When you pack up the family and head to Foursquare Connection 2013, being held May 28–30 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., prepare for some serious fun. Connection’s organizers have revised Foursquare’s annual gathering with families in mind—starting with an extra day before the schedule begins.
“Our Foursquare leadership has been diligent to make Connection 2013 a time of spiritual empowerment as well as an opportunity for physical re-energizing,” says Connection Manager Tammy Sevcov. “I would encourage everyone to take advantage of our location by including an extra day or two of fun.”
Not sure what to do with your leisure time in the Sunshine State? Here are 10 popular and local favorite attractions in Central Florida to consider working into your family vacation—there’s a little something for everyone.
1. Walt Disney World® Resort. Magic Kingdom® Park, with the famed Cinderella’s Castle, is always the big draw. When you book through Foursquare Connection, the special rate is good for up to three days before and after the convention, and includes discounted Walt Disney World® Resort tickets and complimentary access to Disney’s Resort Transportation System, which serves all Disney attractions, parks, hotels and Downtown Disney®. Also, parks and attractions open one hour early and stay open late (1-3 hours) for registered resort guests. Go online to find out more about travel and lodging.
2. SeaWorld. Locals often name SeaWorld their favorite theme park, and for good reason. Less crowded than some of the other parks, SeaWorld offers roller coasters, rides, shows, tours, attractions and family-friendly activities for thrill seekers and animal lovers alike. If you have younger children, SeaWorld has a young child-friendly section with kiddy rides and a huge netted play area.
3. Winter Park. Another favorite among the locals, Winter Park offers upscale and boutique shopping, and casual sidewalk cafes. The Morse Museum offers a comprehensive collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as fine 19th- and 20th-century American decorative arts. The Scenic Boat Tour is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon on calm waters that take you through the history of the area, home to the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean style Rollins College.
4. Kennedy Space Center. Learn about the past, present and future of the space program at the Kennedy Space Center, a quick drive from Orlando to the East Coast of Florida. Pack a lunch and head to Cocoa Beach to relax in the sun before heading back to your hotel.
5. The Holy Land Experience. Step back in time and experience the lands of the Bible in a theme park built as a “living, biblical museum,” complete with replicas of biblical sights, live shows and exhibits.
6. Farris and Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory. Have a sweet tooth? Celebrate with Farris and Foster’s Chocolate Party in Sand Lake (off Dr. Phillips Blvd.), where you become a chocolatier. Play in rivers, waterfalls and bubbling vats of creamy milk, and dark and white chocolate. For $29 a family, everyone shares 1 pound of chocolate treats with which to design and create their own chocolate delights.
7. Wild Florida Airboat Tour and Wildlife Park. Want to get up close and personal with an alligator and other Everglades wildlife? Wild Florida offers eco swamp tours just 45 minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort.
8. Painting With a Twist. This entertainment studio features painting pros who guide you through painting your first piece of art. Recreate a masterpiece and take home a 16″ x 20″ acrylic on canvas as a souvenir. Novices are welcome.
9. Universal Studios Orlando. Universal Studios Orlando features two fun-filled parks—Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—packed with rides and attractions. Be one of the first to experience the larger-than-life Transformers: The Ride – 3D with its lifelike HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3D technology and special effects that place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil.
10. The Mall at Millenia. Relax and stroll the high- and middle-end stores at one of Orlando’s finest malls. Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel share one side of the mall, with more affordable shopping and favorite restaurant chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, Brio and California Pizza Kitchen on the other. IKEA sits right next door, and features free indoor childcare with a mountain climbing wall and other kid-friendly fun.
Decide what additional days you’ll stay surrounding Connection 2013, and be sure to make your hotel reservations by April 22 to secure the convention rate. Don’t miss out on this year’s incredible event!
Want to see more ideas for things to do in Central Florida? Visit our Pinterest page: WeAreFoursquare’s Connection 2013 | Florida.
