Spring Break in Orlando

Winter is officially over! Spring Break is here.
I have a tradition with my nieces and nephew; we take a winter, spring and summer trip.  My niece and I went to North Carolina for a snowboarding trip last month and next week we are planning an overnight trip to Orlando.
We tried Disney last summer but it was entirely too busy.  I had no desire to wait in hour-long lines so we cut out early both days and headed back to the hotel.
The kids' parents want to do some fun stuff next week on break so I am limited to a day trip with one overnight.  I have done a variety of trips in Orlando and this time the kids I am taking range from 5-13 so I need a broad range of entertainment for them.
We are leaving Monday afternoon and heading to Disney's Dolphin Resort.  This offers lots of activities including a really beautiful pool (with slides), beach area, golf and swan paddle boat rentals.  In addition, they have a water ferry that goes to Disney Boardwalk (free) for even more fun.
Once you ferry to the boardwalk, you can walk around and explore shops, dining and lots of photo ops.
We rented a family bicycle there last time and cruised around the area.  I didn't see any upscale dining last time but there were plenty of casual family dining choices.
The Dolphin/Swan hotel is really clean and modern.  If you have kids, be sure to request a room with views of Disney.  They have evening fireworks that can be seen from your hotel room.  

If Disney is on your wish list, the hotel provides transportation and there are usually some perks for hotel guests...either discounted speed passes or early/late park access.

If your family has been to the parks before, there are really so many activities nearby, you are sure to have just as much fun without all the long lines.

Tuesday we are heading to Coco Key Water Resort.  We have not stayed there before but I have had a few friends that have recommended it.  They are a hotel with a huge canopy-covered water park with more than 10 slides and several pools.  You can stay overnight there or buy day passes to visit.  We will swim and play all Tuesday and head back late afternoon.  

What are your Spring Break plans?  Have any questions about Orlando you'd like a local to answer?  Send 'em my way!