Pack plenty of fun into your Orlando spring break adventure and save some money in the process.

By Deborah Reinhardt Palmer

For families with children, the idea of a spring break to Orlando can be a daunting idea. With about a week to work with, they have to pack in as much fun as possible without using up the college funds. But if done correctly, a spring break to central Florida could be a family memory that provides smiles for many years.

The key is to plan ahead. Know before leaving home that you won’t see everything, but you can see everything you want to. Pick the events and attractions you want to enjoy and plan the rest of the vacation around these decisions.

“April can be a busy time to visit Orlando, but the weather is great–with temperatures in the 80s–and AAA has so many ways to help you plan the perfect family getaway,” said Sue Wells, vice president of travel services for AAA. “We are an authorized Disney vacation planner and are therefore aware of the ins and outs of making the best use of your time at various Disney parks.

“AAA also has packages for Universal and other Orlando destinations. Discounted theme park tickets and AAA savings at a variety of attractions can really help a family when they travel.”

Special event preview

Going on now through April 14, every Saturday night is Mardi Gras at Universal Studios® in Florida. This year’s theme is “Let the Music Move You.” Each night of Mardi Gras, guests enjoy a live concert with some of the biggest names in music taking the stage, including Los Lonely Boys, Donna Summer, and Huey Lewis & the News. Plus, you’ll be treated to the sounds of The Big Easy with great Louisiana bands straight from New Orleans.

Authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, street performers, beads by the handful, plus a spectacular parade each night with colorful costumes, Zydeco music and a dazzling procession of authentic Mardi Gras floats contribute to the party.

AAA members save 10 percent on select food and merchandise inside the park. In addition, members can purchase discounted one- and seven-day admission to Universal and Islands of Adventure theme parks. There also are vacation packages to Universal Orlando. See your AAA Travel professional for details.

Colorful blooms herald spring’s arrival, and the 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is perfect for the winter-weary traveler.

The festival will be April 5–June 3 at Walt Disney World Resort and features a pirate ship topiary with Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinker Bell. There will be more than 70 topiaries, plus 30 million blooms, gracing the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase.

Beyond the dazzling displays, the festival also offers celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

AAA members can purchase in advance discounted four-, five-, and six-day Park Hopper tickets. In addition, there are vacation packages for AAA members to Walt Disney World. See your AAA Travel professional for details.

SeaWorld Orlando is another great attraction that offers savings to AAA members. Get 10 percent off a single-day admission.

For Orlando theme park tickets, call AAA at (800) 222-7623, ext. 6422, visit your local AAA office or click on www.AAA.com.

Save time and your mind

Disney, SeaWorld and Universal are the big draws with big crowds, and spring break weeks will most defintely have crowds. Here are a few tips to make the most of your stay. Consider purchasing Birnbaum’s guide to Walt Disney World.

• Enjoy the rides during “down time” at the parks, usually early morning and during meals or parade times. Get there when the gates open, eat an early or late lunch or dinner, and get on board rides when lines are shorter. Or consider the express passes available through the parks for an additional fee that allow you to bypass some lines.

• Families with small children should consider a hotel on the property of their favorite theme park. This allows time to go back to a room, let the little ones nap and return to the park after dinner to enjoy more fun and nighttime attractions, like fireworks.

• Go to the back of the park and work forward to save your feet and legs from a grueling workout. Remember, you probably have to walk back to the car at the end of the day.

Then the usual considerations apply: wear comfortable shoes, pack light, consider umbrellas or ponchos, and use sunscreen. More tips can be found at www.orlandoinfo.com/springbreak.

Save money while having fun

In addition to the discounts at the theme parks, AAA members also get a break at other attractions, including:

• Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Dinner Show, 8251 Vineland Ave. AAA members receive $4 off the adult admission of $48.99, $1 off a child admission of $21.99. Note that children younger than 4 years can sit on an adult’s lap for free.

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not Orlando Odditorium, 8201 International Drive. AAA members get $2 off admissions, which are $18.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 4–12.

• Titanic–The Experience, 8445 Inter-national Drive. AAA members receive 10 percent off admissions, which are $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 4–12.

• Jungle Adventures, 26205 E. State Route 50 in nearby Christmas. AAA members get 10 percent off admissions, which are $18.50 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9.50 for children 3–11.

Additional discounts are available through the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau with the preferred visitor Magicard. There are discounts on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, spas, golf and shopping. Download a card at www.orlandoinfo.com/magicard.

Deborah Reinhardt Palmer is managing editor of AAA Southern Traveler magazine.