Pre-Trip Fun for Orlando, Florida

"Dora the Explorer: Dora's Ultimate Adventure Collection" -- Kids can join Dora in adventures all over the map before traveling to meet her in person at Disney. (Toddlers to School Age)

"Finding Nemo" -- Epcot's Land of the Seas Pavilion will come alive for children who know Nemo and Crush from the movie. (Preschoolers and Up)

"Pirates of the Caribbean" -- Though Orlando isn't exactly in the Caribbean, maties can still ride the high seas with Captain Jack Sparrow and crew at Disney's Frontierland. (Pre-Teens and Up)

Grandmother's Punch -- Florida bursts with citrus fruit much of the year. Throw a tropical pre-trip party with this festive, juicy treat.

Picadillo -- Orlando has a significant Cuban population. Put spicy-sweet picadillo inside taco shells to make them even more kid-friendly.

"Alligators All Around" -- Luckily most Florida gators stick to the swamps, but the ones in Maurice Sendak's book are so friendly they teach the alphabet. (Ages 2 to 8)

"Zack's Alligator" -- What child hasn't fantasized about a toy pet coming to life? Real alligators probably won't do cartwheels like Zack's, but there are thousands to play with at Gatorland. (Ages 4 to 8)

"A Dolphin Named Bob" -- Get kids excited for Seaworld and other aquatic adventures with the story of baby Bob, based on a real dolphin, who rises to stardom in his aquarium's water show. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Whales With Fur: How to Train Any Animal Using Dolphin Training Techniques" -- Before they ooh and aah over Shamu, the whole family can pitch in to help with pets at home using these expert tricks. (Ages 10 to 16)

Decorate Your Own Ice Pack -- Keep cool in the sun with creative coolers that can be stored in the hotel freezer or beach cooler.

Vacation Journal -- Budding novelists can design their own vacation journal to log their adventures -- and get autographs from their favorite characters.