Get the most out of your family trip with these eight tips to a more enjoyable and stress free Orlando vacation!

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1. Try to be patient.

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Don’t sweat the things you can’t control. Vacation is no time to get angry or stressed out. It’s a time to enjoy yourself! Did you miss the shuttle? Don’t worry, there will be another one. No cash in the ATM? Enjoy the opportunity to explore while you find another. If something comes up that you didn’t plan, just take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re on vacation to have fun, and part of fun is unplanned inconveniences.

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2. Wake up early.

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It might be tempting to sleep in on vacation, and you definitely should take some time to laze around during your trip. But there are benefits to being an early riser while on vacation in Orlando. You’re able to enjoy the best attraction before crowds arrive, and if you enjoy taking pictures, you can take advantage of Orlando’s famous, beautiful sunrises to get some fantastic shots.

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3. Stash extra cash.

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This one is key, especially if you’re traveling to the Orlando from out of the country. When you arrive, be sure to either exchange your currency or get some cash from an ATM. We suggest at least three or four hundred dollars. This will keep you covered in the event that for some reason, your credit card doesn’t work.  Don’t keep all of this cash in your wallet or purse, just in case you lose them. For example, stash a couple hundred bucks under shoe inserts, in a sock or maybe in a toiletry bag.

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4. Try not to plan too much.

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Some people prefer to plan their vacation down to the minute, and many times, that’s actually a great idea. VillaDirect even offers vacation planning services. But try not to be bound by that plan. When you get to Orlando, especially if you’re visiting for the first time, you have no idea what you’re going to enjoy or what you’ll discover. If you plan on spending two hours somewhere, and you end up having a ton of fun, forget your plan. Stay as long as you want to, enjoy yourself and worry about the rest later.

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5. Say yes often.

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Be impulsive and say yes when a loved one or new friend randomly invites you to try something new or visit a place you haven’t yet thought of. It’s these unexpected moments and spur of the moment decisions that spice up your vacation and create the most memorable vacation stories.

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6. Splurge a bit

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We’re big fans of budget travel at VillaDirect. Some of our condo rentals near Disney can be had for as little as $60 per night. That said though, a vacation isn’t complete unless you splurge at least a little bit. You shouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a few nights dining out at a fancy restaurant, buy that over-priced Disney souvenir you’ve always wanted or spoil yourself with a day of relaxation at one of Orlando’s high-end day spas.

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7. Go off the beaten bath.

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Orlando is famous for its theme parks, and rightfully so. Walt Disney World, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios offer some of the most unique and thrilling attractions on the planet. But Orlando has so much more to offer than just theme park thrills. You can find everything from incredible animal encounters and nature parks to natural springs, boat tours and more all in the Orlando area. And many times, these activities are significantly cheaper than a day at the theme parks.

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8. Slow down.

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Don’t try to cram too many activities into one day while you’re in Orlando. There are so many attractions and activities in Orlando that it would take 68 straight days to experience each one of the at least one time. Take your time at each thing you do and try to get the most out of it. Experience each activity to the fullest. It’s better to really enjoy one or two different things during the day than to try and rush through five different activities without every really experiencing all they have to offer. Slow down, take your time, snap some pictures and really soak it all in.

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