Postcard from Orlando

All my three-year-old, Brock, knew was that we were leaving the cold weather to go somewhere warmer. So, he insisted on wearing his favourite red bathing suit under his jeans because he didn’t trust the “basement” of the plane where they kept the luggage. “It could get lost down there,” he said matter-of-factly.

Smart kid. He definitely needed his suit at The Nickelodeon Suites Resort (a stone’s throw away from Disney). The “Nick Hotel” is an exciting place for families where you can swim at two pool complexes with waterslides and splash pads; dine with Dora or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; visit craft tents, a 3,000-square-foot arcade and a kids’ spa; play basketball on your own private court, sleep in themed suites with SpongeBob SquarePants collages on the walls and get slimed! (Yes, I said slimed.) My kids were in heaven, and we had only just arrived.

A version of this article appeared in our March 2013 issue with the headline "Awesome Orlando," p. 28.

Go into sensory overload (like Brock, 3, did) at the Nick Hotel’s 4D movie theatre — you’ll feel the breeze and the rumbling cars, and see real bubbles in the air.

LegoLand has little shaded areas set up for kids to play with Lego while their parents stand in line for the rides.

Get creamed with green gook poolside when the Nick Hotel’s staff pours slime all over you — or join the mass sliming where a 400-gallon dump tank douses (willing) guests all at once.

At WonderWorks, kids can be invited onstage to learn tricks at The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.

Get away from all the bustle and enjoy a dolphin swim at Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive park is known for its resort-like setting with cascading waterfalls, tropical birds, lazy rivers, snorkelling, private cabanas, and complimentary towels, sunscreen and strollers made for rolling in the sand.

Next you should hit my kids’ favourite — LegoLand! A highlight was Miniland USA, a compilation of cities made from 30 million pieces of Lego. Ride the coasters, then watch the kids at the Ford Driving School, where they can tool around on a closed course in Lego-themed cars before being awarded their very own driver’s licences.

-Most families couldn’t afford SeaWorld Orlando’s grocery bill. Shamu, their most famous whale, eats approximately 220 pounds of food each day.

-The Empire State Building at LegoLand’s Miniland USA is made of 233,000 pieces of Lego and stands 17.5 feet tall.