Experience Orlando, Florida in a Whole New Way

Experiencing the world’s most famous amusement parks as a family is unlike any other. And being able to enjoy yourselves in Orlando with all the creature comforts of home brings a unique element to a vacation. Choosing to stay at a resort setting over a traditional hotel lets you come back from riding coasters all day and crash down on the couch. It lets you run to the fridge and refuel with a bowl of cereal. It gives mom and dad some space away from the kids or grandkids by relaxing in their own room. All in all, it’s the best of both worlds.

Orlando is a city that has grown up with the theme parks. But if you think that’s all it has to offer, you’re sorely mistaken. Orlando offers everything from ziplining through forest canopies, to chef-driven restaurants, to exploring the protected nature preserves by air boat. So step out of your resort refreshed and hit the ground running!

GOING GREEN

Looking for some fresh air? Take a day off from the parks and book a guided eco-safari through Forever Florida: a true, working 4,700-acre ranch and adventure park. Navigate through Florida’s fragile ecosystem by swamp buggy—avoiding the odd alligator or wild hog along the way—or instead zipline through the tree canopy. Don’t worry about getting muddy: Most resorts offer washers/dryers in the rooms so you can pack lighter and keep your stuff fresh and clean.

You can also head north to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Locals gather here on weekends as a respite from the typical bustling Orlando scene. Canoe or kayak along the Wekiwa River or simply drive to the bitter end of the parking lot and enjoy a picnic beneath the oak trees.

KEEP IT CHILL

Are the adults looking for something that’s a bit more low key? Cocoa Beach has an unpretentious, artsy vibe that may be just the ticket. Only about an hour’s drive east of Orlando, you’re more likely to be interrupted by dolphins jumping than children shouting. You can fish off the 1,200-foot jetty or visit Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge to spot manatees and spoonbills. It’s relatively gentile waves also make it just the right spot to give surfing a try!

AWAY FOR THE DAY

Since you’ve been cooking a few meals and doing some laundry, take the dollars you saved and put them towards a road trip! Hop in the car for a 3-hour drive to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States dating back to 1565. Stop along the way at De Leon Springs State Park, on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Once you cross the Halifax River on Highbridge Road and continue north on the scenic ocean-side of A1A you’ll be brought to the Bridge of Lions. It’s marked by two massive marble Medici lions restored in 2011—but don’t forget to look out over beautiful Matanzas Bay.

When you get back to your resort, Harry and Mickey and Jaws will be right where you left them.

CARP Members can book a 7-Night Vacation Rental at up to 40% Off* at TripBeat.com/carp. By now, you should be inspired to book a Florida vacation in Orlando or St. Augustine. Start your vacation search at TripBeat or call 844-367-643 and tell use your CARP member to get your discount!

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