If you're in Orlando for vacation, the idea of getting up early might not sound very appealing. However, if you're visiting the theme parks, it will give you a big advantage, especially during the busy season.
People on vacation tend to move slow, and that's compounded if they're traveling with kids. It takes time to get everyone ready and out to the Magic Kingdom or whatever park you're visiting for the day.
If you can get your own family together bright and early, you beat all those people. You're one of the first in the gates, which means you can do the most popular rides...the ones that always have a long line...before that line builds up. At Walt Disney World, it also gives you a chance to grab a FastPass or Toy Story Mania, Soarin', or another popular attraction so you can enjoy it again later in the day.
As a local, I often go to Universal Studios Florida for a morning of riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I'm one of the first people in, and I just keep riding it until the line builds. You can do the same for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey next door at Islands of Adventure.
At SeaWorld Orlando, it's not all about the rides. The animal exhibits are more enjoyable without a crowd, too. Some mornings I'm the only person going through the shark tube, I just walk backwards on the moving walkway and enjoys the majestic creatures at a leisurely pace. The morning is a great time for underwater viewing, too.
Legoland Florida is a great place to do all the rides early in the morning because there's a lot to do once the lines have grown, too. Hit all the roller coasters and other popular rides, then take your time going through Miniland USA and Cypress Gardens.
Your eyes might be bleary and your body might want to stay sedentary in bed, but force yourself up anyway. The benefits of being an early bird are well worth it.
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