Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pass (formerly the Golden Access Pass-
port ) gives visually impaired people or
those with permanent disabilities (regard-
less of age) free lifetime entrance to federal
recreation sites administered by the National
Park Service, including the Fish and Wild-
life Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau
of Land Management, and the Bureau of
Reclamation. This may include national
parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation
areas, and national wildlife refuges.
The America the Beautiful Access Pass
can be obtained only in person at any NPS
facility that charges an entrance fee. You
need to show proof of a medically deter-
mined disability. Besides free entry, the
pass also offers a 50% discount on some
federal-use fees charged for such facilities
as camping, swimming, parking, boat
launching, and tours. For more informa-
tion, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.
htm , or call the United States Geological
Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at
& 888/275-8747.
For more on organizations that offer
resources to travelers with disabilities, go
to www.frommers.com/planning .
FAMILY TRAVEL
No city in the world is geared more to
family travel than Orlando. In addition to
its theme parks, Orlando's recreational
facilities provide an abundance of oppor-
tunities for family fun. Most restaurants
have lower-priced ($4-$9) children's
menus (if not, the appetizer menu works
just as well) and fun distractions such as
place mats to color while younger diners
wait for their food. Many of the hotels and
resorts offer children's activity centers (see
chapter 4, “Where to Stay,” for details).
Keep an eye out for coupons discount-
ing meals and attractions; they can be
found practically everywhere. The “Calen-
dar” section in Friday's Orlando Sentinel
newspaper often contains coupons and
good deals. Many restaurants, especially
those in tourist areas, offer great discounts
that are yours for the clipping. Check the
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information you receive from the Orlando/
Orange County Convention & Visitors
Bureau (see “Visitor Information” in chap-
ter 3), including free or cheap things to
do. Additionally, many hotel lobbies and
attractions have free coupon books for the
taking.
Most of the major theme parks offer
parent-swap programs in which one par-
ent can ride without the children, then
switch off, and let the other parent ride
without returning to the end of the line.
Inquire at Guest Services or Guest Rela-
tions, near the park entrances for details
on which rides are included.
To locate accommodations, restaurants,
and attractions that are particularly kid-
friendly, refer to the “Kids” icon through-
out this guide.
Here are more suggestions for making
traveling with children easier.
Are Your Kids Old Enough? Do
you really want to bring an infant or
toddler to the parks? If you plan on
visiting Disney several times as your
children grow, then the best age for a
first visit to Disney is just about 3 years
old. Why? Because the kids are old
enough to walk around and enjoy the
sights and sounds, and a good deal of
the rides and shows as well. The thrill
rides would most likely frighten them,
but most inappropriate rides for the
tiny-tot set have height restrictions that
prevent any unfortunate mistakes. If,
however, this trip is going to be a one-
time trip, then I recommend waiting
until your children are between 7 and
10. They'll still be able to appreciate the
wonder of the experience but won't
have reached the stage where all they'll
want is chills and thrills.
2
Some of the characters walking about
may make young kids a bit nervous,
though most will run right up to Don-
ald or Mickey and give them a big hug.
Younger kids may need a nap just when
you want to see a show or hop on an
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