Family vacations have been essential to my life since I was born. My father made the very wise decision to purchase his first timeshare two months before I was born in the 1980s. Following my grandfather’s path, my dad attended a presentation in Kissimmee, Florida — and the rest is history.
Since then, my family has spent every summer in Orlando. My siblings and I carry on the tradition with our kids. Every spring break we try new activities, which is easy to do in a large entertainment city like Orlando.
This year, we focused on water activities. Our first activity was a trip to SeaWorld® Orlando and Aquatica. SeaWorld is renowned for its spectacular shows, such as the killer whale show, where trainers and whales showcase their incredible bond through mesmerizing performances. Dolphin and sea lion shows also captivate audiences with their agility, intelligence and playful antics. Aquatica offers fun for everyone, from thrill-seekers to beginning swimmers. Attractions include wave pools, lazy rivers and splash areas for kids of all ages.
We drove 10 miles north to Winter Park, Florida, for our next adventure. We took an hour-long scenic boat tour through Lake Osceola in the quiet suburb.
Spot large cranes swooping waterside to snag a large fish or a lazy alligator languishing on a nearby bank during the guided cruise. The tour guide gave us an elaborate history of Winter Park and the beautiful homes surrounding the lake.
In addition to water activities, we had plenty of fun on land. We saw the Orlando Guardians of the XFL football league take on the Seattle Sea Dragons at the Camping World Stadium.
We also tried a new dining experience at Disney Springs™: Planet Hollywood. Planet Hollywood is not just about the food; it's about immersing yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while enjoying a meal. It's a popular choice for families, movie buffs and anyone looking for a lively dining experience.
Our favorite property in Orlando is Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. It has everything our family needs in one location — including dining options, fun amenities for the kids and a great location right off International Drive. Our 8-year-old loves the waterslide at the pool area, and our teenager lives in the activity center.
Read “3 Family-Friendly Destinations To Discover” for more Hilton Grand Vacations locations your entire travel party will love.