Orlando receives 49 million visitors per year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. This year, I was one of them. Stepping out of the airport and into the balmy night after a long flight was like being embraced by an old friend. We were staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. Though it is not on the Walt Disney World grounds, it is located conveniently next door, with a price tag to match. The plan was for a few days of sun combined with a couple of theme parks. With that kind of combination, how can you go wrong?

As we drove down International Drive, we were greeted by the usual fun yet tacky souvenir shops. Arriving at the Hyatt, a long brightly lit hallway with plush carpeting welcomed us. There was Asian art work decorating the walls as we made our way to the lobby where I was surprised to find palms trees with little mushroom shaped lamps lighting the indoor vegetation. We checked in and before calling it a night, we decided to go for a dip as the outdoor whirlpools are open 24 hours.

In the daytime, the grounds of the Hyatt are even more impressive. The pool alone sprawls across half and acre and weaves through caves and waterfalls. There is also a rock-climbing wall, mini-putt, tennis and racket ball courts, and as if all that weren't enough, an 18-hole golf course. They even offer golf lessons via the Grand Cypress Golf Academy, which is one of the top 25 schools in the US.

I personally like to take it easy when I go on vacation, so I headed to the sandy beach by the lake. That is until I noticed the big sign: Beware of Alligators. My brother kindly pointed out that alligators were small and rarely climbed out onto the beach. However, I didn’t care to take any chances and made the executive decision to stay by the pool.

All the lounge chairs here are padded which is an extra nice touch. Palm trees and red hibiscus bushes adorn every corner. The lush grounds are fantastic except that they attract insects. As it turned out, we were there during some kind of bug mating season and there were bugs flying on top of each other everywhere! It was rather disconcerting, so I suggest you bring some insect repellant with you, just in case.

After a couple of hours frolicking in the sun, we finally made our way to Magic Kingdom. About 15 million people visit Magic Kingdom a year, and up to 75000 people can pass through the gates on any one day alone. So, to make the most of your time: buy your tickets online before leaving home, arrive early, use the Fastpass system and bring something for the kids to do while waiting in line. We walked down Main Street, USA which is a picture-perfect replica of an American town in the early 1900's. We picked up a map and entertainment schedule at City Hall and then hopped onto the train and headed straight to Frontierland, home to Splash Mountain, my brother's favorite ride. I suggest you do this ride early on in the day, as you are guaranteed to get wet and once the sun sets, you are also guaranteed to not get dry! From there on it was a race against time, to do try and do as many rides before the park closes and also to see who could spot the most hidden Mickey's.

Tune in next month for the continuation of this article as we go to Universal Studios Theme Parks, Hard Rock Hotel and a couple of the best family restaurants in Orlando, Florida.