Kennedy Space Center, Gatorland, Sea World.....or just stick to Walt Disney World??

Question

I will be traveling with my husband and 3 and 5 yr old in Dec./Jan. I can get free tickets for the Kennedy Space Center, but wasn't sure how interesting it would be for little ones. I know it would be exciting to see a launch but not sure if they have any scheduled then. Gatorland sounds fun to me, but not my husband. I have silver Sea World passes and could upgrade to platinum to visit Sea World in Florida. Should I visit any of these or just stay on the Disney premises? If I were to visit any of these I would have to find transportation to visit there. I will not have carseats with me.

We will be at Walt Disney World for 12 days. Being a Disneyland passholder I know I could spend all 12 days there easily...but wondering if it's worth the trip and money to go to any of the others. Also does anyone know fun places to celebrate New Years Eve with kids?

Answer 1

If you think this might be your only chance to see the Space Center, you should take it. I agree with the other anwerer that stated that Gatorland might be a little 'smelly' or scary for the youngsters. (Of course that all depends on what your children are into, some kids LOVE that stuff- but it isn't for me)

I have never been to Sea World, so I envy you a bit. We usually stay at Disney and stay on Disney property. But then again, we usually only go for one week. So with a vacation the length of yours, I definitely would make arrangements for the transportation.

I know I haven't helped, but I do want to wish you a great vacation!

Answer 2

Gatorland was soooo boring when I was there! ...well, fun for the first 15 min & then a little redundant. I don't recommend it - especially with a 3 & 5 yr old on a hot summer day when your husband doesn't want to be there....everyone will be whining. Sea World is a good idea though - it's a nice change of pace after spending a lot of time at Disney - your kids will enjoy the fish & other animals and there are a few fun rides there as well. If you can get free tickets to Kennedy Space Center, you might as well check it out - I've never been, but I'd definitely go for free! :) Whatever you decide to do, hope you have a great trip!

Answer 3

Kennedy space center is worth going. I enjoyed it immensely.

However, with little ones it may be a bit boring. I would call kennedy space center and ask

Answer 4

My fiance and I are planning a 14day trip to disney in May (08) we're going to stick with disney, mgm, epcot (the park hopper passes)...maybe animal kingdom.

I work with children (worked at a daycare since i was 16, i'm now 20) and i have 3 younger siblings around your childrens age. I'm not sure that they would have a good time at the kennedy space center - but you never know.

I'm not familiar with gatorland, but sea world is amazing. I completely love seaworld down in orlando. (Well, its the only sea world i've ever been to)... and i'm sure the kids would enjoy seeing the fishies..and the BIG fishies (The whales)...

Good luck! have an awesome time on your trip!

Answer 5

Space center is great, they now have a shuttle simulation ride your kids and husband will love. Gatorland suffered form a fire last year and has been renovated. Sea world is great I go almost every weekend. They have rides and small water areas where your kids can cool down. You can rent a car with car seats in them, just let the agent know what you need.

Answer 6

I strongly suggest doing SeaWorld. It's great for the entire family. You would have the problem of transportation, but you could take a taxi, especially if the little ones can ride on your lap. I haven't been to the other two yet, so I can't be of much help there.

I would definitely do SeaWorld if you get the chance.

Answer 7

Since you have such a long stay planned (I am so jealous!) I would definitely wander off site a little. The Kennedy Space Center is a great choice, in fact when we are at Disney in March we will be visiting there as well. The little ones will enjoy seeing all of the exhibits, I mean what little kid doesn't want to be an astronaut?

Gatorland to me was a little boring, and to my kids as well (11 and 7). It is kind of cool to see all the animals, but it is definitely not a full day.

We visited Sea World in April, and to my surprise I was disappointed. We always make it a point to go to Sea World when we go to Florida, but I don't think that we will be doing that our next trip in March. The park was not very clean, they changed the way they feed the dolphins (always a highlight) and made it almost impossible to get food unless you stood in an unbelieveable line, the park employees were less than helpful and friendly. I guess I just am spoiled by the Disney cast members. The Shamu show was good, as was the sea lion and otter show. I would only plan half to 3/4 of a day for Sea World if you decided to go.

I would make sure instead of Gatorland or a full day of Sea World spend some extra time in Downtown Disney for a break. There is a ton to see and do, and it is a nice change of pace for the younger kids. You can also check out DisneyQuest. We did that with our kids and they loved it. There are a few interactive games that your kids will LOVE. Also, you may want to check out Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, if it is warm enough.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Answer 8

Kennedy Space Center won't be interesting to your kids. It's good for adults but kids get bored. Gatorland is awesome. The first time I took my nephew there was last year, he was five. He was amazed by everything. He cried when I made him leave. They just added a new water section there too so if you go make sure you bring swim suits for your kids so they can go in the water. Sea World is awesome. I take my nephew there at least once a week (he's six now). And just in case you're looking for a good place to eat there I suggest Sharks Underwater Grille. If you get there in the morning (between 9 and 10) you just go and put your name down for a reservation. If you make a reservation before 1pm you can get great seats. It's indoor and you get to watch sharks in a giant aquarium. Adults can order off the kids menu. They have great spaghetti for $7. Have fun on your vacation. There is also a kids section in Sea World with kids rides and a water section. So, if you go to Sea World I would bring the kids bathing suits.

Answer 9

Go to Gatorland, we got to feed the gators, we got great pics and it about a half day event. You can still do something fun that night. Disney is so great, you are so lucky to have the passes. There is also Medieval Times and Arabian Nights as well as Pirates. the kids will love seeing all the animals at Gatorland, there is more there than gators.

Answer 10

Celebrate New Year's at Magic Kingdom. It's wonderful. As for the rest, unless your kids are really into space and aeronautics, they probably are too young. Check their web page to check for scheduled launches. I have not been to Sea World anywhere but in Orlando, but if you regularly visit one, you may want to pick other things to do. Gatorland is well exactly what you see online. It was okay, nothing to write home about.

Here's my suggestion plan on needing at least 3 days for Magic Kingdom alone. Considering the ages of your children and how busy Disney is this time of year. You may need more if you want to see everything, and you really should see as much as you can. The shows really are a lot of fun, and spending time in lines to meet the characters take a long time.

Also, check the park hours for the other parks, I know Animal Kingdom closes early in the winter months.

I don't think you will need to leave the resort at all. Most of the hotels have pools, you will need naps, and your arrival day and departure days are basically useless.