Walt Disney World Family Vacation

If you want to feel like a kid again, Walt Disney World is your playground. Children and their parents are swept away by the magical, fairy-tale feel that permeates each and every one of the Disney theme parks. Around every corner is another awe-inspiring surprise that's bigger and more eye-popping than the last. Each of the major theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon -- will keep your fun-loving, fast-paced family mesmerized and bring you closer together with memories so fond they'll last a lifetime.

Orlando is the top family Spring Break destination, with travel at its peak from February to April. Also popular are Thanksgiving and the December holidays. A lull in the travel season occurs from September to early November, which is a great time to score low rates and two-for-one deals, and avoid long lines at attractions. Log on to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more details.

February, March, and April are the most popular times to travel to Orlando, with northerners coming to soak up the 78-degree weather. But bear in mind that cold snaps happen even in Florida. Pack a light fleece in addition to your bathing suit and summer clothes. Even the busy November or December holiday season has seen cold fronts (the oranges have frozen in years past). Afternoon rains are typical most summer days. Bring a light raincoat or poncho, and plan indoor activities in the afternoon if possible. The hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak months in August and September. Get more weather info.

Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a breeze for passengers, as more than 30 airlines serve the airport. Natives joke that the airport code stands for "Mickey and Co." or "Mickey's Corporate Office" since Walt Disney World is the leading attraction of the Orlando area. Disney's Magical Express is a free shuttle service from the airport to the resort's hotels. You can also check your bags at the hotel for your return trip, which makes for a virtually effortless airport check-in. There's also the Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) 18 miles northeast of the city, and Amtrak passenger and auto trains, which transport you and your car.

Free shuttle service to each of the parks is available from all Disney hotels and resorts, making it easy to park-hop and unnecessary to rent a car. Those not staying at the resort can use the pay-per-day lots or take the public bus system, Lynx.

With a rich calendar of special events, Disney's magic never ends.

• Walt Disney World Marathon and Walk Disney World Half Marathon (Jan.)
• Disney's Pirate & Princess Party (Jan.-Mar.)
• Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (April-June)
• Walt Disney World Resort July 4th Celebration (July)
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Oct.)
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov.-Dec.)
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot (Nov.-Dec.)
• Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom (Nov.-Dec.)
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM (Nov.-Dec.)
• New Year's Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort (Nov.-Dec.)

Walt Disney World's official website is a vital tool for planning your upcoming vacation. Stroller rentals are available at the parks, including double strollers for larger families.

Those staying for more than a few days can get the Magic Your Way pass, which offers discount rates for longer visits.

• Talk about vast: At 47 square miles, Disney is twice as big as Manhattan.
• Walt Disney World was created by filmmaker Walt Elias Disney (who died several years before the 1971 opening) and his co-founder and brother, Roy.
• Enough Mickey Mouse ears are sold each year at Walt Disney World Resorts to outfit every resident of Pittsburgh.