Florida offers several places to hold family reunions, from state parks to lush resorts. But holding a reunion at one of the state's theme parks might be the most exciting and unique way to reconnect. Theme parks offer something for every family member, from thrill rides and fireworks to fine restaurants, hip nightspots and luxury resorts.
Theme parks offer something for every family member, from thrill rides and fireworks to fine restaurants, hip nightspots and luxury resorts.



The Walt Disney World Resort

 Walt Disney World in the Orlando area is much more than the Magic Kingdom, the first of the Disney theme parks. The resort encompasses three other parks – Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom – as well as hotels (both luxury and affordable), campgrounds, water parks, golf courses and Downtown Disney, a shopping, dining and entertainment district that's home to the nightclub-rich Pleasure Island.

Disney's "Magical Gatherings" feature special experiences for groups staying at Disney hotels. As a first step in your reunion planning, check out the Magical Gatherings section of the Disney web site noted above for a list of rides, shows and recreational activities that are appropriate for all ages, as well as restaurants that cater to larger parties. For example, the list includes the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom, as well as the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

Next, download the free Magical Gatherings Planner, which allows you to chat with other members of your group and select activities, plan an itinerary, choose a resort and send e-mail invitations. Once you know the number in your group and your preferred dates and Disney hotel or hotels, book your trip online or call the number above.

However, if your group needs 10 or more rooms, call the group sales team at 800-327-2989. A representative will coordinate accommodations, park tickets and special theme park events and entertainment for your reunion. Large groups can receive special rates at Disney resorts, blocks of adjacent rooms and group transportation. And if you purchase in advance, you can receive up to 10 percent off Group Park Hopper tickets.

In addition, even small groups can enjoy special benefits at Disney, as the park offers "Grand Gatherings" for parties of eight or more.


Universal Orlando Resort

 Universal Orlando is home to two theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure – as well as to CityWalk, an entertainment complex featuring a movie theater, shops, themed restaurants and nightclubs including the live reggae club, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom. Universal also has three hotels – the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort.

For families of 10 or more, Universal will coordinate reunion events like group meals and activities. Groups of 20 or more will receive special ticket options and help with reunion planning. Contact Universal's Family Reunions Coordinators at the number above.

In addition, for guests staying at one of the three on-site hotels, hotel staffers can arrange accommodations, as well as special meals with menus based on your tastes and budget.


SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando provides discounted park tickets to groups of 50 or more who hold a group picnic in one of the park's pavilions. These tickets allow access to all the rides and shows in the park, and you pay an extra, per-person cost for the picnic meal. If there are less than 50 – but at least 15 – people in your group, you can receive 10 percent off admission. Call the park's group sales division at the number above.

While there are no hotels on SeaWorld property, the park provides names and contact information for several preferred hotels nearby.


Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

 The African-themed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to thrilling roller coasters and other rides, shows, restaurants and more than 2,000 animals. In the park, make sure your family takes the opportunity to experience the musical show KaTonga: Musical Tales from the Jungle, which will seemingly transport you into the heart of Africa.

The park offers discounted tickets to groups of 15 or more. For groups of 50 or more, the park offers catered picnics and various function spaces. The park, located about an hour west of the Orlando area, doesn't have on-site hotels. But like SeaWorld, Busch Gardens provides contact information for nearby, preferred hotels.