New Research Reveals What Kids Want in a Family Vacation

Orlando's offerings a top draw for Canadian children

ORLANDO, FL, Jan. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - After months of cold weather, a trip to Orlando appears to be the perfect getaway for Canadian families this Family Day weekend (Feb. 15-17) or upcoming March Break, according to a recent survey conducted by Leger Research Intelligence Group on behalf of Visit Orlando.

The survey, which asked children between the ages of seven and 12 a variety of questions about what they enjoy while on vacation, revealed that spending time with family is at the top of the list. When asked what activities they like, theme parks were the heavy favourite, followed closely by swimming. Orlando is home to seven of the world's top theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and LEGOLAND Florida.

"I recently travelled to Orlando with my husband and our two kids, ages 10 and 13, and the number of memorable experiences you can have in a few short days is truly remarkable," said Erica Ehm, creator and publisher of the acclaimed online magazine YummyMummyClub.ca. "With such a wide array of activities and attractions, we were able to keep everyone in the family entertained, which is not an easy feat."

Survey Results:
Note: Respondents could select multiple answers in their responses.

Vacation Preferences

• 70 per cent of children enjoy theme parks/amusement parks while on vacation, followed by swimming at 68 per cent
• 29 per cent of children say spending time with family is what they like most about going on vacation, followed by the 28 per cent who said staying in a hotel

Attractions

• 69 per cent of children chose rides as their favourite theme park experience
• 64 per cent voted roller coasters and water slides as their favourite theme park rides

Technology

• 79 per cent of children say they must take a tech device with them while on vacation
• 65 per cent say they must take either a tablet or portable game console

For parents in search of the ideal family getaway, Orlando's diverse offerings can easily meet everyone's vacation needs. In addition to its popular theme parks and first-class dining scene, Orlando boasts renowned spas, beautiful golf courses, a multitude of shopping options, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures, such as hang-gliding, hot air ballooning and zip-lining. More information and vacation planning tips can be found at VisitOrlando.ca, in addition to a variety of 'Deals Made for Canadians' discounts.

Canada continues to be Orlando's number-one international market since breaking the one-million-visitor mark for the first time in 2011. With several airlines offering direct flights, a list which now includes multiple daily departures from Toronto and Montreal via Air Canada rouge, this popular Floridian destination is an easy getaway for Canadian families. For those who are not celebrating the Family Day holiday, Orlando is also an ideal winter escape for the upcoming March Break.

Survey Methodology:
A survey of 441 kids between the ages of seven and 12 was completed online November 21-28, 2013 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.7%, 19 times out of 20. Leger's online panel has approximately 460,000 members nationally - with between 10,000 and 20,000 new members added each month, and has a retention rate of 90 per cent.

About Visit Orlando:
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide the Orlando Magicard™, or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando's official web site at VisitOrlando.ca or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181. For real-time updates, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitOrlando or on Facebook at facebook.com/VisitOrlando. While in Orlando, visitors may also stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive.

Editor's Note: For additional press information or high-resolution downloadable images, please visit VisitOrlando.com/Media

SOURCE: Visit Orlando

Media contacts:
Daina Astwood-George, APEX Public Relations
T: 416-934-2104
E: [email protected]

Heide Colon/Denise Spiegel, Visit Orlando
T: 407-541-4245
E: [email protected]