Try a multi-generation reunion in Orlando
Nine-year-old Becca stopped in her tracks, pointed across the street and stared in amazement. “Look, Grandpa, that building is upside down!”
Sure enough, the massive white structure appeared to be standing on its head. The point of its roof was smashed into the ground, as if the edifice had fallen from the sky. Where the top of the building should have been were ersatz grass and several palm trees that appeared to be growing down rather than up. Even the name over the entrance portico was upside down but readable: WonderWorks.
And a wonder it was — one of many encountered during a 10-person, three-generation trip to Orlando, Fla. Another wonder was that Walt Disney World, which attracts families like bees to honey, was not the focus of our stay. As a result, we saved time, because crowds elsewhere usually are smaller, as well as money, which at Walt Disney World seems to disappear more quickly.
Planning for this intergenerational sojourn took months, involving numerous emails and long-distance telephone calls.
The first priority was selecting a destination that well suited to family members whose ages span seven-plus decades. Orlando had appeal as home to seven major theme parks, more than 25 smaller attractions and abundant sunshine.
A resort built for families
Next came the choice of accommodations. After countless Internet searches, one place emerged as the odds-on favorite. Reunion Resort lives up to its name in every way. It’s a place for family members to gather, have fun, reconnect and spend quality time together.
When the day of our departure arrived, our family descended upon the land of sun and fun from Washington, D.C., Denver and Chicago. As each group arrived at the Reunion Resort, we soon understood how it got that name. As it turned out, the grandchildren would have been satisfied to spend virtually all of their time at the 2,300-acre complex.
During our initial visit to the resort’s five-acre water park, their eyes widened, their mouths opened in amazement and they took off in different directions. Talya, age 4, and her brother Josh, 3, are daredevil divers who headed for the boards and plunged into the large pool time after time.
Becca climbed into an inner tube float and disappeared around a bend of the Lazy River, which meanders through the park. After several minutes she drifted past those of us waiting by the man-made stream, gave a happy wave and continued on her voyage.
In the meantime, 7-year-old Ellie had discovered the multiple slides in the water park. As soon as she emerged from an enclosed tunnel and splashed into the water below, she scrambled up a ladder for another thrilling ride. Adding to the fun was a huge bucket overhead that slowly filled with water, tipped and doused anyone standing below.
After sliding, swimming, floating and being drenched by an occasional torrent of water, our grandchildren took to the land. Organized games, both for kids alone and with their parents and grandparents, take place throughout the day.
A spa offers the usual relaxing and rejuvenating services plus some extras. For example, while many spas offer water or tea following a message, here it was champagne.
Then there’s golf. While the children may be enjoying half- and full-day camp sessions, their parents can head for the fairways. The resort is the only place in the world with courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
Out to the theme parks
Given the something-for-everyone appeals of the Reunion Resort, it became a challenge to persuade members of the younger generation to head out for other, very different settings. Once there, the challenge became convincing them that we had to return to the resort for dinner.
For Fyllis and me, the wacky world of WonderWorks — which bills itself as an indoor amusement park for the mind — was a personal favorite. From the topsy-turvy building to the imaginative experiences inside, our first challenge was to keep up with the youngsters as they flitted from floor to floor and room to room.
A simulated hurricane and earthquake proved to be just frightening enough for the young ones to enjoy without prompting nightmares. While Fyllis kept her eyes tightly closed during most of a 4-D roller coaster movie, Talya begged to see it again — and again.
The older kids were fascinated by a simulated space shuttle ride and mind control game. The little ones spent a long time creating giant soap bubbles which they then delighted in popping.
WonderWorks more than lives up to its claim that “the unexplainable will come to life and the unusual will be the norm.”
Not far away, the Old Town theme park entertains children of all ages, and adults brave enough to accompany them, with rides that range from adrenaline rushing to tame enough for 3-year-olds. In the Kid’s Town area, little ones can hop on a merry-go-round, go for a spin in flying tea cups, and ride the Wacky Worm Kiddie Coaster.
We adults held our collective breaths as Ellie, fearless mountain climber to be that she is, decided to conquer a ropes course that rose more than 40 feet above ground. She clambered to the highest level, then confidently made her way over a series of plank bridges that swayed in the breeze.
Even though she was attached to a safety wire over her head, we resumed normal breathing only after she descended and her feet touched Mother Earth again.
More to the liking of Ellie’s grandparents was Main Street, several blocks of shops that range from fun to funky and conjure up images of years past. While the children were mesmerized by the glitter of stones in Black Market Minerals, we reminisced at the general store and enjoyed a treat at the A&W Root Beer shop. There’s no admission charge to Old Town, but you pay for each ride and activity.
If aptly named Old Town speaks to the past, Legoland looks to the future. Any child who has played with Legos (and how many haven’t?) is sure to be entranced by giant figures, familiar characters and entire mini-cities made of oversized Legos.
The park is divided into themed zones, and we had to move quickly to keep up with the little ones as they explored every one. They sampled many of the rides, which range from roller coasters to the youngsters’ first experience driving a mini-car and navigating a boat.
Even waiting lines, which are encountered at virtually every theme park, became part of the fun for the youngsters. While their parents and grandparents held their place, the younger set headed for play areas filled with small mountains of Legos. When the adults reached the front of the line, we had to convince the little ones to leave the Legos and join us for the next ride or attraction.
Following each excursion, we headed back to the Reunion Resort to prepare dinner, reminisce about our experiences, and plan the next fun, frolic and family togetherness.
Each evening, Talya proclaimed, “That was the best day ever” — until the one that followed. That observation alone made it the best family trip ever for her parents and grandparents as well.
Plans and preparations
Here’s a brief checklist that can help assure that an intergenerational family vacation will be a delight rather than a disaster.
Picking a place. While the Orlando area (and Reunion Resort) turned out to be perfect for our family, you might choose something very different. Whether you prefer a winter ski trip, dude ranch, visit to a large city or any other experience, take into account the wishes of everyone, from oldest to youngest.
Plan together. While adults obviously make the major decisions, such as where to go and how to get there, let the youngest family members take part in the planning process. Give them a list of things to do and see, and let them make choices for part of the time.
R and R. When young children are involved, set aside time for rest and relaxation. A crying, complaining, overtired youngster is not having fun and neither are any adults within earshot.
Enjoy down time. Some of the most enjoyable moments and best memories often result when family members are just relaxing together. Our evening meal preparation, followed by card and board games, were times of fun and bonding.
Be flexible. Plans made can be plans broken. If an attraction you wish to visit is closed, have a fallback position. If you get a rainy day, have a Plan B of indoor activities.
Keep a sense of humor. Along with many benefits, intergenerational travel can have moments — or longer — of challenge. It’s important for the adults to set the tone by remaining relaxed and dealing calmly with any problems that might arise. That will make it more likely that children will do so as well.
If you go
Sharing family fun in an upside down building, exploring a reproduced vintage town, and marveling at a wonderland of super-sized Legos turned out to be enjoyable for our three-generation travel group.
But many of the most meaningful hours were spent at the Reunion Resort, where we shared two adjacent, spacious suites. In addition to high-rise buildings with condo-like apartments, the property also rents villas and homes with private pools.
While there are numerous restaurant and café establishments at the resort, cooking your own meals in the fully-equipped kitchens in every suite can stretch your travel dollar. And remember, every hour spent enjoying the resort’s attractions and activities is an hour not spending money at a theme park.
For more information about the Reunion Resort, visit www.reunionresort.com or call 1-877-845-9163.
For information about the Orlando area, including theme parks and other attractions, see www.visitorlando.com or call 1-800- 972-3304.