At the intersection of International Drive and Universal Boulevard sits one of the largest water parks in the Orlando area. Wet 'n Wild is a massive play area filled with water-based activities such as pools, slides, lazy rivers and splash zones. For those with preschoolers, the Kids Zone area of the water park is ideal for allowing a little one to splash around and play. In fact, the kids' area of the water park is designed with the same style attractions as the rest of the park, with the difference being the rides and activities are scaled down to suit smaller children. A tot pool in the kids' area also makes entertaining a toddler easy to accomplish. Many of the hotels along International Drive offer scaled-down "water park" versions of their own, with toddler areas commonplace.
Simply walking along International Drive with a preschooler can be entertaining. You can take a walk and point out the different types of trees and flowers lining the area, many of which are stunning displays in front of large resorts and hotels. However, if you want to give a little one something to giggle about, head over to the Peabody Hotel, which is located directly on International Drive, near the convention center. The Peabody in Orlando, just like other Peabody hotels, has a flock of resident ducks which rule the roost at the hotel. A twice daily occurrence is the "march of the ducks." The ducks live in a stunning rooftop housing compound and during the morning, the duck master escorts the ducks through the hotel as they make their way to the large fountain in the center of the lobby. Preschoolers enjoy the sight of the duck parade as they exit the elevator and waddle down a red carpet.
The Walt Disney World Resort cannot be ignored for anyone visiting Orlando. If you want to have a day of Disney, yet do not want to actually spend the time or money walking around a theme park, opt to head over to Downtown Disney. You cannot walk to Downtown Disney from International Drive because of having to cross Interstate 4. Public transportation, cabs or hotel shuttles are your best bet for making your way to the area. When taking a preschooler, consider hotel shuttles and cabs first, as the public bus system known as Lynx through the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, will require a bus change between International Drive and any portion of Downtown Disney. Ways to keep little ones entertained at Downtown Disney include playing with the Lego samples outside of the massive Lego store, eating or shopping inside the Rainforest Cafe, which has simulated thunderstorms and animated birds and animals, or even stroll along the walkways and allow children to take in the many sights and sounds of the area.
Children ride free, and a day pass is only $4 for adults, so using the trolley service that travels up and down International Drive is a good option for exploring the area with a preschooler. The brightly colored trolleys make multiple stops all along International Drive, which means you can tour various hotels, resorts and shops all along the road without having to get in and out of a car.
