Clearwater Beach: Wide, white sand beaches, shallow waters, and plenty of family-friendly amenities. Close to Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Siesta Key / Sarasota: Consistently rated among the best beaches in the U.S., very soft sand, and calm waters ideal for young kids.
Fort Myers Beach / Sanibel Island: Great for shells, nature walks, and more relaxed vibes. Less crowded than some of the more popular areas.

Additional planning tips:

Consider staying on-site at Universal or Disney for at least part of the trip to take advantage of early park access and transportation.
Book accommodations early for October as it’s a popular month with mild weather and fewer summer crowds.
With kids, plan 1–2 “rest days” in between park days, which can also be used for hotel pool time or short excursions.
Use apps for real-time ride waits and mobile food ordering to minimize stress and waiting times.

In summary, both Universal Express Passes and Disney Genie+ can be very helpful for a family with young children to save time and avoid long lines. For your beach portion, Clearwater, Siesta Key, or Fort Myers/Sanibel are all excellent family-friendly choices. Planning a mix of theme park excitement and relaxing beach days will make for a memorable trip.

First time back in 15 years.....Please Help

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