Family Vacations to Disney World in Orlando, Florida

• Families of every size and age can customize their Disney World vacation. Marcy Maloy/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Sprawling over almost 40 square miles in central Florida, the Walt Disney World Resort offers something for families of all ages and sizes. Family vacations at "the Happiest Place on Earth" involve more than visits to the theme parks and stays at the resorts on property. A Walt Disney World vacation can take place entirely on Disney property, without ever setting foot in one of Walt Disney's four theme parks, or some combination of the two.

Everything Disney

• Families who want to immerse themselves in "Disneyana" can stay at one of the Disney hotels, which range in price from under $100 to almost $1,000 per night, as of 2010. From there, they can shop at Downtown Disney and tour the theme parks. If that still isn't enough, the Walt Disney World Resort has five golf courses, a movie theatre, a Coney Island-style boardwalk, and permanent installation of a Cirque du Soleil production.

  This option works best for families with a generous budget and those who have never visited the Walt Disney World Resort. Many young families also enjoy staying on Walt Disney World Resort properties to get young children quickly back to the hotel for naps and breaks from the continual stimulation of the theme parks.

Almost Everything Disney

• For families on a budget or who have already done the whole-hog Disney experience, staying off Walt Disney World Resort properties provides a cost-friendly option. In neighboring Kissimmee budget hotels often drop rates to under $40 per night, although many of the least expensive lodging alternatives do not offer shuttle services to the theme parks. Several off-property hotels and motels have kids' activities and theme-park-like decor and play areas as well as babysitting, kids menus, and free shuttles to the theme parks.

  If you opt to stay off-property but spend some time at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, save the $14 (as of 2010) parking fee and park at Downtown Disney. From there, buses travel to all four theme parks. This adds about 30 minutes each way to the day.

  In the theme parks and around the entire resort, challenge family members of all ages to look for hidden Mickeys. Hidden Mickeys, or everyday objects arranged in the likeness of Mickey Mouse ears, abound throughout the parks and finding these "hidden treasures" occupies the entire family.

Disney Without Theme Parks

• It may sound strange, but it is possible to visit Walt Disney World without shelling out $90 per person for a theme park ticket. This option is ideal for families with young children who may or may not remember the trip or may get overwhelmed by the theme parks. It is also ideal for families who want the Disney experience but can't quite stretch their budget to accommodate the theme parks.

  Off-site hotels, that have lavishly themed pools, small mini-golf courses and rooms decorated with kids in mind abound in neighboring Kissimmee. These hotels still evoke the Disney mindset. In addition, many local attractions and eateries long ago adopted the Disney service and decor mindset, providing a Disney-like experience.

  Downtown Disney, Disney's Boardwalk and the on-site hotel restaurants all offer slices of the Disney experience without the theme park price tag. Families meet characters at breakfasts (something the Contemporary Resort has always done well), enjoy world-class food (check out the Polynesian Resort's Kona Cafe's pineapple-stuffed French toast) and enjoy a show (The Spirit of Aloha is a Hawaiian-themed show for all ages, while JellyRolls is an energetic adults-only piano bar).