Taking the Kids: Visiting Orlando in fall with young kids

There are plenty of amenities – stroller rentals, the ability to swap child-minding so both parents can ride an attraction without waiting in line twice, mobile ordering to get food faster and healthful choices. (You must ask for fries; otherwise kids’ meals come either with carrots or fruit.)

The Magic Genie+ service, though an upcharge, was a godsend for some young families I met; The extra $15 a person (ages three and up) gets you access to “Lightning” Lanes on certain attractions that get you in without a wait.

However be forewarned that some of the most popular attractions for young families, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever require a per-ride purchase. Prices vary (it can be more than $10 per person per ride) depending on crowds and date.

Meanwhile, besides the terrific water play areas at Disney hotels, Disney Springs, families agree, is a welcome respite from the crowds at the parks. There is a lot of outdoor space and entertainment and more than 60 food choices. With the huge World of Disney and LEGO stores, it’s perhaps the best place to get souvenirs. Even fine-dining restaurants are kid-friendly. “Honestly, I like STK at Disney Springs with my 3-year-old because the music is loud and I don’t worry about her having to be quiet,” said Jessica Bozeman, who lives in Orlando.

Even upscale hotels couldn’t be more kid-friendly. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa's boasts family suites with kid-approved loft beds and chalkboard walls. The LEGOLAND Hotel not only has different LEGO-themed rooms but in-room scavenger hunts.

Parents of young kids suggest staying on property wherever you are spending most of your time. Disney World, with 32 resorts and hotels, have something in every price range from villas to unique accommodations (see the giraffes and zebras from your balcony at the Animal Kingdom Lodge; stay in a family suite themed to favorite movies at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. (Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25 percent on rooms through the end of September.)

Local families note there is much to do outside the parks — Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve with its butterfly garden, The KidsTown exhibit at the Orlando Science Center with interactive zones for kids ages 7 and under; the Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall (paint with melted wax!).

But even in kid-centered Orlando, traveling with toddlers is never easy. They get tired, hungry and cranky at the most inopportune times.

Even with grandparents along and willing to babysit, one mom confessed she and her husband were too tired to go out in the evening. “I had no idea how exhausting it would be,” she said.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia and The Kid’s Guide to Camping are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)